Hannah Welk

[email protected]

Federally Qualified Health Center

Dental visits lag for publicly insured patients

By August 2020, privately insured patients were visiting the dentist at about the same rate as before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association. But dental utilization still lagged by 7.5% for patients with public insurance.

July 28, 2021

2019 11 18 21 42 2768 Insurance Computer 400

Wearing a mask makes people aware of their bad breath

Wearing a face mask makes people aware of their bad breath, according to a recent survey published in Oral Diseases. The use of face masks also led respondents to make significant changes in their oral hygiene habits.

July 21, 2021

2020 08 04 16 15 1949 Bad Breath 400

Tooth loss is a risk factor for dementia

Tooth loss is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia, according to a meta-analysis published on July 8 in the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. What's worse, the risk of cognitive decline increases with each lost tooth.

July 7, 2021

2017 03 23 09 31 27 127 Patient Elderly Holding Hand 400

Patients are willing to pay for preventive dental care

People are willing to pay for scale and polish services and oral hygiene advice even without seeing the immediate benefits, according to a study published in the July print edition of the Journal of Dental Research.

June 30, 2021

2021 03 23 22 18 5645 Money Bag Grant Award 400

Periodontal disease cost U.S. $154B in 2018

Periodontal disease comes with a high cost: The U.S. lost $154.1 billion in 2018 due to the condition, according to an analysis published on May 30 in the Journal of Periodontology. The loss was even worse in Europe, where periodontal disease cost the region nearly 158.6 billion euros ($194 billion U.S.).

June 9, 2021

2021 06 08 16 00 2960 Bank Notes 400

Dental Education

Twitter can be useful for dental education

Twitter can be useful for dental education, according to a review published in the Journal of Dental Education. The social media network's open access platform, limited advertisements, and free registration make it an appealing tool for students' interactive learning, the authors wrote.

June 2, 2021

2021 06 02 15 30 6822 Twitter Bird 400

Dental Education

Dental graduate medical costs are a growing investment

Dental graduate medical education is a growing public investment that policy may need to address, according to a study published on May 27 in JAMA Network Open. The Medicare program spends millions each year supporting dental education programs, despite limited support for Medicare beneficiaries.

May 27, 2021

2021 02 09 18 56 7817 Doctors Residents Student Education 400

Gingivitis tied to increased risk of future depression

European researchers discovered a link between gingivitis and depression in a study published in the June 2021 edition of the Journal of Psychiatric Research. Patients with chronic gingivitis had almost double the risk of developing depression as those with healthy gums.

May 19, 2021

2020 02 07 23 18 9099 Dental Patient Periodontal Exam 400

Preventive dental care tied to lower Medicaid costs in NY

Preventive dentistry services provided more than just better health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries in New York, according to a study published on April 21 in the Journal of Dental Research. Participants who took advantage of preventive dental care also saved the state Medicaid program money.

May 5, 2021

2019 06 12 18 52 1138 Insurance Check 400

TMD linked to exposure to violence in children

Adolescents who report temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain and jaw dysfunction are more often exposed to violence, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

April 28, 2021

2021 04 28 22 14 5437 Child Sad 400

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Hands grip prison bars in dim lighting, symbolizing incarceration and confinement.

Dentist sentenced to 2 decades of hard labor

A dentist who pleaded guilty to attacking and strangling a woman until she lost consciousness has been sentenced.

A male patient has his eyes examined by an opthomologist.

Gum disease may be linked to serious eye condition

A woman brushes her teeth while checking her phone in a bathroom mirror reflection.

Brush and add 1 more thing: A simple dental home care approach that sticks

Bright orange pumpkins displayed on straw next to dried corn stalks in an autumn harvest decoration.

Cornstalks, city fines lead dentist to lose Halloween spirit

A young girl smiles as the viewer.

What 1 hour of screen time may mean for a toddler's teeth

Case study: Replacing a debonded zirconia crown with a different type of material

By Meena Barsoum, DMD

A dentist tests SprintRay Midas Restore on a failed zirconia crown, discovering a material built for polish, flex, and fit.

October 14, 2026

It may not be a hiring problem: A look at the patterns behind dental team turnover

Recurring dental team turnover may point to hidden patterns between dentists and staff. Dr. Matthew Norton offers a simple test.

October 14, 2026

Supervisors can’t be held liable in dental whistleblower case

By Melissa Busch

A recent California court decision reshapes who may be held liable for whistleblower retaliation claims.

October 13, 2026

Close up of a judge's wood gavel. In the background is a judge signing a document.

3 tips to help keep dentists out of the courtroom

By Dr. Monique M. Nadeau

A dentist who reviews malpractice cases shares habits that keep complaints out of court.

October 13, 2026

Opinion: Before you beta test that new dental technology, read the fine print

Before joining a dental tech beta program, patent attorney Kwanwoo Lee explains what you should check first.

October 13, 2026

Close-up of a woman's hands typing on a laptop computer keyboard.

Dentist gets probation for infection control violations

By Melissa Busch

A dentist's sterilization failures spark mandatory probation and surprise inspections.

October 12, 2026

Blurred boardroom meeting with professionals seated around a conference table in a modern office setting.

These U.S. kids may be the most exposed to amalgam-related mercury

By Melissa Busch

Mercury exposure disparities related to amalgam fillings exist among children, according to a new study.

October 12, 2026

Close-up photo of a tooth with an amalgam filling.

Do’s and don’ts for enhancing the new patient experience

By Dr. Roger P. Levin

Following Dr. Roger P. Levin's tips, you can ensure a patient's first visit leads to a highly satisfied, lifelong patient.

October 12, 2026

AI, treatment planning, and the future of full-arch dental implants

21D founder Dr. Rajesh Vijay explains how AI could help general dentists plan treatment for full-arch cases in 15 minutes.

October 12, 2026

Cover image of The DrBicuspid.com Podcast featuring a masked cartoon dentist, a microphone, and sound wave graphics.

Work less for the good of teeth? Maybe.

By Melissa Busch

A new study reveals that working long hours leads women to skip dental visits, with white-collar workers affected the most.

October 9, 2026

A woman working at a desk rubs her eyes. Behind her is a blurred office.

Zirconia cementation made easy: The ideal cements are here now!

By Dr. Peter Auster

Shofu's BeautiLink SA combines Giomer bioactivity, strong zirconia bonding, and easy cleanup. Learn why it earned Catapult's Vote of Confidence.

October 9, 2026

Dr. Tom Giacobbi discusses the AAP's Dental Hygienist Recognition Program

By DrBicuspid.com staff writers

Learn how the AAP Dental Hygienist Recognition Program helps hygienists learn, connect, earn CE, and advance periodontal care.

October 9, 2026

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

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