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
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
Preventive services are at the forefront of medical, fitness, and nutritional research. Everyone talks about prevention, but very few people adhere to it long-term, and that is what really counts in all preventive programs. It is easy to fall off the wagon and get discouraged. There are many causes why prevention eventually fails, but the … Read more
Before diving into the post-pandemic world of dental hygienists, meet Alina Fintineanu, an orthodontic hygienist who turned her side hobby, baking, into a full-time pursuit during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Oct. 17, 2021, the then-30-year-old appeared on Season 5 of The Great Canadian Baking Show, which premiered on CBC Television. She was one of 10 contestants. … Read more
“Please don’t give me a lecture on flossing today.” I am sure that you have heard this countless times from patients before. You knew that it was coming as the same patient has asked you the same request during the visit before, and the visit before that. When I first started practicing dental hygiene, I … Read more
A local dental hygienist is giving back to the community by offering her services free of charge to those who need them on June 28. Meg Kreutziger, a dental hygienist and owner of To The Root Dental Hygiene, has been offering an annual free service day for about the past six years since she opened … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Melissa K. Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, member of Oral Hygiene’s Advisory Committee. During Melissa’s 20-year career in dental hygiene, she has evolved into an executive, consultant, dynamic speaker, and top content creator. You must be so busy as an executive, founder, hygienist and … Read more
Treating children, not teeth When you obtain your professional dental/hygiene licence, it means that society gives you the right and obligation to practice your profession for the good of society. You are obligated to treat the general public, everyone that requires your services. The main exception is when their dental requirements are beyond your level … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc, a passionate dental hygienist and educator, and member of Oral Hygiene’s Advisory Committee. She is the founder and president of rdhu, a dental hygiene education centre that provides inspiring, hands-on learning experiences for hygienists across Canada. Why did … Read more