The first time I heard Dr. Bradley Bale, MD, and Dr. Amy Doneen, DNP, speak about their latest research and the effect of oral health on arterial disease was at a 2016 AAOSH conference. From that point, I began to view my role as a dental hygienist much differently. It opened my eyes up to … Read more
There are two types of hygienists, and it’s not whether they are partnered with a dentist or independent. Let me explain from my own experience as a patient what the two types are. A BIT OF BACKGROUND I never saw a hygienist until I was about 21 because our family dentist always did a bit … Read more
Q: I just started working in a practice where restorative dentistry has been the primary focus and periodontal therapy has been neglected. How do I begin to make the transition toward a more perio-focused process of care? A: Chances are that most patients in your new practice have active periodontal disease, and a standard “cleaning” … Read more
I would like to tell you a story about a woman who was a great leader. Her name is Ione Miller, and she just happens to be my mom. Mom was a city girl who, at the age of 19, married a country boy (my dad Clem) and moved to a farm. She raised seven kids, … Read more
As healthcare professionals, we are passionate about positively impacting our patients’ lives and giving back to the communities we serve. With April being National Oral Health Month, many Canadian dental practices will be celebrating in different ways. dentalcorp, the organization I work with, recognizes National Oral Health Month by donating their time and skills through … Read more
Do these statements sound familiar? Discussing treatment with patients makes me feel pushy. I don’t want our patients to feel “sold” to. Our patients would never want to hear above and beyond the minimal care needed. If you have ever thought any of these phrases, you’re not alone. Supporting optimal treatment, discussing this with your … Read more
Poor oral hygiene leads to gum and dental disease (the most prevalent disease in the entire world), causing pain, misery and expense, yet in spite of all scientific and technical advances, there has been no reduction of dental disease in the last 10 years. Every dentist and hygienist knows that caries and gum disease are … Read more
Most people understand the benefits of gut probiotics, but fewer individuals and oral health professionals are aware of the preventive and/or supportive health benefits that oral probiotics can provide by reducing the risk or severity of oral disease. Could the addition of this modality to our traditional therapies be a “missing link” that could improve … Read more
When my journey as a hygienist began over 15 years ago, never did I believe I would find myself fulfilled in a career as an orthodontic clinician. As a fresh graduate with a suction in my left hand and a scaler in the right, I was going to save smiles, one tooth at a time! … Read more
This issue we take our final in-depth look at the 2018 AAP Periodontal Classification. We’re excited to bring you more Q&As from Gabriele Maycher in 2022 on such topics as client care, record keeping, technical skills, office communication, and much more. Email your questions to amy@newcom.ca with Stay Sharp in the subject line. What systems … Read more
Heading into the third year of the pandemic, many dental hygienists are feeling frustrated, beat down and overworked. There is no doubt that we are experiencing a shortage of dental hygienists. You just Google the topic and find many articles and surveys conducted; however, it is not just our field in which people are getting … Read more
Have you ever said to a client during their dental hygiene appointment, “oh there is just a little bit of bleeding”? Overall, giving the client the impression, this is expected, normal, or really not something to be overly concerned with. ⠀ Throughout my career I have seen communication strategies of active inflammation evolve, and now … Read more
By occupation a dental hygienist, I see myself as the natural link between healthcare in its traditional understanding, and the ever-expanding sector – or industry – of wellness. This link embodies the multiple dimensions and nuances shaping the profile of the dental hygienist and oral healthcare of the future. We are clinicians, healers, healthcare providers, … 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
Professional athletes place as much importance on their rest and recovery as on their performance strategy. Why? Because the time we spend recharging directly impacts our ability to perform and thrive both personally and professionally, as well as cope with stress. With life’s daily demands, it is essential to manage our personal well-being so we … Read more
There are some very important tasks that must get done in a routine dental hygiene appointment. Each of us has our check lists: medical history update, extra oral and intra oral examination, periodontal charting, scaling etc. There is a standard of care for each of these components. We have a limited amount of time to … 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
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 on to other questions about the process … Read more
It’s important to keep radiation exposure as low as possible while still gathering the needed radiographic evidence. So how low is too low? The first thing that typically comes to mind when discussing imaging and the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation is “ALARA,” an acronym for “As Low as Reasonably Achievable.” This means we … Read more
It would be safe to say, that to become truly remarkable at anything in this life takes a significant amount of effort. It takes routine, commitment, drive, and passion. The above description sounds to me like the makings of an ideal dental client. Someone who is dedicated enough to achieve athletic greatness, could also be … Read more