I recently had the honour of speaking at the New Dentist Study Club in Toronto and couldn’t help but feel a significant sense of responsibility. The talk on ergonomics for dentists was not just about improving workplace comfort, it was about preserving careers and enhancing the quality of life for dedicated dental professionals. Dentists (and their … Read more
By occupation a dental hygienist, I see myself as the natural link between healthcare in its traditional understanding, and the ever-expanding sector – or industry – of wellness. This link embodies the multiple dimensions and nuances shaping the profile of the dental hygienist and oral healthcare of the future. We are clinicians, healers, healthcare providers, … Read more
Professional athletes place as much importance on their rest and recovery as on their performance strategy. Why? Because the time we spend recharging directly impacts our ability to perform and thrive both personally and professionally, as well as cope with stress. With life’s daily demands, it is essential to manage our personal well-being so we … Read more
The road to becoming a dentist is not an easy one. Aside from mastering the science and art of caring for patients’ dental and oral health, dental students must make sure they possess and further develop the manual dexterity required of those in the profession. Without a doubt, a dentist’s hands are their most important … Read more
Most people don’t realize that the dental profession is one of the most at-risk for mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, and negative effects of stress. Mental health in dentistry can often be considered a taboo subject, but it has been ignored for too long. To understand the serious nature of this problem, you … Read more
The last year has been chaotic for a myriad of reasons, and there can’t be many people around who haven’t suffered as a result. The most common damage, of course, is psychological. People have lost loved ones, been left in professional limbo or outright unemployed, and had to remain stuck at home for long stretches … Read more
You’re half an hour behind and you have three hygiene checks to perform. Mrs. Brown’s implant crown popped off while an assistant was taking an impression, not to mention the servers are down and the receptionists are panicking. Your heart is pounding, you’re getting heart burn, and your stress is overwhelming. What do you do? … Read more
2020 brought tremendous change, hardship, and loss for a great many of us. We were catapulted out of our comfort zones as we had to adjust to the new normal. With a new year around the corner, we have a unique opportunity to recognize how unprepared we may have been to handle an abrupt change … Read more
Many of us only think of getting fit and healthy to look good for college reunions or to rebound after the failure of a relationship (the proverbial “revenge body”). It’s beyond just looking good; it’s about creating a body that can help you weather a financial storm, an emotional storm or even survive a pandemic. … Read more
Forget trying to lose weight for the next selfie on Instagram – get healthy and fit to boost productivity and mental clarity. You see being physically fit has major physiological benefits that go far beyond fitting into your skinny jeans. Exercise scientists have demonstrated that a fit body supports boundless energy, a more robust immune … Read more
The new dental hygiene graduate is filled with enthusiasm and the promise of the future but their path can be full of landmines if they do not have life balance. This article was designed to provide support for a busy new professional and equally exciting personal life. The new graduate may be saddled with heavy … Read more
After 30 years in the Dental Community, as a Dental Speaker lecturing in North America and internationally, I retired in 2015. Following my wonderful career, I wanted to give back and volunteer with women. Good Shepherd offered me the opportunity to donate my time and energy to its Women’s Services program. I didn’t realize how many women need … Read more
The easiest and most effective way to highlight your commitment to oral health… Last week, we discussed that the future growth of the hygiene department is based on the foundational truth that oral health is the gateway to overall body wellness. You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. When you consider the … Read more
Essentially, we don’t know which hygiene procedure should be done first, nor for that matter, whether flossing has any preventive effect on dental decay. Read this quick review by the New York Times about the limited evidence to support flossing. So why do we recommend it, and even gently nag our patients about flossing? There … Read more
American insurers are now using sophisticated computer algorithms to predict who, amongst their clients, will require early re-admission to hospital or who will have difficulties with their diabetes. For those who are predicted to get sick (again), the insurers offer additional services such as a health coach or more more home care. Our Canadian medical … Read more
This may be habit forming … I have to share the prescription I received last week from my medical doctor upon completion of my annual physical examination. My doctor stated that he was going prescribe a rare and unique script for me that I will be required to adhere to for the remainder of my … Read more
A new study which followed mortality of young Seniors over 5 years, found a significant predictor of death was the number of teeth. Even when allowing for other risk factors for mortality (gender, BMI, serum albumin level, current smoking status, education, number of family members living together, history of chronic disease), the risk of all-cause … Read more
Your critical area of focus… In today’s fast paced world of change, competition and customer (patient) sophistication, it is critical to focus on your service, reputation and referrals. Also critical, is to know how your patients feel about you, talk about you and express their dissatisfaction. A dissatisfied customer will tell 12 other people A … Read more
An experienced venture capitalist recently identified some major trends which are affecting American health care and presumably your practice too! a shift from fee-for-service to compensation based on better health patients are becoming consumers who want a true retail experience personal medicine (and dentistry) based on risks an aging population which has more need for … Read more
Attached are 2 photos of our recent annual trip in January 2015 to Quesada, Guatemala. This is part of an official Canadian charity (12+ yrs going) called Health Outreach (founded by Dr. Tim Lee, Mississauga), where the volunteers (dentists and support personnel), provide free dental work to needy children. In our 6 days of work, … Read more