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A String around Your Finger: Do We Really Need to Floss?

A History and Update of Fluoride Dentifrices
Course Author(s): Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS;Gentiane Valiquette, DMD
CE Credits: 1 Hour(s)
Intended Audience: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assistant Students
Date Course Online: 04/02/2018
Last Revision Date: NA
Course Expiration Date: 04/01/2021
Cost: Free
Method: Self-instructional
AGD Subject Code(s): 150, 250, 490
ce-credits-1

Introduction
A String around Your Finger: Do We Really Need to Floss? will review current literature on the effectiveness of flossing and other interdental cleaning in the age of “Flossgate,” the August 2016 assertion in the Associated Press that there is scanty research supporting flossing as a method to improve oral health outcomes. This course will look at the 2011 Cochrane systematic review upon which the government based its decision to omit the recommendation to floss from the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as well as the broader literature and scientific rationale behind flossing and interdental cleaning. Finally, this course will evaluate the current best evidence for oral hygiene methods to prevent caries and periodontal disease.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

  • Dr. Geisinger has been or is currently a co-investigator and/or principal investigator on research funded entirely or in part by The Procter & Gamble Company. All funds were used for research endeavors and not for personal gain. Dr. Geisinger has not accepted any payment from dentalcare.com for participation in this continuing education course.
  • Dr. Valiquette reports no conflicts of interest associated with this course.

Disclaimer: Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.

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SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission

To have your "proof of completion" information automatically submitted to the AGD, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the Share Your Test Score page. Allow at least 30 days for your credit transfer to appear in your AGD account.

Florida CE Broker

In order for your "proof of completion" information to be automatically submitted to Florida CE Broker, add your Florida License number in the field provided on the "Share Your Test Score" page. If you are licensed in multiple states, please enter just your Florida License number. Allow at least 30 days for your credit transfer to appear in your account.

For accurate submissions into the Florida CE Broker system, dentists needs to have a DN in front of their license number and hygienists need to have a DH in front of their license number. The Florida CE Broker System does not accept "0's" in front of the license number.

Louisiana CE Broker

In order for your "proof of completion" information to be automatically submitted to Louisiana CE Broker, add your Louisiana License number in the field provided on the "Share Your Test Score" page. If you are licensed in multiple states, please enter just your Louisiana License number. Allow at least 30 days for your credit transfer to appear in your account.

For accurate submissions into the Louisiana CE Broker system, dentists needs to have a D in front of their license number and hygienists need to have an H in front of their license number. The Louisiana CE Broker System does not accept "0's" in front of the license number.

RELATED COURSES

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Concerns or complaints about a dental CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at:
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Approved PACE Program Provider

PACE

The Procter & Gamble Company is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship, Mastership, and Membership Maintenance Credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from 8/1/2017 to 7/31/2021.
Provider ID# 211886