ODHA News
FOCUS 2025 January issue released
We’re excited to share the 2025 January issue of FOCUS, your exclusive member publication filled with valuable updates, research insights, and professional development opportunities.
What’s inside this issue?
President’s message – A look back at ODHA’s growth, advocacy, and collaboration in 2024, including efforts…
Trending
Oral Health
Comparing water flosser and dental floss effectiveness
Key messages:
Water flossers may be more effective in plaque removal than dental floss, especially from inaccessible interproximal areas.
Clients with dental prostheses, undergoing orthodontic treatment, or with limited manual dexterity may find water flossers helpful.
Deterrents to water flosser…
Biological aging mediates the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease
Key Messages:
Periodontitis is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and aging plays a mediating role in this association.
Progression of periodontitis is significantly associated with biological aging, suggesting periodontitis may accelerate the systemic aging process.
Periodontitis management may delay…
Healthy aging and oral health: A need for integrated care
Background
The global population is aging at an accelerated pace. Projections indicate that by 2030, one in six people will be 60 years or older. By 2050, this number is expected to double to 2.1 billion, with those aged 80 years and older…
Hearing loss in oral health professionals
Key messages:
Exposure to noise above 85 decibels for over eight hours a day may lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Oral health professionals are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss from frequent exposure to equipment that produces significantly high decibels…
Role of dental hygienists in trauma-informed care
Key messages
Traumatic experiences can impact clients’ oral health and ability to receive oral care, emphasizing the importance for dental hygienists being knowledgeable and prepared to provide trauma-informed care.
Understanding trauma histories and offering trauma-informed care can support clients to achieve…
White spot lesions in fixed orthodontics
Key messages:
Despite advancements in orthodontic techniques and diagnostics, client compliance and consistent oral self-care are crucial in preventing demineralization around orthodontic brackets.
Oral health practitioners play a vital role in motivating clients to maintain oral hygiene and use remineralizing agents…
Adolescent oral healthcare
Adolescence is the period of rapid biological growth, changes, and social role transitions between childhood and adulthood. Accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date medical, dental, and social histories are necessary for proper diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The age and stage of adolescence (early,…
Diseases
Biological aging mediates the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease
Key Messages:
Periodontitis is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and aging plays a mediating…
Cannabis use and head and neck cancer
Key messages:
Adults with cannabis dependence (i.e., cannabis use disorder) are 3.5 to 5 times…
