ODHA News
FOCUS April issue 2026 released
The April 2026 issue of FOCUS is now available. As an ODHA member-exclusive publication, FOCUS delivers timely insights, practical guidance, and professional updates to support registered dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. In this issue, you’ll find:
CEO’s Message: Reflections on the importance of…
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Oral Health
Managing Parkinson’s disease in oral healthcare
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in North America, following Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience neuromuscular, cognitive, and postural impairments that make oral self‑care difficult.
Orofacial complications may include weakened facial musculature, tremors of the tongue, lips,…
Oral health and Parkinson’s disease
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bradykinesia (slowed movements), muscle rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability. The global burden of Parkinson’s disease is escalating due to the rapidly aging population. Parkinson’s disease significantly impacts multiple body systems, including the…
Novel and emerging antimicrobials for oral infections
Introduction
Microbiota refers to the community of living microorganisms in a specific environment, while the microbiome is the collection of their genomes, metabolites, and structural components. A dysbiotic microbiome indicates a harmful shift in the healthy microbial composition. Pathobionts are opportunistic microorganisms that…
Recognizing oral manifestations of systemic disease
Key messages:
Overall health is reflected in the mouth.
Numerous diseases can lead to oral complications and may be detected in the oral cavity before diagnosed by medical providers.
Regular oral healthcare visits are essential for monitoring oral health and…
High sugar-sweetened beverages and oral cancer in smoking and nonsmoking females
Introduction
In 2020, over 355,000 new cases of oral cavity cancer (OCC) were diagnosed worldwide, resulting in nearly 177,000 deaths. Historically, OCC has primarily affected older males exposed to traditional risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut chewing. As the use…
Early detection and prevention of dental caries in children
Introduction
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children, significantly affecting oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. Although it is largely preventable, dental caries continues to impact millions of children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and…
Barriers and enablers of trauma-informed care in oral healthcare
Key messages:
Recognizing potential barriers and enablers to implementing trauma-informed care in oral healthcare is essential for providing high-quality, person-centred care and improving client outcomes.
Oral healthcare providers must respond effectively and compassionately to individuals with a history of psychological trauma…
Diseases
Managing Parkinson’s disease in oral healthcare
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in North America, following Alzheimer’s disease.…
Oral health and Parkinson’s disease
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bradykinesia (slowed movements), muscle rigidity, resting…
