Author

Kristen Pratt Machado

Kristen Pratt Machado is executive editor for Dimensions of Dental Hygiene and Decisions in Dentistry and director of publishing operations for Belmont Publications, Inc. She has been with Belmont Publications since its inception in 2002.

News Alert

Washington Opens Dental Assisting Careers to 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Jul 30, 2026

A new rule allows qualified 16- and 17-year-olds to work as registered dental assistants, creating an earlier workforce pipeline while maintaining education, registration, and supervision requirements.

News Alert

North Carolina Ends DSO Preapproval Requirement

Jul 30, 2026

This Southern state has eliminated its DSO management agreement preapproval process, streamlining transactions while preserving key compliance requirements under the Dental Practice Act.

News Alert

HIPAA Compliance Is Changing and Dental Practices Need to Prepare Now

Jul 30, 2026

Proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule could require stronger cybersecurity protections, more detailed documentation, and stricter protocols for dental practices.

News Alert

Study Explores Patient Acceptance of Vaccines in the Dental Office

Jul 29, 2026

A newly validated survey reveals mixed patient attitudes toward dentists and dental hygienists administering vaccines while highlighting the profession's growing role in disease prevention and public health.

Quiz

Stopping Early Childhood Caries Before It Starts

Jul 29, 2026

From prenatal counseling and motivational interviewing to fluoride, dietary guidance, and silver diamine fluoride, evidence-based prevention strategies can help dental hygienists reduce the burden of early childhood caries.

News Alert

Trump Administration Pushes States Toward Mercury-Free Dentistry

Jul 24, 2026

A new federal initiative encourages state Medicaid programs to phase out coverage of dental amalgam, signaling a potential shift in restorative dentistry and reimbursement policy.

Quiz

Spore Testing Is the Gold Standard for Sterilization Safety

Jul 23, 2026

Learn how routine spore testing, proper sterilizer monitoring, and documentation can help your practice prevent infection, protect patients, and stay compliant with CDC and OSHA standards.

News Alert

Delaware Passes Bill Expanding Dental Hygienists’ Scope of Practice

Jul 21, 2026

Senate Bill 283 authorizes Delaware dental hygienists to provide additional preventive services, expand access to care, and practice more fully within their education and training under a collaborative model.

News Alert

Nicotine Pouches Pose a Threat to Oral Health

Jul 17, 2026

As nicotine pouches gain popularity, oral health professionals are increasingly on the front line of identifying localized tissue damage, counseling patients, and monitoring for potentially significant oral complications.

News Alert

ADA Pushes Back Against Delta Dental’s New Paper Check Fee

Jul 16, 2026

The American Dental Association is urging regulators to protect dentists’ right to choose how they receive insurance reimbursements after Delta Dental of California announced a new fee for paper check payments.

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