Employee relations.

This review highlights some of the more important employee relation aspects involved in starting, establishing, or expanding an existing dental practice. Despite a competitive compensation package, staff-related conflicts can sometimes hamper the progress of a dental practice. Such conflicts can be reduced by having policies and procedures in place for each employee that set expectations concerning the hours of operation, professional manner, dress code, job tasks, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and termination if violations occur. Understanding the legal requirements set by various governmental agencies such as OSHA can help ensure that the rights and well-being of every employee are protected.

Using audience response technology for pretest reviews in an undergraduate nursing course.

Implementing strategies to promote classroom interaction has been shown to enhance learning. In this study, we used an audience response system (ARS), an emerging technology, to actively engage students in examination reviews in an undergraduate nursing anatomy and physiology course. The reviews, set up as a pre-test of 25 questions in a format similar to that of the game Jeopardy!, were used before six of the eight examinations. Average scores of the class on examinations preceded by the interactive ARS review were compared with those on examinations preceded by the more traditional, lecture-style review; no significant improvement due to ARS use was found. However, results from a student satisfaction survey about ARS use demonstrated positive attitudes and perceived benefit from this interactive technology.

Composite resin in medicine and dentistry.

Composite resin has been used for nearly 50 years as a restorative material in dentistry. Use of this material has recently increased as a result of consumer demands for esthetic restorations, coupled with the public's concern with mercury-containing dental amalgam. Composite is now used in over 95% of all anterior teeth direct restorations and in 50% of all posterior teeth direct restorations. Carbon fiber reinforced composites have been developed for use as dental implants. In medicine, fiber-reinforced composites have been used in orthopedics as implants, osseous screws, and bearing surfaces. In addition, hydroxyapatite composite resin has become a promising alternative to acrylic cement in stabilizing fractures and cancellous screw fixation in elderly and osteoporotic patients. The use of composite resin in dentistry and medicine will be the focus of this review, with particular attention paid to its physical properties, chemical composition, clinical applications, and biocompatibility.

Gold as an implant in medicine and dentistry.

The purpose of this collective review is to study the history, physical and chemical properties, application, and clinical consequences of gold implants in the dental and medical fields. Gold implants are used in various medical procedures, including reconstructive surgery of the middle ear, upper lid closure in facial nerve paresis-induced lagophthalmos, drug delivery microchips, antitumor treatment, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, use on the surface of voice prostheses, and endovascular stents, with sound clinical results. However, in order to achieve better therapeutic benefits, clinical reports have documented that the surface of gold implants have been modified or encased in biocompatible alloplastic materials, or they have been replaced by cheaper and more biocompatible materials. Gold is also applied to a long list of dental prostheses, including inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, periodontal splints, and post and cores. It has sufficient strength and corrosion resistance, and it is relatively biocompatible. In addition, gold dental prostheses have a long life cycle. However, esthetic concerns and cost make it a less desirable prosthesis today than in the past.

Surgical endodontic retrograde root-end filling materials.

The treatment of diseased and necrotic pulpal tissue in teeth spans has been well known throughout history. Root canal treatment in the twentieth century has included complete removal of pulpal remnants to remove the failing tissue and then obturating the canal space with biocompatible material. This treatment preserves individual teeth to further function as part of a whole dentition for the patient's well-being. Failed root canal treatment, however, sometimes requires surgical intervention to treat the teeth from the root end. This article reviews the materials placed in intimate contact with tissues in this surgical procedure. The implications of these various materials within the tissues are discussed, along with clinical signs and symptoms a healthcare provider might encounter when examining these patients. There is no clear-cut "best" material for root-end surgical obturation at this time. Therefore, major materials that might be used are included in this discussion.

Strategies for communicating with older dental patients.

BACKGROUND: Communication between dentists and patients 65 years or older is a critical aspect of providing optimum care, particularly given the increasing number of older adults and the communication barriers they often encounter. METHODS: The authors conducted a targeted literature review of the broad health communication literature and published health literacy guidelines to examine the barriers to effective communication that are specific to the older adult population, as well as strategies for overcoming these barriers. RESULTS: Findings from health communication and health literacy research provide insight into techniques to improve communication with older patients, such as preparing an agenda for the appointment, exhibiting warm nonverbal behavior, listening attentively, asking open-ended questions, using simple language, presenting key points one at a time and providing patients with written instructions. CONCLUSIONS: Physical, psychological and literacy issues pertaining to both patients and providers present barriers to effective communication. Practitioners can surmount these barriers by enacting communication strategies tailored to older adults. Practical Implications. Dentists can overcome barriers to communication and improve the quality of patient care by considering the communication barriers specific to older adults and enacting strategies to overcome these barriers.

Poor oral hygiene in long-term care.

The poor oral care given to vulnerable patients in long-term care settings can have serious consequences, including increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and pneumonia. Nurses can take action by making sure supplies are in place, promoting oral care to all direct care staff and administrators, and making evidence-based recommendations during resident care conferences.