Whether you’re a general dentist, hygienist, assistant, or specialist, the dentistry profession often requires long hours and emotional investment. While the rewards of the profession can be great, the high-stress nature of dental practice can leave little energy for the people you care about most. Over time it can quietly take a toll on relationships … Read more
“Please don’t give me a lecture on flossing today.” I am sure that you have heard this countless times from patients before. You knew that it was coming as the same patient has asked you the same request during the visit before, and the visit before that. When I first started practicing dental hygiene, I … Read more
A local dental hygienist is giving back to the community by offering her services free of charge to those who need them on June 28. Meg Kreutziger, a dental hygienist and owner of To The Root Dental Hygiene, has been offering an annual free service day for about the past six years since she opened … Read more
As a First Nations woman living in southern Ontario, I recognize the privilege I have had in accessing dental care. Growing up, my family had regular visits to the dentist, and I rarely thought about whether I felt safe or welcome in those spaces. But as I grew older, and as I connected more deeply … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Melissa K. Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, member of Oral Hygiene’s Advisory Committee. During Melissa’s 20-year career in dental hygiene, she has evolved into an executive, consultant, dynamic speaker, and top content creator. You must be so busy as an executive, founder, hygienist and … Read more
Treating children, not teeth When you obtain your professional dental/hygiene licence, it means that society gives you the right and obligation to practice your profession for the good of society. You are obligated to treat the general public, everyone that requires your services. The main exception is when their dental requirements are beyond your level … Read more
Oral health is an integral part of overall health, yet it often remains segregated from broader healthcare systems in Canada. Initiatives like the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), the Oral Health Access Fund, and the National Oral Health Research Strategy (NOHRS) have made significant strides in improving access to dental care and addressing oral health … Read more
Why most dentists have become a commodity in an economy where patients shop for dental care using their own system for buying I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that absolutely nothing has changed in how dentists market to attract new patients to their practices. The patients who pay, stay and refer. You … Read more
Looking back on fifty years of oral and maxillofacial surgery training in Quebec, it’s impossible not to appreciate the foundations that brought us here. In May 2024, we had the opportunity to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the McGill University OMFS graduate training program, a meaningful milestone that brought together many generations to reflect on … Read more
The surgical removal of impacted maxillary third molars is a routine procedure performed by both general dentist and specialists. It is usually associated with a low rate of morbidity and few complications.1 The accidental displacement of the maxillary third molar into adjacent anatomical spaces such as the maxillary sinus, infratemporal fossa, and lateral pharyngeal space has … Read more
Management of alveolar defects is a common challenge in dental practice, particularly when preparing for implants or prosthetic restorations. A strong bone and soft tissue foundation is crucial to achieving predictable esthetic and functional results.1 Ridge augmentation can be achieved through block bone grafting or guided bone regeneration (GBR), utilizing various graft materials, including autogenous … Read more
Life-threatening hemorrhage following oral surgical procedures, including the placement of dental implants and tooth extractions has been reported in numerous case reports and literature reviews.1–7 Although infrequent, profuse hemorrhage is a significant complication that clinicians performing oral surgical procedures may encounter and subsequently need to manage.8 The complex and often variable anatomy of the floor of mouth … Read more
Abstract Inappropriate use of lasers in frenotomy can lead to serious complications in patients with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), a condition that restricts tongue mobility and affects functions like breastfeeding, swallowing, speech, and facial development. While laser frenotomies have gained popularity, improper technique and insufficient training can result in significant postoperative complications. These include hemorrhage, airway obstruction, … Read more
More than half of Canadian patients would take to Google if in need of a new dentist. Once they come across your dental practice during their search, the most important element they consider is the online reviews. However, the list of procedures and services offered has increased in importance over the last five years, especially … Read more
Balancing publishing with a demanding surgical practice is one of the most challenging aspects of an academic surgeon’s career. Clinical responsibilities—emergency surgeries, patient rounds, administrative duties, and on-call obligations—can easily consume most of a surgeon’s time and energy. Yet hiring and academic advancement hinge heavily on scholarly productivity, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at … Read more
Why smart dentists invest in index funds, not individual stocks As a dentist, your expertise is in patient care, not picking stocks. Yet many professionals are lured into the world of active investing, believing they can outperform the market by selecting the right stocks or timing their trades. The reality? Even the world’s top investors … Read more
The why: Background story Dr. T. Daniel Lawen’s interest in healthcare began during a conversation with his older brother who was considering a career path in dentistry. His brother ultimately decided to follow traditions into their family’s real-estate development company. However, the idea of becoming a dentist stuck with Dr. Lawen as he enthusiastically pursued that … Read more
Over the last 50 years, the benefits of fluoride have been established without question. Now, however, its efficacy has come into question by the appointed head of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has no background in the health sciences. In fact, he has opposed vaccinations, such as the measles vaccine, so … Read more
One of the parts of our work we love most is educating dentists on the best practices for digital marketing. Done correctly, online marketing should be a revenue generating machine for your dental practice, not another cost centre that reduces your bottom line. While dental school gave you the tools to care for patients, it … Read more
Is the grass really greener on the other side? Let’s get something straight. If you’re even thinking about selling your practice to buy a “better” one, this report is for you. Not the sugar-coated version your peers post on social media—but the truth that gets whispered in private. Everything looks fine on the surface… but … Read more