Comparison of Needle Depth Techniques for the Posterior Superior Alveolar Block.

The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) block injection is one of many techniques used to provide profound anesthesia for invasive dental procedures. This technique has a high success rate but is not without complication risks. The purpose of this study was to determine if pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar could be achieved using a reduced needle depth of 10mm or 5mm compared to the traditional needle depth of 16mm.

Evaluating the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Neck Pain in Dental Hygiene Students.

Poor ergonomics is one of the leading factors in developing musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of forward neck flexion of dental hygiene students during manual scaling procedures while wearing magnification loupes and investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal neck pain. convenience sample of second year dental hygiene students was recruited for this observational study (n=24).

An assessment of chlorine stain and collegiate swimmers.

Background: Swimming is known worldwide as one of the healthiest, low-impact forms of exercise that promotes a strong body, heart, and mind. However, several studies have suggested that swimming pool chlorination is responsible for dental erosion, calculus formation, and stain in competitive and recreational swimmers, a phenomenon known as swimmer's mouth. The purpose of this observational study was to assess chlorine stain on the dentition of competitive female swimmers and divers from a university team and to determine if dental preventive practices affected chlorine stains.

Effects of a Training Needle on Dental Hygiene Student Anxiety.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess whether practicing with a cotton-tipped applicator as compared to a new training device had an effect on the anxiety levels of dental hygiene students prior to administering and receiving their first intraoral injection for local anesthesia. This pilot study used a convenience sample of senior dental hygiene students from an entry-level Bachelor degree dental hygiene program. Participants completed a pre-test survey after watching a video demonstrating the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injection technique to determine anxiety levels regarding administering and receiving an intraoral injection.