Modern Hygienist - October 2008 - (Page 10)

open | EDITOR’S LETTER The leaves are turning color in Chicago and political stickers and signs decorate every bumper and window on my block. It’s that time of year again and I must admit, I have been following the presidential race with a bizarre fascination—bordering on obsession—over the last year. From the primaries to the conventions to ad after ad after ad…I’ve tuned in, eager to learn and trying to decide. This month, I’ll join the millions of other Americans who will finally cast their vote for the next president of the United States. It seems like there has been a constant flood of information—some relevant, some not-so-relevant—thanks to the 24-hour cable news cycle and the Internet. You’d think we’d know it all by now, or at least know enough. But I doubt it. We know it’s a choice between Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.). I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about lipstick, pigs, Iran, energy, Weathermen, and the economy. But ask yourself: When it comes to how each candidate’s views on healthcare impact the business of dentistry and access to care, do you have a comprehensive understanding of what your vote really means? The editorial team at Modern Hygienist has been discussing this quite a bit over the last few weeks. While we don’t endorse either candidate, I suggest you read, “Presi-Dental politics” on p. 46 for a look at the potential impact a McCain or Obama presidency could have on the dental and dental hygiene professions. We bring so many other parts of our lives to the ballot box—family, finances, dreams, worries—why not bring our professional considerations as well? and practices in dental hygiene have changed, are changing and look to change in the years to come. Whether it be clinical research, advances in technology or shifting perceptions among dentists and manufacturers regarding what hygienists are truly capable of—there are a host of factors that impact what you do and say (or don’t do and don’t say) in the operatory. This month, we offer a quick take on the past, present and future of ergonomics, minimally invasive care, periodontal disease and homecare (p. 21). A lot has changed over the years, and there’s still so much to look forward to. NEW KID ON THE BLOCK I also want to take this opportunity to introduce a new face in Modern Hygienist: Lisa Bell, RDH, BASDH, and her new column, “Going Public.” Ms. Bell has been the State Public Health Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin since March 2007. Prior to assuming this position, she was the founder and Executive Director of the Champaign County Child Dental Access Program, a not-for-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income children in east central Illinois. During her tenure, she received numerous awards, including the Illinois Rural Health Association’s Project of the Year, Illinois Oral Healthcare Leadership Award, American Dental Association Community Preventive Dentistry Leadership Award and the American Dental Hygienists’ Clinical Hygienist of the Year. Ms. Bell will now regularly share her voice and perspectives on how public health matters impact all dental hygienists. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on her first article, which will appear in next month’s issue. Look for it! As usual, we love to hear from you on any and all of our articles, so keep the e-mails and letters coming! mh tcarter@advanstar.com Your Voice Opinions, articles, personal stories—you have them, we want to hear them! Just e-mail mh@advanstar.com. INDUSTRY EVOLUTION And now, on the eve of this “change” election, we wanted to offer a reflection on how core concepts 10 modernhygienist.com | October 2008 http://www.modernhygienist.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Modern Hygienist - October 2008

Modern Hygienist - October 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters News Modern Solutions Trends: Homecare Trends: Perio Trends: Ergo Trends: Mid Care After Chemo Professional Rewind Esthetic Expertise: Make or Break Relationship Hands-on Hygiene: Have You Seen the Light? Going the Distance Training for Life Presi-dental Politics Ad Index Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - October 2008

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