Treating children not teeth The best time to implement an oral hygiene program is right at the beginning, when teeth are erupting, before there is any irreversible pathology. Prevention is a program for life, like a dietary or physical fitness program. It is only as good as its implementation. There will be ups and downs, … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Jennifer Turner, the CEO of Hygiene Headquarters Inc., and an active member in the dental hygiene community. Jennifer is an award-winning Dental Hygiene Professor and inspiring speaker. What advice do you have for the dental hygienists out there who are not feeling … Read more
“Role models and clinical experiences” are key factors in shaping the identities of dental hygienists as they transition from students to health professionals, according to a Japanese study. Published in BMC Medical Education, the study emphasized the importance of fostering “supporting communities where dental hygienists connect, help, and learn from each other.” It highlighted the … Read more
Picture this: A temp dental hygienist walks into an unfamiliar practice, feeling nervous yet determined to do their best. They are given minimal instructions, a quick overview, and shown to an operatory they have never worked in before. With barely 20 minutes to prepare, they catch their breath just as their first patient arrives. Is … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Kirsten Fisher, who always knew she wanted to work in the dental field. She uses her position as a Swiss Dental Academy trainer and her online social platforms to educate fellow hygienists. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a … Read more
Tobacco cessation is an incredibly complex topic for dental professionals. In the most recent years, the focus on tobacco transitioned into the focus of marijuana and e-vape use. This transition quickly suppressed the topic, making it more and more difficult to have this conversation in a clinical setting with fellow colleagues and patients. As dental … Read more
Natasha Pelley, owner of the mobile clinic SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile, recently appeared in a Hygiene Spotlight Q&A. As someone who travels to rural areas providing dental care with her mobile clinic, she provided some advice for other dental hygienists hoping to start their own mobile clinic, or clinic in general. Do your research: Reach out to … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Natasha Pelley, owner of the mobile clinic, SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile. Natasha travels to rural areas of Newfoundland to provide dental care to underserved areas with the help of her dog, Millie. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? … Read more
Change for the Better: Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Challenge We’ve been noticing increasing inconsistency in care among our team members, especially since the release of the 2018 AAP Periodontal Classification. This issue seems to be exacerbated by the fact that some … Read more
In the fast-paced, metrics-driven world of a dental practice, it’s easy to slip into routines that prioritize efficiency over connection. Appointment times are limited, schedules are packed, and every interaction feels like it is reduced to a checkbox: patients need to be treated, dental hygiene protocols followed, and the day must be completed to the … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Heather Wolframe, RDH, HIAOMT. Heather has over 15 years of clinical experience and runs Myofunctional Therapy Thunder Bay where she helps patients thrive in overall health and wellness by assessing and addressing myofunctional concerns. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene … Read more
The necessary approvals have been received to implement fee schedule parity for independent dental hygienists early in the new year, Minister of Health Mark Holland said on Oct. 18, according to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA). “It’s fundamentally unfair that the fee schedule isn’t the same for independent dental hygiene practices as it is … Read more
Despite women representing 97 per cent of dental hygienists and therapists in Canada, they earned, on average, 26 per cent less than men, according to a study published Monday that details imbalances in the dental workforce. The study, published in BMC Health Services Research, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, indicated that this significant difference was largely … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Rachael aka The Pink Hygienist. Rachael uses her online platform to showcase exciting new dental products and encourage patients to have more fun with their oral hygiene routine. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I was working … Read more
Introduction The connection between mental health and overall well-being is significant, yet the role of dental visits in this context is often overlooked. Dental hygienists, who spend considerable time with patients, are uniquely positioned to observe changes in behavior, mood, and physical symptoms that could indicate mental health concerns. By incorporating routine mental health screenings … Read more
In 2017, on Season 11 of Dragons’ Den, dental hygienist Balbir Sohi unveiled her “Smiles on Wheels” business on national TV. She showcased her refurbished van, equipped with all the tools needed for a mobile hygienist to provide care right in a parking lot. Although she didn’t achieve her goal of launching her own franchise … Read more
Change for the Better: Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Challenge As a senior hygienist on our team, I frequently find myself needing to retreat periodontal therapy due to calculus being left by previous hygienists. My goal is to reduce the need for … Read more
In an age where social media filters and celebrity culture heavily influence beauty standards, a new phenomenon has emerged: smile dysmorphia. This term describes the growing obsession people have with achieving a perfect smile, often driven by unrealistic beauty ideals perpetuated by social media and celebrity trends. This condition is closely linked to body dysmorphic … Read more
In the realm of healthcare, including dentistry, policy decisions have a profound impact on practitioners, patients, and the overall delivery of services. Dental professionals play a crucial role in shaping these policies by actively participating on boards. This article explores the significance of dental professionals’ involvement in policy development and advocacy. The Importance of Board … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Fiona aka “Mouthboxx” a self proclaimed “non-traditional hygienist” who uses her online platform to educate and mentor fellow dental hygienists as they progress in their careers. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I grew up with an … Read more