Luminita Dica, RDH, has been named a 2024 Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction winner. She operates Lumi’s Dental Hygiene Care, an independent dental hygiene clinic serving the Kitchener–Waterloo area. Dica graduated from a dental hygiene program in 2008 after returning to school from a previous career as a dental assistant. Since then, patients have come … Read more
To my students, past and present: your questions, challenges, and successes have shaped me as an educator and continue to remind me of the privilege of teaching in this profession. “Sweetie, make sure you choose a career that you love, because adults spend a lot of time at work.” – R. Pawelczyk, my dad This simple … Read more
When I first began practicing dental hygiene, I quickly realized that our profession had incredible potential—but there were also gaps. Voids that left me asking: why isn’t anyone doing something about this? That question became the spark that ignited my entrepreneurial journey. Spotting the voids My first realization was with instrumentation. Early in my career, … Read more
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
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
In the world of dental hygiene, there are leaders who don’t just practice the profession—they elevate it. One such leader is Ann Cadoret, MS, MPH, whose career has taken her from animal science to chair side care, and, ultimately, into consulting, mentorship, and innovation. I had the privilege of sitting down with Ann to hear … Read more
There’s a shift happening in dentistry that goes beyond technology and trends. We’re entering a time when authenticity, communication, and confidence are redefining what leadership looks like in this profession. Whether you’re a hygienist, assistant, dentist, manager or DSO executive, 2026 is the year to step up and speak out. When I began my career … Read more
Congratulations! After years of demanding coursework, late-night study sessions, and challenging clinicals, you are about to embark on an incredibly rewarding journey as a dental hygienist. As a practicing dentist for over 26 years, I still feel a surge of excitement when I connect with those entering this profession that we care so much about. … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Kevin Ohashi Lopez, MHA, BSDH, RDH. Kevin is a clinician, international speaker, author, educator, and influencer in dental hygiene. He is a recipient of the 2024 Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction. Your passion for dental hygiene is clear. In one Instagram post, you called … Read more
Navigating the new nicotine landscape The use of oral nicotine delivery products (ONDPs), along with vaping and other modifiable risk factors (MRFs), have surged in the last decade. More recently, the rate of use of novel non-tobacco ONDPs, such as nicotine pouches (NPs), have been increasing—particularly among adolescents in Canada. In 2023 NPs snuck through … Read more
Toothbrushing—everyone knows they should do it, and that it’s the primary way to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Yet dental disease remains widespread. Why? As with other forms of preventive healthcare, such as diet and exercise, the problem lies not in knowledge but in the application of knowledge. Patients must be taught, motivated, and … Read more
TempStars and Mouthboxx have announced that tickets are now on sale for the 2025 RDH New Grad Summit, billed as Canada’s premier career launchpad for soon-to-be registered dental hygienists. The one-day event takes place Nov. 23 at the Toronto Islington Golf Course and is designed to help dental hygiene students bridge the gap between licensing … Read more
As dental hygienists, we are part of a vibrant and essential workforce. There are approximately 33,500 registered dental hygienists in Canada, according to the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC), and over 214,700 dental hygienists in the United States, based on data from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA, 2024). Each of us … Read more
Meet Cheryl, a 52-year-old patient who has been coming to your office every six months for over a decade. She’s loyal. She’s trusting. And like many patients, she doesn’t ask too many questions, until something didn’t add up. At her last visit, she saw a dental hygienist she had not met before. This time, her … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Melia Lewis, MED, RDH, an educator and advocate. Melia founded the educational platform Hygiene Edge, where she creates videos to teach new skills, techniques, and products to fellow hygienists. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I have always … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM, Clinical Development Manager. With 20+ years in the dental industry, Lisa has worked in public health, private and independent practice. In her current role with one of Canada’s largest DSOs, she coaches other professionals on clinical development. Do you … Read more
Menopause is a silent epidemic, an often-overlooked transition that impacts every cell in the body, including the mouth. As a dental hygienist, educator, and woman who has experienced a hysterectomy and early menopause myself, I know firsthand the power of connection, education, and advocacy when it comes to navigating this challenging season of life. Sleepless … Read more