Super hygienists; goodbye toothpaste?

Dear DrBicuspid.com member:

Dental hygienists are the backbone of any dental practice, and over the years, they have taken on more and more duties. But if a bill working its way through the Minnesota legislature becomes law, a new breed of hygienists could be threatening dentists' turf. At least that's how the ADA and the Minnesota Dental Association see it.

Under the bill, Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners could open up their own practices and provide a range of dentist-like services, including extractions, fillings, crowns, and more. Is this a great way to provide dental healthcare to the underserved? Could this movement spread to other states in the Union? And could it be a threat to dentists' bottom line? Read Assistant Editor Rabia Mughal's report here.

Goodbye toothpaste?

When it comes to whitening teeth, nothing beats peroxide. But bleach hurts, and some studies suggest it can damage exposed dentin. So what is the solution for patients demanding whiter teeth?

Power Swabs, says chief science officer Martin Giniger, D.M.D., M.D., Ph.D., Ms.D. According to Giniger, Power Swabs uses detergents that supposedly remove the substance causing stains, instead of changing its color. According to Giniger, Power Swabs will one day replace toothpaste.

Breakthrough? Sham? Or something in between? Explore Senior Editor Laird Harrison's odyssey through the realms of bleaching in this special report.

Other picks to click

But wait, there's more. Convinced dental schools are headed for disaster? A new study points the ways to a brighter (and more profitable) future. Read it here.

The great antibiotic debate: Before scaling and planing? During? After? One study makes a compelling case for a long term antibiotic regimen. Read it here.

Is Crest's popular Pro Health Rinse turning teeth brown? The company says no. Some patients say yes. The experts weigh in here.