The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice (JEBDP) say that it is an exciting time in the profession of dental hygiene, with opportunities to take increased responsibility for oral health care and to deliver care in a more comprehensive way.

The US editors of JEBDP have presented the Annual Report on Dental Hygiene, a collection of cutting-edge research and practice updates in the field of dental hygiene.

In an introduction to the special issue, Guest Editor Dr Terri Tilliss RDH PhD of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine says: ‘Societal, economic, political, and health care factors have converged to create a “perfect storm” of unprecedented possibilities for improved access to oral health care and growth for dental hygienists.’

The introduction goes on to say that dental hygienists are poised to assume a more independent and direct role in providing dental care - a key part of strategies to expand access to oral health and medical care to underserved areas and populations. The special issue of JEBDP presents 27 invited articles contributed by leading clinicians and researchers from dental hygiene, dentistry, and other disciplines.

It reports on dentistry’s role in managing shared risk factors for periodontal and medical diseases; assembles evidence on periodontal treatment, care of implant-supported restorations, approaches to fluoride therapy, and oral health; provides updates on dental professionals’ contributions to managing a wide range of medical conditions; reviews changing public needs and access to care; and highlights professional growth opportunities for dental hygienists.

Copies of the Annual Report on Dental Hygiene published by Elsevier can be ordered by visiting www.jebdp.com.