The hottest topics in dental hygiene for 2025: Sustainability in dentistry

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As the dental profession navigates a rapidly evolving landscape, one theme is set to dominate conversations in 2025: sustainability. With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental challenges, the integration of eco-friendly practices in dental hygiene is no longer optional, it’s essential. Understanding sustainability in dentistry Sustainability in dentistry is about balancing oral health and … Read more

Beyond the drill: How data-driven strategies can elevate your practice

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In the world of dentistry, clinical expertise is essential—but it’s not enough. Today’s most successful dental hygienists understand that business acumen, data-driven decision-making, and strategic growth are just as critical as the quality of care they provide. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as the x-rays of your clinical practice and the dental practice, revealing what’s … Read more

Unlocking the mysteries of dental unit waterlines: A guide for dental hygienists

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Did you know 90% of bacteria live in biofilms?1 Understanding the complexities of biofilm and the function of Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs) is essential for dental hygienists dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care. This article aims to demystify the processes involved in maintaining DUWLs by highlighting the importance of routine testing, effective product use, and best … Read more

Everything you need to know about genetic oral testing in dental practice

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With the advancement of technology and AI, oral testing is now a popular tool for dental hygienists. But how can you differentiate between the many products on the marketplace? Do all oral tests look at human genetics? Should you prioritize in-office testing over send-away test kits? What’s the difference between salivary diagnostics, genomic sequencing, screening … Read more

How AI and SaaS are transforming dentistry

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Swipe right on smarter smiles The industry is evolving fast, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind the curve. AI and SaaS aren’t just shiny new tools, they’re the foundation of smarter workflows, elevated patient care, and practices built to scale. But it’s not just about adopting technology for the sake of it; … Read more

Addressing the hottest topics in clinical dental hygiene

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What a great time to be a dental hygienist! I am thrilled to not only write this month’s editorial but to also have curated this edition’s content and theme specifically to help you, dear dental hygienist, stay current with the latest and greatest happening and to get excited about the future of our profession. This … Read more

Hygienists urge government to continue investing in affordable oral health care amid CDCP uncertainty

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The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is calling on the federal government to continue investing in affordable, preventive oral health care, the organization said Thursday in a statement. Citing an “ongoing cost-of-living crisis” and tariff threats from the Trump administration, the CDHA said federal investments in oral health care in Canada have “positive impacts” on … Read more

Value-based care and the value of dental hygienists: A paradigm shift toward better outcomes

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What is value-based care? Value-based care (VBC) aims to improve health outcomes while lowering costs, compensating oral health teams for providing high-quality and cost-effective care. This includes coordinating care, involving a broader health care team, utilizing data to monitor clinical outcomes, and addressing social determinants of health. VBC models, which are slowly taking shape in … Read more

Dalhousie University renames dental hygiene programs, adds Honours degree

Halifax, N.S., Aug. 9, 2021 – A sign at Dalhousie University.

Dalhousie University announced Tuesday that it will offer a new Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Honours program, with classes beginning in September 2025. The university’s current Diploma in Dental Hygiene will be renamed the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, while the existing Bachelor of Dental Hygiene will become the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Honours. “Apart from the … Read more

Jennifer Turner is helping practices achieve dental hygiene success

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Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Jennifer Turner, the CEO of Hygiene Headquarters Inc., and an active member in the dental hygiene community. Jennifer is an award-winning Dental Hygiene Professor and inspiring speaker. What advice do you have for the dental hygienists out there who are not feeling … Read more

Japanese study: Professional support needed for dental hygienists to shape identity and improve retention

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“Role models and clinical experiences” are key factors in shaping the identities of dental hygienists as they transition from students to health professionals, according to a Japanese study. Published in BMC Medical Education, the study emphasized the importance of fostering “supporting communities where dental hygienists connect, help, and learn from each other.” It highlighted the … Read more

Kirsten Fisher’s career evolution, from clinical hygienist to educator

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Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Kirsten Fisher, who always knew she wanted to work in the dental field. She uses her position as a Swiss Dental Academy trainer and her online social platforms to educate fellow hygienists. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a … Read more

The recipe for smoking cessation

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Tobacco cessation is an incredibly complex topic for dental professionals. In the most recent years, the focus on tobacco transitioned into the focus of marijuana and e-vape use. This transition quickly suppressed the topic, making it more and more difficult to have this conversation in a clinical setting with fellow colleagues and patients.  As dental … Read more

Advice for dental hygienists starting their own mobile clinics

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Natasha Pelley, owner of the mobile clinic SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile, recently appeared in a Hygiene Spotlight Q&A. As someone who travels to rural areas providing dental care with her mobile clinic, she provided some advice for other dental hygienists hoping to start their own mobile clinic, or clinic in general. Do your research: Reach out to … Read more

How a dental hygienist and her dog are making a difference in rural Newfoundland

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Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Natasha Pelley, owner of the mobile clinic, SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile. Natasha travels to rural areas of Newfoundland to provide dental care to underserved areas with the help of her dog, Millie. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? … Read more