Week in Review: The case of a swallowed dental needle | Rare ectopic molar | Tension between dentists and hygienists

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Welcome to a holiday weekend! As we enjoy the Memorial Day holiday, let's not forget the meaning behind it and the men and women who have lost their lives protecting our freedoms. To all of you who have served or continue to serve in our military, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

This week on DrBicuspid.com, a pair of stories focused on imaging and another pair on the current state of relationships between dentists and dental hygienists took center stage.

Clinicians recently removed a 3-cm needle from a patient who swallowed it, likely during a dental procedure, according to a case report. This is believed to be the first reported case of an ingested dental needle causing neck pain, the authors wrote. Be sure to see the incredible images and read the story behind the discovery.

Also in the imaging category, cone-beam CT helped clinicians remove an ectopic third molar and an infected cyst from a patient's maxillary sinus, which is a rare site for a tooth to erupt, according to another recent case report.

As dental practices begin to reopen, tensions are rising between dentists and hygienists over issues of safety and personal protective equipment (PPE). We wanted to hear both sides of the story, so we asked a dentist and hygienist to give their opinions on what could be done to help bring the two sides together.

Amanda Hill, RDH, BSDH, discussed six steps that she believes, if implemented, could make a difference in this conflict. Meanwhile, Dr. David Rice, the clinical editor for DrBicuspid.com, shared his opinion on where common ground could be found between the two sides.

Speaking of PPE, a survey of 300 dental practices across the U.S. by the Willeford Group earlier this week revealed some surprising findings regarding PPE usage and preparedness, as well as what comes next for many dental practices as they reopen. We think you'll find the survey's data points interesting and useful for comparison with what is happening in your practice.

Thank you, as always, for reading DrBicuspid.com. Enjoy the long weekend!