Mark Hartley, Editor of RDH magazine

Author's note: The first part of this blog appeared as my Editor's Note in the December 2009 issue of RDH magazine. But since it's one little tiny page in the print magazine, I decided to include a "complete" version of my Editor's Note on this DentistryIQ.com blog. Again, I'm very grateful to the writers who contribute to RDH magazine.

Readers often approach me via emails or during a dental conference to tell me how an author’s words helped them. The authors’ words help me in that I would have… Continue

A New York law firm shrewdly issued press statements about litigation against GlaxoSmithKline and Procter & Gamble for associations between denture creams and neuropathy. It's only a matter of time before patients ask about it, if they haven't already.

The lawsuits have appeared after research studies detail the risk of excessive zinc, as well as the ensuing copper deficiency, such as this one on Medscape. Another ex… Continue

Deafness has been a blanket that has allowed me to enter cathedral-like silence for more than five decades. The model of hearing aid that I currently wear does not have a hole in the ear mold. Previous models featured a hole that allowed natural sound levels to enter in addition to the “piped in” sound. Without the hole, though, I merely have to push down on the compartment where the battery is in order to hear absolutely nothing.

So when the water cooler conversations turn to shopping on QVC,… Continue

National percentage of dental hygienists who work full time vs. part time, according to RDH eVillage survey


Every year, just about right now, a light bulb goes off in my head about what’s wrong with dental hygiene. Then I eat too much candy at Halloween and too much turkey at Thanksgiving, and I’ve f… Continue

It is not my intent on to rain on a parade in Nashville, TN. A dental hygiene school opened up there, and the ensuing press release trumpeted the news. I've been involved with large projects that finally come to fruition. Endless committee meetings, hiring key people, long hours, finding space and equipment, etc.

"Folks, this committee meeting now begins. We have heard from the administration about the budget. They have allotted $25 million for the parking lot and $78 for prophy cups for all of… Continue