Dear DrBicuspid Member,
What do you need to know about the use of 1.1% sodium fluoride toothpaste or gel? Our top story of the week covers the essential points discussed in a recent commentary in the Journal of the American Dental Association. The article includes recommendations for use and the types of lesions that high-strength fluoride may be the most effective at countering.
Is inflation an opportunity?
Dental practices are getting slammed with three major trends at once: staffing shortages, rising prices, and declining or stagnant insurance reimbursement. I sat down with three dental industry leaders at the Chicago Dental Society 2023 Midwinter Meeting to discuss how to navigate these trends, including potentially using this unique period of time to drop insurance altogether.
If the thought of inflation, staffing, and insurance sends your mind racing, perhaps take a minute or two to breathe deeply and refocus. If you're looking for guidance on how to do that, dental yogi Dr. Cristian Pavel walked me through a mindful breathing exercise. Watch the video to follow along and learn more about how breathwork can benefit dental professionals.
Self-healing dental composite
U.S. Air Force and Navy researchers have applied to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a 20-year patent on a "self-healing" dental composite. The composite consists of nanocapsules that "break open" and create a cementlike material that fills and seals cavities.
Teeth scaling on TikTok
TikTok users are attempting to recreate part of the dental office experience at home by using sharp tools to remove plaque from their teeth. While teeth scaling has health benefits, the use of sharp instruments on teeth and gums should probably be left to the professionals.
