Dimensions Articles

Effective implant maintenance is key to ensuring the success of this popular therapy.

Treatment acommodations may be necessary for patients with this complicated syndrome.

Proper care will help maintain the longevity and service life of dental prostheses, while also supporting patient health.

Prevention is the key to reducing the burden of tooth decay, and a variety of medicaments are available to support this effort.

By Ximena Zornosa, DMD The human papillomavirus (HPV) encompasses a large group of related viruses that can infect human skin and mucosa. The lesions that occur in mucosa can arise in the anogenital region and upper aerodigestive tract. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than140 types of HPV exist, with approximately...

By Marleen Azzam, DHSc, RDH; and Cristina Casa-Levine, EdD, RDH Oral health professionals are well positioned to identify early signs of eating disorders and refer patients to the appropriate healthcare professionals.1 Understanding how to recognize the oral implications and manifestations of eating disorders and how to implement appropriate screening tools are critical in helping patients receive the treatment...

By Tracye A. Moore RDH, MS, EdD; and Haylee McElroy, RDH, BSDH, MEd Death by suicide is a serious public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Each year, approximately 700,000 people die of suicide. In 2019, it was the fourth leading cause of death among those ages 15 to 29 globally, with 77% of suicide deaths...

By Lesley Harbison, RDH, EPDH, MS Interest in vitamins, immune-boosting foods, and healthy lifestyle choices has grown significantly. Besides protecting against disease, a healthy immune system also helps support good oral health. On the other hand, deficiencies in micronutrients can cause negative oral health effects and worsen oral diseases. Dental hygienists should remain current on the important role...

By Victoria Benvenuto, RDH, EdM; Olga Gnatovych, RDH, MEd; and Kaitlin Stier, RDH, MPH Dental hygienists are well aware of the benefits of dental radiography, which is key to proper diagnosis and treatment. While imaging enables clinicians to evaluate periodontal health and identify caries lesions, they are also valuable in observing orthodontia and anatomical abnormalities, and even identifying...

By Sara Mir, DDS, and Lynn Marsh, RDH, EdD Dental enamel is the hardest and most highly mineralized substance in the human body. A crystalline latticework composed of a variety of minerals—predominantly hydroxyapatite—the enamel structure is a product of the demineralization and remineralization process. Dental biofilm adjusts the tooth surface pH, which affects the demineralization/​remineralization process. Consumption of...