Dear DrBicuspid Member,
It's National Dental Hygienists Week, and our top story of the week was all about how to show appreciation for these unsung heroes of the dental office. Victoria Martinec, RDH, shared some of her favorite ideas to express gratitude for your dental hygienists -- whether that's finding a practical gift or writing a heartfelt thank you.
Speaking of gratitude, I'd like to say thank you to all the hygienists who read this newsletter. I know the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult on the dental hygiene profession, and I am so grateful for all you do. (Also, special shoutout to my hygienist, Robin, who actually got me to floss.)
Dental student burnout
Dental trainees were already predisposed to burnout. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Researchers from the University of Washington are now worried about a surge of poor mental health among dental trainees.
Out of 126 dental trainees surveyed by the researchers, at least one in five had clinically significant psychological symptoms for burnout, anxiety, and depression. In addition, 69% of respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting their overall mental health, and all participants who stated the pandemic affected their mental health reported plans to leave their program.
Dental gag leads to cardiac arrest
Associate Editor Melissa Busch covered yet another can't-miss dental case -- this time about a 5-year-old boy who went into serious cardiac arrest, triggered by a dental gag keeping his mouth propped open.
In the documented case, the healthy boy was at the dentist to have maxillary supernumerary teeth extracted under general anesthesia. But when clinicians opened the boy's mouth with a dental mouth gag, an electrocardiogram showed asystole for 20 seconds.
Effects of the Corporate Transparency Act
The U.S. Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act on January 1. While the act was meant to highlight organizations that use shell companies for unlawful actions, it has ramifications for dental service organizations (DSOs) and affiliated dental practices, Dr. Michael W. Davis explained.
Davis broke down the basics of the new act and advised DSO directors to review their firm's standing with expert legal counsel. He also interviewed two law experts about how the law might affect DSOs and affiliated practices.
Beetroot juice and oral bacteria
Last but not least, drinking beetroot juice can lead to higher levels of oral bacteria associated with good vascular and cognitive health, according to a new study. Older adults who drank beetroot juice twice a day had reduced levels of oral bacteria tied to inflammation.
The participants' systolic blood pressure also dropped by an average of five points. Now that's something to toast!
