Treating children, not teeth If toothbrushing is not rocket science, how come it is so difficult to do it effectively, as dental caries is the most common disease in the world? Why is it not effective in preventing tooth decay? You need to be able to answer your patient’s question: why do I still get … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Martha Szczepulski, a professional educator with experience speaking with dental professionals across Canada. Martha has worked in dental hygiene for 19 years and has experience in general and community dental practices, and mobile dental hygiene in long term care. Why did you … Read more
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
Treating children not teeth The best time to implement an oral hygiene program is right at the beginning, when teeth are erupting, before there is any irreversible pathology. Prevention is a program for life, like a dietary or physical fitness program. It is only as good as its implementation. There will be ups and downs, … Read more
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
“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
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
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
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
The Yukon does not recognize dental hygienists as a designated health profession, making it difficult for independent hygienists like Claire Hudson to practise in rural areas, the CBC reported Thursday. “Our dental act does not mention any sort of incorporation for hygienists, so I would not be able to practise as a business,” Hudson said. … Read more
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
Dental hygiene instrumentation is a skill initially developed in dental hygiene school but is continuously refined and perfected throughout a dental hygienist’s career. The strategic selection, precise adaptation, and safe, effective use of instruments and ultrasonic tips and inserts is a refined art, polished over years of practice. The importance of maintaining the functional safety … Read more
U.S. hygienists are voicing their concerns on social media after the American Dental Association (ADA) passed resolutions allowing unlicensed practitioners to perform dental hygiene services. Recently, the ADA voted on and passed Resolutions 401, 413, and 514B, which would remove faculty-to-student ratios in dental hygiene programs and allow dental students and foreign-trained dentists to practice … Read more
Creating a healthy and respectful dental office environment is essential for team members and patients. By fostering mutual respect, effective communication, and recognizing each team member’s contributions, we can achieve better patient outcomes, higher job satisfaction, and a more harmonious workplace. With reports of a dental hygiene workforce shortage, it’s crucial to ask whether dental … Read more
In the fast-paced, metrics-driven world of a dental practice, it’s easy to slip into routines that prioritize efficiency over connection. Appointment times are limited, schedules are packed, and every interaction feels like it is reduced to a checkbox: patients need to be treated, dental hygiene protocols followed, and the day must be completed to the … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Heather Wolframe, RDH, HIAOMT. Heather has over 15 years of clinical experience and runs Myofunctional Therapy Thunder Bay where she helps patients thrive in overall health and wellness by assessing and addressing myofunctional concerns. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene … Read more
Despite women representing 97 per cent of dental hygienists and therapists in Canada, they earned, on average, 26 per cent less than men, according to a study published Monday that details imbalances in the dental workforce. The study, published in BMC Health Services Research, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, indicated that this significant difference was largely … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Rachael aka The Pink Hygienist. Rachael uses her online platform to showcase exciting new dental products and encourage patients to have more fun with their oral hygiene routine. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I was working … Read more
Introduction The connection between mental health and overall well-being is significant, yet the role of dental visits in this context is often overlooked. Dental hygienists, who spend considerable time with patients, are uniquely positioned to observe changes in behavior, mood, and physical symptoms that could indicate mental health concerns. By incorporating routine mental health screenings … Read more
In 2017, on Season 11 of Dragons’ Den, dental hygienist Balbir Sohi unveiled her “Smiles on Wheels” business on national TV. She showcased her refurbished van, equipped with all the tools needed for a mobile hygienist to provide care right in a parking lot. Although she didn’t achieve her goal of launching her own franchise … Read more