Dental Tribune U.S. Edition No. 10, 2016

Ad Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | October 2016 a19 hygiene NEWS know the one I mean), I was tempted to post a sign on my dental chair’s overhead lamp stating: ‘”I don’t care what ‘Good Morning America,’ the New York Times and your Facebook feed say, you still have to floss your teeth.” Health bloggers from here to Timbuktu jumped all over the fact that flossing was dropped from the guidelines issued by the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. If nothing else, it started a conversation with my pa- tients about interdental cleaning in gen- eral. As the saying goes: There is no such thing as bad publicity as long as they spell your name right. I thought a bit about the phrase “scope of practice” and how many times I had heard it mentioned by colleagues in my profession. In dentistry we know our limitations and expertise. We are legally and ethically bound not to overstep our areas of knowledge. As presenters at den- tal meetings, we are even obliged to carry special insurance in the event that we commit a transgression in this delicate area of “expertise.” I dug a little into the backgrounds of some of the “expert” health writers for major newspapers. One health writer, who was quoted quite a bit during the re- cent flossing “skirmish,” was armed with a master’s degree in literature from Oxford University. Impressive. Her master’s the- sis was based on the early 20th century Russian poet Vladimir Nabokov. Nabokov was a fascinating character with the same sort of aristocratic childhood as Edith Wharton. He also wrote about the profun- dity of dental woes. “A toothache will cost a battle, a drizzle and an insurrection.” I’m considering submitting an article to Car and Driver magazine suggesting that oil changes might not be a necessity. After all, I own a car. “ TELLNG, page A18 Mydent has launched new and im- proved DEFEND Level 1, 2 and 3 Face Masks to protect health-care profession- als based on procedures performed. The masks comply with guidelines set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and feature a new four- fold design for improved breathability. DEFEND Level 1 masks (ASTM low bar- rier) are designed for procedures with low amounts of blood, fluid, spray and/or aerosol exposure — such as with patient exams, operatory cleaning, impressions, lab trimming and orthodontic work. Available in blue, pink and white (sensi- tive), they feature dual-fit chin contour technology, are fiberglass/latex free and are made with a form-fitting pliable nose and chin band. DEFEND Level 2 masks (ASTM moderate barrier) are ideal for procedures where moderate to light amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced. Level 2 masks are suitable for restoratives, pro- phylaxis, sealants, limited oral surgery and endodontic work. Available in blue, pink and white, they are fiberglass/latex free, made with a form-fitting pliable nose and chin band and have dual-fit chin contour. DEFEND Level 3 masks (ASTM high bar- rier) are designed for procedures with moderate to heavy amounts of blood, flu- id, spray and/or aerosol exposure — such as implant placement, crown preparation and periodontal or complex oral surgery. Protecting against high bacterial infil- tration, Level 3 masks feature a four-ply Mydent launches new DEFEND Level 1, 2, 3 masks design with a fluid resistant outer layer. These masks are also available in blue, pink, and white. All three masks are avail- able through most dental dealers. Mydent International is dedicated to fully main- taining its brand promise: “To provide health-care pro- fessionals with the highest quality infection-control products, disposables, preventatives, impression-material systems, rotary in- struments and restoratives at affordable prices, supported by superior service and 100 percent customer satisfaction.” For free samples, visit www.defend. com/freesamples or call (800) 275-0020. For more information on the masks and other DEFEND brand products, visit www. defend.com or call (800) 275-0020. (Source: Mydent International) From left, the Mydent DEFEND Level 1, 2 and 3 Face Masks. Photos/Provided by Mydent International Photo/Dental Tribune America

Dental Tribune U.S. Edition No. 10, 2016

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