Decreasing Hygiene Downtime

Continuing with our “I just want to be a dentist” series, downtime in the schedule is a burning issue for almost every practice. Addressing the issue of hygiene downtime is a high priority for everyone involved. An acceptable measurable percentage for non-productive time in hygiene is 5-8%. If the hygiene program is appropriately designed, the … Read more

MouthWatch Invites Hygienists to be Teledentistry Changemakers at ADHA

How will teledentistry be implemented to reach those in need, empower careers in dental hygiene and build all types of dental practices? MouthWatch, the creators of the award-winning MouthWatch Intraoral Camera and leading teledentistry platform TeleDent, will be at this year’s annual ADHA conference in Jacksonville, Florida to share insights on those questions. “Teledentistry-friendly laws are being passed at … Read more

Embezzlement – What Every Brilliant Clinician Should Know

Embezzlement

You believe you have been blessed with the dream employee! This person has stood closely beside you for years, fighting for the success of your practice, arriving early and staying late and refusing to take vacations because the practice simply could not function without them. This person displays all the traits of an ideal employee. … Read more

Oral Malodor: Innovative Strategies to Measure, Learn and Improve

Oral Malodor

How Is My Breath? The immense concern of the general population towards halitosis or oral malodor is very real. This is reflected in the North American multi-billion dollar cosmetic fresh breath product portfolio aimed to help the consumer treat the condition. “Up to 50% of the U.S. {general} population reports that their own ‘bad breath’ … Read more

The Critical Importance of Team Development & Dynamics in Your Practice

Team Development

Developing an effective team can be one of the most crucial aspects of success in a practice. It takes time, as each member brings unique personality traits, preferences, styles and experiences to the team. It is a worthy investment, because once things gel, a team that works together effectively will benefit your practice operations and … Read more

Making the Shift: Enhancing Our Impact Through Oral Systemic Links

Oral Systemic Links

On March 29, the Oral Wellness Learning Institute for Dentistry (OWL) where I serve as the educational director, had the privilege to assemble an amazing group of dental and medical practitioners and advocates. Our guests included representatives from Diabetes Canada, the CDHA, Sleep Disorders Dentistry, as well as naturopathic doctors, researchers, dentists, and dental hygienists. … Read more

Open Wide: The Ultimate Guide to Teeth – A Narrative Review

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Discover a world of mystery, history, and lore inside your mouth. Yes, we’re talking about teeth! In Open Wide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about your teeth. No matter what you call them, pearly whites, chompers, canines, or tooth fairy bait, teeth play a vital part in your life and have an … Read more

Dying from Dirty Teeth: A Narrative Review

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I have been a member of a committee tasked with the re-development of a geriatric dental clinic at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto. Recognising the need , Baycrest approached the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity in Toronto for our professional expertise with this project. After 4 years of planning, the clinic is in the final stages of … Read more

PST on Insurance Premiums Could Limit Dental Care Access

Dental hygienists raised concerns that adding the PST to health insurance premiums will reduce access to dental care in Saskatchewan at a meeting with MLAs in Regina on Monday. The Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists Association organized the meeting to enlighten MLAs on the rate of oral disease in the province. Association executive director Kellie Watson said the … Read more

Canadian Budget’s Health Care Funding Good News for Dentistry

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) supports the federal government’s enhanced investments in the Territorial Health Investment Fund, as outlined in Budget 2017. This funding will improve access to health services in the territories—including children’s oral health services—and will reduce reliance on medical transport outside the region for treatment. A total of $108 million will … Read more

Good Dental Hygiene and Nutritious Diet are Directly Linked

During National Nutrition Month this March, dental hygienists—your partners in prevention—remind everyone of the important link between proper nutrition and oral health. Dental hygienists see first-hand how poor diet and nutrition can affect a person’s oral and overall health.  Foods high in sugar, such as candy, sweet baked goods, and carbonated drinks, may contribute to … Read more

P.E.I. Dental Hygienists Offering Free Teeth-Cleaning

Some dental hygienists on P.E.I. will offer a free teeth-cleaning clinic on April 8. The one-day clinic is for those who can’t afford the approximately $120 needed to get their teeth cleaned. The Holland College Dental Assisting program in Charlottetown is offering its space free, while the dental hygienists are giving up their time to work that … Read more

National Dental Hygienists Week (NDHW) is April 8-14

National Dental Hygienists Week™ (NDHW™) takes place from April 8‒14 as part of oral health month in Canada.  During that week, which emphasizes “Oral Health for Total Health,” dental hygienists remind us all that taking care of our mouth, teeth, and gums benefits our overall physical and mental well-being. Dental hygienists are primary health care … Read more

World Oral Health Day is March 20

On March 20, oral health professionals around the world will celebrate World Oral Health Day (www.worldoralhealthday.com), a global awareness campaign to highlight the prevalence of oral disease and the importance of preventive care for maintaining good oral and overall health across the lifespan. “Oral health is essential to overall physical, social, and mental well-being,” explains … Read more

Dental Hygienists Show Support for Canada’s Heart Month

February is Heart Month in Canada and a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the risks of cardiovascular (heart) disease and stroke and the importance of making better lifestyle choices for optimal health. Dental hygienists are strong supporters of this public education campaign and remind Canadians not to overlook their oral health when seeking to … Read more

Wipe Away Your Worries: How to Choose the Right Wipe

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Regardless of where your office is located or what type of practice you work in, a common factor is Infection Control. Everyone needs a surface disinfectant to keep the workplace clean and safe. Not all surface disinfectants are created equally. Understanding the differences will ensure you make an informed decision. With so many products flooding … Read more

Editorial: Doctor, Doctor… Teach Me, Teach Me

Steam Sterilization

US-based The Pew Research Group has a special unit following oral healthcare. Recently, it released a blog on three issues facing Americans (yes, it translates to us) oral healthcare: affordability, affordability, affordability. Dental care is one of the most unmet healthcare needs in the United States. Lack of insurance coverage and access to providers, even … Read more

Hygienists Urge Patients to Quit During National Non-Smoking Week

Research shows that smoking can damage every part of the body, including the mouth, causing life-threatening cancers and chronic diseases.  During National Non-Smoking Week (January 15‒21), dental hygienists across Canada remind us all of the need to eliminate tobacco use for better oral and overall health. Dental hygienists are skilled in health promotion, disease detection, … Read more

Dental Hygienists Should Be Essential Primary Care Providers, Says ADHA

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is pleased that Health Affairs recognizes the enormous impact oral health has on the overall public health system in the U.S. by devoting an entire issue to the subject. ADHA has long advocated evidence-based oral health management strategies for the prevention of oral and systemic diseases. In fact, ongoing … Read more