In this insightful discussion, Mary Otto, an independent journalist and author of 'Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America,' and Dr. Lisa Simon, a general dentist and internal medicine physician, tackle the question of dental trust. They dive into the historical divide between dentistry and medicine, exploring how this affects patient care. The conversation highlights the challenges of dental insurance and accessibility, especially for underserved populations, while sharing personal anecdotes that illuminate the complexities of oral health.

Mary Otto, a journalist focused on social issues and author of "Teeth," teams up with Dr. Lisa Simon, a general dentist and internal medicine physician, to unpack the complexities of dental care. They explore the historical divide between dentistry and medicine, revealing how this impacts patient trust and care. With personal anecdotes, they discuss the frustrating nature of dental insurance and systemic gaps in accessibility, especially for vulnerable populations. They advocate for integrating dental and medical practices to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Lisa Simon, an expert in dental care for primary care physicians, discusses a range of topics including dental pain, caries, gingivitis, dry mouth, TMJ dysfunction, and dental side effects of medications. She provides tips for diagnosing dental pain, treatment options, and post-operative care. She also talks about managing complications and emergencies in dental care, as well as oral health in patients with opioid use disorder. Additionally, she addresses the use of anticoagulants during dental procedures and offers recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis.