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Our December issue offers a total of 6 CEUs!

 The Future Looks Bright
How plasma medicine may change the face of dental practice.
By Margaret F. Lemaster, BSDH, MS, and Gayle McCombs, RDH, MS

 Expand Your Risk Assessment Protocol
Evaluate patients' risk of oral cancer and other health problems by incorporating alcohol screening into your practice.
By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

  Top 10 Questions About AP Answered
Follow these strategies to help determine when antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary before treating patients with cardiovascular problems.
By Peter B. Lockhart, DDS, and Andrea Herman, RDH

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BREAKING NEWS :: DECEMBER 20, 2011

The effects of oral health on systemic health have long been studied, and new research provides additional evidence that patients who receive regular dental care and follow recommended oral hygiene regimens reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. In two studies presented at November's American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2011, researchers announced congruent findings: unhealthy oral flora is a predictor of heart attack and stroke.

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Clinical Pro-Health™ System for Gingivitis

Crest Oral-B has changed the shape of gingivitis. The Clinical Pro-Health™ System for Gingivitis helps patients with mild to moderate, persistent gingivitis achieve and maintain healthy oral hygiene. Recommend this system to your patients!

For more information, visit www.dentalcare.com

Paper Is a Viable Medium for Cross-Contamination

Clinicians routinely examine patient records in the operatory, sometimes while wearing gloves after performing procedures. As it turns out, this can be hazardous to the health of patients and office staff. According to a new German study, bacterial pathogens can be transferred from hands to paper, and then back to hands. The research, published in the American Journal of Nursing's December issue, examined how long Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa could survive on paper—and whether contaminated paper can readily serve as a medium for cross-contamination.

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Genetics Researchers Identify New Cancer-Causing Virus

A study issued by the Laboratory for Developmental Genetics at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles has identified a new cancer-causing virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV). The discovery places CMV in a group of fewer than 10 identified oncoviruses—defined as a virus that can trigger cancer growth in healthy cells or exploit mutant cell weaknesses to enhance tumor formation.

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Health Care Advocates Hit Home Run with New Tobacco Policy

Health care advocates cheered as Major League Baseball and the player's union announced in November that major league players, managers, and coaches will no longer be permitted to carry tobacco tins or packages in their uniforms at games—or anytime fans are inside the ballpark. With the help of more than 200 national, state, and local partners, 10 major health organizations—including Oral Health America (OHA) and the American Dental Association—formed a coalition that helped affect positive change. This development provides substantial lift to OHA's National Spit Tobacco Education Program that, for years, has worked to help educate the public—especially children—about the dangers of spit-tobacco products.

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