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Dental Industry Faces Dental Hygienist Shortage Challenges

Becker’s Dental Review  (12/3, Portalatin) reported that the dental industry is grappling with a persistent shortage of dental hygienists. A recent report highlights that 74% of dentists find recruiting hygienists “extremely challenging,” with less than half returning post-pandemic. Travis Franklin, CFO of Heartland Dental, noted a 15% reduction in dental assistants and hygienists, leading to wage inflation. John Bell, CFO of Fireside Dental Co., emphasized the need for innovative solutions, such as marketing campaigns and AI workflow Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Financial Pressures Expected To Impact Dentistry

Becker’s Dental Review  (12/3, Portalatin) reported on an interview with Dr. Iquebal Hasan, chief of hospital programs and clinical development at High Point University’s Workman School of Dental Medicine, discussing anticipated financial pressures in healthcare by 2026. Dr. Hasan predicts that inflation, rising operating costs, workforce shortages, and increased patient financial responsibility will strain smaller healthcare entities, including dental practices. He suggests that cost-saving measures and production-based income strategies are essential, with collaboration, mergers, and affiliations being Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Alabama Clinic Sees Increased Demand For Dental Services

Becker’s Dental Review  (12/2, Portalatin) reported that the Community Free Clinic in Decatur, Alabama, has experienced a surge in demand for dental services, with 70% of service calls being dental-related. As of December 1, the clinic is seeking additional volunteer dentists to meet this growing need. The increase in demand was highlighted by an ABC affiliate, WAAY. Link: https://www.beckersdental.com/dentists/alabama-clinic-sees-surge-in-dental-demand/

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Audit Reveals Misuse Of COVID Relief Funds By Dental Providers

Becker’s Dental Review  (12/2, Cortigiano) reported that the HHS’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) found four dental providers misused COVID relief funds under the Provider Relief Fund program. These providers inaccurately calculated and reported $3.4 million in lost revenue, despite receiving $14.8 million in total. The audit revealed misinterpretation of Health Resources and Services Administration guidelines for calculating lost revenues. The OIG recommended that HRSA require the providers to return funds used to offset incorrectly calculated Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Dentists Highlight Benefits Of Water Flossers For Oral Hygiene

Women’s Health  (12/3) reported that water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are recommended by dentists for removing food particles and plaque, complementing regular brushing. Dr. Bobbi Stanley emphasized using a water flosser before brushing at night to enhance cleaning effectiveness. The article features seven top-rated water flossers, evaluated by dentists and Women’s Health editors for design, size, and settings. Link: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g28435891/best-water-flossers/

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Deadline Nears For AGD Awards Applications

The Academy of General Dentistry  (12/1) shared that the deadline for submitting applications for the Fellowship, Mastership, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) awards for AGD2026 is approaching. Applicants are encouraged to complete their requirements and apply by December 31 to demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and exceptional patient care. Link: https://www.agd.org/education/awards-recognition/agd-awards-and-recognition

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Study Links Fluoride Exposure To Enhanced Cognitive Performance In Adolescents

Dental Tribune International (12/2) reported that a new study published in Science Advances on November 21, 2025, found that adolescents exposed to recommended fluoride levels in drinking water demonstrated better cognitive performance in mathematics, reading, and vocabulary. Conducted using the High School and Beyond cohort dataset, the study analyzed over 58,000 students and found positive associations with cognitive outcomes in adolescence, though effects in later adulthood were smaller. The research challenges claims of cognitive harm from Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Cranberry Juice May Offer Oral Health Benefits

Women’s Health (12/2) reported that cranberry juice may have oral health benefits due to proanthocyanidins (PACS), compounds that inhibit the growth of oral pathogens and dental plaque bacteria linked to cavities and periodontal disease. A small 2024 study in Current Developments in Nutrition found that consuming 100-percent cranberry juice reduced plaque bacteria regrowth and acid production. However, cranberry juice cocktail, being high in sugar, could increase cavity risk and enamel erosion. Dietitian Jennifer Hanes advises Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Fighting cavities with water fluoridation

You probably know that many oral health care products, like toothpastes and mouthrinses, have fluoride in them to help prevent cavities, but did you know that the drinking water in many cities and towns also contains cavity-fighting fluoride? Some public water systems have fluoride in them naturally. If a water system does not have enough natural fluoride to fight cavities, the community can add fluoride to the public water supply so the water from the Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago

Drugmakers Urge Trump Administration, EU To Exempt Medical Goods From Tariffs

Reuters Share to FacebookShare to Twitter (3/18, Fick, Erman, Blenkinsop) reports that drugmakers are urging the Trump Administration and European Union officials to exempt medical goods from tariffs to avoid price increases on top-selling medicines like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Merck’s Keytruda. Pharmaceutical industry sources indicate that tariffs could raise drug costs and hinder patient access. Some companies consider expanding US manufacturing, but seek tax breaks and regulatory changes. A senior executive from a European Read more

By Nicole Kohner, ago