Dental hygiene faculty from the Ohio State University, working under a grant from the Ohio Dental Association, surveyed licensed dentists and dental hygienists in Ohio in order to determine work-related concerns and possible solutions to perceived shortages of hygienists. There were 585 respondents from those selected through stratified systematic sampling based on state dental district for a 69% rate of dentist return and a 73% rate of hygienist return. The joint surveys assessed attitudes and documented experiences in several categories: practice background, opinion about hygiene employment shortage, compensation, aspects of hygiene satisfaction, reasons for ever terminating hygiene practice and future conditions persuading a return to hygiene practice. This article, the first in a series, presents findings from the survey of dentists relative to a perceived shortage of clinical dental hygienists. Forty-eight percent of dentist respondents believe that there is a shortage, while 52% are either not sure or believe there is no shortage. Those sensing a shortage have either tried to find a hygienist and could not believe there is a smaller pool to choose from, or have heard that colleagues have been unable to find a hygienist. Solutions to the shortage focus on better recruitment of qualified students, encouraging reentry of non-practicing hygienists, and promoting retention of hygienists in existing practices. Less frequently, dentists suggest starting new hygiene programs or training hygienists by preceptorship.
Dental pathology is definitely the most common cause of orofacial pain. Dentists astutely diagnose and treat the various pathologic dental conditions. The restoration of the masticatory system is usually achieved in a proficient, straightforward and predictable manner. Certain patients' orofacial pains do not have a dental etiology and are refractory to treatment. The protean manifestations of temporal arteritis may present with major pain complaints mimicking dental pathology. A case report of such a patient is presented.
The intent of this article is to review with the dental clinician the literature concerning a lesion labeled condensing osteitis. A radiographic and histologic picture is presented along with etiology and diagnosis. A conclusion is drawn from the available literature to treat these lesions with endodontic therapy.
Sensory disturbances can occur as a result of a number of dental procedures, maxillofacial injuries and pathology. The dentist is expected to inform patients of the likelihood of nerve injury prior to conducting invasive procedures. If a patient develops a sensory deficit after treatment, the practitioner should be aware of objective means of assessment of the deficit and techniques available for management. Our understanding of nerve injury, regeneration and treatment has markedly progressed in recent years. This paper provides current information on the prevention and management of neurosensory disturbances likely to be encountered in dental practice.
Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing minorities in the United States. The use of services by this diverse population can and is affected by a host of demographic, cultural and language factors. But little to no data on the oral conditions of this minority group are available.
