July 23, 2008

Michigan CDHC Update
On June 19, a bill to establish the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) provider was introduced in the Michigan state legislature. SB 1400 would establish a CDHC pilot program to allow CDHCs to practice in areas designated as “dentally underserved” by the state board of dentistry.  The pilot program would be four years in length but it could be extended.

The proposed bill would enable CDHCs to take radiographs, apply fluorides, coronal polish, place temporary restorative materials, and scale Type I gingivitis patients, among other services.  The bill directs the CDHC to work under the supervision of a dentist, although the level of supervision is not articulated.  The provider would not be licensed by the state and would be required to complete a training program accredited by the “American Dental Association’s Workforce Models National Coordinating and Development Committee” and the ADA’s “Curriculum Committee.”

The legislation is pending in the Senate Committee on Families and Human Services. To date, no hearing date has been set.

Research that Develops YOU!
Changing Clinicians’ Behavior: a Randomized Controlled Trial of Fees and Education   J.E. Clarkson, S. Turner, J.M. Grimshaw, C.R. Ramsay, M. Johnston, A. Scott, D. Bonetti, C.J. Tilley, G. Maclennan, R. Ibbetson, L.M.D. MacPherson, and N.B. Pitts J Dent Res 2008 87: 640-644. [Abstract] [Full Text] [Figures Only] [PDF] [Appendix]
This was the first experimental study in primary dental care to use a rigorous design to compare the effectiveness of fee-for-service and educational interventions in promoting evidence-based practice, and led to the introduction of a direct fee for fissure-sealing.

 Characterization of Dental Pulp Stem Cells of Human Tooth Germs T. Takeda, Y. Tezuka, M. Horiuchi, K. Hosono, K. Iida, D. Hatakeyama, S. Miyaki, T. Kunisada, T. Shibata, and K. Tezuka J Dent Res 2008 87: 676-681. [Abstract] [Full Text] [Figures Only] [PDF] [Appendix]  
The authors characterized human dental pulp stem cells isolated from an earlier developmental stage to evaluate their potential for tissue-regenerative therapy.

Weighing in on Weight Screening in the Dental Office: Practical Approaches Anne Lenore Hague and Riva Touger-Decker
J Am Dent Assoc 2008; 139: 934-938. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  
Conducting routine weight screening in dental practices is supported by the multifaceted relationship among body weight, oral health and the "globesity" epidemic. Weight screenings may help reduce malnutrition and oral, chronic and systemic disease risks through early detection and referral to registered dietitians and physicians.
Hand Hygiene Among General Practice Dentists: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Ronnie Myers, Elaine Larson, Bin Cheng, Aaron Schwartz, Keith Da Silva, and Carol Kunzel, J Am Dent Assoc 2008; 139: 948-957. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  
Further education of the dental community is warranted to improve HH compliance, efficacy of HH practices and skin health.
A Regional Survey of Dentists’ Preferences for Hiring a Dental Associate Meghan C. Halley, James A. Lalumandier, Jonathan D. Walker, and James H. Houston J Am Dent Assoc 2008; 139: 973-979. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  
The results of this survey showed a wide variation in the characteristics dentists prefer when hiring an associate, but interpersonal skills appear to be at least as important as technical skills for new dentists’ success.
How Can I Ethically Handle a Patient’s Request for What I Consider a Substandard Treatment Option? J Am Dent Assoc 2008; 139: 989-990. [Full Text] [PDF]

Do YOU know something we don't know?
Take advantage of the pages of Access magazine to develop, empower, and support your colleagues.

Some of the hottest oral health innovations right now involve the technology used to detect oral cancer. Do you work in a practice that goes beyond the traditional head-and-neck examination to incorporate high-tech oral cancer detection? Access might like to interview you about the type of product(s) you use, what it takes to learn to use them effectively, how patients react to them, and any other observations you have to share with Access readers. Email ChristineH@adha.net and title your email Oral Cancer Detection.

The aesthetic aspect of oral health care has had a huge impact on patient desires. Has it had an impact on your practice? Whether you work in a practice with a cosmetic focus, or a general practice that offers cosmetic services, tell us about your involvement. Do you perform in-office whitening, instruct patients in at-home whitening procedures, or have a favorite system or products to recommend? Email JeanM@ADHA.net and title your email Cosmetic Dentistry.

Access’ “Infection Control” column premiered in the August 2006 issue with an article on avian influenza by Louis DePaola, DDS. Since then, he and coauthor Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS, have written columns on face masks, handwashing and microbial resistance. What other infection control topics would you like to see covered in this column? Do you have any questions about infection control that you would like our experts to address? Let us know by emailing JeanM@adha.net, and title your email message Infection Control Inquiries. As a reminder, previous columns appeared in Access in August 2006; May-June and November 2007; and March 2008.

Access wants your questions for our “Nutrition” column. Please send your nutrition inquiries to Dr. Luisa Nappo-Dattoma at JeanM@adha.net, and title your email message Nutrition Inquiries.

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