Contents

The Radiology Chain of Asepsis

Maintaining appropriate infection control protocol protects both patients and clinicians. By Lattice D. Sams, RDH, MS, Li Chen, RDH, MS, Tiffanie White, CDA, RDH, MS

A Fresh Look at Dental Sealants

The effects of COVID-19 on the role of sealants in caries prevention. By Jessica N. August, RDH, MSDH, Kristeen R. Perry, RDH, MSDH

Implementing Public Health Interventions to Reduce Caries Prevalence

The Basic Screening Survey is an essential public health tool in reducing rates of dental decay among vulnerable populations. By Christine M. Farrell, RDH, BSDH, MPA, Jill Moore, RDH, EdD, MHA, BSDH

The Relationship Between Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Systemic Disease

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

Caring for Patients With Psoriasis

Providing education on oral health modifications as well as anticipating complications and modifying treatment to ensure safe and effective dental hygiene care can help patients with psoriasis maintain their oral health. By Brittany R. Harris, RDH, BSDH, MSDH, Emily A. Ludwig, RDH, BSDH, MSDH, Susan Lynn Tolle, BSDH, MS

Support the Health of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Oral health professionals should be knowledgeable about this metabolic disorder’s pathophysiology, characteristics, systemic and oral health manifestations, and oral care considerations. By Bruce Landean, MSDH, RDH, Amber W. Hunt, BSDH, MS, RDH, Brenda Bradshaw, BSDH, MS, RDH

Effective Approaches to Addressing Xerostomia

Collaboration is key when managing this common oral heath condition. By Roxanne Dsouza, MS, RDH, Jamie Burgess-Flowers, MSW, LCSW, Kimberly Sanders, PharmD, BCPS

The Importance of Peer Review

As you may have noticed, a new image is appearing on articles in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. Depicting a magnifying glass focused on a page of a publication with the words “Dimensions Peer-Reviewed Content,” it signifies that a particular feature or continuing education (CE) article has gone through the process of peer review. Why is [...] By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

The Role of Hair Barriers

Hair barriers were used more widely during the pandemic in healthcare settings. Is there any research supporting the use of hair covers in the dental operatory? The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) develops evidence-based standards that employers must follow to ensure worker safety.1 Several OSHA standards for dentistry exist, including the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) [...] By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

Optimize Your Health for Career Longevity

ErgoPrism Loupes by LumaDent provide dental hygienists with a truly ergonomic solution. By Caitlin Parsons, RDH, C-IAYT

Ensure the Safety of Polishing

Pac-Dent’s ProMate™ CL and AntiSplatr™ disposable prophy angles help clinicians protect their own health as well as their patients. By The Editors

November/December 2022 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Dental Intraoral Scanners Aid Coral Reef Research

Found in oceans across the globe, coral has proven time-consuming for scientists to measure and study. As many coral reefs are in decline due to pollution, erosion, and climate change, scientists are working diligently to ensure the survival of these key ecosystems, and simple methods for measuring their size and health would support these efforts. [...] By The Editors

New Pediatric Dentist Added to the ‘Ask the Expert’ Forum

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene offers an online “Ask the Expert” forum where readers may submit questions for answer by an expert clinical panel on topics such as anesthesia, cultural competency, ergonomics, esthetic dentistry, ethics and risk management, fluoride therapy, infection control, instrumentation, instrument sharpening, insurance coding, nutrition, oral pathology, patient education, pediatric dentistry, periodontal therapy, [...] By The Editors

VCU Welcomes Dental Hygiene Program Director

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)  Dental Hygiene Program in Richmond has a new director, Marion C. Manski, RDH, MS. Formerly director of the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, Manski has nearly 40 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She was recognized as Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s 2016 [...] By The Editors

Spotlight on Clinicians: The Heart of Inspiration

Everything I know about what happened to me on the day of my sudden cardiac arrest—July 12, 2013—is because those present told me. I learned about the heroic efforts of my husband who discovered me unresponsive and called 911 while racing to the next-door neighbors for help. I heard later about the valiant actions of [...] By Karen Ledford, RDH, BS