How Long Do I Have to Cure My Composite?

Lawson-FIG-2-thumbnail alternate text for this image

The common answer is ‘It depends on the manufacturer’s instructions’. The resin manufacturer or the light manufacturer? What if they do not agree? Many aspects of restorative dentistry are based upon clinical learning or creativity. However, composite curing is not one of them. Hence, “how long to cure my composite” is a common dilemma. There … Read more

The Hall Technique – Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Step-by-step of the Clinical Hall Technique Procedure.

Background and Context Like many health fields, dentistry has been characterized throughout the years for innovating and improving upon existing interventions. Established and “classical” approaches, materials and techniques have often stood the test of time compared to more innovative and so-called “cutting-edge” technologies. In pediatric dentistry, this has proven to be true, especially when it … Read more

Best Practices for Transitioning for Patients Who Live with Disabilities

Friedman-Fig2 alternate text for this image

If you are thinking, “this article is not applicable to me”, then please consider the list of questions below: The relevance of this article extends beyond care for persons of disabilities because patients who were once healthy in your dental practice will age and may develop disabilities (temporary or permanent). Access to dental care is … Read more

Tooth or Not, Advocate for Your Patient

ORAL-HEALTH-JAN-2024 alternate text for this image

Identifying the etiology of acute facial swelling in children can be a challenge due to growth and development, complex regional anatomy, and difficulty with obtaining a thorough history. We present a case report from rural Alberta that highlights these challenges. In particular, this case demonstrates the necessity for open communication with the child’s family and … Read more

Top 7 Paediatric Questions Parents Ask At Dental Appointments

Adam-iStock-1186054280 alternate text for this image

1. “Is the cleaning really necessary today?” Many parents do not see the benefits of dental prophylaxis as they see it as treatment they can easily do themselves at home. The goal of dental prophylaxis is to remove supragingival plaque, stains, and calculus from the patient’s teeth. It provides an opportunity for oral hygiene instruction … Read more

Retainers and the Importance of Orthodontic Retention

IMG_9746 alternate text for this image

Following orthodontic treatment, retention is fundamental in maintaining teeth in their corrected positions. Irrespective of the patient’s age, underlying malocclusion, or type of mechanotherapy used, retention is necessary to preserve the final alignment and occlusion. Without retention, there is a natural tendency for teeth to relapse back towards the original malocclusion. This article will highlight … Read more

Thinking Outside the Box

iStock-1348669757-(1)-[Converted] alternate text for this image

The other day I had a young patient with severe anxiety in my office for a new patient examination. When the young child entered the waiting room, they were tightly clinging to their mother. Upon first impression, our pediatric dental team was not too optimistic that we were going to be able to even look … Read more