Hand Instrumentation of First Molar Teeth
By Kathleen O. Hodges, RDH, MS Efficacious mechanical debridement is an essential component of care for patients with periodontitis. Generally, the more advanced the periodontitis, the…
Hypersensitivity in the Orthodontic Patient
By Bhoomika Ahuja, BDS, MS Hypersensitivity in the orthodontic patient can be broadly categorized into two types: hard tissue hypersensitivity, commonly known as dentinal hypersensitivity, and…
Strategies to Boost Remineralization
By Martha McComas, RDH, MS Dental caries is a multifactorial disease where the enamel layer of the tooth becomes demineralized. If the demineralization process is not…
Community Water Fluoridation
By Lori Rainchuso, RDH, MS, DHSc This year marks the 73rd anniversary of community water fluoridation in the United States.1 During this time, water fluoridation has been…
Ultrasonic Instrumentation Tips for Premolars
By Kathleen O. Hodges, RDH, MS Mechanized instrumentation for premolar teeth involves appropriate ultrasonic insert and/or tip (UIT) selection and knowledge about crown and root anatomy.…
Endodontic Diagnosis for the Dental Hygienist
By Eugene A. Pantera, JR, DDS, MS, Carole T. Pantera, DDS, MS Dental hygienists play an important part in the identification and treatment of oral disease, including…
Caring for Patients With Diabetes
By Kelly K. Shutoff, RDH, BSDH, MEd, Linda D. Boyd, RDH, RD, EdD Diabetes is a chronic disease with increasing incidence and prevalence in the United States.1,2 According…
Maintaining the Oral Health of Patients With Sjögren’s Syndrome
By Ava J. Wu, DDS Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in the classic presentation…
Caring for Patients Who Consume Cannabis
By Karen M. Portillo, RDH, MSDH, Tammy R. Sanderson, RDH, MSDH, JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AFAAOM Although the medical and recreational use of cannabis is illegal…