Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 5

A cupuncture is commonly used today as an adjunct treatment for pain and stress management across a range of health care disciplines. But what are the applications of acupuncture in the modern dental office, and does it have a place alongside modern pharmacological pain therapies? Dr. David Campbell, an endodontist from Moncton, New Brunswick, talked to CDA Oasis about how he uses acupuncture in his dental practice. “I was determined to see what would come of it and over time it has evolved into something that’s very useful. I believe almost every aspect of practice can benefit from acupuncture,” says Dr. Campbell. Common applications of acupuncture in dentistry are for dental pain (acute and post-op), orofacial pain (TMD) and sedation/relief from dental anxiety. However, Dr. Campbell cautions that it is possible to do harm administering acupuncture without the proper knowledge and training. M ost studies published to date on dental light curing have shown that many lights in dental offices deliver an inadequate light output and are poorly maintained. Dr. Richard Price, professor at Dalhousie University and a global expert in dental light curing, spoke to CDA Oasis to discuss the findings of a recent survey he conducted on behalf of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. The survey consisted of five questions related to how 381 dentists use their curing light in daily practice. Some key takeaways: • 75% of respondents rarely, if ever, check the output of their curing light. • 30% of respondents do not use any shielding, avert their eyes, and do not watch what they are doing. • Most respondents have a good awareness of infection control. National Survey on Light Curing Find out more about the survey results, along with recommended best practices for light curing, on CDA Oasis at: bit.ly/3zbTjAm Acupuncture in Dental Practice Hear the full conversation on acupuncture and dentistry on CDA Oasis: bit.ly/3j8Bpc0 • 10% of respondents look at the restoration and the light for some time when the light is on, which may be a health concern. • Most respondents are aware of “blue light hazard.” • Most respondents would not use their light if the output was 500mW/cm 2 or below. 15 Issue 5 | 2021 |