Dear DrBicuspid Member,
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) has updated its guidance on treating medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Our top story of the week covered what you need to know about the new position paper.
The guidance prioritizes preventing MRONJ, a rare yet serious condition that can affect cancer patients who are taking antiresorptive medications. It also addresses continuing cancer treatment and maximizing the overall well-being of patients.
Systemic complications after dental care
Patients who had dental caries or implant placement one year before a total knee arthroplasty experienced more complications in yet another new study on systemic complications tied to dental conditions. Patients who had caries or a dental implant placed in the year before total knee arthroplasty were more likely to have a heart attack, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections in the 90 days after knee surgery.
Discrimination cases in the news
Two legal cases related to discrimination made the headlines this week.
First, a Washington jury ordered a dentist and his practice manager to pay about $770,000 to a former dental assistant who filed a suit claiming she was wrongfully fired for being a woman, according to a news report. Court records revealed text messages from the dentist stating women who didn't want to be referred to as "sexy" or "hot" should leave their workplace.
Also in Washington state, a dental clinic agreed to pay about $45,000 to resolve an Americans with Disabilities Act violation for allegedly failing to provide interpretation services to a patient who is deaf, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Due to the lack of communication assistance, the patient unknowingly agreed to have several teeth extracted.
What patients would do to avoid a root canal
Last but not least, most patients say they would rather get a colonoscopy than a root canal, according to a survey conducted by Sonendo. Sleeping at the airport and temporarily giving up social media were also seen as more favorable to patients than a root canal. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have an endodontic procedure performed than sleep in an airport any day.
