As we observe more vaccinations being completed and reopenings happening across the country, we can see the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is on the horizon. Now is the time to reflect on what the biggest takeaways have been from this life-altering, not to mention business-altering, experience. Earlier in the year, we discussed the opportunities … Read more
Last year, Dr. Tim Dumore added fully custom 3D-printed tooth moving tools from LightForce Orthodontics to his treatment options. LightForce, which is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, has developed a cloud-based platform to create patient-specific 3D-printed ceramic brackets delivered in patient-specific indirect bonding (IBD) trays that are 3D printed from a proprietary material.1 Dr. Dumore digitally … Read more
The contemporary practice of orthodontics focuses not only on achieving ideal alignment and occlusion, but also on how the teeth relate to the soft tissues of the face. Smile arc is one of the most important factors when assessing and optimizing smile esthetics. In the pursuit of attaining a well-treated orthodontic case, the smile arc … Read more
Objective: To test if there are significant evidence-based differences in effectiveness between self-ligation (SL) and conventional-ligation (CL) brackets, including observation of eight daily, self-ligation clinical techniques. The clinical SL advantages are: 1) using colour elastomers upper 2-2, but converting to a completely ligature-free appliance when poor oral hygiene develops, 2) simple clip-click for coil spring … Read more
Introduction Orthodontic and periodontal therapy are intimately connected. To ensure a functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome the process begins with clinical assessment of many factors including periodontal probing depths, thickness of the attached gingiva, mobility, occlusion, furcation involvement and bleeding. This will ensure there are no underlying issues that could become aggravated by tooth movements.1,2 … Read more
It’s hard to believe that a 13-year-old vision to make a difference has come so far. From an idea fleshed out over a breakfast meeting at Chicago Midwinter, to today, where the Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards are covered by every journal in North America. The American Dental Association has partnered with Cellerant to … Read more
Manual and Ultrasonic instrumentation techniques and guidelines for treatment have changed over the past few decades according technological advancements and theoretical interpretation for the literature. Technological advancements in the areas of ergonomics, metallurgy and cryogenic processing have led dental manufacturers to develop instruments that lessen the incidence of musculoskeletal disorder, increase patient comfort, and permit … Read more
Eventually, every dental hygienist will deal with a difficult patient. Despite best efforts, a patient may be angry or upset with the care they have received or something that has been said to them. Sometimes they will be angry for no perceivable reason at all. Regardless of why the patient is being difficult, dental hygienists … Read more
It has nothing to do with your age – or where or when you graduated – but everything to do with your commitment to excellence. When new procedures and techniques become available, do you update and adapt your clinical strategies to provide superior patient outcomes? If so, you may be a new generation hygienist. These … Read more
This past year has been a roller coaster ride for everyone, and the job market for dental professionals is no exception. There has been a huge flux in job-seekers looking for new positions and dental offices searching for new team members. And during all of this, there has been a real shift in the dental … Read more
Still confused about the 2018 AAP Periodontal classification. Never fear! The next few monthly columns will review some of the most important updates made to the industry’s global periodontal guidelines to help hygiene teams achieve the highest level of care. Once we have exhausted this topic we will move onto other questions about the process of … Read more
The dental profession often sets extremely high standards for excellence. I recall the pressure I felt to ensure I didn’t miss a thing. We were trained to measure in millimetres, feel specs of grain and see the slightest shade differences; so we can’t help but notice the minute. Even years after retiring from the profession, … Read more
With the end of summer nearing, many Canadians are settling back into a routine with an increased focus on healthy habits. Numerous patients have delayed care for quite some time, and the demand ahead for treatment plans will be significant. As such, dental practices must be ready to support a return to packed patient schedules. … Read more
A dentist running a Dentistry Professional Corporation (DPC) is like any other small business owner who is challenged with how to pay for drug, dental and extended healthcare costs. If you do not have access to a group plan through your spouse, you will have to pay for these expenses out of pocket using after … Read more
Technology has made its way to the healthcare industry, changing the way patient care is handled on a variety of levels. Telehealth and teledentistry are two prime examples. Though they were already on the rise, the COVID-19 pandemic created a boom in telehealth, with 46 percent of patients saying they use telehealth for some visits, … Read more
Before he played Walter White, actor Bryan Cranston played the lothario dentist Tim Whatley on NBC’s “Seinfeld”. While little about Whatley is realistic, the character touches on mental health issues in the dental profession; namely, the stereotype that dentists have the “highest suicide rate of any profession.”1 Even though this is an urban legend, “Seinfeld” … Read more
Understandably, most dentists hesitate to think of their patients as customers. Yet, today’s patients take a consumer approach to selecting dental care. They have information, they have options, and they shop around before choosing a provider. Therefore, the sales and marketing funnel, which has long been used to guide retail strategies, can easily be applied … Read more
THE WHY: Clinicians’ story T-Dot Dental opened their doors in mid-February 2020. What followed was an almost complete global shutdown to most sectors of society including their newly opened practice. The pandemic was a true test to everyone on how important robust community relationships and a strong strategic business alliance can be in times of … Read more
We hire fabulous, superstar team members who are: Happy to come to work and passionate about their career; Connected and loyal to the practice; Excited to learn new things to drive long-term success; Measure their success based on the team and practice success. Sadly, over time, we often start to notice a change in their … Read more
The world of healthcare is ever evolving, and as science continues to discover the intricate network of systemic health, the focus becomes more holistic or whole body focused. Connective tissues or fascia have been a long-overlooked system of the body that we are just beginning to understand. Dr. Richard Baxter DMD, MS, talks about the … Read more