There are four different behavioral styles evident in a dental team and in patients. The styles are based on observable behaviors relating to degrees of “assertiveness” and “responsiveness.” The Behavioral Style model helps to clarify why some people relate positively with each other and why others may conflict. Using finely tuned observational skills and an understanding of these styles, interpersonal transactions can be more effective, dental teams become more cohesive, and patients will be more satisfied with service provided in the dental practice. Each member of the team should understand his/her own personal style and those of teammates. Once that understanding is gained by all, it may be effectively applied to understanding patients. Behavior modification is at the heart of this concept. Adjusting your own behavior to the needs of others enables a patient to achieve more comfort with the dental team, and they are more likely to hear your verbal messages.

Treatment of gingival recession has been a common practice in periodontics for years. As esthetic demands of periodontal patientsincrease, more root coverage procedures will be performed to satisfy esthetic demands. Often patients present with multiple areas requiring treatment. Palatal anatomy may limit the amount of autogenous tissue that can be harvested, limiting the number of procedures that can be performed. A patient may not desire to have additional tissue transplanted from the palate, due to increased pain and morbidity associated with multiple transplant procedures.

The following is a case presentation of multiple adjacent recession defects. The patient presented with a shallow palate from which one side would not yield an adequate quantity of connective tissue. Furthermore, the patient declined to have both sides of his palate harvested simultaneously. As an alternative, an acellular dermal matrix allograft was utilized to correct these gingival defects negating the requirement for a second palatal surgical procedure.

At the onset of the new millennium the Internet has become the new standard means of distributing information. In the last two to three years there has been an explosion of e-commerce with hundreds of new web sites being created every minute. For most corporate entities, a web site is as essential as the phone book listing used to be. Twenty years ago technologist directed how computer-based systems were utilized. Now it is the end users of personal computers that have gained expertise and drive the functionality of software applications. The computer, initially invented for mathematical functions, has transitioned from this role to an integrated communications device that provides the portal to the digital world. The Web needs to be used by healthcare professionals, not only for professional activities, but also for instant access to information and services “just when they need it.” This will facilitate the longitudinal use of information as society continues to gain better information access skills.

With the demand for current “just in time” information and the standards established by Internet protocols, reference sources of information may be maintained in dynamic fashion. News services have been available through the Internet for several years, but now reference materials such as online journals and digital textbooks have become available and have the potential to change the traditional publishing industry. The pace of change should make us consider Will Rogers’ advice, “It isn't good enough to be moving in the right direction. If you are not moving fast enough, you can still get run over!” The intent of this article is to complement previous articles on Internet Resources published in this journal, by presenting information about web sites that present information on computer and Internet technologies, reference materials, news information, and information that lets us improve personal productivity.

Neither the author, nor the Journal endorses any of the sites or products listed, but include these references and links as a matter of convenience for its readers.

This study utilized volunteer subjects to examine caries-like lesions for remineralization and demineralization patterns in dentin and enamel when nine different snack foods were eaten between meals. Caries progression was observed in enamel and dentin when apple juice, a cola beverage, and sweetened (strawberry) yogurt were consumed as snacks. Remineralization of enamel was observed when cheddar cheese, skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice were used as between meal snacks. Dairy products, with the exception of the sweetened yogurt, generally reduced the amount of demineralization produced in dentin. This study helps establish a scientific basis for appropriate between-meal snacks for patients who are concerned about their dietary habits as a part of their overall preventive oral health plan.

Dental researchers have attempted to understand the microbial nature of oral diseases over the past 120 years. Their view of plaque and its constituent microorganisms has shifted from a specific plaque hypothesis to a non-specific plaque hypothesis and back again to a theory of specific periodontal pathogens in plaque. Changes in the way plaque and its microorganisms are viewed affect the strategies used to prevent and control periodontal diseases. In recent years, dental researchers have begun to view plaque as a biofilm. This shifting view of plaque has important implications for future efforts in prevention and treatment. This article describes the various ways that dental professionals have viewed plaque throughout the years and highlights the current view of plaque as a biofilm and the ramifications for periodontal therapy.

A comprehensive review of oral and perioral piercing is presented. This contemporary phenomenon has many implications for the piercee and for the oral healthcare professional. Oral and perioral piercing, which has become prevalent recently, has historical antecedents. The implications of piercing are described in detail including sites at the tongue, lips, cheeks, frenum, and uvula. Complications occurring immediately after, soon after, and long after the piercing are detailed with special emphasis on the possible deleterious effects on hard and soft oral tissues. Suggestions are provided for patient education including a pamphlet for downloading. Appropriate jewelry selection is described accompanied with a video clip demonstrating removal of jewelry during the dental appointment and a suggested technique for keeping the piercing hole patent while the jewelry is out. Reviewing this information should educate and prepare the oral healthcare professional for the patient presenting with an oral or perioral piercing.

In 1943, Abraham Maslow, the “father of humanistic psychology,” formulated his “Hierarchy of Needs Theory.” Maslow proposed people have needs that must be satisfied, and these needs will motivate until they are satisfied. The needs are arranged in a hierarchy or pyramid ranging from basic needs to higher needs with an individual needing to satisfy a lower need before a higher need can motivate. The five needs of the hierarchy are: physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization. This article discusses adaptation of the hierarchy of needs to the dental practice to motivate staff to perform at a higher level.