CE Questions The answer sheet and further instructions are located on the tear-out card that appears on page 37, or take the test online at dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com. 1. The concept of energy encourages which of the following? A. Physical health B. Psychological health C. Spiritual health and well-being D. All of the above 2. For how many years have Chinese medicine practitioners recognized the association between energy in the body and well-being? A. More than 3,000 B. More than 4,000 C. More than 5,000 D. More than 6,000 3. The meridian theory is based on the belief that there is a meridian system network composed of how many main bilateral meridian channels traveling throughout the body’s connective tissue? A. 12 B. 13 C. 14 D. 15 4. In traditional Chinese medicine, organs are considered functional units of the body. True False 5. Which cells are responsible for the presence of Qi? A. Erythrocytes B. Telocyte cells C. Osteoblasts D. Langerhans cells 6. The primo vascular system integrates the features of the cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and hormonal systems by which a physical basis for acupuncture and meridians can be depicted. True False 7. Which of the following is a treatment used to restore the flow of Qi through the channels? A. Heat B. Suction C. Acupuncture and acupressure D. All of the above 8. For many centuries, ancient healing traditions from which country acknowledged vital energy flow through meridians? A. China B. India C. Japan D. All of the above 9. Which of the following components relates to treating patients with honesty ? A. Biocompatibility B. Bioesthetics C. Bioethics D. None of the above 10. A review of the meridian chart with patients who prefer a more holistic or alternative approach can be considered during which stage of patient care? A. Assessment B. Diagnosis C. Treatment planning D. All of the above SECTION 1 SECTION 2 SECTION 3 A third study included 120 patients who received acupuncture after presenting to an emergency department with acute tooth pain.25 Patients were split into three groups, with each receiving acupuncture in one, two, or three different acupoints on the same side of the body as the dental pain. Pain reduction was seen in 72.5% of patients. Acupuncture is also used to help restore the flow of Qi through the temporo- mandibular joint (TMJ).20,26 A decreased flow of energy is seen primarily in the kidney and bladder meridians that intersect the TMJ.26 Individuals with trigeminal neuralgia or TM disorder may display a reduction in pain severity after acupuncture interventions were used.27 Meridian-based therapies have been used to reduce pain and make impor- tant connections between systemic and oral disease.20 Cross-Cultural Considerations For many centuries, ancient healing traditions from China, India, Japan, and Tibet, as well as other countries, acknowledged vital energy flows through meridians. One of the earliest descriptions of meridians was written by Hangfu Mi in 259–282 AD.2 Meridians are named “sen” in Thailand; “nadis” in India; “meridians,” “channels,” or “vessels” in China and Japan; and “channels” in Tibet. Globally, a variety of health beliefs and practices exist, including com- plementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Oral health professionals need to recognize the need for cross-cultural care, or understanding of non- traditional health beliefs.28 Acknowledging and learning more about a patient’s cultural beliefs and alternative care models provide a more humanistic patient care experience.20,28 For example, holistic, biological- based oral health care in the United States includes recommending treatments like acupuncture, homeop- athy, massage/ spa dentistry, meditation exercises, and nutritional changes alone or in conjunction with medications and surgery. CAM and an understanding of tooth meridians highlight nontraditional medicines’ focus on disease prevention, general well-being, and a holistic approach to health.20 Holistic oral care is one of the oldest but still emerging fields of dentistry and dental hygiene where natural, biocompatible techniques are considered.29 Holistic dental and dental hygiene practice commonly follow a meridian chart in which each tooth is related to an acupuncture meridian relating to various organs, tissues, and glands (Table 2). This meridian chart is also known as the “energy highway” for the body’s innate physiological healing processes.29 A review of the meridian chart with patients who prefer a more holistic or alternative approach can be considered during the assessment, diagnoses, and treatment planning stages of patient care. Conclusion The effect of oral health on overall health is considered in both the Eastern and Western approaches to medicine and dentistry. Understanding CAM practices, including meridian theories, is key to providing patient-centered care. Inclusion of holistic or biological CAM- based care may improve understanding of a broader alternative practice and its successful implementation in clinical practice. The references that accompany this article appear with the web version at: dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com. SECTION 3 D YUELAN / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com July/August 2023 • Dimensions OF DENTAL HYGIENE 31
