If you took a look at USC’s dental hygiene program in the fall, you might not have recognized it: It’s gone through a number of noteworthy changes. First off, the class is smaller: 20 students comprise the Class of 2021. “We’re very excited because there’s going to be more personalized eduUcation and more one-on-one time … Read more
A Grande Prairie woman is hoping to change the way people look at a traditional visit to the dentist. Dental Hygienist Meg Kreutziger recently opened up the only dental hygiene practice in Grande Prairie called To the Root. “There are people that want maybe more procedures. Maybe they’re into cosmetics, maybe they need other stuff, … Read more
A chronic shortage of dental hygienists in the province became worse this year after changes were made to the diploma program for students. Instead of two years to get a diploma, the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists Association now requires students to have three years of training. That meant there was no graduating class of 26 students in … Read more
When you first meet Moncton’s Dr. Luc Sipkema, he comes off as a pretty clinical and serious guy. “Everybody has got that professional side and then their true self,” said Sipkema, who calls himself a bit of a goofball. He showed off his silly side when he recently released a parody video of “Old Town … Read more
Being pregnant is a wonderful time for women, and it’s packed with so much to do when preparing for their baby. Unfortunately, during this busy time, one of the things that sometimes gets less attention is dental health. This is really is troublesome, because dental issues like gum disease can lead to premature births. In … Read more
I recently had coffee with one of my dental hygiene classmates from the University of Alberta. We reminisced about our days of learning about the profession of dental hygiene with memories of our favourite instructors, exams, radiography labs, petri dishes and dental hygiene clinics. We shared our unique individual amazing stories of our experiences during … Read more
Irene: When did you know you wanted to open your own practice? Michelle: In 2015, the entrepreneurial vision began. Why? I’ve always had a passion for health. For wellness. For connection. For beautiful SMILES. My beginning was a shift. A shift in how the delivery of healthcare services can be provided when we recognize … Read more
Owning my own practice seemed insurmountable in 2010 when I put together my first business plan. It took me three months to add the lines and numbers into various spreadsheets and when I realized that I didn’t have enough money, time or knowledge about business, I put the well-detailed, colour-coded binder in a storage bin … Read more
I’ve been blessed to have an extraordinary support team of friends, family and colleagues who have helped me with every step of our mission, to help ‘Transform the Dental Hygiene Experience’, for the Clinician, the Client and the Practice. It is with this mission in mind that has led me on my quest to create … Read more
As you are all very aware, dental hygienists are educated health professionals who specialize in the promotion of oral health and the prevention of oral diseases. But in the grand scheme of things, you are so much more than that. You are a trusted resource provider. You’re an educator. You’re a professional. You’re more than … Read more
Historical thinking about the role of the dental hygienist as a member of the health care team is that their purpose is primarily auxiliary or clinical.1 However, a paradigm shift in the profession has been in process for several years.2 The shift in dental hygiene emphasizes the roles of educator and health promotor as primary … Read more
In the world of dental hygiene, we commonly refer to routine follow up exams with patients as ‘recall’ appointments. More appropriately, these can be considered re-care exams, as our patients aren’t recalled per se, rather compassionately re-cared for through the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of their oral health. Re-care exams play a very important role … 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
As dental hygienists across Canada, we are united and bonded by one major, collective fear: The Continuing Competence, Quality Assurance auditing process. The mere mention of the term elicits a sequence of events including, but not limited to, sweating, blurred vision, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a sense of overall dread. For many … Read more
As we approach the end of the year, it’s common for many people to look at their bank accounts and question where all the money they made has gone. Taking control of your finances requires discipline and we have provided some tips and tricks that will help you keep more money in your pockets as … Read more
Ivividly remember my interview, first job and very first day. I thought outside of the box to secure my first job. Writing my resume was a challenge being a new graduate without any dental experience. Unlike some of my 2007 graduates, I wasn’t a dental assistant first, and aside from having a dentist of my … Read more
The dental patients we once knew are a thing of the past – much like your old flip phone. Today’s patients are tech savvy, well educated and likely to have researched all of their symptoms and dental treatments prior to arriving in your chair. In today’s competitive landscape, dental care professionals need to inform and … Read more
Perhaps you’re fresh out of school, looking for your first position as a hygienist. Or maybe you have been working as a hygienist for many years and are looking to move to a new practice (or multiple practices). Or, perhaps the dentist you have been working with has just asked you to sign a very … Read more
As a practicing dental hygienist, I focused on the delivery of patient-centred care, avoided the financial and operational aspects of a dental practice, and had no need for business acumen. Over time working in dental clinics, my interests and horizons expanded, and I became more and more fascinated by the economic underpinnings of an oral … Read more
As witches and wizards prepare to haunt neighbourhoods across Canada on October 31, dental hygienists urge us all to be mindful of warding off cavities on Halloween night. While the new Canada’s Food Guide emphasizes sugar reduction for good overall health, dental hygienists have known for years that there is a link between high sugar … Read more