Articles related to Dentistry

Implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) in dental clinics can greatly improve the patient experience and health outcomes. When patients have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), it increases their risk of long-term health issues. By acknowledging these experiences, we can engage patients better and avoid re-traumatizing them. ACEs are closely linked to poor dental health, with higher rates of tooth loss and the need for restorations. Surprisingly, TIC is not routinely taught in undergraduate education. TIC involves understanding trauma signs, integrating knowledge into the dental practice, and focusing on safety, trust, support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural considerations. To implement TIC, create a soothing environment, validate patient concerns, give them control, explain procedures, and obtain consent. Pre-screening for trauma history and training staff to recognize and de-escalate re-traumatization are crucial. Dental professionals can promote a culture of awareness, understanding, and action by prioritizing empathy, understanding patient beliefs, and providing compassionate care. It’s important to assume all patients may have experienced adverse events and apply trauma-informed care as standard practice. By doing so, we improve our patients’ oral health-related quality of life.

Do you understand how to protect your patients and team from biofilm that can build in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs)? Take this quiz to see how well you understand this critical safety issue.

According to census data, there are 49.2 million older persons in the United States, with 21 million (42.6%) earning less than 200% of the federal poverty threshold. With the majority of older persons having their natural dentition, there will be an increased demand for oral health (OH) treatments among this demographic. Although the causative links between oral and systemic diseases are still developing and not entirely established, there is undeniably a bidirectional relationship between OH, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in older persons.

Following successful completion of this $39 three CE-credit course, the dental professional should be able to:

The article discusses the benefits of using the Waterlase iPlus all-tissue dental laser from Biolase in root canal treatments. The author, an endodontist, shares their experience with traditional root canal treatment methods and how adopting the dental laser has improved their practice. They present two cases to illustrate the difference in treatment outcomes. The first case was treated without the dental laser, using traditional tools and techniques. The second case, treated with the dental laser, showed improved results, including better disinfection, reduced side-directed tenderness, and more conservative cleaning and filling of canals. The author emphasizes that the dental laser provides enhanced dentin debris removal, better management of complex canal configurations, and improved healing times. They conclude that investing in a dental laser has greatly improved their endodontic practice and expanded treatment capabilities.

Researchers discovered that among the 24,655 children aged between 6 months to 5 years examined, the overall prevalence of dental tooth decay, cavities, and toothaches was 9%. Dental illness was more common in children who had never been nursed (12.3%) and those who had public health insurance (14.3%). Children who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months, on the other hand, were shown to be 28% less likely to suffer dental tooth decay, cavities, or toothaches than children who were never breastfed.