Dr. Kiran Joseph

What is your opinion on pathogens from dentures leading to acquired pneumonia..

There is some evidence that dentures can serve as a reservior for such pathogens - see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26260391/

Mrs. Brittany Glass

using chlorhexidine too long will cause staining to the teeth. Any way to prevent staining?

The use of chlorhexidine in the ICU setting is short term, so I don't think staining is that much of an issue. Perhaps it is in a more long term setting such as a nursing home. It is reversible with scaling....

Mrs. Heather Rivera

Do you recommend using an ultrasonic scaler on a patient 's who has difficulty swallowing / and breathing with CPOD etc who have alot of tartar build up?

Interesting question - I can't say that question has ever been studied. Obviously, untrasonics will aerosolize the bacteria and perhaps increase risk for aspiration.

E. E.

Is it time dentist becomes part of multi disciplinary care in ICUs , and that we should make our discipline active in the care of this patients particularly patients on vent to prevent VAP

Certainly dental experts should be more involved. I see the hygienist playing a more substaintial role in these settings.

M. W.

is there any state which allows RDH's to treat patients in nursing homes/hospitals without direct supervision? I do not know of any

I am not aware of this

Ms. Lois Macfarlane

Oral care is not administered in hospitals or rehabs in Tallahassee FL. This is so wrong and unacceptable, yet that's the way it is here!

long-standing inertia...patients should demand more care.

T. W.

in the VA to whom is delivering (educational level) attending to oral care and modalities utilized?

I believe nursing staff are being educated more substaintially on this topic.

Dr. Kiran Joseph

What was the reason for death in patients who rinsed with chlorhexidine and who did not receive mechanical plaque removal?..

I don't think they know. They look at large numbers and see a slight increase in risk of death for those receiving chlorhexidine. I suspect it is because the chlorhexidine is misapplied.

Prof. Nancy Mann

How can we get nursing homes to buy in on hiring hygienists?

Influence insurance policies

Dr. Wenche Borgnakke

Please address the notion of the oral cavity, especially the periodontal pockets, serving as a reservoir for the SARS-CoV -2 virus, which then could be introduced in the lungs during intubation, for example. Thank you.

Hello Wenche! I think oral status is important in risk for CIVID. More inflammation increases expression of viral receptors, etc. I did not have time to touch on COVID. Much research is needed obviously.

K. L.

Have there been any significant studies with using an iodine rinse rather than chlorhexidine?

Yes, povidine iodine has been shown to be helpful

K. D.

In the state of Illinois, Dental Hygienists continue to face uphill resistance from Dentists on Legislative fronts in regards to providing care to patients in Nursing Homes and Hospital settings. This research would greatly support the cause to directly benefit health and improve long term outcomes

It is a pity that organized dentistry is often stubborn to change....

Ms. Erica Wallace

What are you thoughts on physicians that tell patients not to have cleanings 6 weeks before surgery?

I am unaware of any research that supports such a recommendation.

Gabriela Dunn

What about all the controversies about other studies on Chlohexidine being carcinogenic??.Unfortunately I don't remember who did the search

Chlorhexidine is used for rather short duration in hospital and nursing homes...I doubt that carcinogenic effects would come into play.