In this edition:

• AAE appoints new president

• Behavior strategies for Pediatric patients

• Wisconsin works to counter dental hygienist shortage

• Arizona lawmakers address problematic dentist

• And more!

AAE installs new president

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) announced Natasha M. Flake, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S.D., as its new President during its annual meeting in Los Angeles. The AAE represents thousands of dental specialists known as Endodontists who save patients’ natural teeth and relieve their pain by performing root canal treatment.

Natasha M. Flake is a Professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where she has been the Director of Predoctoral Endodontics since 2009. Dr. Flake is also the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the school. Dr. Flake earned a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri, a DDS and PhD in neuroscience from the University of Maryland, and an MSD and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Washington.

Her academic interests include mechanisms of pain, endodontic outcomes, and oral health care for rural and underserved populations. Dr. Flake has been honored locally and nationally for her teaching. She is a past recipient of the Endodontic Educator Fellowship Award from the AAE Foundation and the Edward M. Osetek Educator Award from the AAE. Dr. Flake is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. She resides in Seattle, Washington with her spouse and three children.

Dr. Flake assumed her new role with the AAE during the General Assembly event and will serve for one year.

Behavior strategies for pediatric patients

Effective behavior guidance strategies for the young patients can build trust, reduce anxiety, and promote cooperation during dental appointments. 3 suggestions include:

1. Offer fidget toys: Fidget toys are handheld tools that increase focus and provide a positive outlet for releasing energy. Examples include stress balls, pop-its, spinner toys, and squishes. This can particularly help kids with sensory processing disorders

2. Use a calm voice: Many believe using a high-pitched or stern tone will lead to patient compliance. The opposite is true: providers should maintain a calm and even tone of voice with pediatric patients

3. Providing dental books: Providing children with dental books featuring images of dental offices, equipment, instruments, and positive events can familiarize them with what to expect. 

April is National Facial Protection Month

Five national healthcare organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, have designated April as National Facial Protection Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of protective gear, like mouth guards and helmets, in preventing facial injuries during sports and recreational activities.

Mouth guards are a particularly easy and affordable way to safeguard young athletes, who are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries without them. Despite 99% of parents believing mouth guards are necessary, a 2017 survey revealed 37% of children don't wear them. These injuries not only cause pain and discomfort, but can also lead to significant financial burdens and lost school days.

Wisconsin works to address their hygienist shortage

There's a significant shortage of dental hygienists, assistants and dentists in Wisconsin. This shortage leads to longer wait times for patients seeking dental care. To address this issue, Northcentral Technical College has added an extra term to their dental programs allowing them to graduate students throughout the year and provide more qualified dental professionals to the community.

Lawmakers are also working on a solution with Senate Bill 689. This bill would allow dental therapists to be licensed and provide funding for training programs in dental schools. The funding would help schools afford expensive equipment and provide students with better learning experiences. The bill would significantly improve the dental workforce shortage by allowing more dental professionals to enter the field.

5 Strategies for Improving Mental Health at Work

Companies are investing in — and talking about — mental health more often these days. But employees aren’t reporting a corresponding rise in well-being. Why? The author, who wrote a book on mental health and work last year, explores several key ways organizations haven’t gone far enough in implementing a culture of well-being. She also makes five key suggestions on what they can do to improve the mental health of their employees. Story.

1. Start with the Work

2. Be Patient and Prepare to Invest in What Matters

3. Walk the Talk

4. Foster Conversations Across Generations and Genders

5. Don’t Rely on Outsiders to Drive Behavior Change

In other news…