Clinical

Katrina M Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, is a graduate and recipient of countless awards from the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry Division of Dental Hygiene. She is proud to currently serve on the alumni society for one of the most prestigious dental schools in the country. Katrina’s professional career emerged as an educator when she attained full-time employment with a career college in Phoenix, Arizona. A physical manifestation of Katrina’s commitment to her profession is in the development of her textbook, "Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Profession." Katrina proudly received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with distinction through Northern Arizona University as a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society distinguished member. Currently, Katrina is a distinguished speaker with Dental Hygiene Culture as she lectures nationally in a variety of dental hygiene continuing education content.

Articles

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, it's important for hygienists to understand their role as caregivers.

The Top 5 Geriatric Product Trends

Kristen Mott is the associate editor for Dental Products Report and Digital Esthetics.

New research takes a look at the link between poor dental hygiene and breathing issues.

Are elderly patients with caries at risk of developing respiratory problems?

Lynne Slim is an award-winning dental author who has published extensively in dental/dental hygiene journals including 

Journal of the Western Society of Periodontology

. She was the periodontal columnist for RDH magazine for about 17 years and is now a columnist for 

 and is a member of their advisory board. In 2003, Lynne founded Perio C Dent, a dental practice management company that specializes in the incorporation of non-surgical periodontal therapy into the hygiene department of the general dental practice.

As a key opinion leader in the dental industry, Lynne is frequently asked to review new products and write product reviews. She participates in product development and is consulted about consumer/RDH product awareness. Lynne received the Philips Oral Healthcare “Mentor of Distinction” award at the 2012 ADHA Annual Session.

From fixing gummy smiles to concerns about gum recession, more dental patients are requesting periodontal plastic surgery for esthetic and functional purposes. 

Why hygienists should be familiar with periodontal plastic surgery techniques

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is an 8,200-member professional organization for periodontists-specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation as well as the placement of dental implants, receiving three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. For more information, visit perio.org.

This year's meeting will feature 45 courses and more than 30 new speakers.

American Academy of Periodontology to hold 104th annual meeting in Vancouver

Hygienists often feel pressured to take shortcuts to beat the clock, but it may not be in the best interest of the patient.


Hygiene instrumentation shortcuts: are they wise?

Patti DiGangi, RDH, BS, believes dentistry is no longer just about fixing teeth. Dentistry is oral medÂ­icine. Her work helps dental professionals embrace the opportunities and understand the metrics that accurate insurance coding provides. The ADA recognized her expertise by inviting her to write a chapter in its CDT 2017 Companion book and again for its CDT 2018 Companion. She is the author of the DentalCodeology series of easy-to-read, bite-size books. Her latest book, "Teledentistry: Pathway to Pathology" was co-written with Cindy Purdy, RDH, BS. She can be reached at patti@dentalcodeology.com.

Though unintentional, the prescribing patterns of dentists can contribute to allergic reactions and antibiotic overuse. 

Are dentists contributing to antibiotic overuse?

A dental marketer at Michael G. Long, DDS, (https://www.drmichaellong.com) in Fresno, California, and a believer in holistic health, Grace lives by the rule that health and happiness go hand in hand. She writes on various dental topics focusing on healthy living and holistic health. When she’s not working or blogging, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering at the local youth centers where she educates children about the importance of health and fitness.

The future of digital dentistry is looking bright thanks to these technologies.

8 new technologies in periodontology

Exploring the effects of rinsing with diluted sodium hypochlorite rinse in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Using diluted sodium hypochlorite to supplement periodontal self-care

There seems to be some sort of link between periodontal disease and macular degeneration, but just how strong is it?

Does periodontal disease cause eye problems? It’s complicated

Being able to recognize and diagnose periodontal disease is critical for hygienists.