Dental care has changed dramatically with each decade, and with those changes dental professionals are required to be informed. Continuing to learn about new research, new products, and defined protocols benefits the level of care we provide for our patients. To some, the amount of new information may be daunting and cause anxiety, where others embrace the chance for professional growth. Through these changes our patients are also becoming more conscious of their overall health and have become more interactive at their appointments with questions and the expectation of applicable answers.
We are in an evidence-based profession, and it is our responsibility to be knowledgeable of current research, while maintaining the highest quality of care for our patients.
The content in this month’s issue of RDH magazine will support the clinician, discuss self-care, bring awareness to trending topics, and clarify some of the questions you may have about new issues of interest. Jill Meyer-Lippert, RDH, provides insights into working with pediatric cancer patients. Jean Manz, MA, LMFT, shares her expertise on the elements that define anxiety and suggest steps to support those dealing with the uneasiness. In addition, we share a review on gluten allergies and what products you can use with patients who come into your practice with these health concerns.
Were you aware that your patients with red hair may have challenges with anesthesia? Anne Guignon, MPH, RDH, CSP, looks at the research on this topic. Learn the latest about CBD use with your patients, pharmacology interests with your pediatric patients, and hear from Stephanie Botts, BSDH, RDH, CEAS, with ergonomic recommendations for dental hygienists.
February recognizes National Children’s Dental Health Month. In our reality, we focus on these little ones throughout the year, but this month gives nondental professionals the opportunity to realize those baby teeth have a purpose.
The RDH team continues to build excitement with the upcoming selection of the Philips Heart to Hands Awards, the Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction, and the new RDH Student Research Poster Awards sponsored by PDT. We are creating content for RDH UOR Extended on April 9, RDH Evolution July 19–20, and RDH Under One Roof July 21–23 in Orlando, Florida. We are looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to support you, the clinician, by keeping you informed of trending topics for your patients’ care.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the February 2022 issue of RDH.
