Dentistry Commons^™

Letter To The Editor: Suspended By Dentaquest, Supported By The Vda, Jacqueline Carney Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Jacqueline Carney faced suspension from the DentaQuest network without prior inquiry, following a patient's mother's complaint. Despite her self-reporting and a clean record, DentaQuest's lack of communication left her in a dire financial situation. The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) intervened, providing crucial support that helped resolve the issue and lift the suspension. Dr. Carney emphasizes the importance of being part of organized dentistry, crediting the VDA's efforts for saving her practice from potential bankruptcy.

Can I Get A Witness?, Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Richard F. Roadcap reflects on the gaps in his dental education, highlighting four key areas: practice management, dental materials, pharmacology, and public service. He emphasizes the importance of these disciplines in real-world dentistry and suggests that modern dental education should better prepare students in these areas. Additionally, the document includes advice for dental practice owners on planning for their future, including exit strategies and financial planning.

The Sun Is Shining, Cynthia Southern Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Cynthia Southern, in her message, highlights the busy and productive summer season for the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). She recounts her attendance at various meetings and events, including a successful fundraiser and the VCU School of Dentistry hooding ceremony. Dr. Southern discusses ongoing efforts to address the dental workforce shortage and the introduction of a new Dental Office Professional Certificate program in Norfolk. She also emphasizes the importance of advocacy, particularly regarding the Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) initiative, and encourages participation in upcoming events like the Virginia Dental Showcase.

Va Dent J July, August And September 2023

Virginia Dental Journal

The July-September 2023 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 100, No. 3) showcases diverse and timely topics in dentistry. Highlights include the launch of the Virginia Dental Academy’s Certified Dental Office Professional program, designed to elevate front office team members through specialized training and certifications. Advocacy efforts spotlight the ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day and fundraising events for legislative priorities. Scientific discussions delve into oral pathology and periodontics, while practice management resources cover cybersecurity, insurance verification, and informed consent ethics. A standout feature is Tooth Sleuths, an engaging look at how dentists apply investigative skills to solve …

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect, Lyda Sypawka

Virginia Dental Journal

D4 students at VCU School of Dentistry prepare for their clinical boards by practicing procedures like root canal treatments and crown preparations on mannequins. The school supports this with a mock boards experience, where faculty and volunteers provide feedback and create a realistic testing environment. This initiative, praised by both students and faculty, highlights the teamwork and dedication within the VCU dental community.

Exploring Specialties As A Third-Year Dental Student, Jack Madigan

Virginia Dental Journal

As a third-year dental student at VCU, Jack Madigan experiences rotations in seven dental specialties: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics. These rotations provide hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge, helping students become proficient in various procedures and treatment planning. Each specialty offers unique learning opportunities, from extracting teeth and diagnosing radiographic images to fabricating dentures and performing root canal therapy. These experiences prepare students for comprehensive patient care and future specialization.

Using Email Marketing To Stay Connected With Patients, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

Email marketing can be a powerful tool for healthcare practices to stay connected with patients. By sharing healthy tips, featuring new products and procedures, highlighting staff and charitable activities, and reengaging inactive patients, practices can enhance patient engagement and ensure regular checkups. It's important to comply with regulations like the CAN-SPAM Act and ensure emails are visually appealing and professional.

Managing Risk As You Prepare For Retirement, Dylan Mills

Virginia Dental Journal

As you approach retirement, managing investment risk is crucial. Instead of simply swapping stocks for bonds, consider your unique goals and risk tolerance to create a personalized portfolio. Traditional guidelines like subtracting your age from 100 to determine stock allocation may not be sufficient. Diversify with high-quality bonds, hedged equity strategies, and alternatives like private real estate to balance risk and return. Conduct a cash flow analysis to tailor your portfolio to your specific needs, and consider professional advice to navigate the complexities of retirement planning.

What’S The Vda Doing To Address The Virginia Dental Workforce Issue?, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) is addressing the dental workforce shortage in Virginia by forming the Virginia Dental Workforce Council. Chaired by Dr. Cynthia Southern, the council aims to develop recommendations to ensure all communities have the necessary dental workforce. Objectives include understanding regional needs, identifying causes and solutions, and creating sustainable pathways for dental professionals. The council's first meeting will be held in the spring, and updates will be provided in future VDA communications. Members are encouraged to share their experiences and insights.

What’S Changing In Virginia’S Dental Workforce?, Paul Logan

Virginia Dental Journal

The first page discusses recent data from 2022 licensure surveys of Virginia dentists and dental hygienists, revealing a two percent decrease in the number of dentists and an increase in dental hygienists to pre-pandemic levels. It highlights that most new dental hygienists are trained in Virginia, while many new dentists come from outside the state or the country. The data also shows demographic shifts, with younger dentists more likely to be female and the profession becoming more diverse. Regional disparities in dentist and hygienist concentrations are noted, with Northern Virginia having a higher dentist-to-population ratio compared to rural areas.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Notes March 3, 2023, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry meeting on March 3, 2023, covered various topics including workforce data, legislative updates, and regulatory actions. Key points included a slight drop in valid dental licenses, an increase in diversity and median income for both dentists and dental hygienists, and ongoing student debt issues. The board discussed but did not take action on oral appliance therapy standards for sleep apnea. Legislative updates included the formation of a work group to analyze licensure requirements and the approval of a bill allowing dentists to administer botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes with proper training. The meeting also …

Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Sarah Glass, a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist and assistant professor at VCU School of Dentistry, explores various oral pathology cases. These include diagnosing a pleomorphic adenoma in a 35-year-old female, identifying medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in a 70-year-old male on bisphosphonates, and recognizing plasma cell gingivitis in a 50-year-old male with oral pain linked to a new cinnamon toothpaste. Dr. Glass's responsibilities encompass teaching, biopsy services, and treating oral medicine patients.

Virginia 2023 General Assembly Session Report, Chuck Duvall, Tripp Perrin, Missy Wesolowski

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia 2023 General Assembly session adjourned on February 25, with 819 bills passing both chambers and heading to the Governor. The Assembly will reconvene on April 12 to consider the Governor's actions. A "skinny budget" was passed, but further amendments are expected, potentially leading to a Special Session. New members joined the Assembly, and several incumbents announced retirements. Key legislation includes bills on dental licensure, botulinum toxin injections, human trafficking education, Medicaid fraud, and health insurance processes. The entire Assembly faces re-election in November.

Advocacy For Dentistry Is Alive In Virginia, Bruce Hutchison Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) has achieved significant legislative successes in 2022 and 2023, including a 30% increase in Dental Medicaid Reimbursement fees and the passage of bills allowing dentists to use Botox for cosmetic purposes and improving access to mental health services for dental professionals. The VDA is now advocating for a dental loss ratio policy in Virginia, similar to a successful referendum in Massachusetts. Dentists are encouraged to contribute to the VDA Tooth PAC, engage with local legislators, and support candidates who prioritize dental health issues. The upcoming 2023 elections will see significant turnover in the Virginia General …

Vda’S 2023 Dental Days At The Capitol Has Record Attendance, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

Over 200 VDA member dentists and VCU dental students attended the VDA’s Dental Days at the Capitol on January 26-27, 2023, in Richmond. The event included a legislative reception, a breakfast with Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears as a guest speaker, and meetings with legislators to discuss dental Medicaid reimbursement rates, dental licensure studies, and a new dental school building for VCU. The VDA encourages members to thank legislators, contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee, and attend the 2024 Dental Days at the Capitol on January 18-20, 2024.

An Army Of One Equals An Army Of None, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) actively advocated for several key issues during Dental Days at the Capitol, including funding for a new VCU School of Dentistry building, mental health support for healthcare professionals, and legislation allowing dentists to perform Botox for cosmetic purposes. The VDA emphasized the importance of member engagement and legislative support to address workforce challenges and improve dental care in Virginia. The association also aims to implement a dental loss ratio to ensure premium dollars are spent on patient care. With significant legislative changes expected, the VDA calls for unity and increased participation from all dentists in …

Wire To Wire, Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. A. Wright Pond, inspired to become a dentist and orthodontist from a young age, balanced his dental career with a significant role in his brother Lennie Pond's NASCAR racing team. While completing his studies and starting his orthodontic practice, Dr. Pond contributed to the racing team by building car components, managing the fan club, and handling various administrative tasks. Lennie achieved notable success, including winning the Rookie-of-the-Year Award in 1973 and a first-place finish at the Talladega 500 in 1978. Despite the challenges and changes in NASCAR, Dr. Pond cherished the family collaboration and now advises new dentists to …

What Is Your “Why”?, Gary Oyster Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Gary D. Oyster, ADA Trustee for the 16th District, emphasizes the importance of understanding the "Why" behind the ADA's mission, which is to make people healthy. This guiding principle is crucial as the ADA undergoes governance changes and seeks to connect with young dentists who value health equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ADA's initiatives, such as the Dental Lifeline Network and Give Kids A Smile, exemplify efforts to improve community health. Oyster highlights that a clear "Why" statement can serve as a compass, attracting like-minded individuals and addressing current challenges in the profession.

A Much-Needed Increase, Sarah Koury Dmd, Elizabeth Berry Dds, Msd, Mph

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Medicaid Smiles for Children program saw its first reimbursement rate increase in over 16 years, with a 30% hike effective July 1, 2022, backed by $116 million in new funding. This change aims to improve access to dental care for children on Medicaid, addressing the state's historically low participation rates. The increase follows advocacy from dentists, VDA members, and students. Medicaid, established in 1965, has undergone various reforms, with the EPSDT program mandating dental care for eligible children. Higher reimbursement rates are expected to attract more providers and enhance dental care access for children in Virginia.

Abuzz With Activity, Cynthia Southern Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Cynthia Southern, President of the Association, highlights the vibrant activities and achievements of the Association as spring begins. Key events include the successful Dental Days at the Capitol, the introduction of a bill allowing dentists to administer Botox, and the establishment of a Virginia Dental Workforce Council to address workforce shortages. The House of Delegates is also pursuing legislation for a dental loss ratio and increasing Medicaid participation. Dr. Southern encourages members to support the Association, recruit new members, and attend the Virginia Dental Showcase in Norfolk.

Va Dent J April, May And June 2023

Virginia Dental Journal

The April-June 2023 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 100, No. 2) offers a comprehensive look at key developments and challenges in the field of dentistry. This issue highlights the Virginia Dental Association’s successful advocacy efforts, including a 30% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates and the passage of legislation allowing dentists to administer Botox for cosmetic purposes. Clinical insights feature prominently, with articles on oral pathology, advancements in endodontic sealers, and a comparative study of root canal treatments and implants. Readers are also treated to a compelling profile of Dr. Pond, whose career uniquely combines orthodontics and automotive racing. …

Loss Of Chop Prevents Joint Degeneration And Pain In A Mouse Model Of Pseudoachondroplasia, Jacqueline T Hecht, Alka C Veerisetty, Mohammad G Hossain, Debabrata Patra, Michele Carrer, Frankie Chiu, Dorde Relic, Paymaan Jafar-Nejad, Karen L Posey

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), a severe dwarfing condition characterized by impaired skeletal growth and early joint degeneration, results from mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). These mutations disrupt normal protein folding, leading to the accumulation of misfolded COMP in chondrocytes. The MT-COMP mouse is a murine model of PSACH that expresses D469del human COMP in response to doxycycline and replicates the PSACH chondrocyte and clinical pathology. The basis for the mutant-COMP pathology involves endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling through the PERK/eIF2α/CHOP pathway. C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), in conjunction with a TNFα inflammatory process, upregulates mTORC1, hindering autophagy clearance of mutant COMP …

Dental Clinic Deserts In The Us: Spatial Accessibility Analysis, Md Shahinoor Rahman, Jeffrey C. Blossom, Ichiro Kawachi, Renuka Tipirneni, Hawazin W. Elani

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE: Little is known about the spatial accessibility to dental clinics across the US. OBJECTIVE: To map the spatial accessibility of dental clinics nationally and to examine the characteristics of counties and US Census block groups with dental care shortage areas. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional study of US dental clinics in 2023 using data from the IQVIA national practitioners' database, which includes 205 762 active dentists. Data were analyzed from November 2023 to April 2024. EXPOSURES: Socioeconomic characteristics of block groups and counties including rurality, area deprivation, racial and ethnic segregation, and uninsured population. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Enhanced …

Enhancing Orthodontic Retraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial On Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin's Impact On Tooth Movement, Gabriel Eisenhuth, Sebastian Eisenhuth

Annual Research Symposium

Introduction: Accelerated orthodontics aims to shorten treatment duration while improving patient comfort. Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) has been proposed to enhance orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) by stimulating bone remodeling. This study evaluates the effect of i-PRF on space closure rates, anchor loss, and salivary biomarkers (ALP, AST, and LDH) during orthodontic retraction.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four participants requiring extractions and space closure were divided into two groups (n = 12 each). Group A (experimental) received i-PRF, while Group B (control) did not. Space closure, anchor loss, and salivary enzyme activity were measured at T0 (baseline), T1 (3 weeks), T2 (6 …

Development Of A Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm Model On A Typodont Platform To Investigate Its Dynamics In Orthodontics, Hibah Chughtai

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Biofilm formation plays a significant role in dental health, resulting in plaque accumulation, which can lead to caries and oral diseases. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a key bacterium involved in this process. The goal of this study was to establish a protocol for the development of an S. mutans biofilm on dental typodont teeth to analyze the effects of orthodontic brackets on biofilm formation. Understanding these dynamics is critical for developing strategies to mitigate biofilm accumulation during orthodontic treatment. Methods: S. mutans biofilms were cultivated under three conditions: 96-well tissue culture plates, S. mutans inoculated non-bracketed …

Dental Hygiene Program Feasibility In Kailua Kona, Hawaii, William Li, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Establishing a dental hygiene program in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, could address critical gaps in local healthcare but requires careful consideration of its feasibility given the significant costs involved. This literature review assesses existing studies to understand the potential for success, focusing on effective recruitment and retention strategies that have been implemented in other rural and underserved regions. Findings reveal that communities worldwide face similar challenges in attracting healthcare providers to remote areas, with successful programs often integrating mandatory externships to encourage healthcare workers to experience and engage with underserved communities. Given Hawaii’s diverse ethnic makeup, insights from cross-cultural and global …

Dental Hygiene Programs’ Use Of Oral Health Literacy Techniques For Special Needs Patients And Caregivers, Socorro D. Tejeda Diaz

Dental Hygiene ETDs

This study examined oral health literacy communication techniques in dental hygiene programs across the U.S. for special needs patients and their caregivers. The study surveyed 46 U.S. dental hygiene program directors on communication techniques, degrees offered, and subject areas. Two-sample t-tests compared differences in communication techniques between AAS and BAS and subject areas. Most respondents routinely employed printed materials with 2 or 3 concepts, speak slowly, and simple language. When comparing the variances in communication techniques offered in AAS and BAS, we observed a t-statistic of 2.06 with a corresponding p-value of 0.54. This suggests that the mean communication techniques …

Transforming Care: Elevating Oral Hygiene Compliance To Combat Nosocomial Aspiration Pneumonia In Adult Oncology Patients, Karina Larrea

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective Aspiration pneumonia is a preventable, yet common complication in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy, steered by suboptimal compliance with oral hygiene protocols and elevated susceptibility due to mucosal barrier injuries. Despite its major impact on healthcare costs and morbidity, compliance with evidence-based practices remains inadequate. Aim This project aimed to decrease nosocomial aspiration pneumonia rates from 1.5% to 1.3% by enhancing oral hygiene compliance from 41% to 70% over a 12-week period. Methods Proposed interventions included implementing paired oral hygiene order sets into electronic medical records, once-per-shift cues, staggered patient education sessions, and staff education on standardized protocols. Pre-intervention data …

Reducing The Incidence Of Nosocomial Aspiration Pneumonia In The Adult Oncology Population Through Improved Compliance With Oral Hygiene Protocols, Kenneth R. Brown

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective

Oncology patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of complications such as mucosal barrier injuries (MBI) and aspiration pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia rates are higher than desired. Improved oral hygiene protocols and compliance in this population reduces the incidence of these complications.

Context and Background

The microsystem assessed includes six oncology units at Hospital A, a large California academic hospital. Aspiration pneumonia, commonly associated with MBI, is a life-threatening challenge that increases costs and complications in oncological treatment settings. An aspiration pneumonia task force focused on six oncology acute care units is committed to reducing the incidence of hospital acquired …

Take Charge Of Your Health: Start With Your Smile, Jordan L. Lacey, Brizette O. Owusu, Sophia Gardner, Madeline Whitehead, Haeun Park, May Ligno

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Take Charge of Your Health: Start with Your Smile

Oral health is a fundamental component of overall health, yet it is often neglected-particularly among vulnerable populations like houseless individuals (Freitas et al., 2019). Houseless individuals face numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, with dental services being limited. This lack of access contributes to a higher prevalence of oral diseases, which if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. Poor oral health doesn’t just affect the mouth; it negatively impacts one’s overall systemic health, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life (Csikar et al., 2019).

As nursing students engaged in a Community Health …