Melissa Busch

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[email protected]

Infection Control

Some Calif. counties require dental teams to get flu vaccine

About one-sixth of the counties in California have ordered healthcare workers, including dental professionals, to get vaccinated for influenza, according to information from county health departments.

November 12, 2020

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There may be a way to eat sugar-laced yogurt without dental harm

Adding a common anti-tooth decay milk product to processed yogurt not only prevents enamel demineralization but also repairs lesions on the harder outer layer of teeth, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Dentistry.

November 11, 2020

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Did you know there's a rare tumor that mimics periodontitis?

An oral surgeon diagnosed and treated a teen with a rare vascular tumor in her mouth after a dentist and periodontist improperly treated her for periodontitis for two years. Details of the case were published on November 6 in BMC Oral Health.

November 10, 2020

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What could be the latest link between SARS-CoV-2 and oral lesions?

In addition to oral lesions being an early sign of COVID-19, infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus may trigger the late onset of secondary ulcers in patients, according to a letter to the editor published on November 1 in Oral Diseases.

November 9, 2020

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How did hygienists fare working during the COVID-19 peak in Italy?

Only seven dental hygienists who were working while COVID-19 was surging in Italy, including the hardest hit spot of Lombardy, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to an article published on October 31 in BMC Health Services Research.

November 8, 2020

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Is the pandemic patient drop here? Maybe

Now that 99% of dental offices in the U.S are open following pandemic shutdowns, fewer practices are reporting "business as usual," according to the most recent data from the ADA's Health Policy Institute.

November 5, 2020

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Imaging saves teen with oral surgery-linked 'forgotten disease'

Imaging and early antibiotic intervention saved the life of an 18-year-old man in Kansas who was diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome, or the "forgotten disease," after wisdom teeth extraction, according to a case report published on October 20 in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.

November 4, 2020

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Infection Control

Do you know which dental habit may limit the spread of COVID-19?

People who were living with at least one person who tested positive for COVID-19 and brushed their tongue daily were less likely to become infected by the novel coronavirus, in a study published on October 19 in BMC Oral Health.

November 2, 2020

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Oral rinse recalled due to possible microbial contamination

Illinois-based medical supplier Sunstar Americas has issued a voluntary U.S. recall for its chlorhexidine oral rinse, which dental patients are prescribed to treat gingivitis, due to possible microbial contamination.

November 1, 2020

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Dental Specialties

A new noninvasive way to treat TMJDs?

When Dr. Merve Benli, PhD, and her fellow researchers began looking into aromatherapy massage as a new treatment for temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs), they admittedly were skeptical. Then they saw it worked.

October 29, 2020

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Close-up of a man exchanging a letter with another man. A man is turning in his written resignation letter.

Dental school dean resigns over anti-Semitic images in course work

A dean of dentistry resigned following an external investigation concerning the use of anti-Semitic imagery in course materials.

A professional man sitting in a modern office holds his jaw with a pained expression.

TMDs may be ruining patients’ lives

Dental Trade Alliance podcast cover image featuring Rachel Spivey, the alliance's director of government affairs.

Inside the Dental Trade Alliance’s strategy for Capitol Hill

Two lawyers in business attire shake hands over a desk with legal documents resting on top. Nearby is a gavel and a legal scale.

Charges to be dismissed against ex-dental employee

Cover image of the Just A Minute, Doc YouTube series with Dr. Tom Giacobbi.

Dr. Tom Giacobbi on rethinking your dental practice's scheduling habits

Ban kids from parents’ dental visits? Dentists chime in

By Melissa Busch

Dentists share their thoughts after kids were banned for misbehaving during their mother's teeth cleaning.

November 6, 2025

A young woman wearing glasses reads a letter.

What dental practices are doing right and wrong with collections

By DrBicuspid.com staff writers

California Dental Association's Matthew Nelson joins the podcast with some ideas to boost your dental practice's collections.

November 6, 2025

Is the culture in your practice by design or default?

By Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH

Your practice culture isn't an accident, writes Kelly Tanner, RDH, PhD. It's either intentionally designed or formed by default. Which one are you creating?

November 6, 2025

Gaining a wingman in the dental practice

Overwhelmed? Production plateaued? Hiring an associate doctor could restore work-life balance and ensure practice sustainability, says Bob Spiel.

November 6, 2025

Gum disease may be linked to migraines

Patients with periodontitis may have an 80% greater risk of experiencing migraines than those with healthy gums.

November 5, 2025

Woman sits on a bed holding her head with both hands, indicating she has a migraine.

Patients may be depressed, but it may be great for their gums

By Melissa Busch

Taking antidepressants may reduce the risk of developing gum disease, especially the most severe forms of gum inflammation.

November 5, 2025

Close up of white pills and an orange prescription bottle.

Clinical tip: Better ways to prepolish zirconia in the dental practice

Dr. Dan Butterman from CDOCS offers a restoration tip that can elevate the cosmetic dentistry game for any dentist.

November 5, 2025

Dr. Dan Butterman.

The truth about clinical notes

By Michelle Repash

Your clinical notes are more than paperwork -- they're your legal protection and payment guarantee, says Michelle Repash.

November 5, 2025

A dentist and assistant refer to an electronic dental chart during a patient exam.

Gum disease may leave you itching

By Melissa Busch

Patients with gum disease may face double the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, the chronic skin condition often referred to as eczema that causes red, itchy skin.

November 4, 2025

Hand with red, inflamed skin showing signs of dermatitis or allergic reaction.

Why clean claims aren't luck, and how to get more of them in your dental practice

Clean dental claims aren't luck. They are the result of consistent daily and weekly practices, writes Ashley Bond.

November 4, 2025

MS linked to specific oral microbiome

An altered oral microbiome and metabolites may be a factor in the development of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), suggests a study.

November 4, 2025

Microscopic view of colorful viral particles and cellular structures in vibrant detail, representing the microbiome.

FDA cracks down on ingestible fluoride for kids

By Melissa Busch

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved to restrict the use of prescription ingestible fluoride supplements in children.

November 3, 2025

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