Next-Generation Hygiene Tools

Research in recent years has firmly established the significance of the relationship between oral health and systemic health. Acknowledging the relationship is only the start, however; the next step is acting on that knowledge to develop new solutions to provide better patient care.

This issue of Inside Dental Hygiene explores two methods—one diagnostic, the other preventive—that dental hygienists can utilize to positively impact patients' overall health from the dental chair. Our cover story explores the relatively new frontier of salivary analysis and how a simple test administered in the chair without the need for any expensive equipment can identify increased risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. Meanwhile, in this month's continuing education article, Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, MEd, RF, describes how oral probiotics can be used to prevent imbalances within the oral biofilm and alleviate periodontal disease—which, of course, is associated with several systemic conditions.

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The dental hygienist's job in the future will go beyond standard scaling and root planing, prophy, and other traditional hygiene procedures. The newest tools at your disposal continue to increase the potential impact of a hygiene appointment on a patient's overall health. Education and implementation are the next steps in making that impact a reality.

Editorial Advisory Board

India R. Chance,BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

Maria L. Geisinger, DDS

Lory Laughter, RDH, MS

Ashley Leavitt, RDH

Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH

Jill Meyer-Lippert, RDH

Tricia Osuna, RDH, BSDH, FAADH

Stephanie Pajot, RDH

Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH

Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSC