Features

Multidisciplinary approaches to restoring vertical dimension of occlusion: Two clinical case studies of collapsed bite and symptoms of TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome

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Abstract Tooth wear due to aging is a natural physiological process that generally does not negatively impact individuals unless exacerbated by parafunctional habits such as bruxism or congenital anomalies. This paper explores the implications of the loss of vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and its effects on the stomatognathic system. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) … Read more

GLP-1 agonists, anesthesia, and generative AI: Do you see what I see?

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The February 2024 issue of Oral Health printed an article titled “Anesthetic Considerations for Patients Taking Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists” co-authored by Dr. Lucia Santos, Dr. Bruce Pynn, and me. At that time, the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), like Ozempic® and Wegovy™ for weight loss, as opposed to its original indication of the … Read more

Sedation considerations in the dental care of the geriatric population

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Over the next 20 years, Canada’s senior population is expected to grow by 68%, with the group aged 75 and older doubling to approximately 10.4 million.1 With advancements in dental care, more seniors are retaining their natural dentition into older age, many with complex work including crowns, bridges, implants, etc. For dentists, this demographic shift means … Read more

A brief guide to the management of syncope in the dental office

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What’s the chance that a patient faints in my office? Studies have shown that syncope, or fainting, is the most common medical emergency at the dental office.1 The next most common medical emergencies include hyperventilation, mild allergic responses, angina, and hypoglycemia. One meta-analysis showed that dentists experienced an average of 1.2 cases of syncope per year.2 So … Read more

How tracking and analyzing calls can grow your practice

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Do not underestimate the power of the “ring”! The power of online and social marketing is undeniable. Yet, the “old-fashioned” notion of picking up the phone and engaging with a practice is not history. In one of the most comprehensive reports of its kind in recent years, Forrester Consulting looked at the continued impact of … Read more

Vitamin D in orthodontics: A literature review

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Abstract Vitamin D (VD) is a fat-soluble hormone involved in bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. VD can be produced cutaneously by ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation or consumed in the diet. VD is essential for proper bone and tooth development, and its deficiency is prevalent worldwide. Through its effects on bone, VD is postulated to accelerate the … Read more

Developing an actionable plan for antimicrobial stewardship in Canadian dentistry

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A national strategy for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Canadian dentistry is much needed. While pharmacy and medicine have long been engaged in significant efforts to control the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), dentistry has fallen behind in terms of organizing a concerted strategy to mitigate this critical problem.1 In 2019 alone, AMR directly caused the deaths … Read more

Using antibiotics wisely: A toolkit to reduce overuse of antibiotics

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a critical threat to global health, and the health of Canadians. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.1 AMR is an escalating problem in Canada. Nationally, about 5500 deaths annually are attributed to AMR, 26% … Read more

Dental patients have changed over the last 5 years

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As discussed last month, we surveyed Canadian dental patients on their preferences and opinions when visiting the dentist’s office. When comparing the data to the survey conducted in 2019, there were a few changes that we wanted to highlight that demonstrate how the patient population is evolving. The number of patients attending appointments every 6 … Read more

Golden years and golden smiles

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It is a great privilege to have been invited to serve as the editor responsible for geriatric dentistry for the Oral Health Journal. The demographic landscape of Canada has undergone a notable shift in recent decades concurrent with the aging of the “Baby Boomers.” In the 1960’s, Canada’s population structure resembled a pyramid with youth … Read more

How direct mail campaigns can drive new patients to your practice

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Standing out in today’s crowded healthcare landscape requires more than just a strong online presence. For dental practices seeking to attract new patients, direct mail campaigns provide a distinctive way to connect on a personal level and drive measurable results.  Unlike digital marketing efforts that can get lost in the noise, direct mail delivers something … Read more

Is your social in a state of flux?

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Making sense of the numbers and gleaning perspective Previously, we shared insights on how to make sense of fluctuations in your website’s traffic and ways to put such data in perspective. With so many potential connections and relationships between your website and social platform presence, it is also essential to understand and exercise some caution … Read more

Office Space: Fielding Dental Healthcare

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The why: Background story Since 1980, this family-owned practice has been a corner stone of the Burlington, Ontario, community. Founded by Dr. David Fielding and his wife, Linda Fielding, the practice has grown over the decades, supported by Linda’s expertise in business consulting and interior design, and their three children: Dr. Ben Fielding, a dedicated dentist; … Read more

A people-first culture: The secret to a thriving dental team

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In the complex and dynamic environment of a dental practice, one thing is certain: teamwork is non-negotiable. It is the foundation of a thriving office, ensuring that patients receive the best care and the team functions seamlessly. Yet, fostering a truly collaborative environment is easier said than done. It requires intentional communication, genuine empathy, and … Read more

The crucial role of patient satisfaction surveys in dentistry and the significance of NPS   

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Introduction  The dental industry today is undergoing a sweeping transformation due to a convergence of factors that include increased public awareness of oral health, rapid advancements in clinical technology, instant access to information, evolving consumer expectations, and growing competition1. For practicing dentists, this shifting landscape brings considerable pressure to adapt, as well as the realization … Read more

Jennifer Turner is helping practices achieve dental hygiene success

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Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Jennifer Turner, the CEO of Hygiene Headquarters Inc., and an active member in the dental hygiene community. Jennifer is an award-winning Dental Hygiene Professor and inspiring speaker. What advice do you have for the dental hygienists out there who are not feeling … Read more

Japanese study: Professional support needed for dental hygienists to shape identity and improve retention

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“Role models and clinical experiences” are key factors in shaping the identities of dental hygienists as they transition from students to health professionals, according to a Japanese study. Published in BMC Medical Education, the study emphasized the importance of fostering “supporting communities where dental hygienists connect, help, and learn from each other.” It highlighted the … Read more