The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to significant global economic disruptions, sharply increasing food prices. In January 2023, food inflation in Canada was at 10.4% – this was the highest level over the past 40 years.1 This surge affected all major food groups, including fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, and meats (Fig.1).1,2 Specifically, fruits and vegetables saw … Read more
As a keen reader of Oral Health, you are likely well-versed in the importance of dental hygiene. While both dental hygiene and data hygiene require proactive, ongoing attention to prevent serious consequences, data hygiene in cybersecurity focuses not on preventing gum disease but on the practices and processes used to ensure that data remains clean, … Read more
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system dysregulates and mistakenly targets and attacks its cells.1 While the exact etiology remains unclear, it generally involves a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental trigger, such as bacterial or viral infections, hormonal changes, environmental toxins, certain medications, smoking, obesity, and gut dysbiosis.2,3 Even sun exposure can trigger certain autoimmune … Read more
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword but a transformative force reshaping industries, notably healthcare and dentistry. Advanced computer systems now perform tasks traditionally in the domain of human intelligence, from enhancing radiographic interpretation and speech recognition for record-keeping to facilitating complex decision-making. … Read more
The field of periodontics stands on the brink of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) poised to transform every aspect of patient care. As we look towards the next decade, AI promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment plans, streamline clinical workflows, and improve long-term patient outcomes. This article explores five key areas where … Read more
Abstract Purpose: Fracture of dental implants, though uncommon, presents significant clinical consequences. The case reports presented explore the fracture of four dental implants in three patients. All were of the Astra Osseospeed® design with internal conical connections. All fractured at the level of the prosthetic connection, providing insight on potential contributing factors. Methods: Three patients all received … Read more
Despite women representing 97 per cent of dental hygienists and therapists in Canada, they earned, on average, 26 per cent less than men, according to a study published Monday that details imbalances in the dental workforce. The study, published in BMC Health Services Research, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, indicated that this significant difference was largely … Read more
Our survey shows that most dentists have a pre-determined amount they put toward their marketing budget for the year. But what do the experts recommend? The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) recommends basing your marketing budget on a percentage of your revenue and finds that most B2C small businesses spend between 5 and 10 … Read more
In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press democratized access to knowledge, sparking revolutions in science, religion, and society. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) represents a similarly transformative force, poised to reshape (among everything) the landscape of periodontics and the broader dental field. As the precision of AI tools accelerates, we find ourselves at a crossroads … Read more
The dreaded Blue Screen and its aftershocks are well known by all of us. As one Alberta dental group (The “Dental Provider”) learned too late, there are other critical malfunctions that you and your systems administrator need to be aware of – in this case, an irretrievable disappearance of the patient database. On the positive … Read more
Managing a successful dental office is complex and unique in the healthcare industry. It requires synergy between excellence in clinical practice and business acumen, which includes strategic marketing, patient-centered care, and efficient operations. Negotiation plays a role in various aspects of dental practice and a critical skill for success. Any interaction with suppliers, employees, or … Read more
The why: Background story Dr. Denysse Zoon and Dr. Braden Zoon are enjoying an adventurous and exciting journey at their newly opened practice: Ausca Dental. The married couple originally met in 2016 during dental school in Australia. The location of the university exposed them to complex cases from patients living in the remote outback. This enabled … Read more
The dental grind. We’ve all experienced it. The routine of racing against the clock, procedures not going well, anxious patients, not having time for lunch, staying late to write notes, aching backs, managing the practice, and then repeating it all the next day. We love dentistry, and we hate dentistry. Time to give up? No, … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Rachael aka The Pink Hygienist. Rachael uses her online platform to showcase exciting new dental products and encourage patients to have more fun with their oral hygiene routine. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I was working … Read more
Introduction The connection between mental health and overall well-being is significant, yet the role of dental visits in this context is often overlooked. Dental hygienists, who spend considerable time with patients, are uniquely positioned to observe changes in behavior, mood, and physical symptoms that could indicate mental health concerns. By incorporating routine mental health screenings … Read more
In 2017, on Season 11 of Dragons’ Den, dental hygienist Balbir Sohi unveiled her “Smiles on Wheels” business on national TV. She showcased her refurbished van, equipped with all the tools needed for a mobile hygienist to provide care right in a parking lot. Although she didn’t achieve her goal of launching her own franchise … Read more
We don’t know what we don’t know Society and Community Short-comings In 1998, Canadian media reported that over 69% of all Children’s Aid Society1 children had been abused. In April 2024, Nova Scotia Justice Minister Brad Johns stepped down from cabinet2 after saying he did not believe domestic violence (DV) is an epidemic, even though the province’s … Read more
The battle against periodontal disease is not for the easily shaken. It demands strength, endurance, grit, and grace. As we know, the recent CDC report states that 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease and that this increases to 70% over the age of 65. This discouraging statistic … Read more
FACE (and embrace) THE FACTS! Whether you’re right out of school or you’ve been practising in the trenches for decades, there are some fundamental truths that all hygienists should embrace in our efforts to provide exceptional client care – and some of these facts may surprise you. FACT 1: It’s an equal opportunity condition. Gingival recession … Read more
Change for the Better: Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Challenge As a senior hygienist on our team, I frequently find myself needing to retreat periodontal therapy due to calculus being left by previous hygienists. My goal is to reduce the need for … Read more