FEATURES CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2023 RECONNECTING YOU WITH THE NATION’S LEADING EDUCATORS AND RESEARCHERS COVER CREDIT: SPARK067 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS. 14 CAPTURING RADIOGRAPHS AMONG PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Oral health professionals need to remain up-to-date on the types of radiographic exposures and size image receptors in order to be well-prepared to treat this population. BY TAMARA J. FAURE, EdD, RDH 20 POSTURE IS IMPORTANT Maintaining a neutral posture during patient care is key to preventing musculoskeletal injuries. BY NYREE DAWSON, RDH, BSDH, MPH, and LaTESHA McLEE, MSDH, RDH CONTINUING EDUCATION ARTICLES 28 UNDERSTANDING TOOTH MERIDIANS The concept of energy flow within the body impacting health has implications for the oral cavity as well. BY REBECCA M. COELHO, RDH, CDA, MSDH; TARA L NEWCOMB, RDH, MS; and SUSAN LYNN TOLLE, BSDH, MS 32 TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF HEAD AND NECK RADIATION THERAPY Although treatment of this patient population can be difficult, oral health professionals who provide high- quality care and collaborate interprofessionally with the multidisciplinary oncology team will have the most successful outcomes. BY BRIDGET M. WRIGHT, MACPR, BSDH, EFDA, and MATTHEW J. MESSINA, DDS 36 CREATING AN INCLUSIVE DENTAL PRACTICE FOR THE LGBTQ+ PATIENT Providing culturally competent and informed care is integral to reducing dental disparities in this population. BY SAMANTHA VEST, RDH, MSDH; EMILY A. LUDWIG, RDH, MSDH; and LAUREN EUSNER, RDH, BSDH, MS 42 NOVEL APPROACHES TO PAIN MANAGEMENT While ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often the first choice in post-procedure analgesics, other options may be helpful in pain management. BY CRAIG MCKENZIE, DMD, MSEd, and JOSEPH A. GIOVANNITTI JR., DMD EARN 2 UNITS EARN 2 UNITS EARN 2 UNITS EARN 2 UNITS 6 Editor’s Note Never Gone, Never Forgotten BY JILL RETHMAN, RDH, BA 10 Newsline 24 Ask the Expert Securing Informed Consent BY MICHELE P. CARR, RDH, MA, EdD DEPARTMENTS CLINICAL INSIGHTS SPECIAL SECTION 25 Innovation Improves Efficacy of Ultrasonic Instrumentation NSK’s Varios 970 features the latest developments in piezoelectric technology. 26 Aligning in Mind and Body Tips to help dental hygienists prevent and manage burnout. BY KARI CARTER-CHERELUS, RDH 46 A New Vision of an Old Objective Colgate’s self-contained whitening ecosystem provides high-quality teeth whitening without the traditional side effects. 32 28 10
