Utility of Cross-Polarized Photography in Dental Shade Matching

A review of the supporting literature reveals the use of cross-polarized photography is an effective, reliable, and affordable method for shade matching in restorative care By Edwin Sarkisians, DDS, Punyatoya Parichha, BDS, Geetu Sharma, BDS, MPH, Corina Mong, Ram Vaderhobli, DDS, MS

Supporting Patients in Their Desire for an Esthetic Smile

Many options are available to ensure your patients’ tooth whitening success By John T. Gallob, DMD, BSN, Natalie Djansezian, DMD

Mitigate the Risk of On-the-Job Exposure

Oral health professionals should be knowledgeable about disease transmission and the risk of bloodborne pathogens to minimize occupational exposures By Bridget Calhoun, DrPH, PA-C, Jonah Lee, BS, BA, Kristin D’Acunto, EdD, PA-C

The Role of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Malocclusion

Orofacial myofunctional disorders and chronic oral dysfunction may increase the likelihood of dental malocclusion and craniofacial dysmorphology By Paula Gelvez-Petrone, RDH, BS, OMT, Rosalie Forrester, EdD, RDH, Isis Marsh, RDH, BSDH

The Impact of Porphyromonas Gingivalis on Systemic Health

This oral bacterium implements strategies to invade the various tissues beyond the periodontium By Anna Matthews, RDH, MS, Isis Marsh, RDH, BSDH

The Danger of Scientific Fraud

A recent article in The Economist highlighted the increasing level of fraud found in scientific literature.1 It detailed the concerns of Ben Mol, MD, PhD, a former editor of the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He and a group of colleagues recently reviewed the literature in their areas of expertise and found 750 previously [...] By Thomas G. Wilson Jr., DDS

Treatment Tips for Dentinal Hypersensitivity

Dentinal hypersensitivity is a common patient complaint, with a widely fluctuating prevalence rate — ranging from 4% to 57% of the population. The potential causes of such sensitivity are also varied. To support clinicians in helping their patients manage this common oral ailment, we reached out to Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS, a professor and [...] By Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS

Report Shows Medical-Dental Integration Improves Outcomes

A report from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine shows that close communication between dental and medical providers improves health outcomes and reduces barriers to care. As noted in the study, “Medical-Dental Integration Models: A Critical Review of the Last Decade,” medical-dental integration (MDI) supports positive health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations, including [...] By the editors

Pulmonologist Needed to Remove Drill Bit Lost During Caries Restoration

Momen Wahidi, MD, a pulmonologist in Durham, North Carolina, was charged with removing a dental drill bit from a patient’s lung after it was accidentally inhaled. The 2-cm drill bit was inhaled during a common dental procedure — the restoration of a carious lesion. Wahidi used a bronchoscopy, which includes inserting a thin tube through [...] By the editors

3D Printing May Be ‘Cool’ but It’s Not Widely Used in Dentistry

According to an American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel Report, the adoption of 3D printing in dental practices is quite low (17%), but among those who have adopted the technology, satisfaction is high. The report is based on 277 responses from panel members about their use of 3D printing. Of those dentists who are using [...] By the editors

Study Shows That Music Helps Soothe Anxiety of Dental Students

Completing dental school is a Herculean effort and many students suffer due to overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety. A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has found that playing background music reduced dental students’ stress levels and helped to improve their performance during preclinical tooth preparation exercises. Published in the Journal of [...] By the editors

Grants Awarded to Advance Equity In Oral Health

The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has funded $2.7 million in grants to foster more equity in the provision of dental care. A national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, CareQuest selected nine organizations to receive the funding. Achieva/The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh received $148,000 to further efforts [...] By the editors

Texas Dentist Is Mourned

Cindy Cho — who practiced dentistry as Cindy Kang, DDS — was killed during a mass shooting at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, on May 6, along with her husband Kyu and their 3-year-old son James. The couple’s 6-year-old son William survived the attack and is living with relatives. Five other shoppers were also [...] By the editors

Engineers Develop Data System to Improve Understanding of Craniofacial Birth Defects

Engineers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles have created FaceBase, a system to collect and manage data related to birth defects involving the face and skull. The online portal is available to all interested dental, oral, and craniofacial researchers. Funded by the National Institue of Dental and Craniofacial Research, FaceBase houses myriad [...] By the editors