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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Association Of Uric Acid Index And Cardiovascular Risk In Egyptian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Reem Fathallah, Talaat Abdelaaty, Hend Ghallab, Shimaa M. Elrahmany Jan 2025

Association Of Uric Acid Index And Cardiovascular Risk In Egyptian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Reem Fathallah, Talaat Abdelaaty, Hend Ghallab, Shimaa M. Elrahmany

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background The uric acid index (UAI) has recently gained recognition as a potential indicator for cardiovascular risk, particularly among middle-aged individuals. This research investigated the association between UAI levels and cardiovascular disease risk in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods 200 individuals with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional analysis. The UAI was derived using the logarithmic formula: Ln [fasting triglycerides × fasting uric acid × fasting glucose ÷ 2]. To estimate the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events, the SCORE2-Diabetes was employed. Results The average serum uric acid level was 4.40 ± 1.48 mg/dL, and the mean UAI …


Evaluation Of Serum Zinc-To-Copper Ratio In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes And Its Association With Microvascular Complications, Magdy H. Megallaa, Shimaa M. Elrahmany, Rehab Safwat, Mohamed Zietoun Jan 2025

Evaluation Of Serum Zinc-To-Copper Ratio In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes And Its Association With Microvascular Complications, Magdy H. Megallaa, Shimaa M. Elrahmany, Rehab Safwat, Mohamed Zietoun

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are indispensable trace metals that contribute fundamentally to insulin biology, antioxidant defense, and vascular health. In this research, we sought to explore the association between the serum zinc-to-copper (Zn/Cu) ratio and microvascular complications among adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods For this case-control design, a total of 336 participants were selected and divided into two main groups: Group 1, comprising 224 patients with T2DM, and Group 2, consisting of 112 healthy subjects serving as controls. Group 1 was further stratified into two subgroups based on the presence of microvascular complications; Group 1A …


Treatment Of Xanthelasma Palpebrarum With Plasma Energy Device, Merna Azab, Fawzia A Saafan, Amal Wagdy Jan 2025

Treatment Of Xanthelasma Palpebrarum With Plasma Energy Device, Merna Azab, Fawzia A Saafan, Amal Wagdy

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Semisolid, yellowish deposits known as Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) may develop at the inner and outer corners of the eyelids. The goals of ideal XP treatment are complete clearance with no recurrence, ensuring safety, comfort, and affordability, with no or minimal undesirable side effects, including pigmentary changes or scarring. One non-ablative electrosurgical method is plasma sublimation therapy, which involves generating plasma from atmospheric gas using radio frequency energy. This process creates ionized and mixed chemicals, which then sublimate epidermal tissue. Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of plasma energy devices in treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. Patients and methods: The current study …


Vitamin D Status In Coronary Artery Disease, Yasmeen M. Zayed, Hamdy F Marzouk, Alshaimaa H. Abd-Elmaksoud, Ahmed H. Eladawy, Shereen A Mourad Jan 2025

Vitamin D Status In Coronary Artery Disease, Yasmeen M. Zayed, Hamdy F Marzouk, Alshaimaa H. Abd-Elmaksoud, Ahmed H. Eladawy, Shereen A Mourad

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Vitamin D deficiency, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation are recognized contributors to coronary artery disease (CAD), so the aim of this study was to assess association of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D), traditional and nontraditional lipid indices, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with CAD risk and severity, and to evaluate their predictive value using the Gensini score. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 55 CAD patients (group I) and 55 age- and sex-matched individuals (group II). lipid profiles, NLR, and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured. Nontraditional lipid indices, including Castelli’s Risk Indices and atherogenic coefficient were calculated. The severity of CAD was …


Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Fat, And Balanced Diets In Weight Reduction Among Obese Adolescents., Ashraf A. Elsharkawy, Gihan Fouad Ahmad, Ahmed El-Husseiny, Amany K. Elhawary, Ola Shawky Ahmed, Asmaa Taha Zaher Taha, Fatma El-Zahraa M. Hashish Jan 2025

Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Fat, And Balanced Diets In Weight Reduction Among Obese Adolescents., Ashraf A. Elsharkawy, Gihan Fouad Ahmad, Ahmed El-Husseiny, Amany K. Elhawary, Ola Shawky Ahmed, Asmaa Taha Zaher Taha, Fatma El-Zahraa M. Hashish

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Obesity in adolescents is a major public health concern, leading to early onset of metabolic abnormalities. This study aimed to compare the effects of the Low- Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) and Low-Fat Diet (LFD) in comparison with the balanced calculated diet (BCD) on weight reduction in obese adolescents and their impact on metabolic health markers. Patients and methods: 75 obese adolescents aged less than 18 years were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled study and were randomly assigned to either LCD group, LFD group, or BCD group. Anthropometric and laboratory measures were collected before and after a 10-week intervention. Results: …


Impact Of Insulin Resistance And Obesity Indices On Patients Received Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (R-Tpa) In Acute Ischemic Stroke, Manar Hamada Abou El-Wafa, Azza E. Elmongui, Ahmed Saad Almenshawy, Nada Abd Elhameed Elsaid Jan 2025

Impact Of Insulin Resistance And Obesity Indices On Patients Received Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (R-Tpa) In Acute Ischemic Stroke, Manar Hamada Abou El-Wafa, Azza E. Elmongui, Ahmed Saad Almenshawy, Nada Abd Elhameed Elsaid

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background Insulin resistance (IR) and obesity may influence stroke outcomes after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) therapy. The aim of this work was to analyze the potential impact of IR, body mass index (BMI) and relative fat mass on stroke prognosis in non-diabetic patients after intravenous thrombolytic therapy Methods This Cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 44 patients, with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) received r-TPA. Every single patient underwent routine laboratory examination in addition to serum insulin and assessment of insulin resistance (IR) by the HOMA-IR index (defined as HOMA-IR>2.5). Body mass (BMI), relative fat mass (RFM) indices and …


Sexual Dysfunction After Hysterectomy Based On Female Sexual Function, Elsayed M. Abd Elfattah, Amany A. Makroum, Mohamed A. Fekry, Mohamed Sayed Abdelhafez, Maher Shams, Ahmed El Mennayyer Jan 2025

Sexual Dysfunction After Hysterectomy Based On Female Sexual Function, Elsayed M. Abd Elfattah, Amany A. Makroum, Mohamed A. Fekry, Mohamed Sayed Abdelhafez, Maher Shams, Ahmed El Mennayyer

Mansoura Medical Journal

Abstract Hysterectomy is the most common major gynecological surgical procedure. There are raised concerns regarding its impact on sexual function. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of vaginal, abdominal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy on women’s sexual functioning based on the female sexual function index (FSFI). Methods: This prospective Cohort study was conducted on 48 patients who underwent hysterectomy by different routes at the OB/GYN department at Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura, Egypt, aged between 25 and 49 years, from October 2024 to October 2025. The patients’ sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. The patients were asked to fill the FSFI …


Indications Of Hospitalization And Predictors Of Outcome Among Patients With Rheumatological Diseases Admitted To Mansoura Rheumatology And Immunology Unit, Hanan Mohamed Elberashi, Nibal Morad, Samar Tharwat Jan 2025

Indications Of Hospitalization And Predictors Of Outcome Among Patients With Rheumatological Diseases Admitted To Mansoura Rheumatology And Immunology Unit, Hanan Mohamed Elberashi, Nibal Morad, Samar Tharwat

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background correction: Systemic autoimmune rheumatological diseases (SARDs) constitute a category of disorders that can affect several organs. SARDs are persistent, incapacitating illness characterized by significant morbidity and mortalityrates. Patients with SARDs necessitate hospitalization more frequently than the general population.

Aim: To determine the characteristics of patients hospitalized with SARDs at Mansoura University Hospital.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on patients with different SARDs. The collected data

included patients’ sociodemographic data, autoimmune disease diagnoses, the onset and duration of the disease, rate of

readmission, the main cause of admission, the main organ affected at time of admission, …


Urinary Transferrin As A Marker For Diagnosis And Progression Of Diabetic Nephropathy: Short-Term Follow Up, Ghada El-Said Ahmed Ibrahim, Ibrahim Mohammed Adel Ibrahim Bakr, Amany Ragab Youssef Ahmed, Rasha Mahmoud Abdel Fattah Jan 2025

Urinary Transferrin As A Marker For Diagnosis And Progression Of Diabetic Nephropathy: Short-Term Follow Up, Ghada El-Said Ahmed Ibrahim, Ibrahim Mohammed Adel Ibrahim Bakr, Amany Ragab Youssef Ahmed, Rasha Mahmoud Abdel Fattah

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: One of the most serious and devastating effects of diabetes mellitus is diabetic nephropathy, which in many cases progresses to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Microalbuminuria is currently the gold standard biomarker for DN diagnosis. Microalbuminuria has a poor predictive value, though. Patients occasionally experienced progressive renal failure without microalbuminuria. A plasma protein called transferrin has a different ionic charge from albumin but is otherwise similar in weight. Aim: Our objectives were to evaluate urinary transferrin as a more accurate and earlier marker for the diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease and to investigate its relationship to the excretion of urinary …


A Comparative Study On The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Manual Versus Automated Prepared Platelet Poor Plasma Gel For Atrophic Acne Scar Treatment: A Prospective Randomized Interventional Study, Yassmin Gamal Salem Dorgham, Fatma Faisal El Dakrory, Marwa Zohdy Ali Moubarak Jan 2025

A Comparative Study On The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Manual Versus Automated Prepared Platelet Poor Plasma Gel For Atrophic Acne Scar Treatment: A Prospective Randomized Interventional Study, Yassmin Gamal Salem Dorgham, Fatma Faisal El Dakrory, Marwa Zohdy Ali Moubarak

Mansoura Medical Journal

Introduction Atrophic acne scars are challenging to treat, prompting interest in regenerative therapies like platelet-poor plasma (PPP) gel. The purpose of this study is to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of manually versus automatically prepared PPP gel for treating atrophic acne scars. Material and Methods In a prospective, randomized, single-blind study, 40 patients with atrophic acne scars were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 received manually prepared PPP gel, and Group 2 received automated PPP gel, both following subcision. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using dermoscopic imaging, Goodman and Baron qualitative grading system, and patient satisfaction scores over a …


Serum Resistin Levels In Patients With Acne Vulgaris And It's Correlation With Disease Severity, Marwa M. Lasheen, Magdy A. Elsohafy, Gehad M. El Mazny, Manar A. Hassan Jan 2025

Serum Resistin Levels In Patients With Acne Vulgaris And It's Correlation With Disease Severity, Marwa M. Lasheen, Magdy A. Elsohafy, Gehad M. El Mazny, Manar A. Hassan

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Acne is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit, and resistin—an inflammatory hormone may contribute to its pathogenesis, as studies show altered serum levels in acne patients. This work aimed to evaluate serum resistin levels in acne vulgaris patients and its association with disease severity. Methods: This Case control study involved 46 individuals had acne vulgaris, ranged in age from 18 to 35, free of systemic medication for the three months or topical treatment for the last month and 46 apparently healthy age and sex matched subjects. The patients were then split into two categories: Cases (n …


Mitigating The Opioid Epidemic Crisis: An Assessment Of Multidisciplinary Public Health Interventions And Substance Use Disorder Curriculum Expansion In Osteopathic Institutions, Olalekan Ogunsakin Jan 2025

Mitigating The Opioid Epidemic Crisis: An Assessment Of Multidisciplinary Public Health Interventions And Substance Use Disorder Curriculum Expansion In Osteopathic Institutions, Olalekan Ogunsakin

Touro Law Review

The opioid epidemic remains a critical public health crisis, with over one million drug overdose deaths reported since 1999. In 2021 alone, more than 80,000 deaths were attributed to opioid overdoses, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing to nearly 88% of these fatalities. This evolving epidemic underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the misuse of opioids, particularly in healthcare settings. This study evaluates a multidisciplinary public health intervention focusing on substance use disorder (“SUD”) curriculum expansion in osteopathic institutions. Designed to bridge knowledge gaps among future healthcare professionals, the intervention included training over 1,200 osteopathic students in …


Epidemiologi Kejadian Luar Biasa Malaria Bulan September-November 2024: Studi Serial Kasus Di Kabupaten Indragiri Hilir, Provinsi Riau, Rajunitrigo Rajunitrigo, Irwan Muryanto, Renti Mahkota, Fadhil Armen, Yusni Nuryanti, Fahrul Rizal, Rabiatul Adwiyah Jan 2025

Epidemiologi Kejadian Luar Biasa Malaria Bulan September-November 2024: Studi Serial Kasus Di Kabupaten Indragiri Hilir, Provinsi Riau, Rajunitrigo Rajunitrigo, Irwan Muryanto, Renti Mahkota, Fadhil Armen, Yusni Nuryanti, Fahrul Rizal, Rabiatul Adwiyah

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Abstract

Malaria remains a public health issue in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, despite its elimination certification 2018. In 2024, a malaria outbreak occurred, and an epidemiological investigation was then carried out. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the malaria outbreak based on person, time, and place. This study used a serial case design, analyzing all confirmed malaria cases reported in the e-SISMAL system of Indragiri Hilir Regency from September 1st to November 30th, 2024. Data on Anopheles Sundaicus habitats were obtained from epidemiological investigation reports. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using the chi-square …


Formation, Operation, And Maintenance Of A Community Advisory Board For Research With Lgbtq+ Parents, Aubrey Jones, Olivia S. Yinger, Rachel H. Farr, Keisa Fallin-Bennett, Sabrina Beiring, Cassi Crouse, Carolyn Greenstrom Dec 2024

Formation, Operation, And Maintenance Of A Community Advisory Board For Research With Lgbtq+ Parents, Aubrey Jones, Olivia S. Yinger, Rachel H. Farr, Keisa Fallin-Bennett, Sabrina Beiring, Cassi Crouse, Carolyn Greenstrom

Transforming Communities

Community-engaged research is becoming increasingly popular to promote health equity. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the formation, operation, and maintenance of a community advisory board (CAB) of LGBTQ+ parents and healthcare providers who work with LGBTQ+ parents. Method: Using Newman and colleagues outline, we describe the formation, operation, and maintenance phases of our CAB process. Inclusion criteria for CAB members is as follows, CAB members must be 18 years of age or older, live in the U.S., and (a) self-identify as LGBTQ+ and have had a child in the NICU more than five years prior to …


A More Sustainable Future For Dentistry, Jillian Bulter Dec 2024

A More Sustainable Future For Dentistry, Jillian Bulter

Virginia Dental Journal

Jillian Bulter, a biomedical engineering major, became involved in a research project at VCU focused on developing biodegradable plastics to replace single-use plastics in dental clinics. Collaborating with Dr. Eser Tüfekçi and Dr. Todd Kitten, the team tested the effectiveness of these novel plastics in preventing bacterial contamination. Although initial results indicated the need for further development, the project represents a significant step towards more sustainable dental practices.


Vcu Enhances Cultural Competency And Provides Better Care For Patients, Giovanni Flores Dec 2024

Vcu Enhances Cultural Competency And Provides Better Care For Patients, Giovanni Flores

Virginia Dental Journal

The Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is working to improve healthcare for Hispanic communities by addressing language barriers and promoting cultural competency. With Hispanics making up 19.1% of the U.S. population but only a small percentage of the dental workforce, VCU's HSDA provides Spanish dental terminology booklets and hosts Spanish workshops for students, faculty, and staff. These efforts aim to enhance communication with Spanish-speaking patients and improve their overall healthcare experience.


Your Vda Membership Could Easily Be Paying For Itself, Karen Wood Dec 2024

Your Vda Membership Could Easily Be Paying For Itself, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) membership offers significant savings through various endorsed vendors. Members can save on malpractice and group health insurance with RK Tongue, reduce credit card processing fees with BestCard, and get discounts on website design with Prosites. Additional savings are available on encrypted file transfers with iCore Exchange and dental supplies through Torch Dental. These benefits can easily cover the cost of annual dues, making the membership a valuable investment. For personalized assistance, members can contact Karen Wood, Director of Operations.


Sustainable Dentistry: A Two-Fold Strategy To Recession-Proofing Your Dental Practice, Ashli Klingaman Dec 2024

Sustainable Dentistry: A Two-Fold Strategy To Recession-Proofing Your Dental Practice, Ashli Klingaman

Virginia Dental Journal

The document outlines strategies for recession-proofing a dental practice by focusing on both internal and external tools. Internally, it emphasizes the importance of using a robust practice management system (PMS) with automation features to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effective supply chain management to mitigate financial risks. Externally, it highlights the benefits of digital marketing, telehealth services, and community partnerships to attract and retain patients. By adopting these strategies, dental practices can ensure growth and stability even during economic downturns.


Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes March 8, 2024, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd Dec 2024

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes March 8, 2024, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry meeting on March 8, 2024, covered various topics, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and a report from DHP Director Arne W. Owens on legislative activities and staffing changes. Dr. Bryant shared insights from recent dental conferences, while Yetty Shobo, Ph.D., presented workforce data showing trends in the demographics, income, and debt of dentists and dental hygienists. The report highlighted an increase in younger dentists and a decline in dental hygienists since 2022. Regulatory updates and disciplinary actions were also discussed, with 135 new cases received and 154 cases closed, including 11 with violations.


Six Strong Cybersecurity Actions To Protect Your Dental Practice, Robert Mcdermott Dec 2024

Six Strong Cybersecurity Actions To Protect Your Dental Practice, Robert Mcdermott

Virginia Dental Journal

The document emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity for dental practices, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect patient data and ensure business continuity. Key actions include using cloud services for IT management and automated backups, conducting HIPAA security risk assessments, implementing encrypted HIPAA-compliant email, and adopting cloud ePrescribing. These steps help safeguard against cyber threats, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain the integrity of sensitive information. The document also promotes iCoreConnect's comprehensive security solutions for dental practices.


Dentistry’S Best Advocate—You, Michaela Mishoe Dec 2024

Dentistry’S Best Advocate—You, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

The document discusses strategies to address the shortage of dental hygienists in Virginia by promoting dentistry as a career. It suggests partnering with educational institutions, hosting career fairs, empowering staff to mentor, leveraging social media, and using patient interactions to inform about dental careers. It highlights the importance of community involvement and provides resources like the G3 tuition assistance program for aspiring dental professionals. The document also outlines various dental career roles, including dental assistants, hygienists, office managers, and administrators.


Vda Member Perks Endorses Threadfellows To Enhance Brands, Karen Wood Dec 2024

Vda Member Perks Endorses Threadfellows To Enhance Brands, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

VDA Member Perks endorses Threadfellows, offering member dentists a 10% discount on branded gear with free logo setup, decoration, and shipping. Threadfellows provides high-quality apparel and items from brands like Patagonia, Nike, and The North Face, helping dental practices enhance their brand. The ordering process is simple, and more information can be found on their website or by contacting Karen Wood.


Payments In The Practice What Trends Are Affecting Your Bottom Line, Phil Nieto Dec 2024

Payments In The Practice What Trends Are Affecting Your Bottom Line, Phil Nieto

Virginia Dental Journal

Dental practices have seen a significant increase in credit card payments, with the average monthly amount rising from $30,876 in 2019 to $44,925 in 2023. This shift, accelerated by COVID-19, has impacted profitability due to higher processing fees, which increased from 3.06% to 3.53% over the same period. Despite raising prices to counter inflation, the average transaction size has not kept pace with the overall economic inflation rate. Dental practices are encouraged to periodically review their payment processing costs to ensure they are not adversely affecting their bottom line.


The Roi Of Ethics, Robert Morrison Dmd Dec 2024

The Roi Of Ethics, Robert Morrison Dmd

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Robert F. Morrison emphasizes the importance of ethics in dentistry, highlighting that every interaction with patients impacts their experience and the practice's reputation. He argues that ethics are integral to marketing and business decisions, influencing patient trust and referrals. A strong ethical foundation leads to a positive return on investment (ROI) by fostering patient loyalty and internal referrals, which are crucial for business health. Morrison encourages dentists to think beyond clinical procedures and consider the perspectives of staff, patients, and the community to build a lasting, reputable practice.


2024 General Assembly Session Review, Tripp Perrin, Missy Wesolowski Dec 2024

2024 General Assembly Session Review, Tripp Perrin, Missy Wesolowski

Virginia Dental Journal

The 2024 General Assembly session, held from January 10 to March 9, saw significant legislative activity with 2,311 bills introduced. Key achievements for the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) included the passage of bills to increase transparency in dental insurance, authorize a dentist and dental hygienist compact for license portability, secure funding for a new VCU School of Dentistry, extend the remote supervision period for dental hygienists, and expand civil liability protections under the SafeHaven™ program. Defensive efforts successfully amended or defeated problematic bills related to medical debt reporting, medical malpractice caps, and universal licensure.


2024 Dental Days At The Capitol, Laura Givens Dec 2024

2024 Dental Days At The Capitol, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

More than 250 dentists and dental students gathered at Richmond's Omni Hotel on January 18 and 19 for the VDA's annual Dental Days at the Capitol. They met with legislators to discuss important bills affecting dentistry. Speaker of the House Don Scott, whose wife is a practicing dentist, delivered an encouraging keynote speech. VDA lobbyists outlined the association's legislative objectives before attendees headed to the Virginia General Assembly Building, showcasing the power of hands-on lobbying and community strength.


Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass Dec 2024

Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

The feature "Through the Looking Glass with Dr. Sarah Glass" explores various cases in oral pathology. It discusses the appropriate biopsy locations and diagnoses for different conditions: a malignant salivary gland tumor in the hard palate, recurrent erythema multiforme with oral ulcerations, and severe dysplasia and superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma in leukoplakia of the tongue. The importance of including specific tissue types in biopsies for accurate diagnosis is emphasized.


Virginia Dental Workforce Council Report To The Vda House Of Delegates, Paul Logan Dec 2024

Virginia Dental Workforce Council Report To The Vda House Of Delegates, Paul Logan

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Workforce Council's January 2024 report addresses the state's dental workforce challenges, emphasizing the need for more providers, especially in rural areas. The report highlights the impact of the pandemic on dentists' duties, the aging workforce, and the shortage of dental hygienists. It outlines early outcomes, such as improved relationships with educational institutions and new data on workforce needs. Recommendations include making workforce data accessible, promoting dental careers, supporting dental programs, addressing licensure barriers, and supporting federal initiatives to enhance the dental workforce.


Bridging The Gap: Clearing The Pathways To In-Demand Careers In Dentistry, Ryan Dunn Dec 2024

Bridging The Gap: Clearing The Pathways To In-Demand Careers In Dentistry, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

The document discusses the critical shortage of dental professionals in Virginia, particularly dental hygienists and assistants, which is hindering patient access to essential dental care. Despite high demand for dental programs, limited capacity restricts student admissions. The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) is working with political and educational leaders to address this issue by advocating for increased investment in dental education and training. Efforts include expanding program capacities, improving licensure portability, and supporting mental health initiatives for dental professionals. The goal is to ensure a robust dental workforce to meet the growing oral health care needs in Virginia.


Why Be A Political Action Member?, Gary Oyster Dds Dec 2024

Why Be A Political Action Member?, Gary Oyster Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Gary D. Oyster, DDS, emphasizes the importance of political action for dentists, highlighting the pressures from insurance companies and workforce demands. He stresses that building relationships with legislators through contributions to state and federal political action committees (PACs) is crucial for effective advocacy. Oyster encourages dentists to participate in fundraisers and engage with legislators to influence dental-related policies. He notes that only a small percentage of dentists currently contribute to PACs and urges more to join to strengthen their collective influence.