Susan Cotten

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Articles

I screen, you screen, we all screen: No one has ever done that before!

Jun 10, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Susan Cotten

A recap of this course from RDH Under One Roof 2023Dental hygienists play a critical role in the early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer as well as identifying any head or neck abnormalities that may require referral to the appropriate specialist. Performing comprehensive visual, tactile extra- and intraoral evaluations is nonnegotiable. When performing a comprehensive screening, patients will often say, “No one has ever done that before.
RDH Quik Chat: Tiffany Summerlin, BSDH

May 16, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Kirsten Brancheau |Sara Joyce |Susan Cotten |Bethany Montoya

What sets Tiffany Summerlin apart from other clinical dental hygienists? Sue Scherer of Waterpik chats with Tiffany about her military background, and her current involvement in public health. Tiffany is the May honoree of the RDH Clinical Recognition Program, sponsored by Waterpik.
Did you know? Smile fun facts for National Smile Month

May 16, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Barbara K. Tritz |JoAnn R. Gurenlian |Joann Gurenlian |Sara Joyce |Susan Cotten

I took some time to research the history of smiles for May, which is National Smile Month. The power of our smiles cannot be overemphasized. They put people at ease, and smiling is one of the most important nonverbal skills people possess. I also learned that people did not smile in portraits or photos in the "olden days" because at that time, smiles were equated with madness, insanity, drunkenness, lewdness or childishness. Toothy grins were frowned upon until the beginning of the 20th century.
Dental hygiene care: Face and neck screening

Apr 16, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Michele White |Brittny Murphy |Susan Cotten

Authors:Michele White, DDSEmelie E. Nelson, BSJohn K. McQuitty, MSJoseph D. Yadin, BSGary N. Frey, DDSCleverick (C.D.) Johnson, DDS, MSKelly C. Nelson, MDBen F. Warner, DDS, MD, MSAthorough inspection of the skin of the face and neck is an essential component of a comprehensive head and neck cancer screening of the dental patient. Any unfamiliar or newly detected lesion can be identified, assessed, and referred as needed for treatment.
On the “pulse” of cardiovascular wellness through dental treatment

Apr 15, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Anne Rice |Brittny Murphy |Susan Cotten

As dental professionals know, systolic blood pressure (SBP) represents the maximum pressure exerted on arterial walls during cardiac contraction (systole), whereas diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reflects the minimum pressure on arterial walls during cardiac relaxation (diastole). SBP and DBP are essential markers of cardiovascular function, reflecting the heart's pumping ability and the resistance of peripheral arteries, respectively.
Overlapping symptoms: Is it poor sleep or ADHD?

Apr 12, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Brittny Murphy |Anne Rice |Susan Cotten |Stephanie Botts

Cases of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)—particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can present with overlapping symptoms. As dental hygienists, we have the opportunity to identify symptoms of SDB in both children and adults. This article will speak directly to the pediatric population as this subject warrants emphasis across all of health care. What is sleep-disordered breathing?
Chew the fat: What you need to know about cholesterol and statin use

Apr 11, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Anne Rice |Susan Cotten |Stephanie Botts |JoAnn R. Gurenlian |Joann Gurenlian

Decisions, decisions … how do I lower my cholesterol? Do I eat the egg or not? Is it true all cholesterol is bad or if I have low cholesterol that I won’t have a heart attack? How about testing? Are LDL and HDL out and the apolipoprotein B (ApoB) test in? Is statin therapy the right move? Talking about cholesterol and statin use can land us in the same camp as to use fluoride or not to use fluoride. An array of choices spins before us, each person navigating independently.
Beyond traditional screening: Incorporating oral HPV testing

Apr 10, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Susan Cotten |Megen Elliott |Annie Walters |Sara Joyce

In conversations with dental professionals about oral cancer screening, I often ask if they share information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) with their patients.