Is continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring ( CIONM ) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve sufficient as the only neuromonitoring technique in thyroidectomy performed because of benign goitre?
CIONM with RLN visualization in thyroidectomy performed because of benign goitre is as safe as other methods of IONM and gives a continuous confirmation of the electrical integrity of the loop NX-RLN-vocal folds during almost the entire procedure. There is a clinical need for the development of external stimulation of NX (transdermal or trancranial), particularly for minimally invasive techniques in which access to NX is limited (i.e. transoral thyroidectomy).
With rapid change in both the oral and overall health care environments, transformation in dental hygiene curriculum and competencies, and more states allowing the public to have direct access to dental hygienists, dental hygiene professionals are expanding their presence into all aspects of the health care system. ADHA is leading this effort to help dental hygienists provide that care by expanding workforce opportunities and allowing dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of their scope. The dental hygiene profession must be prepared and ready to embrace these opportunities. In doing so, new career pathways will be available for dental hygiene professionals that will also improve the public's access to oral health care.