Faculty Bibliography

Throughout the history of modern dentisty, there have been many luminaries in the profession. All have made tremendous contributions to various aspects of dentistry and the betterment of oral care in general. However, only one can be known as 'the Father of Modern Dentistry.' This title is bestowed upon Pierre Fauchard (1678-1761). Fauchard truly metamorphosed the primitive 'practice' of dentistry at the time into a new vocation now fully deserving of the term 'profession'

The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification is a preoperative rating given to each patient by an anesthesia provider with the sole purpose of assessing the physical state of the patient before anesthesia is administered. It was designed originally as a standardized way for dentists and physicians to convey information about the patient's overall health status and allow outcomes to be stratified by a global assessment of their severity of illness. However, in practice, the ASA-PS classification is often misused as a measure of operative risk, which is the basis of much criticism. Modification of periodontal treatment may be necessary in certain medically complex patients. The ASA-PS classification serves an integral part of risk assessment in determining how a patient should be managed by the periodontist. It should be incorporated into all periodontal practices. Medical assessment of patients has become an essential part of dentistry, as even the most common medical problems may require modifications to routine periodontal care. Periodontists must assess and manage patients for underlying medical conditions and are required to provide dental care to a diversity of medically complex patients. Today many patients in a periodontal practice have multiple medical conditions and are taking many medications. It is more difficult to manage these types of patients, and proper assessment of their physical status is an important part of clinical practice. The ASA-PS classification system is a valuable assessment tool that subjectively categorizes patients into subgroups by preoperative physical fitness prior to administering anesthesia

BACKGROUND: This article discusses the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) of American baseball icon Babe Ruth, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of NPC. CASE DESCRIPTION: NPC is a tumor originating from the epithelium of the nasopharynx. It is the leading form of cancer in certain well-defined populations in areas such as southern China, Southeast Asia, the Arctic, North Africa and the Middle East; it is relatively rare in the United States. Despite the fact that Babe Ruth's family was of German descent and NPC is not prevalent in Germany, reports regarding Ruth's autopsy demonstrate that his head and neck cancer was NPC. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists play a pivotal role in the recognition of oral signs and symptoms and in the diagnosis of NPC, as well as the subsequent oral care of patients during and after treatment

Individuals with chronic pain that lasts for more than three to six months may experience multiple types of pain in the head and neck region, including headache and facial pain. Approximately 18% of women and 6% of men suffer from some form of frequent headaches, and many cases go undiagnosed and undertreated. Headaches have a major socioeconomic impact on society. This article will review the classifications and pathogenesis of migraine, various pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, and the pharmacist's role in patient education

Sex hormones are associated with the onset and progression of periodontal disease. As levels of estrogen and progesterone elevate during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy, so does the prevalence of gingivitis. Pharmacists with patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be counseled on proper oral home care and the importance of regular visits to a dentist or periodontist for a comprehensive periodontal exam. Also, it is important to try to identify periodontal risk factors and to offer treatment to help reduce the rate of premature births. Reduction of the inflammatory component may help decrease the risk of adverse pregnancies. New York is the first state to have guidelines for the oral health care of women of childbearing years. Specific advisory statements have been published assisting prenatal care providers and oral health professionals in the welfare of pregnant women. Pharmacists should counsel patients who take or will be taking bisphosphonates on the importance of receiving a dental examination prior to initiating bisphosphonate therapy. Patients should complete any nonelective dental procedures prior to starting therapy and have routine dental visits during bisphosphonate therapy