The global Manual Toothbrushes Market is anticipated to rise at a staggering CAGR of 5.9% by 2022. Dental hygiene is one of the important aspects of human health and toothbrush is one of the frequently demanded tools for dental hygiene. The oral benefits and clinical efficacy are achieved and periodontal disease could be avoided by the constant … Read more
Want to add some variety to your chairside conversations? Would you like to share cutting edge scientific findings with your patients? Would you like to be seen as a person of influence with a broad knowledge of nutrition and healthy living strategies? “Some patients still see us hygienists as teeth cleaners and aren’t aware of … Read more
Many dental hygienists, including myself, say they entered this profession to assist clients in developing and maintaining healthy beautiful smiles. It is widely accepted that whitening gels play a significant role in developing those beautiful smiles. According to research from EKWA Marketing (2018) Trends in Teeth Whitening: $11 billion is spent yearly on products or … Read more
Toxic biofilm is enemy number one when it comes to dental diseases. It lurks in a patient’s mouth above and below the gum line. It clings to natural teeth, restorative work, gingival tissue and the tongue, implants and orthodontic appliances. It is very challenging to remove or debride all of the biofilm from the oral … Read more
Some people look to YouTube for educational videos and others look for entertainment. When you think of YouTube, what is your first instinct? Have you ever thought that YouTube could make you a better clinician? I write articles from a place of experience and I connect with the written word on an emotional level. This … Read more
The influence of social media in modern society is no secret. It’s safe to say that most of us are consumed by it. But is this necessarily a bad thing when it comes to our professional lives? Or are these platforms providing us the opportunity to learn and connect with our peers? By now, we … Read more
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is applauding a move by the Ontario government to expand dental care for low-income seniors in the province. The investment of $90 million will see new services provided as early as summer 2019. “We have been advocating on this initiative for years and are very pleased that Premier Ford … Read more
Despite its integral function in the field of oral health care, many are unaware that the role of the dental hygienist goes beyond cleaning teeth. In celebration of National Dental Hygienists Week this April, we take a closer look at the dental hygienist’s scope of practice and the crucial work they do in furthering oral … Read more
A New look at Systemic Inflammation, Microbiome, Gum Disease Diagnosis, Treatment and Keeping Dental/Gum Disease in Remission Traditionally in dentistry we have been taught to ask our patients to brush, floss and visit us twice a year for checkups to stay healthy. In the last few years we have been hearing that by fixing dental … Read more
Chances are that you know of someone with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 1, and/or your practice has some patients at high risk or early signs of this same, dreaded condition. And chances are you know that these same individuals are entering a decline in their oral health too. Not only because you observe growing inflammation … Read more
Sherry, would you consider volunteering in leadership of your knowledge and experience in Vietnam and plan a service and learning venture for our graduating Dental Hygiene bachelor’s degree students? What would you say to volunteering your time, taking time off work without pay and organizing a trip to a country that is vast with learning … Read more
Beneath bright blue skies with perfectly painted clouds lies a place that is making a change in dental hygiene. As a practicing RDH of 11 years, clinical educator and speaker, I not only welcome the opportunity to make a difference in our profession but I have opened my mind and heart to these wonderful coincidences. … Read more
They say the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. With busy lives, it can be difficult to find the time to volunteer. But volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart. Volunteering is at the very core of being human, as no one has … Read more
Canada’s dental hygienists will mark National Non-Smoking Week (January 20–26) by urging all Canadians to quit smoking and vaping for better oral and overall health. While most people know that tobacco use is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and lung and mouth cancers, few may be aware of the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, … Read more
Join forces with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) to support our second annual competition to recognize dental hygiene health care superheroes in communities across Canada. Championed by your oral health defender CDHA and sponsored by Sensodyne®, we’re looking for the heroes in your community who fly to the rescue of clients everywhere, leap oral … Read more
The beginning of a new year is a perfect opportunity to make a fresh start and set new personal and professional goals. With the recent legalization of cannabis in Canada, dental hygienists urge everyone to think carefully before using cannabis, given its negative impact on oral health. “Cannabis use has many side effects that can … Read more
Introduction Non-sterile clinical gloves are a key component of Standard Precautions. It was envisaged that their use, when there was a risk of direct contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or mucous membranes, would prevent potential pathogens in those locations from being transmitted to other patients and, therefore, assist in reducing healthcare associated infections. … Read more
There are many systems that can be implemented in a dental practice to enhance time management between dentists and hygienists. Although these solutions are relatively simple and easy to implement, they require the cooperation of all members of the administrative team. Let’s look at managing hygiene exams and assessments. The first question to ask is, … Read more
Do you ever request your patients to close on the saliva ejector to evacuate fluids from their mouths? If so, when was the last time you effectively cleaned out the valve? When a patient closes on the saliva ejector or the tip becomes occluded, backflow may occur due to a temporary drop in vacuum pressure. … Read more
The public’s perception of saliva is low indeed. The act of spitting on someone is considered a vile act, one of disrespect, and even hate. Yet, in some cases, spitting can be done in a joking manner, as in a Canadian produced comedic program where residents of one town, upon hearing the name of their … Read more