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Volume 36 • Issue 2
The Sleep and Bone Connection University at Buffalo researchers believe they may have found a connection between obstructive sleep apnea and weaker bones and teeth in adults . . . . . . 4
NEWS
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Just as Effective as Sealants? If NYU researchers are right, silver diamine fluoride is an effective—and more practical—weapon against childhood caries than dental sealants . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How Growing Pumpkins Can Make You a Better Dentist There are lessons to be learned about yourself and your profession when immersed in backyard horticulture…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Putting Smiles on Kids’ Faces
Tooth Fairy Arielle Melendez makes appearance at Give Kids A Smile event April 29, hosted by Suffolk County Dental Society at Long Island Aquarium. Ms. Melendez, a second-year dental student at Touro College Dental Medicine, is with Marlyce James, registered dental hygienist and certified dental assistant, who is following up with children seen at the event to direct them to dental health homes.
Betsy Bray, R.D.H., NYSDA Director Health Affairs and Dental Demonstration Project Director, meets up with Marlyce James at GKAS event. More than 130 volunteers from Suffolk County delivered donated dental care to nearly 200 children.
NYSDA Expands Outreach
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YSDA has extended its outreach to children without ready access to dental care with the addition of Marlyce James, M.Ed., R.D.H., CDA, who has been contracted by NYSDA through the Association’s Dental Demonstration Project.
Ms. James, who is studying to become a community dental health coordinator, is a professor at the State University of New York Erie Community College, where she is the department head of the School of Dental Hygiene. She is also a dental hygiene consultant and graduate assistant at D’Youville University in Marlyce James Buffalo as she completes her doctoral degree in Health Professions Education. She was recently appointed dental hygienist liaison for New York State through a collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the National Center for Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety. She will be working on outreach as follow-up to the Suffolk County Dental Society Give Kids A Smile event on April 29, connecting children seen at the event to dental health homes. Additionally, Ms. James will lead a project with Head Start, providing screening, referral and education to improve health literacy among caregivers and impressing upon them the importance of preventative care.