By Dr. Grace Sun

When treating TMD, it is important to recognize the TMJ as a part of a larger system. As dental professionals we are well suited to treat TMJ, as orofacial-and-dental components are major contributing factors to TMD. Before rendering tx, proper diagnosis is requisite. The TM joint is comprised of multiple components and requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Most TMD symptoms are of myofascial origin, treatment modalities for which can be addressed by a variety of multi-disciplinary approaches, including pharmaceuticals, PT, PBM light therapy, acupuncture and trigger point treatment.

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By Gail Siminovsky, CAE - ALD Executive Director

I hope you are all safe and well. For me and my family, we are well and leaning on one another with love and support. I became a new grandma on January 3 with the arrival of my grandson, so all is good when we can celebrate life. I approach every day with a positive outlook. My day starts very early with quiet thinking about how I can spread joy and be helpful to you and the ALD community. Lifting each other up in ways that help our patients and help each other is ALD’s focus for 2021. I invite you to JOIN US as we all experience new ways to communicate, learn, live, care, and spread love in our world.

By Aric Sven and Moriah Sven

By Laurene K. Duke, DDS

Uncertainty has been the mantra for me during these COVID times. I willingly shut my practice as the California governor asked us all to do in March. It seemed to be for only a few weeks. I usually take a vacation of 6-8 weeks per year and closing for a few weeks was not an issue for me. Since the stay at home order was in place, I did not travel (my planned trip was cancelled) and I could take this time to revamp a few protocols for aerosols and get back to seeing patients. WOW!! This was not the case as we all know. I did not even suggest my staff go on unemployment for the first few weeks, thinking it would be a short shut down and I could manage the payroll. So many unforeseen circumstances have led to these uncertain COVID times.