Katie Melko, RDH, MSDH
Drug Addiction: The Importance of Patient Disclosure before Dental Treatment
Working for a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is rewarding, yet the variety of patients I serve can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. Patients...
Crohn’s Disease and its Effects on the Oral Cavity
What is Crohn’s Disease?
“Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract; this disease belongs to a group of conditions known as...
The Oral Bacteria Prevotella intermedia and its Link to Gout and Hyperuricemia
Prevotella intermedia is a species that is found in gingival crevices; it is commonly found in patients who have gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other...
Behcet’s Disease: What Dental Hygienists Should Know & Look For
Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune disorder which attacks the blood vessels and creates inflammation. “It is known as a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by...
An Expanded Look at Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Periodontal Link
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Commonly referred to as RA, this disease is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, thinking a bacterial...
Should Essential Oils Be Used in a Dental Setting?
Essential oils have been around for a very long time, but recently over the last few years using essential oils have been becoming more...