Evidence links the presence of periodontal disease to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Interdental cleaning is necessary to reduce the risk of gum disease and cleaning aids can make this easier for people with physical impairments
Older people are more likely than previous generations to have their natural teeth and are less willing to accept dentures. Dental care professionals need to consider a number of factors that affect the dental health of older people, and employ preventive measures
Air polishing is more comfortable and quicker to use than traditional scale and polish cleaning methods, and is suitable for a range of patients. Offering this service could also be an effective way of promoting your practice
Dental caries remain a major public health problem. However, research has demonstrated that minimal intervention and management approaches can make a dramatic impact in preventing dental caries. Among the most impactful tools in this new approach is sugar-free chewing gum
Loupes allow dentists, hygienists and therapists to see their working area in more detail than normal vision allows. There are several types of loupe, and a number of issues need to be considered when deciding which model to use
Bullying at work damages the health and wellbeing of affected staff and represents a huge financial cost to the NHS. Dealing with it is easier said than done, but there are steps people can take to help them cope
The Resuscitation Council (UK) recommends the ‘ABCDE’ approach to assess the acutely ill patient. A key component of ‘D’ is assessment of pupils because changes in their size, equality and reactivity can provide important diagnostic information in the critically ill patient
Lasers have great potential to improve treatment and are being increasingly used in dentistry. Patients, practice staff and visitors need to be protected from their potentially harmful effects on the skin and eyes, so dental staff need to understand and apply safety principles
There has been a big increase in the use of social media recently. While a lot of employees have their own social media profiles, many dental practices are now seeing the benefits of using social media to promote their business
Poor dental health can affect a person's comfort, appearance, eating, nutrition, behaviour and general health. Every person with dementia needs an individualised preventive approach to dental care that should ideally begin as soon as dementia is diagnosed
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition associated with periodontal disease and dry mouth. In addition, patients can find oral health care difficult. Dental care professionals need to be able to advise patients about oral health and products that can assist them
The capillary refill test is a measurement of the time interval from the release of soft tissue pressure until the return to normal coloration. This article explains the use of this measurement in the dental setting, how it can avoid a medical emergency, and describes the most practical way in which
Engagement in higher education, particularly through foundation degrees, is becoming more widespread in a variety of employment and professional sectors. But what are foundation degrees, how do they differ from other courses, and could achieving one enhance your career in dental nursing?
