Change for the Better: Are flawed processes keeping your team from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Q: What’s your team’s billing IQ? As a practice manager, I’m dealing with numerous human resource (HR) issues and client complaints related to hygiene billing. Some hygienists bill appropriately for the entire hour, … Read more
We have all been there – hitting snooze for the 2nd time, reaching for that 3rd cup of coffee, or scouring the lunchroom for any leftover treats that the sales rep dropped off yesterday because we are tired and our brains are looking for that quick sugar/dopamine hit. Working in dental hygiene, we are used … Read more
In the dental industry, there is no older friend than fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral has been widely researched as an additive in drinking water and dental products and is considered a linchpin of oral health. Not only does it strengthen the enamel, but it has also been shown to be effective in preventing gum … Read more
There are many preventative measures you can take to avoid letting mental stress get away from you as a dentist or dental hygienist, forming a kind of mental plaque. Just like telling your patients to clean their interdental spaces, it’s highly important to take your own advice, and apply it to your mind. You have … Read more
Sustainability in dental practices is a growing concern as we move towards global initiatives for a greener future. The significance of sustainability in dental practices extends beyond the immediate clinical setting. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for healthcare services, particularly dental hygiene care. This surge in demand places unprecedented … Read more
Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Can a hygienist be ‘too rough?’ It depends on which client you ask. Challenge: As a dentist, I take pride in having an exceptional team of dental hygienists. Nevertheless, one team member consistently receives a high … Read more
For decades, we’ve been told to brush our teeth twice a day, for 2-3 minutes. However, what often goes unnoticed is the importance of surface coverage during brushing. Many of us are unaware of whether we are effectively reaching all of the areas of our mouths. An alarming statistic finds that 20% of people aren’t brushing their teeth … Read more
We’ve all been there (or if you haven’t, you most likely will at some point in your career): a patient sits in your chair and one of the first things out of their mouth is “I hate coming to the dentist.” Dental anxiety is very common. A high percentage of the population experiences some level … Read more
Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? The challenge: “In my practice, new clients are scheduled for a 90-minute comprehensive oral exam and cleaning appointment. They typically see the dentist for the first half hour and then are scheduled for an hour with … Read more
Dentistry is a field that has been practised for centuries, and it has evolved over time to become what it is today. The practise of dentistry is influenced by various factors, including culture, religion, and philosophy. Eastern and Western philosophy are two distinct schools of thought that have influenced the practise of dentistry in different … Read more
This issue marks the end of our regular “Stay Sharp” feature but look for more Q&As from Gabriele Maycher in coming issues on such topics as workplace conflict, client compliance, insurance snafus, and much more. Email your questions to tanya@newcom.ca with Q&A in the subject line. Q: What is the rationale for a three-month vs. … Read more
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In the last two issues of Oral Hygiene, we revealed the introduction to this topic, Secret #1 and #2. If you missed them, be sure to look back at these articles! SECRET #3: SPECIALIZE. By specializing, you are setting yourself up to be ‘Indispensable in the Dental Practice!’ You are setting yourself up to be … Read more
Speak with any dental practice owner, and it will take a little while to hear about their challenges with post-Covid staffing. A shortage of dental assistants had been the major challenge just before the pandemic, and since then, the challenge has broadened to include dental hygienists. This staffing challenge has had a negative impact on … Read more
In this post-COVID world, statistics show that those reporting mental health challenges are rising. Dental care is essential to overall health and well-being, especially for those with mental health challenges. However, providing dental care to patients with mental health challenges can sometimes be daunting and requires specific strategies and approaches to ensure optimal care. In … Read more
Q: The new global periodontal classification talks a lot about predisposing and modifying factors impacting client outcomes. How does this affect client treatment? A: This change is what makes the new global classification brilliant. It moves us away from a solely biofilm-focused model and pushes us to practise precision medicine. Since each client is unique … Read more
Did you know dental hygienists are responsible for preventing and treating gum disease? According to the Canadian Dental Association, “7 out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives. It is the most common dental problem, and it can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem.”1 This statistic … Read more
“Leadership is an invisible strand as mysterious as it is powerful… It pulls, and it bonds. It is a catalyst that creates unity out of disorder. Yet, it defies the definition. No combination of talents can guarantee it. No process or training can create it where the spark does not exist. The qualities of leadership … Read more
Q: As a senior hygienist, I have the privilege of mentoring new graduates or new hires to our practice, and the one term I have difficulty explaining is “endpoint” as it pertains to debridement. I question if I fully understand the term myself. Help! A: Einstein would say, “If you can’t explain it simply, you … Read more
Our job is to educate our patients regarding their dental needs and provide for their wants. Like any relationship, communication is critical for building understanding. I recall being in dental hygiene school, listening to one of my classmates explain to her patient that he had periodontal disease and needed scaling and root planing. He looked … Read more
“Clueless.” I Confess! That’s Me, When PressedTo Help Reduce, Supress,Arrest Caries Among the AdolescentsAnd Kids of Grenada – a BlessedCountry, Whose People PossessThe Drive to Progress. For Despite the Traumaand the StressOf Having Been OppressedHistorically, they Re-Invest,Welcome All as Guests,Kill with Kindness. And It’s Their Refusal to Acquiesce,Their Protest That ImpressedMe. Made Me Say “Yes”To … Read more