Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Fulcrum Podcast, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

In this issue we feature the latest episodes of The Fulcrum Podcast.

Vda Pac Update, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Vda Advocacy And Your Membership, Frank Iuorno

Virginia Dental Journal

This article outlines the advocacy efforts by the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). It emphasizes the importance of membership to support legislative initiatives, outlines key issues affecting dental providers, and discusses the impact of ERISA exemptions on dental plans. Additionally, it details the ADA's federal advocacy actions to limit ERISA preemption and strengthen state regulatory authority over dental benefits.

How Are Oral Preventive Assistants Impacting Access To Dental Care In Other States?, Paul Logan

Virginia Dental Journal

Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs), a type of Expanded Function Dental Assistant, are improving access to dental care in states like Kansas, Missouri, and through the Indian Health Service. Studies and pilot programs show increased patient access, enhanced workflow, and high satisfaction among patients and dental teams. OPAs support hygienists and dentists by performing preventive tasks, allowing specialists to focus on complex care, without replacing existing roles. These models address workforce gaps and bottlenecks in dental care delivery.

Virginia’S Dental Workforce Shortage: A Three-Step Solution To Strengthen The Preventative Dental Workforce And Expand Access To Care, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

Virginia faces a critical shortage of dental hygienists, particularly in rural and underserved areas, leading to delays in preventative care. The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) proposes a three-step solution: leveraging internationally educated dentists, expanding the role of dental assistants, and increasing funding for dental hygiene education programs. These measures aim to address workforce shortages, improve access to care, and alleviate the education bottleneck. The VDA is actively monitoring legislative developments and advocating for solutions to strengthen Virginia’s dental workforce.

Artificial Intelligence And Dentistry: The Emerging Landscape Of Legislation In Virginia And Nationwide, Paul Supan Dds, Munira Muluke Dmd, Ms, Rick Jackomis Dds, Jd

Virginia Dental Journal

This article focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry and the evolving legislative landscape surrounding its use. AI enhances diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical outcomes, but its adoption requires both federal and state-level regulatory approval. The document highlights key legislative trends, including transparency in AI-driven healthcare decisions, restrictions on AI usage to ensure patient welfare, and the need for human oversight in clinical decision-making. Examples of state-level AI-related healthcare legislation from Virginia, California, Maryland, and other states are provided, showcasing diverse approaches to regulating AI in healthcare.

The Drill, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

The Fulcrum Podcast's "The Drill" episodes explore key topics in Virginia dentistry. Episode 16 highlights legislative efforts to address workforce shortages, VDA Member Perks, professional development opportunities, and upcoming events like Dental Days at the Capitol. Episode 19 features Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan discussing advocacy strategies for the 2026 General Assembly, focusing on dental workforce programs, expedited licensure for international dentists, and preventative assistant roles. Both episodes emphasize active member participation in shaping the future of dentistry.

Moving Forward With Purpose: An Ada Leadership Update, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The ADA Board of Trustees is advancing financial sustainability, enhancing membership systems, and shaping the future of dentistry through the Oral Health Strategy 2050 initiative. The ADA Credit Union was launched to provide tailored financial services for the dental community.

Just Be Nice, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article "Just Be Nice" by Dr. Sarah Friend explores the increasing challenges of working with the public, particularly in high-stress professions like teaching and dentistry, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the decline in emotional intelligence, empathy, and social connection, as supported by research from Six Seconds and Jolanta Burke. The pandemic has led to significant personality changes, increased stress, and a rise in disrespectful behavior. Dr. Friend emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal physical, emotional, and mental well-being to counteract these societal challenges and improve overall quality of life.

Building A Sustainable Dental Workforce As Virginia Enters A Pivotal Legislative Year, Marlon Goad Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Marlon Goad, President of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), addresses the critical dental workforce shortages in Virginia, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in dental hygiene education and infrastructure. The VDA is advocating for regulatory updates to expand educational capacity and modernize training facilities, including support for funding a new dental facility at VCU School of Dentistry. Collaboration with the American Dental Association and efforts to influence CODA standards are key components of the strategic plan. Dr. Goad highlights the importance of collective action to ensure a sustainable dental workforce and high-quality patient care in Virginia.

Virginia Dental Journal Announces Excellence Awards - Call For Submissions, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Journal is introducing the Excellence Awards in 2026 to honor outstanding contributions in writing, clinical relevance, and advancing the dental profession in Virginia. Articles published in Volume 103 (2026) are eligible, with submissions due by September 1, 2026. Award categories include the Horizon Award, Image Award, The Source Award, and Editor’s Choice. Winners will be recognized at the Virginia Dental Association’s Annual Business Meeting in January 2027. More details and guidelines are available on the Virginia Dental Journal website.

Va Dent J January, February And March 2026

Virginia Dental Journal

The January-March 2026 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal highlights key updates and initiatives from the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). It addresses Virginia’s dental workforce shortage with a proposed three-step legislative solution to expand access to care and strengthen the dental workforce pipeline. The issue features upcoming events, including the VDA Legislative Reception, Lobby Day, and the Virginia Dental Showcase. It also provides educational opportunities, such as the Dental Assisting II Program and the Virginia Dental Journal Excellence Awards. Advocacy updates focus on legislative efforts, Medicaid budget cuts, and AI regulations in dentistry. Resources for members include discounts through VDA …

Predictors Of Caregiver Burden Among The Caregivers Of Bedridden Patients In Muscat, Oman, Rawan Al Abdulsalam, Hajer Al Shaaibi, Manar Al Sanaa Al Zeedi, Rahma Al Hadhrami

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Caring for bedridden patients is physically and emotionally demanding, often resulting in significant caregiver burden. This study aimed to assess caregiver burden and associated factors among caregivers of adult bedridden patients in Muscat, Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to February 2025 among caregivers of adult bedridden patients registered to get community services in Muscat Governorate and provided care for more than 1 month. Data were collected using the 12-item Zarit Burden Interview and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. Results: A total of 200 caregivers participated; 66% were female, with …

The Core Triplet Theory On Leadership, Sajid Hameed

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

There are many theories about what makes a leader effective, but no area of research has been studied more than leadership. Traditional models are comprehensive lists of traits; hence, we seldom find a person who possesses them all. One such model is the Core Triplet Theory on Leadership, which simplifies leadership into three core values: Integrity, Empathy, and Vision. These qualities express themselves at three levels: personal, human, and organizational. This theory is a simple, holistic, and pragmatic model to apply, and its adaptability to modern leadership challenges instills confidence. Integrity nurtures trust and ethical consistency at the individual level; …

Queens, Pearls And Spirochaetes, Radu Suciu

Artl@s Bulletin

Abstract: In December 2019, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (now the Burnett Foundation) released a public health campaign raising awareness about the increasing rates of syphilis infections in New Zealand. The campaign consisted of photographs that contrasted contemporary backgrounds of bars and nightclubs with actors wearing theatrical costumes akin to the Elizabethan period. This reinforced the perceived idea that syphilis was a disease resurging from the distant past. This paper discusses one of the campaign’s most iconic portraits by analysing its shared cultural, artistic, and medical references (explicit or implicit) and their shifting meanings through time.

Résumé: En décembre 2019, …

Food Insecurity. A Factor In Criminal Behavior?, Jerrod Brown, Jeremiah Schimp, Leanne Skehan, Janina Cich

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

This article examines how food insecurity and limited access to nutritionally adequate foods impair cognitive function, emotional regulation, decision-making, and impulse control. Emerging research purports that individuals experiencing food insecurity face increased risks of mental and physical health problems, violent behavior, delinquency, heightened childhood vulnerability, and criminal justice involvement across the lifespan. The article advocates for increased awareness, routine screening, and specialized training for professionals in mental health, social services, and the criminal justice system to address food insecurity, thereby supporting long-term policy and community-level strategies that reduce criminal behavior and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Acute Stemi In A Young Adult On Therapeutic Anticoagulation Following Diclofenac Use, Naeem Hasanfatta, Naveed Ahmed, Debabrata Dash

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young adults is uncommon. The case of a 34-year-old male, post mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR), who developed anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) despite therapeutic anticoagulation (INR 3.17), shortly after the initiation of diclofenac, highlights an important clinical scenario.

Case Presentation: The patient presented with atypical upper back pain and was diagnosed with anterior STEMI. Coronary angiography revealed a 100% thrombotic occlusion in the mid left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was successfully performed. Importantly, the patient had no history of hypercoagulable states or atherosclerosis and had been compliant with …

Perceived Academic Workload And Well-Being Among Radiologic Technology Students During Home-Based Learning, Alvin Diaz Crudo

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Introduction: COVID-19 disrupted educational delivery worldwide, forcing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to shift to home-based learning modalities combining synchronous and asynchronous modes. Radiologic technology students' academic workload intensified with digital and non-digital activities, requiring stronger internet connectivity amid barriers like stress and burnout. This study determined the correlation between perceived academic workload and well-being among third-year radiologic technology students at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute during home-based learning. Methods: A correlational research design was employed with 124 of 136 students (91.18%) participating during A.Y. 2021-2022. Researchers used self-made questionnaires based on Bowyer's (2012) "Student Workload Model" and …

Association Of Short Interpregnancy Interval Among Multigravid “Pregnant Youth” In A Tertiary Hospital, Eileen Feliz Cortes-Garcia

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Introduction: Pregnancy among the youth is in creasing not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Studies have shown that a short interpregnancy inter val of 18 months or less is associated with an in creased risk of fetal and maternal complications. However, limited data are available regarding fetal and maternal outcomes among pregnant youth with short interpregnancy intervals, particularly in the Philippines. Objectives: The objective of the study was to deter mine the association between a short interpregnancy interval of <18 months and adverse fetomaternal out comes among pregnant youth aged 15 to 24 years who had their first pregnancy at De La Salle Univer sity Medical Center (DLSUMC) from 2017 to 2019. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in volving 130 participants who delivered at DLSUMC from 2017 to 2019 either by vaginal spontaneous delivery, assisted vaginal delivery, or cesarean sec tion. Results: Of these, 84 (66.15%) were 22 to 24 years old and the majority had their first pregnancy at the age of 18 to 21 years (59 [45.38%]). This study demonstrated that preterm delivery, postpartum hem orrhage, and hypertension were significantly associ ated with a short interpregnancy interval. Conclusions: Short interpregnancy interval is associ ated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, hy pertension, and postpartum hemorrhage among mul tiparous pregnant youth. Counseling and proper edu cation, including family planning, are important for both maternal and fetal health. The use of different family planning methods should be discussed and made accessible to young women.

The Efficacy And Safety Of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy For Acute Cholecystitis: A Descriptive Study, Michael Lawenko, Marie Abigail Dumlao

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Objectives: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is gaining traction to become a safe and effective surgical option for Acute Cholecystitis (AC). In our institution, the trend toward laparoscopic management of AC has only recently gained traction. The objective of this study is to describe the early experience of our institu tion utilizing LC. Methods: This descriptive study involved a retrospec tive analysis of early institutional cases of LC. Included were cases with both pre- and post-operative diagnoses of AC, as well as cases admitted for non-AC conditions but found to have incidental AC postoperatively. Cases were further categorized into severe (SAC) and …

Factors Affecting The Colony Count Of Oral Candida Albicans Of Electronic Cigarette Users Among Young Adults In Dasmariñas, Cavite, Kyla Marie C. Resuma, Rendell B. Rovelo, Martella Ingrid A. Sanchez, Christine Joy R. Sobiono, Michaela Marie N. Tena, Gabriel C. Villota

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) emerged and were marketed as a more viable alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, especially among the youth. While there is insufficient evidence clearly explaining the effects of e-cigarette use on human health, recent literature has shone light on its various adverse effects on the body, particularly on oral health and its possible contribution to oral microbial dysbiosis. This study explored the potential factors that may have affected the colony counts of oral Candida albicans—the causative agent of thrush. The study participants (N = 40) comprised 22 male and 18 female e-cigarette users aged 18 to 22 …

Development Of Research Productivity Appraisal Tool (Reprodapt): Validity And Reliability, Daisy Alberto, Roberto C. Sombillo, Danaida Marcelo, Juanito O. Cabanias

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop a research productivity appraisal tool (ReProdApT) and determine its validity, reliability/reproducibility, feasibility, and usability for De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute.
Methods: The ReProdApT has a set of indicators and an academic relative value unit as recommended by several authors for measuring academic research productivity [1-3]. Through a non-experimental, crosssectional design, the tool underwent content validation by experts, inter- and intra- rater reliability testing and assessment of feasibility and usability. Results: Of the 22 faculty members from different colleges who participated in the study, 13 were females and nine …

The Five-Step Teaching Method Vs Demo-Return Demo Of Laparoscopic Camera Manipulation On Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial In A Philippine Medical School Curriculum, Michael Lawenko

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Objectives: This study aims to examine if laparoscopic camera manipulation, using the five-step teaching method, is more effective than the traditional demoreturn demo method in developing psychomotor and visuospatial skills in fourth year medical students. Methods: Randomization was done to create two groups (n = 129). One group, (n = 70), received training using the five-step method: (1) conceptualization, (2) visualization, (3) verbalization by the preceptor, (4) verbalization by the student, and (5) practice. The other group, (n = 59), followed the traditional demo-return demo method. Psychomotor and visuospatial skills of the students were assessed using a rubric. The subjective …

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …

Covid-19 Infection And Hypertension In Correlation With Race, Elizabeth Durkin

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Healthcare disparities exist in the U.S. between different races. This study investigated the frequency of COVID-19 infections and hypertension cases among five different racial groups (White, Black, Asian, Native American, and Native Hawaiian). The study also examined the correlation between COVID-19 infections and hypertension with the hypothesis that because of disease predisposition and socioeconomic barriers, Black populations would have the highest rates of COVID-19 infections and hypertension. We used data from the Kaiser Family Foundation regarding COVID-19 cases and race in conjunction with Census population data to determine whether COVID-19 case frequency means differed by race. Data on hypertension and …

Removing Barriers In Graduate Health Education For Students With Disabilities, Daniel Nuss

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

Students with disabilities continue to face barriers in graduate health education academic programs. As the number of enrolled students with disabilities increases, it is imperative that solutions are identified that remove these barriers to create inclusive and accessible learning opportunities. This study presents a narrative review of literature that examines current research on the topic of graduate health education and disability. Results identified four relevant themes for reducing barriers and improving inclusive access for students with disabilities. The themes include the need for modifying technical standards, faculty training, reasonable accommodations, and Universal Design of Learning (UDL). The findings are …

Surgical Strategies For Unilateral Pulmonary Artery Agenesis: A Case Series, Amr Abolwafa, Alaa Al-Lawati, Hamood Nasar Al-Kindi, Sunny Zacharias, Pranav Subbaraya Kandachar, Madan Mohan Maddali

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis, typically affecting the right pulmonary artery, is a rare condition that may lead to congestive heart failure or pulmonary hypertension in infants and early surgical intervention improves outcomes. We report 5 cases from Muscat, Oman, of unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis who underwent surgical correction between November 2019 and August 2023, at an average age of 4.4 months. Most presented with cyanosis or respiratory distress and all had pulmonary hypertension confirmed by imaging. Surgical approaches included Gore-Tex conduit placement, autologous pericardial reconstruction and patent ductus arteriosus unifocalisation. All patients successfully restored pulmonary blood flow with no perioperative …

American Dental Association And Academy For Sports Dentistry Announce Collaboration To Advance Oral Health And Athlete Safety

New Orleans Dental Association News

Article announcing a new collaboration between the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) on as-yet undecided initiatives that could include educational opportunities and broader professional awareness of sports dentistry topics among current and future dentists.

Noda News January 2026

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

This issue welcomes a new president, Dr. Claudia Cavallino.

Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Early Detection Of Subclinical Atherosclerosis In Clinical Practice, Waleed Alhabeeb, Abdelrahaman Almoghairi, Abdulhalim Kinsara, Abdullah Khoja

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the primary cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. Saudi patients experience CVD events nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Given the limitations of traditional risk assessment tools, there is a growing need to detect subclinical atherosclerosis to refine risk stratification and improve primary prevention strategies, particularly in younger and asymptomatic individuals.

Methods: The Saudi Heart Association (SHA) developed this position statement through a structured, multistep process that included a comprehensive literature review and two expert panel meetings. Recommendations were formulated based on current evidence, expert …