Leadership roles in dental hygiene are often overlooked. Whether it’s being the owner of your own clinic or taking ownership of the practice you work in, your leadership style may be well positioned for entrepreneurship. Leaders are individuals who guide, inspire, and influence others toward a shared vision. They embody traits like integrity, empathy, resilience, … Read more
To ensure a smooth experience for both the patient being referred and the involved offices, it is crucial to avoid the following mistakes when collaborating with a specialty office.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average career span of a dental hygienist is 16 years;1 however, anecdotal evidence suggests it may now range between 5 and 7 years. As I enter my 19th year in this profession, I can’t help but feel saddened by this statistic. I have heard many reasons from dental … Read more
Implant-assisted removable prostheses (IARPDs) with an equipoise system may offer a balance between function, biomechanics, and patient acceptability.
Dental implants are the preferred treatment for edentulous and partially edentulous patients. Over the past decade there has been an increasing number of dental implants placed in patients each year.1 The longevity of dental implant integration is challenged with the increase in life expectancy. This increase in life expectancy is most often associated with an increase … Read more
Full-arch, implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (IS-FDP) are a well-established restorative option for the replacement of missing and terminal dentition. There are multiple suprastructure configurations and materials from which clinicians can consider, including acrylic resin to metal, metal-ceramic, monolithic zirconia, and porcelain fused to zirconia prostheses. Frameworks are composed of either titanium alloy, chromium cobalt, or … Read more
Abstract There is a growing demand for fixed full arch implant supported restorations.1 The procedures associated with this type of treatment can be daunting due to the complexity of all aspects of this treatment modality, from the initial data gathering and diagnosis to the surgical and prosthetic treatment implementation.2 Recent technology with its associated workflows can streamline … Read more
A 75-year-old male patient developed a problem with a tooth supported bridge for the upper right central and left central and lateral incisor teeth that had been in situ for more than twenty years. One of the supporting teeth had become loose and the referring dentist noticed the upper left abutment tooth was grossly carious … Read more
Over the past few decades, patient demand and inquiries regarding dental implants have increased significantly. Today, more than 100 commercial implant brands exist, with an estimated 12–15 million implants placed annually worldwide.1 As a result, by 2023, over 200 million patients globally were living with dental implants. According to Grandview Research, North America accounted for 38.4% … Read more
Abstract Tooth wear has become an increasingly prevalent condition across age groups. With this article, we want to explore the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and management of tooth wear, focusing on the interplay of mechanical, chemical, and biomechanical factors such as abrasion, attrition, erosion, and abfraction. Dietary habits, parafunctional activities, systemic diseases, and oral hygiene practices … Read more
With increasing awareness of climate change, sustainability in dentistry has become more than just a talking point—it’s quickly becoming an expectation. Dentistry contributes roughly 3% of the total healthcare industry’s carbon footprint, largely due to disposable products, energy consumption, and travel emissions.1 This means dental professionals and practice owners have a unique opportunity: to deliver excellent … Read more
As a practicing prosthodontist in Toronto, I’m experiencing a disturbing trend in clinical practice which is causing expensive biological and financial consequences for our patients. On average, a few patients per month are being referred to my specialty practice after some full-mouth reconstruction, cosmetic, and/or implant dentistry was initiated in another country. Patients return to … Read more
The dental industry is entering a transformative era, driven by cloud-based practice management (PM) systems and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are reshaping how practices operate, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the patient experience. By 2026, forward-thinking practices that embrace integrated cloud and AI tools will enjoy measurable improvements in productivity, clinical accuracy, and long-term growth. … Read more
Wow! Talk about an eventful period in the world of corporate dentistry in Canada. One day, DCC is selling its shares to GTCR, a private equity firm based out of Chicago. The transaction’s price per share was $11, representing a 33% premium over the previous day’s closing price (albeit down $3 per share compared to … Read more
The Cambridge dictionary defines “closure” in several instances. For example, in business it is when the business ceases to operate and we experience the loss of a favorite place to shop or have a meal. Whereas when dealing with emotions, it is often defined as “the feeling or act of bringing an unpleasant situation, time, … Read more
The why: Background story Dentistry at the Kingsway is an entrepreneurial story of expansion driven by a desire to create greater accessibility to care for patients in Etobicoke. Seven years ago, Dr. Rahul Shah acquired a young practice located on the second floor of a historic building. While it quickly became home to a loyal patient … Read more
After decades of running thriving dental clinics, this couple had built what most would consider a financial success story. They had an eight-figure net worth, owned two successful clinics, and held several investment properties. To anyone looking in, they were the definition of success. Yet beneath the surface, they felt uneasy. Despite years of hard … Read more
Your dental website is not a digital brochure. It is your front desk, waiting room, and first impression all in one place. When it works, it builds trust fast, answers real questions, and makes it simple to book. When it does not, patients click away and call the practice down the street. Here are the … Read more
With complete honesty, there were two primary reasons I joined the dental field: I’ve always loved teeth and everything about them, and I saw dentistry as a path to financial success. In the beginning, those were the only two things I sought, believing they would bring me lasting satisfaction in my career. Once I began … Read more
On Track with KathleenYour monthly reset button for professional growth and personal well-being. As dental hygienists, we often move through our days caring for others—patients, colleagues, and families—without realizing how far we’ve drifted from caring for ourselves. The reality is, we all lose our rhythm sometimes. The good news? We can always press the reset … Read more