A new guideline from the American Dental Association advises against using antibiotics to manage pain and swelling for most pulpal and periapical conditions in immunocompetent adults. The guideline, published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, recommends only the use of dental treatment for pulpal and periapical conditions. The new guideline comes at a time when antibiotics are under scrutiny.

The June collection of the Journal of the California Dental Association provides insights into the latest advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on dentistry and dental professionals, while also inspiring new ideas and innovations in the field. 

The age-1 dental visit is a critical first opportunity for dentists to identify disease early and manage caries using conservative, nonsurgical techniques, as well as to educate the parent or caregiver about good pediatric oral health habits.

Updated Sept. 1, 2022: California-licensed dentists can now apply for the new general anesthesia/deep sedation, moderate sedation and pediatric minimal sedation permits through the dental board's online licensing system BreEZe. 

A new law to ensure proper irrigation and disinfection of exposed pulpal tissue went into effect Jan. 1 of this year. As explained in a December 2018 Update article, the law states that water and other methods used for irrigation when performing procedures on exposed dental pulp must be “sterile or contain recognized disinfecting or antibacterial properties.”

The October 2020 issue of the CDA Journal, which explores COVID-19 connections in oral health care and dentistry, has been awarded a Maggie Award in the category of Best Digital Edition or ePublication/Consumer, Trade, Association.

The November 2022 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association showcases dental student research and includes an opportunity to earn C.E. by reading an article and completing a quiz.
 

The CDC has urged health care providers to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox regardless of specific risk factors. Dentists are well-positioned to help detect the virus during patient examinations.

Dentists are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution to reducing the harm of the current opioid/fentanyl crisis. Along with limiting the distribution of prescription opioids, dentists can take an active role in community efforts to raise awareness and increase access to naloxone.

As the number of measles cases in California and at least 25 other states continues to rise, becoming the highest number of reported cases in the U.S. since 1994, dental practices should ensure that they are screening patients for the highly contagious virus and other aerosol transmissible diseases prior to providing treatment.

Dentists and dental professionals should watch for the updated oral health assessment form and be ready to complete section 2. State law requires every child in public school in California to have this assessment completed by May 31 of their first year in school.

The October 2022 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association provides a candid view of exclusion and underrepresentation in dentistry from both the patient and clinician perspective.

Recommendations for dentists, other health care providers

Obtaining proper, legal consent for nonverbal adults is of paramount importance in the dental practice. By becoming familiar with local laws, employing effective communication strategies, involving caregivers and advocate, and maintaining documentation, dentists can provide ethical care for a vulnerable population. 

Effective communication and a basic understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act are important tools to reduce risk and improve care for patients with special needs. One call to TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line illustrates how AwDA violations might occur when practice protocols are not in place. 

While many patients are pleased with their treatment outcomes, occasionally there are patients who claim that reconstructive work did not meet their expectations. Through thoughtful communication, dentists have opportunities to mitigate patient complaints and manage expectations for increased patient satisfaction.

As of Jan. 1, 2022, California-licensed dentists who administer or order the administration of general anesthesia, moderate sedation and minimal sedation are subject to new requirements under legislation signed into law in 2018. Dentists can now apply for the new permits.

A variety of situations can prompt patients who are not local to seek dental care while they are temporarily visiting or residing in your area. As the “secondary“ general dentist, you have more liability exposure than the dentist who is performing their routine dental care. Discover how to mitigate risk when you choose to treat these patients.

Identity or treatment plan mistakes can occur in any dental practice. Research by TDIC’s analysts reveals the most commonly occurring elements are referral slip errors, performance or production pressure and staffing shortages. Prevention requires a proactive approach.

The recording of conversations between dentists and patients can pose significant risks to dental professionals, including potential HIPAA violations, loss of control over the use of the recording and legal issues related to consent. Dentists should take steps to protect patient privacy.

In dentistry, optimal patient safety exists when all members of the dental team actively work together to ensure the well-being of each patient. When a crisis does arise, a prepared team is an effective team.