Mastering the Challenge of Health Data in Dentistry

In the past on this site there has been discussion of using an outcomes data registry for dentistry and a quality data registry in dentistry to help assess complications, outcomes, and treatment effects in dentistry. A data registry is used to monitor what occurs in clinical practice on a regular basis to help with quality of care improvements and more satisfied patients. In recent years, an explosion of data has occurred due to advances in information technology which has led to the area of dental informatics. An interesting article titled “Health Data in Dentistry: An Attempt to Master the Digital Challenge,” written by Tim Joda et al. appears in the 2019 issue of Public Health Genomics (no. 22, pp. 1-7, Published Online Aug. 7, 2019). The article discusses a blueprint to master the challenge of health data collection, sharing and analytics, along with … Read more

Dental Bridges in Jacksonville – Benefits of Getting Them

For those individuals that have been looking for a slightly more permanent solution for their missing teeth and are not sure what to opt for, dental bridges may be an option. There are normally four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported, which are described well on healthline.com for further reading. Not many people know this, but unlike your normal dental implants, these types of bridges can replace any individuals missing teeth(s) without needing to go through any kind of surgery. The best part about it, is they now come in a porcelain finish, which means the chances of anyone knowing the difference between your natural teeth or tooth, and the bridge is nero zero. It is barely indistinguishable from any other teeth around it. Besides this one main advantage to dental bridges, other things get positively … Read more

Dental Practitioners – Some Distinctions Between Pediatric Dentists and Other Types of Dentistry

All dental practitioners deal with oral health issues. While this is true, the practice is further divided into many fields that one can specialize in. As such, they perform different duties depending on the specialization. This creates various types of practitioners such as cosmetic, pediatric, and general dentists. The latter provides generalized oral healthcare services and is at the very basic level of dentistry. They can also do referrals where special care is needed. This article serves to highlight the differences between pediatric and other types of dentistry. For more details, you can for example visit a pediatric dentist in Roanoke and get your questions answered. What is the level of training? In general, all practitioners must acquire a bachelor’s degree from certified institutions and then proceed to attend and graduate from a legitimate dental school. This equips practitioners with … Read more

How to Find the Right Dentist

Looking to get some work done on your pearly whites? Maybe you’re seeking a professional diagnosis. Perhaps it’s simply time for a routine checkup. Regardless, it’s important that you find the right partner in oral health. Not all dentists are the same, and you need to know what to look out for. They should have ample training and experience for your individual requirements. This will ensure that you have someone to rely on in the event of any aches, allergies or anxieties. Here’s how to find the right dentist. Obtain Referrals You might be searching for a dentist after moving to a new area. Consider asking the neighborhood pharmacist or nearby friends and family for recommendations. Put the word out and see what comes back. If you aren’t familiar with the locals, you can browse through online reviews or consult … Read more

Oral Surgeons License Suspended for Five Years After Patients Contract Bacterial Infection of the Heart

An oral surgeon in New Jersey has agreed to a five year suspension of his license after 15 patients contracted the bacterial heart infection endocarditis at his office. The oral surgeon also agreed to pay $243,500 in penalties and $50,000 in costs totaling $293,500, to resolve the State of New Jersey’s allegations that he exposed his patients to the risk of contracting endocarditis due to his failure to follow proper infection control procedures at this office. Twelve of the fifteen patients who contracted endocarditis required subsequent surgery and one died as a result of the bacterial heart infection. The investigation into the oral surgeon’s practice began after a 25 year old man was diagnosed with endocarditis about five weeks after having two of his wisdom teeth extracted in June 2014. Specifically the New Jersey Department of Health officials and Enforcement … Read more