A text message program showed that 60% of opioid tablets prescribed to patients for common procedures went unused in a study published on March 25 in JAMA Network Open. The researchers utilized an automated text messaging system that regularly checked in with patients about their pain and opioid use after orthopedic or urologic procedures. They found that most opioids were taken within the first few days of a procedure. Additionally,
The so-called “Hollywood smile” is becoming increasingly popular among regular people, not just celebrities, according to a survey by DentaVox of 1,975 global respondents. The main reason for getting a smile makeover is the desire to look attractive: 86% of respondents perceived Hollywood smiles as more attractive than natural smiles. Survey respondents also said they’d prefer it if their partner had that type of smile. Additionally, expectations are high for
People who enrolled in dental coverage via a Medicaid expansion program reported having healthier mouths in a new study published on March 22 in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. Improved oral health also helped them excel at work or seek new jobs, they reported. The investigators hope the findings will inform policy decisions about dental coverage for Medicaid plans throughout the U.S., especially when more people are enrolling in
A novel toothpaste demonstrated significant improvements in the gum health of patients with periodontitis in a six-month study published in the Journal of Periodontology. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and other institutions compared subjects who brushed with the novel dental gel with those who used an over-the-counter, antiplaque, antigingivitis toothpaste approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gum pocket depth improved in more than 80%
By: Allen Vean, DMD It certainly does not seem like almost four years ago I became temporary and then co-editor of our quarterly publication. In that time, I have reviewed journals, blogs, websites, newspaper articles, social media posts, and other educational outlets in hopes of providing you, the members, appropriate content that may help in your professional and personal endeavors. This year, the Articulator will focus on leadership, the different
Practice Management By: Cara Stan, MDDS Director of Marketing & Communications In 2019, the Mountain West Dental Institute (MWDI) celebrates its sixth birthday! Like much of Denver, the neighborhood around the facility has seen exciting changes. While many of the community’s favorite dining options like DiFranco’s, 100% de Agave, Drip Denver and Lowdown Brewery still remain, the opening of Broadway Market on our block means ever more options for MWDI’s
COVID-19 By: Jack Nguyen, DDS, MS What would you do if you actually ran out of toilet paper? Any given answer could plausibly work; however, think about what types of emotions were provoked by that question. What are some things that cause fear? A few examples might be heights, needles, sharks, deep waters, dogs and viruses. There’s an endless list of fears that we all have and somehow, many of
New Dentists, Reflections, Stress Management By: Amisha Singh, DDS They say we are all at risk, all the time. They say that the rates for provider burnout are at an all-time high. Depending on which study you read, they say that more than 50% of dentists are affected, with young professionals being the highest risk category. They speak the truth but all these words are just that… words. They are
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on many industries including dentistry. This is one perspective in a series of blogs on how the stay-at-home order and the virus is affecting individuals in Denver’s dental community. Do you have a story you would like to share? Email [email protected]. By: Female, Pediatric Dentist, Associate For someone who defines a lot of myself in my career as a dentist, I’m still reeling
By: Neil Wolkodoff, PhD In the dental profession, you are either standing or sitting at a forward angle during most of your work. It is simply unrealistic to expect this forward, tilting position to be mediated and corrected by sitting properly during the evening. Massage, while a great tool to get tight muscles to relax, will not undo what you practice for seven to nine hours per day. Poor posture
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on many industries including dentistry. This is one perspective in a series of blogs on how the stay-at-home order and the virus is affecting individuals in Denver’s dental community. Do you have a story you would like to share? Email [email protected]. By: Female, 4th-year dental student, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine I have to start by saying that this is probably
By: Patrick Chavoustie When you type the name of your practice into Google’s search engine, what shows up? Most likely, the information includes the name of your practice, photos, hours, etc. But who decides what this online presence looks like? Thanks to Google My Business, that can be you! Google My Business (GMB) is a free, easy-to-use profile that Google launched in 2014 to help businesses and organizations like yours