Contents

Leverage the Psychosocial Aspects of Practice

Dental professionals can help improve patients’ oral health by gaining a deeper understanding of what motivates human behavior. By William F. Wathen, DMD

Treatment Approaches for Patients With Sjögren’s Syndrome

Oral complications among this population can be managed to prevent caries, treat oral fungal infections, and increase comfort. By Ava J. Wu, DDS

Implant Therapy — The European Perspective

Iain Chapple, PhD, BDS, FDSRCPS, FDSRCS, CCST (Rest Dent), shares the European Federation of Periodontology’s perspective on ensuring implant success. By Iain Chapple, PhD, BDS, FDSRCPS, FDSRCS, CCST (Rest Dent)

Shaping, Disinfecting and Obturating Root Canals

An examination of contemporary methods for instrumentation and cleaning during endodontic procedures, and the importance of an effective coronal seal in ensuring successful outcomes. By Alan H. Gluskin, DDS

Leverage the Psychosocial Aspects of Practice

Dental professionals can help improve patients’ oral health by gaining a deeper understanding of what motivates human behavior. By William F. Wathen, DMD

Taking Emergency Departments Out of Oral Health Care

These strategies will help ensure that vulnerable children receive routine and preventive oral care in dental — rather than medical — settings. By Romesh P. Nalliah, DDS, MHCM

Managing Cavitated Lesions in Patients Who Abuse Methamphetamine

An exploration of the effects of the nonmedical use of this drug on hard and soft oral tissues, as well as suggested clinical interventions. By Lola Giusti, DDS, MA, Alan W. Budenz, MS, DDS, MBA, Swapandeep S. Mushiana, MS, Cathrine Steinborn, DDS

Caries Challenge in Native American Children

Although the prevalence and increased severity of caries in Native American children is well documented, the causes — and solutions — are less clear-cut. By John J. Warren, DDS, MS

Utilization Standards for Local Anesthesia Delivery by Nondentists

Even though dental hygienists have been administering local anesthesia for more than 40 years, there is still no consensus on national education standards or utilization guidelines. By Sean G. Boynes, DMD, MS, Kathy Bassett, RDH, MEd

Preparation and Practice Are Essential

Few of us will be charged by an irate grizzly, but the chances of having an office emergency are very real. By Thomas G. Wilson Jr., DDS

Rising Health Care Costs and Provider Level Predictions

Last year, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) made headlines with a report projecting that, by 2025, all states will experience a shortage in dentists. By the editors

Researchers Identify Genes That May Cause Periodontal Disease

In a major step toward developing a targeted, individualized approach to prevention and treatment, researchers have identified 41 master regulator genes that may cause periodontal disease. By the editors

Health Groups Issue Joint Statement to Improve Antibiotic Stewardship

In an effort to ensure antibiotics are used appropriately in outpatient settings, 12 health care organizations, including the American Medical Association, have partnered with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Pew Charitable Trusts to issue a joint statement on antibiotic stewardship. By the editors

Shils Awards Laud Dental Leaders

The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting innovative leadership in health care, celebrated people, organizations and programs at its October awards ceremony in Philadelphia. By the editors