Stop Diagnosing the Pocketbook

Posted on May 18, 2018May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

Cost is a consideration for all of us, which we take into account when deciding whether or not to purchase a wide variety of goods and services. Our responsibility as clinicians is to make recommendations to help patients achieve the best health possible, without letting our preconceived ideas about the patient’s ability to afford treatment get in the way – what I refer to as diagnosing the pocketbook. One of the things we do not know and cannot predict is how much value the patient puts on ...

Testing and Coding Improving Patient’s Health

Posted on May 4, 2018May 19, 2021 by Patti DiGangi RDH BS

Periodontal disease starts with a biofilm-based infection that creates a wound that in turn, induces the inflammatory cascade responsible for the disease. This wound should be taken seriously! A variety of tests are available to determine risk, genetics, and the specific pathogens involved with periodontal disease. OralDNA® Labs salivary diagnostic testing helps improve oral health outcomes and enables patients to make more informed choices regarding their professional treatment and at-ho...

The Co-management of an Esophageal Cancer Survivor

Posted on April 20, 2018May 19, 2021 by Camille Luke RDH MSDH

Background: The patient is a 75-year-old female with a history of esophageal cancer in 2013. The origin of the cancer was determined to be lichen planus. Surgical removal of the lesion occurred and no reconstructive surgery was needed. However, post-surgery to present date, the patient experiences severe acid reflux and sleeps with her head elevated. She has great home dental care and follows a 3-month periodontal maintenance. During the head and neck exam, no significant findings were disco...

Advancing Patient Care Through the Use of OraRisk® HPV Salivary Testing: An Interview with Camille Luke

Posted on April 6, 2018May 19, 2021 by Camille Luke RDH MSDH

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how and why you utilize OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Camille RDH: Currently we use the OraRisk® HPV test in 5 different dental practices. Our team members use this test as part of our oral cancer screening process. At a continuing education course, we were introduced to the correlation between HPV and oral cancer, and felt this would be an important service to provide for our patients, especially with the increased risk of developing oral cancer associated with ...

Definition: Collecting a Salivary Diagnostic Specimen

Posted on March 30, 2018May 28, 2021 by Diane Larson RDH, BSDH

According to an article written in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, January 2009, “Saliva is a representative diagnostic specimen for an overall view of the oral microbiota, since bacteria from various sites and surfaces of the oral cavity are found in saliva and mouth rinses.”1 The OralDNA® salivary diagnostic collection is based on this principle, among several others, supporting saliva as a testing medium. Over the past decades, cumulative research has been instrumental in elevating ...

One Size Does Not Fit All

Posted on March 23, 2018May 19, 2021 by Sandra Lindo RDH

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory, polymicrobial, multifactorial disease that not only affects the periodontium but has also been linked with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Periodontal disease is a silent disease that affects over 64 million Americans. Most are unaware they have it or possess the bacteria placing them at risk. The use of MyPerioPath® is essential in determining which bacteria are present. It is a key factor in pa...

Flu Season… Why Is This Any Different Than An Infection In The Mouth?

Posted on March 16, 2018May 19, 2021 by Kandra Sellers

Is your home plagued with the flu virus? It seems to be everywhere. The young and the elderly are those most commonly affected by it; in fact there have been many reports of death associated with the 2018 flu virus. Here’s the scenario: You bring your sick loved one to the doctor, and the doctor orders laboratory test(s) typically, by a blood and urine sample. From those lab results, a determination is made if your loved one has a virus or bacterial infection. With this valuable information ...

Definition: CLIA certified? CAP accredited? What does this mean?

Posted on March 9, 2018May 19, 2021 by Dana Willard

In simple terms, being CLIA certified and CAP accredited ensures your test results are meeting and exceeding industry standards for clinical laboratory testing. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) are federal regulations for United States based clinical laboratories to provide industry standards for testing of human samples for diagnostic purposes. These amendments were added to the laboratory requirements outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, 42 CFR 493. ...

Case Study: Class III Moderate Periodontitis with Halitosis

Posted on February 16, 2018May 19, 2021 by Jamie Griggs RDH

Background: The patient is a 61-year-old male who presented with concerns of halitosis. The home care routine consisted of daily tooth brushing and inconsistent flossing. Following the periodontal assessment, the patient was classified as Class III generalized periodontitis with localized Class IV due to pocket depth measurements, heavy bleeding on probing with inflamed, bulbous and erythematous tissue. The patient has a history of periodontal therapy and has maintained a 3-month recare inte...

Knowing Your Opponent-Biofilm

Posted on February 2, 2018May 19, 2021 by Annie-Laurie Harris, BSDH, RDHMP

According to Merriam-Webster, biofilm is defined as a thin usually resistant layer of microorganisms (such as bacteria) that form on and coat various surfaces. Environmental biofilms are found on the mountain stream rock beds, the dog’s water bowl, etc.. Oral biofilms are the slimy layer on retainers and night guards. They are present in the sulcus and depending on the composition of the biofilm can be very pathogenic. Biofilms are constantly responding to their environment and evolving. ...