Why don’t patients follow home care instructions? It is often frustrating for the dental professional to spend time on patient education to find out that the patient did not follow through with instructions. How the dental professional talks with the patient about their health influences their intrinsic motivation for change. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based approach that seeks to engage and activate patients in their own health. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented method of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen an individual’s motivation for and movement toward a specific goal by ...

It’s always an honour to meet with Dr. Mark Donaldson, Pharmacologist and senior Executive Director at Vizient Inc. Part of our monthly conversations, Mark spoke about the three drug classes that every dental professional should know: antimicrobials, analgesics, and local anesthetics. I hope you find the interview informative.  Chiraz Guessaier, CDA Oasis Manager Highlights Oral healthcare professionals (OHCPs) are routinely involved with the selection and prescription of medications for their patients. This course is designed to help them become better-informed prescribers of the top three drug classes employed in dentistry: antibiotics, analgesics, and local anesthetics. Patient safety is the number ...

Drs. Deborah Saunders and Joel Epstein return to Oasis Discussions to discuss a third complication that occurs during cancer therapy and beyond, xerostomia. Xerostomia affects speech, chewing, swallowing, taste and overall nutrition which may negatively affect overall treatment and patient outcomes during therapy. Xerostomia is not related to aging as much as it reflects the use of medications that result in dry mouth. See also: Oral Care in Cancer Therapy Part 1: Oral Care Pre-Head & Neck Cancer TreatmentOral Care in Cancer Therapy Part 2: Oral Care During Cancer Therapy Functions of Saliva Antimicrobial activity Control of pH Removal of ...

TMJ disorders are one of those areas where almost every dentist feels uncomfortable. In dental school we didn’t get much classroom information, and little or no clinical experience. Our treatments in practice are often hit and miss, without clarity on why sometimes we hit, and other times we miss. In this lecture Dr. Spencer will review the relevant anatomy and discuss simple examination, diagnosis and treatment techniques that will allow you to stun your next TMJD patients with your understanding of their issues, and allow you to help many more people. Learning Objectives Review and remember the relevant anatomy of ...

Dentists are uniquely positioned among health-care providers to easily evaluate for signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy performed by a qualified dentist can also be an effective treatment, literally saving lives. In this lecture, Dr. Spencer will review the basics of normal sleep, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in adults and children. You will most likely be thinking that you and everyone you know must have sleep apnea before he is through! Don’t worry though, he will also cover diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, including the dentist’s role and appliance selection. If you or someone close ...

The management of extraction sockets is very important especially when implant placement will be considered in the long-term. Highlights There are significant vertical, buccal and lingual bone changes after extraction Whenever possible, alveolar ridge preservation is ideal for patients and their restorative treatment Preservation of the alveolar ridge can help optimize restorative treatment as the implant can be placed in the best suitable position and location Various types of grafting material are available and one is not preferred over another Resorbable and non-resorbable membrane are also available. Resorbable membranes are easier to use for both the clinician and the patient. ...

Dr. Howard Tenenbaum spoke with Dr. Suham Alexander about his lecture at #ASM150 titled: Diagnosis and Management of Orofacial Pain. Highlights Dr. Tenenbaum will address methods relating to taking a proper history for patients with facial pain. This will also include diagnostic and treatment methods and will be followed by case reports that exemplify the issues touched on in regard to history and diagnosis. Learning Objectives To learn how to take a proper history for patients with pain To learn how to examine and treat patients with chronic facial pain To understand the complexity of chronic facial pain Dr. Tenebaum’s lecture ...

Dr. John Molinari spoke with Dr. Suham Alexander about his lecture during #ASM150 titled: Hands-On Infection Control Workshop. Highlights This interactive workshop considers current concepts and available approaches in the application of infection control precautions. Recommended guidelines and regulations routinely provide clinicians with appropriate products and material choices designed to minimize crosscontamination and cross-infection. These are applicable in the areas of hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eyewear, and gowns), instrument processing, sterilization monitoring, dental waterline asepsis, and surface disinfection, among others. This workshop considers appropriate application of representative infection control products and materials. Potential implications of misuse of items ...