Week in Review: How to treat patients who use marijuana | Tips to protect your future practice | Chicago Midwinter videos

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Smoking or ingesting marijuana can wreak havoc on the oral cavity. Our top story of the week covered how to treat dental patients who use the substance.

In a presentation at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, registered dental hygienist Ermelinda Baca advised getting a comprehensive medical history that includes asking patients about the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, and prescription and over-the-counter medications. She also shared sample hygiene instructions for cannabis users, such as offering a prescription-level fluoride toothpaste.

Tips to protect your future practice

It's human nature to focus on what's in front of us now. But dental practices should spend some time focusing on protecting their future, according to columnist Dr. Roger P. Levin. In his column this week, Levin offers three tips on protecting the future of a dental practice.

Win the battle against 'Dr. Google'

It's a familiar problem for dental professionals: the patient who consults too often with "Dr. Google." Misinformation on the internet has some patients challenging the experts. One presenter at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting advised meeting patient demands with effective communication.

More Chicago Midwinter coverage

The Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting wrapped up last week, but as you've seen with many of the stories above, the fun didn't stop last Saturday. Other stories from the show include a hygienist who started an ecofriendly business and a discussion with Biolase CEO John Beaver on why lasers are one of the hottest topics in dentistry right now.

If you're looking for something a little more lighthearted, check out a quick and quirky video on what happened when a dentist and hygienist played Fast 5. Inspired by the hit TV show "Family Feud," DrBicuspid.com surveyed 40 people at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. The two contestants tried to guess the top answers in record time.

Like what you see? Share your favorite stories from the Midwinter Meeting on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #DrBicuspid.