By occupation a dental hygienist, I see myself as the natural link between healthcare in its traditional understanding, and the ever-expanding sector – or industry – of wellness. This link embodies the multiple dimensions and nuances shaping the profile of the dental hygienist and oral healthcare of the future. We are clinicians, healers, healthcare providers, … Read more
Still confused about the 2018 AAP Periodontal classification. Never fear! The next few monthly columns will review some of the most important updates made to the industry’s global periodontal guidelines to help hygiene teams achieve the highest level of care. Once we have exhausted this topic we will move onto other questions about the process of … Read more
I have the privilege of working with the dental students at the University of Toronto. One of my responsibilities is to discuss with them the management of medically compromised patients. I am often pleasantly surprised with the students’ knowledge pertaining to a myriad of medical emergencies. However, I can say that I consistently take additional … Read more
Don’t it always seem to go/That you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. – Joni Mitchell (“Big Yellow Taxi”) There is an active application to recognize Dental Anesthesia as a dental specialty nationwide. Dental Anesthesia is recognized as a specialty in Ontario as well as in the United States and Japan. This assistive … Read more
Dr. Monty Gaur Nose Creek Dental, Airdrie, Alberta What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known at the start of your career? I wish I would have known how critical it would be to possess knowledge of how to successfully operate a business. There are so many unimaginable and unforeseen … Read more
While over a third of dental practices have seen no change to their staffing, there are many dentists that are struggling to hire new team members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over ½ of dentists have begun offering higher wages to attract new staff, while many dentists have yet to take any action. If you find … Read more
Introduction Subcutaneous emphysema is a well-known complication that can occur during dental procedures. It arises when air is forcefully pushed into the submucosal spaces, leading to tissue distension. This trapping of air can progressively spread through the facial spaces, which are anatomical regions of loose connective tissue between muscles and bones. The consequences of subcutaneous … Read more
As dental care professionals, we are all familiar with measuring our patients’ blood pressure. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been several changes in our health care system, some of which have led to the question: is it time we make changes to the frequency of blood pressure measurements in the dental … Read more
Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colourless, inorganic gas that has been used in dental and surgical anesthesia since the mid-1800s. The combination of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen provides mild conscious sedation that can effectively manage dental anxiety. Beyond conscious sedation, nitrous oxide is commonly used in medical surgeries requiring general anesthesia in combination with … Read more
The primary function of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is to convert certain fatal non-perfusing heart rhythms back into perfusing heart rhythms (producing a pulse that can provide oxygen to vital organs). They are now a required component of the Basic Life Support (BLS) training courses for healthcare providers such as dentists and dental personnel. … Read more
Abstract Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopment disorder that can present challenging behavioral and airway management during general anesthesia. This case report involves a 25-year-old female patient with CdLS who received a moderate sedation for dental treatment at the Adult Surgicentre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto. CdLS is associated with … Read more
Introduction Rehabilitation of completely edentulous maxillary and mandibular arches should satisfy form, function and esthetics. Such rehabilitations can be carried out either with or without implants. Although contemporary rehabilitation of completely edentulous situations is inclining towards dental implants, the demand for conventional removable prosthodontics is still high owing to surgical, economic and patient’s medical limitations. … Read more
Unless you are very lucky, you’ve experienced a restless night of sleep with an overactive mind. Without rest, we burnout. Without rest, we lack the energy and clarity to set goals and grow as professionals. And in our profession, the constant state of change and adaptability we have experienced recently has undoubtedly contributed to keeping … Read more
You’re half an hour behind and you have three hygiene checks to perform. Mrs. Brown’s implant crown popped off while an assistant was taking an impression, not to mention the servers are down and the receptionists are panicking. Your heart is pounding, you’re getting heart burn, and your stress is overwhelming. What do you do? … Read more
Dear Editor, I have read the article entitled “Going, Going, Gone” by Michael Carabash published in the December issue of Oral Health Office. As an individual who has been working with dentists for almost 30 years and a proud member of a firm that has appraised and sold dental offices for almost 50 years, I … Read more
Is there a human alive who hasn’t at some point been frustrated or stressed at work? Anyone who is taking on life energetically and head-on will definitely hit periods of stress and frustration. Welcome to the workaday world. Sure, there are people who amble through life, not taking too much responsibility for anything and, of … Read more
The pandemic has completely transformed the dental job market landscape, as indicated by the turnover rates reported in the industry. We hear of hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff have been let go due to lack of patient volumes and inconsistent income, forcing owner dentists to reduce payroll. In seeking viable alternatives to fill the holes … Read more
It’s no secret that the dental practice marketplace has been in the seller’s favour for decades. With interest rates at an all-time low, practice loan amortization periods longer than they’ve ever been and more buyers than sellers, this is not going to change anytime soon. Finding a prospective buyer for your practice in today’s market … Read more
The savvy dental practice owner knows that it takes more than clinical skills and dedication to succeed in this competitive industry. It takes a winning marketing strategy – and that is easier said than done. In reality, some of the most basic truths and most effective methods are often overlooked. 1. Yes, your patient base … Read more
In a (post) pandemic world, where the population is more aware of the risks of airborne transmission and “work from anywhere” has become de rigueur, some patients will avoid commuting to the dental practice as often. But that doesn’t mean a dental practice should give up on the relationships it has built. By utilizing remote … Read more