All articles tagged with #american dental association
A Washington Post piece notes that young adults, particularly Gen Z, are the most likely to skip dental care—about 1 in 3 didn’t see a dentist in the past year—prompting clinicians to use TikTok, YouTube and other digital outreach to stress the future consequences of neglecting oral health.
Dentists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine are advocating for a shift in pain management, emphasizing the use of acetaminophen and NSAIDs as the first line of treatment for young dental patients instead of opioids. New guidelines from the American Dental Association support this approach, aiming to reduce the risk of opioid misuse and overdose, particularly among adolescents. The focus on over-the-counter medications and the elimination of just-in-case opioid prescriptions reflect a broader effort to address the impact of opioid use on individuals and families.
The American Dental Association is no longer recommending the use of lead aprons and thyroid collars for patients getting dental X-rays, citing more focused X-ray beams and potential obstruction of necessary images. The association emphasizes the importance of ensuring the necessity of X-rays and performing them accurately to minimize radiation exposure. While the recommendation is in place, actual change depends on state dental boards, dentists, and patients, with some state rules still requiring the use of aprons. Advocacy and education will be crucial in shifting attitudes and practices regarding the use of lead aprons in dental settings.
The American Dental Association (ADA) is merging with the Forsyth Institute, a Cambridge nonprofit known for its contributions to oral health research. The merger will create the ADA Forsyth Institute, aiming to introduce innovation into dental practice and facilitate the translation of research findings to patients. The Forsyth Institute has made significant breakthroughs in oral health, including the development of fluoride use to prevent cavities and the first antibiotic treatment for gum disease. The merger is expected to enhance fundraising and partnership opportunities for dental research. The combined efforts of the ADA and Forsyth Institute aim to elevate the discussion of dental science and promote oral health as a priority in healthcare.