To say that 2020 threw the world a giant curve ball would be one of the understatements of the decade. For some, it felt as though the earth had stopped revolving on its axis and it has never quite begun turning the same way. Government mandates closing offices, PPE requirement that increased costs and created … Read more
Introduction Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors present a challenge for both the orthodontic and restorative treating dentists. Often, only two scenarios are discussed: canine substitution or replacing the missing lateral.1 The former is often considered an orthodontic solution while the latter is more restoratively driven. However, there are complexities in these cases that are dependent … Read more
Introduction Predictability is a worthy goal for any practicing dentist. The study of evidence based models in dentistry has developed increasing predictability of the success of specific dental treatments and procedures in achieving optimum oral health.1 While dental treatments have continued to become more predictable, life, however, consistently presents unforseen situations. A traumatic dental injury … Read more
Imagine you are 18 years old and all your life you have dreamed of a career in acting or modelling. Everyone that you talk to in your chosen field tells you the same thing. You have what it takes to make it, except for one thing. Your teeth are simply too unattractive. So you do … Read more
According to a 2016 survey of the National Dental Practice Based Research Network, the top material choices for anterior crowns were lithium disilicate and layered zirconia whereas the top choice for posterior crowns was monolithic zirconia.1 Polishing high strength ceramics, such as zirconia and lithium disilicate, can be a clinical challenge due to the hardness … Read more
Introduction Achieving a successful outcome in aesthetic dentistry can be a formidable challenge for all dental practitioners, regardless of their experience level. The patient describes their expectations for the case to the dentist, who then diligently works with provisional restorations to satisfy those aesthetic desires, only to have to rely on the dental technician (ceramist) … Read more
May 5–7, 2022 Metro Toronto Convention Centre Reconnect at ASM22! The Annual Spring Meeting (ASM) is the signature event of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). Now in its 157th year, it is one of the longest running and most respected dental conventions in North America. Over the years the ASM has become a popular meeting … Read more
May 27–31, 2022 The annual meeting of Ordre des dentistes du Québec will be taking place from May 27 to 31 at the Palais des congrès. This continuing education event, the largest dental congress in Canada with more than 12,500 participants, is the annual meeting place for Quebec dentists and members of the dental team. … Read more
As healthcare professionals, we are passionate about positively impacting our patients’ lives and giving back to the communities we serve. With April being National Oral Health Month, many Canadian dental practices will be celebrating in different ways. dentalcorp, the organization I work with, recognizes National Oral Health Month by donating their time and skills through … Read more
The ebb and flow of staff has always existed. Babies are born, people move cross-country, practices downsize, and often the grass is simply just greener elsewhere. But never, ever has it been like we have experienced for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Revolving door syndrome Many practice owners are describing the … Read more
Remember October 2021? Outbreaks. Masks. Variants. Vaccines. Tests. Lockdowns. Mass resignations. Shortages. Inflation. Politics. Anger. Blame. And in that context, a group of Canadian dentists and support staff, mostly strangers, left home to provide free dental services to the impoverished locals of Turks & Caicos – a tiny Caribbean island known for its accessibility to … Read more
It is often said that word of mouth is the best advertisement. That may be true, but only if people are saying good things about your dental practice. Otherwise, it can become a PR nightmare. Furthermore, the modern version of “word of mouth” is actually the written word, which is widely shared across social media … Read more
Having a long-term plan ensures the hard work you put into building your business continues to pay off when you’re ready to transition and sell your practice. To make sure your team and patients are well cared for, keep these key considerations in mind. What involvement would you like to have in the practice after … Read more
THE WHY: Owner’s story McAllister Dentistry is located in the heart of Ottawa and is the brainchild of Dr. Jessie McAllister. She initially had concurrent aspirations of being a medical doctor. Drawing inspiration from her physician grandfather and artistic mother, she ultimately decided to choose dentistry as the exciting path that would allow her to … Read more
Being a boss is hard! Ask any business owner in any industry the most challenging aspect of running a business and they will all give you the same answer: people. As dentists, our focus is on seeing patients and we can easily overlook the most important aspect of being a hands-on business owner, which is … Read more
Do these statements sound familiar? Discussing treatment with patients makes me feel pushy. I don’t want our patients to feel “sold” to. Our patients would never want to hear above and beyond the minimal care needed. If you have ever thought any of these phrases, you’re not alone. Supporting optimal treatment, discussing this with your … Read more
Poor oral hygiene leads to gum and dental disease (the most prevalent disease in the entire world), causing pain, misery and expense, yet in spite of all scientific and technical advances, there has been no reduction of dental disease in the last 10 years. Every dentist and hygienist knows that caries and gum disease are … Read more
Most people understand the benefits of gut probiotics, but fewer individuals and oral health professionals are aware of the preventive and/or supportive health benefits that oral probiotics can provide by reducing the risk or severity of oral disease. Could the addition of this modality to our traditional therapies be a “missing link” that could improve … Read more
When my journey as a hygienist began over 15 years ago, never did I believe I would find myself fulfilled in a career as an orthodontic clinician. As a fresh graduate with a suction in my left hand and a scaler in the right, I was going to save smiles, one tooth at a time! … Read more
This issue we take our final in-depth look at the 2018 AAP Periodontal Classification. We’re excited to bring you more Q&As from Gabriele Maycher in 2022 on such topics as client care, record keeping, technical skills, office communication, and much more. Email your questions to amy@newcom.ca with Stay Sharp in the subject line. What systems … Read more