Dear DrBicuspid Member,
From government-related news to the latest developments in research, it's been another busy week in dentistry.
Our top story of the week detailed a proposed emergency temporary standard issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) intended to protect health workers in hospital settings from COVID-19. Most dental practices will be exempt from the rules, but those providing services in hospital settings or treating patients with COVID-19 will be covered.
The standard runs more than 900 pages and aims to protect workers facing the greatest risk of exposure, such as those working in places where patients suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19 are being treated. There is a lot of information to unpack, and Mary Govoni, RDH, CDA, a consultant and certified OSHA coach, helped explain what practices need to know.
In other news, what does dentistry need to do to get a dental benefit added to U.S. healthcare? Developing a national agenda for oral health policy and management in the U.S. has been an uphill battle for decades despite a growing body of research showing the connection between good oral health and overall health. Sherry Glied, PhD, the dean of New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, shared what needs to happen.
Get ready: The long-anticipated sequel to the U.S. surgeon general's report on oral health is coming soon. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research will release "Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges," which will serve as the follow-up to the surgeon general's report on oral health from 2000. Read what's being said about the report's delay.
On the clinical side, youths with a history of foster care are more at risk of having poor oral health and are less likely to see a dentist for a specific dental problem or for routine care than those who have not been in foster care, according to a new study.
Finally, Dr. Teresa Yang explained what you need to know about four dental honor societies and their fellowship requirements. Learn more about these well-recognized organizations and their support of dental excellence.
Enjoy your weekend, and visit DrBicuspid.com again soon to catch up on the most current news and research.
