Dear Hygiene Insider,
These are truly historic times we are living in, and every dental practice and dental professional is trying to figure out the best ways to navigate them.
Some of those navigating these uncharted waters are dental hygienists, many of whom are torn between anxiety about post-COVID-19 dentistry and a dedication to their patients and oral health.
With plenty of questions left unanswered about the virus and keeping dental professionals and patients safe, some dental hygiene leaders are saying it's too soon to return to work, while others are preparing right now to return to action. Part of that preparation includes buying some of their own personal protective equipment and other items to help ensure their safety.
In our Insider Exclusive, I spoke with a hygienist in Virginia and a dentist in Arizona about how they are prepping for hygiene's return to the dental practice. I also asked one of the leading hygiene consultants in the industry what she is hearing from hygienists around the nation.
Elsewhere in the Hygiene Community, a Canadian researcher has developed a screening tool to assist a variety of professionals in assessing the risk of tooth decay in children younger than 6 years.
Also, the American Heart Association has allocated approximately $17 million to study the health effects of e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery products on youth and young adults.
Thank you for being a Hygiene Insider! We hope you and yours remain safe and healthy.
