What do TMD and mental health, probiotics and oral thrush, and artificial intelligence and clinical decision-making have in common? These topics explored in the CDA Journal collection “Advances in Dentistry” represent the breadth of contemporary research directly impacting patients today.
“The future of dentistry isn’t on the horizon — it’s already here,” says guest editor Dalia Seleem, DDS, PhD, a clinician-scientist, associate professor and assistant dean for biomedical curriculum at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine. “The research presented in this collection paints a picture of dentistry that’s smarter, more compassionate and more innovative than ever before.”
In her academic career, Dr. Seleem works to bring science, education and clinical practice together to move dentistry forward, an approach reflected in this Journal collection.
As she states in the introduction, “Progress in dentistry requires integration across disciplines, innovations in care and a commitment to improving the well-being of patients.”
Evidence-based research shows dentistry’s dynamic direction
Articles in the “Advances in Dentistry” collection explore three areas of evidence-based research that demonstrate the dynamic direction that dentistry is taking today.
Understanding TMD and mental health
Temporomandibular disorders and psychological distress may go hand in hand, but which one comes first? Read the latest research on how TMJ pain contributes to psychological distress, and vice versa, and what dentists can do for their patients.
Treating candidiasis with probiotics
Oral candidiasis, typically treated with antifungal medications, has become increasingly antibiotic resistant. Could probiotics be an alternative form of therapy? Read about the current evidence.
Promises and challenges of AI CDS tools
More dentists are using AI-based clinical decision-making support tools in practice, especially for dental radiology. However, advancements in AI for dentistry are not progressing at the same rate as AI in medicine. Learn how standardized, large-scale public dental databases could accelerate AI advances for dentistry.
New dental student research
Three students at the UCSF School of Dentistry used the Medi-Cal Dental Program provider directory to test the availability of Medi-Cal dental appointments in Northern California. Read the results of their study.
More in the Journal collection, including free C.E. for members
Dentists can earn .05 C.E. units by reading a Journal article and taking a short quiz. Browse the Journal C.E. catalog for more than two dozen courses; they are free to CDA members and $25 per course for nonmembers.