In March 2023, Oral Health published an article entitled “Seal Grenada: We Can Do This!” In that article, I talked about how a private-public partnership was formed based on a call to action from one of Grenada’s top dentists, Dr. Julie Du Bois, to help seal the teeth of the children of Grenada. Grenada is … Read more
Post-COVID dental events are officially back and better than ever! As an event owner, I understand the significant value in-person and virtual events provide for our industry. Dental events help announce new products, educate on new technology, provide valuable hands-on experience, and – my favourite – they help us build our valuable professional networks! It … Read more
Are flawed processes keeping your team from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? The challenge: As a dedicated practice manager, I have a team of exceptional individuals who showcase remarkable skills and talents. However, some challenges require attention. Specifically, I invest significant time in managing questions and conflicts related to … Read more
You wake up and get ready for work. Feeling nothing. You drive to the office. Wondering why? You put on your scrubs. Wishing you weren’t there. You care for your patients, go home, and when your spouse says, “How was work?” You respond, “Fine.” But you’re not fine. You’re not happy. You are no longer … Read more
As an OMF surgeon, my patients often ask for liquid medications due to difficulty swallowing large pills. There is now a product on the market that allows my patients to take their vitamins via toothpaste, though antibiotics have yet to find a way into toothpaste. But wait, can you really get a significant amount of vitamins … Read more
I recall feeling thrilled after discussing a program that raises awareness about hearing loss. Seeing that a company was willing to provide closed captioning for the course was heartening. I had hoped that more companies would follow suit as awareness about hearing loss grows, but unfortunately, that has not been the case. I still have … Read more
Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? The challenge: As a new graduate I am having a hard time integrating the techniques and standards I learned in school into our practice, particularly with some resistance from more senior hygienists. The solution: Navigating differences … Read more
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Today’s digital age has revolutionized dentistry as we know it, enabling streamlined processes from appointment booking to patient communication. The transformation, however, has also made the dental industry a target for cyber threats. As in dentistry, prevention is key in the world of cybersecurity. Dental hygienists need to be savvy about data security to ensure … Read more
In the last few issues of Oral Hygiene, the introduction to this topic, Secret #1, #2 and #3, were revealed. If you missed them, be sure to look back at these articles! To continue, when we look at what we can do in the dental practice to feel like we matter, to bring value, and … Read more
We don’t have to drill and fill every cavity. That’s right! Sometimes, the best option to manage caries is with a preventive agent, not a handpiece. The American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs and the Centre for Evidence-Based Dentistry convened an expert panel to do a systematic review and create evidence-based recommendations for … Read more
Change for the Better: Are flawed processes keeping your team from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Q: What’s your team’s billing IQ? As a practice manager, I’m dealing with numerous human resource (HR) issues and client complaints related to hygiene billing. Some hygienists bill appropriately for the entire hour, … Read more
We have all been there – hitting snooze for the 2nd time, reaching for that 3rd cup of coffee, or scouring the lunchroom for any leftover treats that the sales rep dropped off yesterday because we are tired and our brains are looking for that quick sugar/dopamine hit. Working in dental hygiene, we are used … Read more
In the dental industry, there is no older friend than fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral has been widely researched as an additive in drinking water and dental products and is considered a linchpin of oral health. Not only does it strengthen the enamel, but it has also been shown to be effective in preventing gum … Read more
There are many preventative measures you can take to avoid letting mental stress get away from you as a dentist or dental hygienist, forming a kind of mental plaque. Just like telling your patients to clean their interdental spaces, it’s highly important to take your own advice, and apply it to your mind. You have … Read more
Sustainability in dental practices is a growing concern as we move towards global initiatives for a greener future. The significance of sustainability in dental practices extends beyond the immediate clinical setting. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for healthcare services, particularly dental hygiene care. This surge in demand places unprecedented … Read more
Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Can a hygienist be ‘too rough?’ It depends on which client you ask. Challenge: As a dentist, I take pride in having an exceptional team of dental hygienists. Nevertheless, one team member consistently receives a high … Read more
For decades, we’ve been told to brush our teeth twice a day, for 2-3 minutes. However, what often goes unnoticed is the importance of surface coverage during brushing. Many of us are unaware of whether we are effectively reaching all of the areas of our mouths. An alarming statistic finds that 20% of people aren’t brushing their teeth … Read more
We’ve all been there (or if you haven’t, you most likely will at some point in your career): a patient sits in your chair and one of the first things out of their mouth is “I hate coming to the dentist.” Dental anxiety is very common. A high percentage of the population experiences some level … Read more
Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? The challenge: “In my practice, new clients are scheduled for a 90-minute comprehensive oral exam and cleaning appointment. They typically see the dentist for the first half hour and then are scheduled for an hour with … Read more
This issue marks the end of our regular “Stay Sharp” feature but look for more Q&As from Gabriele Maycher in coming issues on such topics as workplace conflict, client compliance, insurance snafus, and much more. Email your questions to tanya@newcom.ca with Q&A in the subject line. Q: What is the rationale for a three-month vs. … Read more