Contents

Comparing Three Ceramic Materials for Digital Dentistry

Lithium disilicate, zirconia, and resin-matrix ceramic materials present three viable options for digitally based restorative dentistry. By Aleah Cho, DDS, MBA, Luz Abrera-Crum, Gary D. Hack, DDS

Implantology Techniques to Avoid Complications

Careful planning and placement will help minimize complications and peri-implant disease following dental implant procedures. By Jeffrey D. Pope, DDS, MS

Role of the Infection Prevention Coordinator

Appointing an infection control coordinator is an integral step in ensuring an infection prevention program is compliant and effective. By Kathy J. Eklund, RDH, MHP

Nutrition Is Key for Children’s Oral and Overall Health

Pediatric dentists and general practitioners can help ensure a lifetime of oral health by educating children and families about the importance of nutrition during the developmental years. By Kevin J. Donly, DDS, MS

Caring for Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The following strategies will prove helpful when caring for patients with autism spectrum disorder. By Erica Franco, BS, Erica Howell, PhD, Reid V. Pullen, DDS, FAGD

Effects of Estrogen in Temporomandibular Disorders

More prevalent among women during their reproductive years, temporomandibular disorders may be affected by hormonal fluctuations. By Tran M. Luu, RDH, BSDH, Faizan Kabani, PhD, MBA, MHA, RDH, FAADH, Kathleen B. Muzzin, RDH, MS

Setting Risk-Based Periodontal Recare Intervals

Careful assessment of these factors will help dental teams establish appropriate, risk-based recare intervals for periodontal maintenance. By Courtney P. Rudick, RDH-EA, MA, CHES, Melissa S. Lang, DDS, MS, Takanari Miyamoto, DDS, MSD, PhD, MBA

Treating Children With Sensory Processing Disorders

Being knowledgeable about sensory processing disorders can help dental teams provide effective care and improve the oral health of this patient population. By Deborah Dotson, RDH, PhD, Michelle Johnson, PhD, RDN, LDN, Christy Isbell, PhD, OTR/L

Developments in Medical Tourism

An article in The New York Times highlights a sea change in medical tourism: It has now been approved by some insurance plans. By Thomas G. Wilson Jr., DDS

Improving Care for Patients With Disabilities

Ensuring access to oral health care for this population is a challenge. Patients with disabilities may require more time, adaptive equipment and anesthesia that private dental plans and government insurance programs may not cover. By the editors

Cost Remains Barrier to Accessing Oral Health Care

As the connection between oral and overall health becomes clearer, patients are increasingly motivated to achieve and maintain good oral health. By the editors

Focus on Nutrition During National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to fo­cus on the oral health of in­fants, children and adolescents. By the editors

Researchers Seek to Improve the Methods Used to Measure Children’s Pain

Working under a 5-year National Institutes of Health grant, researchers at the University of Washington School of Dentistry are seeking to improve how dentists measure pediatric patients’ pain. By the editors

Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Offers Nonopioid Treatment for Chronic Pain

Researchers have taken aprepitant — a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug that previously failed in clinical trials for pain — and repackaged it using a novel, nano-based technology to deliver the drug into specific compartments of nerve cells. By the editors

Robert J. Genco Posthumously Named Fellow of the National Academy Of Inventors

Robert J. Genco, DDS, PhD, a State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) distinguished professor of oral biology, periodontics and microbiology, has been posthumously named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. By the editors

Acupuncture May Reduce Radiation-Induced Xerostomia

Cancer patients experiencing xerostomia may benefit from acupuncture treatment during the radiation stages of therapy. By the editors