This webinar addresses the aspects of infection control related to occupational safety, as required by OSHA. During this webinar, personal protective equipment (PPE), immunization requirements, exposure incident management, hand hygiene procedures, the required elements of an exposure critical plan, and staff training are addressed. In addition, the protocol for operatory surfaces, standard precautions, instrument processing and sterilization monitoring are discussed.

Medical emergencies can and do occur, not only in your dental office but any place and at any time. The entire staff and designated in-office emergency team must be trained, and emergency equipment and drugs must be available and current. The best way to handle an emergency is to start by being prepared.

While there have been moderate improvements in caries incidence and prevalence in the United States, caries is still a problem particularly in certain population groups. Both home care and in-office topical products are available for caries prevention. There are a number of traditional in-office options available including the use of fluoride gels and foams, rinses, and sealants. Since the 1990s fluoride varnish has also been available in the U.S. and is cleared by the FDA for use as a desensitizer. Innovative caries preventive agents include the use of products containing ACP and CPP-ACP. It is important to first conduct a risk assessment for patients to determine their need for fluoride applications, and then to select preventive products suitable for the patient.

Overall goal: The purpose of this article is to provide dental professionals with information on risk assessment, preventive and treatment options that will further the practice of a medical model and minimal intervention dentistry.

Upon completion of this course, the clinician will be able to do the following: Know the incidence of oral cancer in the United States and understand the risk factors, be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, understand screening methods available for the detection of oral cancer, and understand the role of chromosomal aberrations in the risk of malignant transformation

The first major active ingredient introduced into modernday, over-the-counter dentifrices was fluoride. Since then, dentifrices have been developed with ingredients offering anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis, anti-halitosis, whitening or desensitizing benefits, or a multiplicity of benefits. Given the range of dentifrices currently available, and their differences, a recommendation is important; this should be based on the individual patient’s specific needs and desires and the scientific support for a dentifrice.

Twenty-six million people in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the baby boomer generation continues to mature, medical procedures extending life improve,and with pharmacology advances, this number will increase. With an increased number of patients living with CKD seeking dental treatment, will the dental healthcare provider be prepared to provide treatment to patients living with renal disease-induced anemia, and with secondary hyperparathyroidism and its effects on bone metabolism and the cardiovascular system? Many providers are familiar with providing palliative treatment for xerostomia, but how do you recommend palliative treatment for someone who is on strict fluid and dietary restrictions, such as patients living with end stage renal disease? Diabetes and hypertension are the two greatest causes of kidney disease. Dental providers should be knowledgeable about the different stages of renal disease and different treatments associated with this condition, and be prepared to address oral complications of renal disease. The dental healthcare provider must become more familiar with the impact of periodontal disease on renal disease, specific medical challenges and become proficient in collaborating with medical healthcare providers to provide dental treatment to these patients.

Science has identified three factors involved in decay: pathogenic bacteria, poor dietary habits and xerostomia. The Caries Balance Theory states that caries is the outcome of the complex interaction of pathologic and protective factors. The caries process involves demineralization and remineralization of teeth. Caries management requires risk assessment. For patients at risk, preventive therapies available include the use of antimicrobials, fluorides, xylitol, calcium and phosphate products, baking soda products and glass ionomers.