ADA advises dentists to be on alert for internet security risks
The American Dental Association (ADA) is advising dentists and their staffs to be on the alert for possible internet security risks in the wake of Russia’s attacks against Ukraine. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation recommend the following immediate actions to strengthen and protect data:
- Enable multifactor authentication when there is remote login capability
- Set antivirus and antimalware programs to conduct regular scans
- Enable strong spam filters
- Update all software
- Filter network traffic
Read the full notice from the ADA.
Perspective: Oral health for all — realizing the promise of science
Leaders from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Citing the NIH’s report Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges, the authors write that oral health equality and access to care requires research and policy changes that make oral health care more affordable, accessible and responsive to communities. Read the full article on NEJM.org.
A healthy mouth can mean a healthy heart for older women
A new study offers more evidence that oral health is connected to heart health: Older women who harbor certain bacteria in their mouths might be at increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Read more in U.S. News and World Report.
Snuggle-ready dogs are available to anxious patients at some dentist offices, but some patients worry about the risks, from slobber to nips
The idea of using therapy dogs as a way of calming anxious dental patients in the chair drew a huge response from followers of our LinkedIn company page. But a lack of guidance and regulation has left some dental practice owners unsure of what type of comfort animals are allowed in the operatory. Read the full story in the Washington Post.
Dental Assistants Recognition Week
March 6-12 is Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW). If you need last-minute ideas on how to celebrate and recognize the dental assistants at your office, read “10 ways to celebrate Dental Assistants Recognition Week” on Off the Cusp and get a few more ideas from this recent DentistryIQ article.
Other industry news headlines:
- HPI: Dental practice schedules were on average 83% full in February (ADA)
- Women’s History Month: Dentists offer thoughts, advice on leadership (ADA)
- March 6 was National Dentist’s Day (nationaldentistsday.com)
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