Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Jazmine Chavez, RDH, Founder of Pearl House Studio, which provides a modernized approach to preventative dental hygiene care. Last year, Jazmine stepped into a role at The Dental HyGenius, which helps dental professionals master the business side of dentistry. Why did you … Read more
As a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), my professional goal has always been to grow and evolve as an oral health provider. Simply, learn all the things—like orthodontics, laser therapy, tooth whitening, adjuncts to periodontal therapy, and so on. I even took on a casual role with my local health unit providing services, education, and screening … Read more
Treating children, not teeth Infant toothbrushing is not really important until about the ages of two and a half to three. The reason is that there are large interproximal spaces between the erupting teeth and all the surfaces, especially the interproximal surfaces which are self-cleaning. At two-and-a-half to three years, the second primary molars erupt … Read more
Dentist Elysa Kliman, originally from Toronto, starts her day just right on Bowen Island, B.C. She walks a trail surrounded by lush forest to reach her workplace: Bowen Island Dental, the island’s first official dental clinic, which opened in September. When she arrives, the clinic’s open-window concept fills the space with natural light and fresh … Read more
Life insurance is one of the most important financial tools available, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. As a dentist, you’ve spent years building your career, accumulating assets, and securing your financial future—but what happens to your family, your business, and your wealth if something happens to you? Many dentists recognize the importance … Read more
“The future is now!” is the theme of the 158th Annual Spring Meeting (ASM) 2025, hosted by the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). The ASM is always a popular event, providing a space for dental professionals to connect with colleagues, friends, and exhibitors. Bring your entire dental team to learn, network, and gain valuable insights that … Read more
A British survey reveals that an increasing number of female dentists are relying on their partners for financial advice rather than seeking guidance from professionals. A biennial study from Wesleyan Financial Services found that in 2024, 37 per cent of female dentists primarily sought financial advice from their partners. This marks an increase from 2022, … Read more
Oral leukoplakia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre in 2020 as “White plaques of questionable risk having excluded (other) known diseases that carry no increased risk for cancer”.1 It is the most common oral pre-cancerous lesion and, by definition, oral leukoplakia excludes white lesions such as frictional keratoses, namely benign alveolar ridge … Read more
Abstract This manuscript explores the burgeoning collaboration between dentistry and nuclear engineering, showcasing their shared principles and synergistic potential through examples such as research programs focusing on radiation-based diagnostic tools, joint clinical initiatives optimizing radiation therapy for oral cancers, and innovative applications of nuclear imaging modalities such as PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) in oral … Read more
The cornerstone of patient safety in dental practice lies in proper instrument sterilization and meticulous documentation. As the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) continues to emphasize stringent sterilization protocols, dental practices face increasing challenges in maintaining comprehensive records while managing busy clinical schedules. Critical parameters in instrument sterilization The RCDSO guidelines mandate … Read more
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1954.1 In its more than 70 years of clinical use, it has become a standard of care in infection control, globally. CHX oral rinse has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance and has been a valuable adjunct in the control of periodontal disease for … Read more
Many technologies used in dentistry are evolving and we must keep up with the progress. My interest in various laser and light therapies has recently led me to discovering new and emerging uses of BLUE light which I was not aware of, so I plunged into literature to learn more and what I found pleasantly … Read more
Abstract Periodontal disease is a chronic multifactorial disease of the periodontium, involving inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth including the gingiva, periodontal ligaments, root cementum and the alveolar bone. Alcohol has been found to have a negative impact within the oral cavity and more specifically on periodontal health. Although alcohol has … Read more
We asked Canadian dental patients if they would like to see anything improved for their experience at the dentist and while 35% said “everything was fine,” 61% made a suggestion. Patients aged >30 to 49 years of age were more likely to leave a suggestion for improvement while patients aged 50 and up were more … Read more
As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, it is nice to reflect on what the first quarter brought us, lessons learned, and what the future has in store. I celebrated the 25-year reunion with my U of T classmates last year. Most of us are still practicing—some as principal owners facing various … Read more
As the dental profession navigates a rapidly evolving landscape, one theme is set to dominate conversations in 2025: sustainability. With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental challenges, the integration of eco-friendly practices in dental hygiene is no longer optional, it’s essential. Understanding sustainability in dentistry Sustainability in dentistry is about balancing oral health and … Read more
In the world of dentistry, clinical expertise is essential—but it’s not enough. Today’s most successful dental hygienists understand that business acumen, data-driven decision-making, and strategic growth are just as critical as the quality of care they provide. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as the x-rays of your clinical practice and the dental practice, revealing what’s … Read more
Did you know 90% of bacteria live in biofilms?1 Understanding the complexities of biofilm and the function of Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs) is essential for dental hygienists dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care. This article aims to demystify the processes involved in maintaining DUWLs by highlighting the importance of routine testing, effective product use, and best … Read more
With the advancement of technology and AI, oral testing is now a popular tool for dental hygienists. But how can you differentiate between the many products on the marketplace? Do all oral tests look at human genetics? Should you prioritize in-office testing over send-away test kits? What’s the difference between salivary diagnostics, genomic sequencing, screening … Read more
Swipe right on smarter smiles The industry is evolving fast, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind the curve. AI and SaaS aren’t just shiny new tools, they’re the foundation of smarter workflows, elevated patient care, and practices built to scale. But it’s not just about adopting technology for the sake of it; … Read more