ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Following a meeting at the EUROPERIO in Berlin in 2003, a forum on Independent Practice of Dental Hygienists was held at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Madrid July, 2004. The forum was organized and moderated by Beate Gatermann, President of the German Dental Hygiene Association. The participants were asked to address the following issues: population of country/state; population of dentists; population of state recognized dental hygienists (Canada/USA etc.); number of hygienists with 'Diploma' (Europe); duration of dental hygiene education; cost of education (2/3 year base approximately); when and how independent practice began in the country and who must be consulted or approve the application for an independent office (e.g. Health Department); what services are allowed? Can dental hygienists administer local anaesthesia in the dental office, and if so, must a dentist be present? Can dental hygienists purchase the necessary medication for the injection? Does the dental hygienist require additional education to provide local anaesthesia? How are the patients charged? Does the country offer a service fee list? Do insurance companies pay claims of the dental hygienist? What is the approximate average fee per hour charged (Euro/dollars)? Do dentists refer patients to you? If so, do they need a letter of referral? Are dental hygienists allowed to take radiographs in independent dental hygiene offices?
Subject(s)
Dental Care , Dental Hygienists , Internationality , Professional Autonomy , Canada , Dental Care/economics , Dental Care/legislation & jurisprudence , Dental Hygienists/economics , Dental Hygienists/education , Dental Hygienists/legislation & jurisprudence , Europe , Humans , Practice Management, Dental/economics , Practice Management, Dental/legislation & jurisprudence , United StatesSubject(s)
Dental Hygienists , Heart Diseases , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Women's Health , Cause of Death , Electrocardiography , Female , Health Education , Heart Diseases/etiology , Heart Diseases/prevention & control , Humans , Life Style , Obesity/complications , Periodontal Diseases/physiopathology , Risk Assessment , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Scientists are looking at a variety of ways to prevent disease and help insure wellness across the lifespan. Health and disease are linked to human behavior, environment, and biology. Biological influences are many, including a person's sex. Age-old infectious diseases continue to warrant out attention, whether they are acute or chronic. Changing models of disease are focusing on quality of life issues, taking into account the physiological and social influences that affect one's life from cradle to grave. This article reviews recent discoveries in the area of antibiotics, premedication, genetics, obesity, tongue piercing, and tongue splitting. As oral health care professionals, dental hygienists should be aware of the latest trends in research, and models of disease prevention and maintenance of wellness.
