The DMD Top 5 for the Week Ending July 7, 2017

Oral health in the rural U.S., aesthetic smiles, improved ergonomics and more: These stories are among the most popular on our website this week. Catch up on what you missed while you were filling cavities.

1. What Dental Loupes Can Do for Ergonomics Back problems abound in dentistry, but according to ergonomic specialists, this does not have to be the case. Loupes, a longtime favorite of dental professionals, need to be properly configured just like the rest of your equipment. To learn more about how long lenses can improve your posture and prevent future musculoskeletal issues, continue below.

2. Oral Health in the Heart of Opioid Country and Beyond There is no doubt that drug addiction, particularly addiction to opiates, is a public health crisis that crosses regional, racial and class boundaries in the United States today. While it is expected that “less-urgent” matters take a backseat as doctors, researchers, police and governments on every level scramble to address sky-rocketing overdose deaths, less trendy issues — both new and old — are becoming worse. In Appalachia, long-neglected dental health affects people of all ages, and while the region may be infamous for its poor oral hygiene, it is hardly the only one suffering from this health care emergency.

3. Done Right, Cosmetic Dentistry Offers Financial Rewards In today’s visual generation of selfies and social media, people are increasingly cognizant of their smile. Cosmetic dentistry is the beneficiary to the tune of $2.75 billion spent each year. But before simply integrating cosmetic dentistry into your practice, understanding the aesthetics is critical. Continue below to learn more.

4. 4 Common Mistakes Dentists Make When Planning for Retirement It takes a lot of hard work, plenty of studying and no shortage of determination to become a dentist. Those are the same skills needed to successfully save for retirement, and yet, many dentists struggle to build up enough savings to live the lifestyle they desire in retirement. CPA Douglas Fettig sat down with DMD to share his insight regarding retirement planning for dentists in particular. Continue below to learn how to manage your retirement plans.

5. ADA Grants Seal of Acceptance to Crest 3D White 'Glamorous White' Whitestrips Consumers have always looked for affordable at-home solutions to teeth whitening, but many of them come with a set of risks. Even with the continual use of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, a whitening trick passed down for generations, damage to tooth enamel outweighs the benefits of a more attractive smile. Now with the ADA’s seal of approval, Crest 3D White “Glamorous White” Whitestrips are providing a safe and effective do-it-yourself product for those looking to whiten their smiles.

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