October 1, 2024   

Dental Hygiene Month

This month is all about celebrating the essential work dental hygienists do and raising public awareness about the importance of good oral health. The theme “Everyday Extraordinary” highlights how daily habits and professional dedication can significantly impact our smiles and overall health.

JOURNALS, REPORTS & WHITE PAPERS

Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Prevention by Engaging Nurses (HAPPEN)

HAPPEN is an oral care initiative that targets the source of NV-HAP- the patient's own mouth. Bacteria in the mouth is frequently aspirated (swallowed) into the lungs during sleep. With consistent oral care, the number of the bacteria in the mouth is reduced. All hospitalized Veterans and long-term care residents are at risk of developing NV-HAP. All Veterans should be offered assistance with their oral care a minimum of twice daily (e.g. toothbrushing) during their hospital or CLC stay. Dentures should be removed and cleaned at bedtime.

Integrate a Brief Oral Examination for Improved Patient Outcomes

A brief oral examination can reveal disease processes, such as oral cancers, dental caries, and periodontal disease, all of which affect overall health. Given the barriers that some patients face in accessing dental care, the primary care provider has a role in addressing oral health issues or serving as a bridge to dental care. This article offers guidance on conducting an oral examination, interpreting the findings, and locating dental care resources for patients across the lifespan.

Percentage Of Dentists and Dental Practices Affiliated with Private Equity Nearly Doubled, 2015–21

Over the course of the past twenty years, private equity (PE) has played a role in acquiring medical practices, hospitals, and nursing homes. More recently, PE has taken a greater interest in acquiring dental practices, but few data exist about the scope of PE activity within dentistry. We analyzed dentist provider data for the period 2015–21 to examine trends in PE acquisition of dental practices.

How do dental practices respond to changes in scope of practice regulations?

Regulations that restrict the tasks that credentialed workers are allowed to perform may affect a firm's input choices, output, and which part of the market the firm serves. Using dental practice survey data from 1989 to 2014 and a stacked difference-in-differences design, this paper examines the effects of state-level scope of practice regulations on the behavior of dental practices.

A Descriptive Review of the Healthcare System and the Provision of Oral Healthcare in the Republic of Sudan

Oral health constitutes a significant public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa. The precise burden of oral diseases and the adequacy of oral healthcare provision remain often unknown. The present study aims to evaluate key components of the healthcare system in Sudan and the delivery of oral healthcare across eight dimensions: Healthcare System Framework, Financing, Service Delivery, Epidemiology, Prevention, Personnel, Dental Education and Training System, and Health Benefit Package.

The Systemic Health Connection AI in Dentistry: Achieving Human-Level Accuracy and Enhancing Patient Care with Wardah Inam, Co-Founder and CEO of Overjet

32 minutes
AI technology in dentistry can achieve human-level accuracy and improve patient care by providing more precise diagnoses. Tune in and learn from Dr. Wardah Inam, co-founder and CEO of Overjet, how AI is revolutionizing dental care and what the future holds for this innovative technology!

As we embrace driving change as a catalyst for improving oral health, we are pleased to present the Santa Fe Group’s 2023 Annual Report.

UPCOMING EVENTS

#LastChance October 4, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Oral-Systemic Link in Pediatric/Adolescent Populations

Part 3 of the Oral Systemic 2024 Webinar Series will review the association between HPV and oral disease; between caries and systemic disease; and best practices to provide optimal care for patients regarding oral and systemic health. With an expert panel featuring: Dr. Tim Donley, Moderator; Drs. Lauren Feldman, Judi Haber, and Donna Hallas, Speakers

#Conference October 7-9, 2024 | New York, NY
Children’s Health Fund 2024 Conference – Integrative Care: A 21st Century Model for Marginalized Children

The 2024 CHF conference builds on our thirty-seven-year history of innovation, leading a national network of pediatric providers, and advocating for the health and well-being of all children in the United States.

#AnnualMeeting October 16-17, 2024 | New Orleans, LA
ACD 2024 Annual Meeting and Convocation

The purpose of this Summit is to assemble a cohort of oral healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, thought leaders, and industry leaders to develop strategies that break down silos and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

#LiveCEWebinar November 6, 202 | 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST
Colgate Oral Health Network SFG The Strengths and Weaknesses of Publicly Supported Dental Benefits Programs within the U.S.

This webinar will provide information about the differences in funding for oral health care in funding for oral health care between Medicare and Medicaid and where and why the gaps in publicly available dental coverage for adults leave large unmet needs.
PRESENTERS: Elisa Chavez, D.D.S.; Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D; and Nicholas, G. Mosca, D.D.S., Dr. P.H.