Emma Degner, RDH
Emma Degner, RDH, lives and works in Northwest Iowa. She graduated from Iowa Central Community College in 2019 with an Associates in dental hygiene and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from Minnesota State University at Mankato, with a projected graduation date in 2022. Having experience treating a diverse background of patients of all ages and cultures, Emma strives to get to know each person and provide individualized care. She is passionate about delivering exceptional patient education and aims to never stop learning. When she is not in the operatory or studying, Emma enjoys cooking and baking, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
Lichen Planus: Dental Professionals Should Diligently Monitor Lesion Development during Care
Several of my female patients have recently presented with the same pathological condition of lichen planus. They were treated in the same way with a topical corticosteroid cream, triamcinolone, that was applied to the affected areas in the buccal mucosa, gingival tissues, and/or tongue two to three times a day.
The dental patients’ questions about the immune system deficiency triggered...
Aspiration Pneumonia: Understanding the Importance of Oral Care among the Elderly
As human beings age, disease progression occurs more frequently and rapidly. Oral health providers understand the systemic connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. However, this concept can remain foreign to a large percentage of the general population and is sometimes even disregarded by other trained medical professionals.
For dental professionals, adequate plaque biofilm removal from the...
Stannous vs. Sodium Fluoride: When Dental Professionals Should Customize Treatment
Over the years, the most common reason to use an active ingredient such as fluoride in toothpaste or oral rinses was to reduce dental decay. Dental professionals frequently hear patients ask, “What can I do to avoid developing cavities?” The most common active ingredient for this problem has been sodium fluoride, which is effective in the reduction of dental...
The Importance of Knowledge on Dietary Supplement Use
As dental professionals know, dietary supplements are continually becoming more popular for consumers of all ages. From memory support and sleep aids to skincare and fitness, supplements range in uses and potential benefits. But how well are these supplements really working, and how does one really know if the supplement is effective and safe?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)...
Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafting: Treatment for Severe Gingival Recession
Recession is a common gingival tissue problem resulting from the apical migration of the marginal gingiva.3 As presented by Mercado et al., gingival recession is highly prevalent throughout the worldwide adult population, ranging in incidence from 30% to 100%.2 This results in the exposure of the root structure, often leading to sensitivity and creating an increased risk for cervical...