What do you think makes for a good dental hygienist? If you are one or are planning to become one, what qualities should you possess? If you’re a dentist looking to partner with a dental hygienist, how will you know if you found the right one? As a dentist, you know that dental hygienists work … Read more
So many suffer from dental phobias and the anxiety they suffer with can be a huge barrier to care. Some may go years without seeing a dental hygienist or a dentist. As a dental hygienist, I have seen how dental phobias affect clients. These phobias can be due to any number of reasons. Some are … Read more
By now you would have seen or heard of the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, which replaced the previous (1999) classification system and addressed most of its limitations. Research indicates that 80% of North American adults have some form of periodontal disease, while evidence also indicates that there is a link between oral … Read more
As we try and get used to our new normal, we need to look for ways to make our days run more smoothly and more efficiently. We need to implement processes to make our days run a little easier in the midst of so much emotion, frustration and fatigue. Figuring out a way to try … Read more
As a clinical dental hygienist for 30+ years, it pains me to say this, but exceptional hygiene departments are not the norm in the dental industry. What do I mean by exceptional? I mean utilizing “best practices” in the treatment of periodontal disease resulting in optimized client outcomes (less than or equal to 3mm PD … Read more
The hygienist plays such an integral role in the overall success of our relationship with our patients. From the work we provide directly with the patient, to the role we as hygienists play in passing the baton of goodwill to our doctors or business team members, how we execute each step of our hygiene appointments … Read more
Welcome back to part three of my article series, where did we leave off? In 2019, I shared the first steps that should be considered when opening a practice, a little sneak peek into the world of @Toothlife.Irene and the vision of my dream dental practice and studio. As a dental hygienist in the beaches … Read more
An Updated Look at Options for Setting Our Patients at Ease Two of the main culprits that prevent our patients from seeking care are fear and anxiety. Dentophobia (or odontophobia) is defined as “the extreme fear of going to the dentist”.1 True phobias, stronger versions of the common fear, require different and sometimes more intensive … Read more
I had virtual coffee with my former classmate last week. We’ve been having coffee nearly every month since we graduated from dental hygiene school together in 2007. We chat about dental hygiene, what’s new in our offices, cool things we’ve read, the weather, politics, the most recent Zara sales, and let’s face it, Facebook group … Read more
The CNC dental hygiene class of 2020 has outperformed the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board Examination’s nationwide average while maintaining the program’s 100 per cent pass rate. The exam tests competencies in eight areas including responsibility and accountability, client and professional relationships, health and safety and practice management, foundational knowledge, assessment and diagnosis, planning, implementation, … Read more
As of October 8, 2020, dental hygienists in Ontario can legally treat their spouses as defined by law. Pursuant to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (the “RHPA“), a regulated health professional in Ontario who engages in simultaneous therapeutic and sexual relationships with an individual is guilty of having committed “sexual abuse” of a patient. Moreover, a … Read more
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is pleased to announce the installation of its new president, Tiffany Ludwicki, at its virtual annual general meeting on Saturday, October 3. Tiffany is from Newfoundland and Labrador and joins president-elect Wendy Stewart (Nova Scotia), past president Leanne Huvenaars (Saskatchewan), and directors Rae McFarlane (British Columbia), Alexandra Sheppard (Alberta), … Read more
VOICE-CONTROLLED PERIO CHARTING HEADSET & SOFTWARE THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR PATIENTS ENGAGEMENT AND YOUR OFFICE R.O.I.! Oral Science is proud to launch VoiceWorks, a voice-controlled perio charting headset and software that will increase your patients engagement and your office R.O.I! VoiceWorks, from Florida Probe, combines a lightweight wireless headset and voice-activated periodontal charting software. It … Read more
Public health dentists and dental assistants in Italy who treated patients while the COVID-19 pandemic ran rampant did not appear to develop the disease, according to an article published on September 3 in Oral Diseases. But does this apply to dental hygienists? There are a few things to consider about the study in relation to the risks to … Read more
A group of University of Alberta students is raising money for ovarian cancer in honour of their professor recently diagnosed with the disease. Alanna Blanchette, a fourth-year dental hygiene student, has helped organize the “Team 4 Fighters” who are participating in this year’s Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope to pay tribute to instructor Patricia … Read more
The College has revised the CDHO Guidance on Returning to Dental Hygiene Practice to include references to: its new documents CDHO Guidance on the Extended Use of N95 Respirators/Masks During a Supply Shortage and CDHO Guidance on the Use of Isolation Gowns the Public Health Ontario document COVID-19 in Dental Care Settings for fallow time considerations. To view the full update, please … Read more
On August 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that “routine non-essential oral health care—which usually includes oral health check-ups, dental cleanings and preventive care—be delayed until there has been sufficient reduction in COVID-19 transmission rates from community transmission to cluster cases or according to official recommendations at national, sub-national or local level.”1 Canadian oral … Read more
When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, all of Haida Gwaii’s three dentists were away at a dental conference, leaving one hygienist to deal with any dental emergencies. The situation forced Natasha Kellett, the only dental hygienist still working on the chain of islands off B.C.’s North Coast, to brainstorm with other health-care professionals to come up with a plan … Read more
From an impressive field of 755 deserving nominees from across Canada, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is thrilled to reveal the winner of its third annual Dental Hygiene Superhero Competition. This remarkable field of nominees was narrowed to 20 finalists and evaluated by a panel of judges who selected Lisa Enns of Richmond, British … Read more
Whether you’re a dentist, dental hygienist or assistant, you work in a fabulous profession! Dental professionals take care of people for a living, our industry is relatively recession-proof and the dental field enjoys a well-deserved prestige. While clinical practice can be very rewarding, it can also take a physical toll on our bodies with the … Read more