We don’t know what we don’t know Society and Community Short-comings In 1998, Canadian media reported that over 69% of all Children’s Aid Society1 children had been abused. In April 2024, Nova Scotia Justice Minister Brad Johns stepped down from cabinet2 after saying he did not believe domestic violence (DV) is an epidemic, even though the province’s … Read more
In the realm of healthcare, including dentistry, policy decisions have a profound impact on practitioners, patients, and the overall delivery of services. Dental professionals play a crucial role in shaping these policies by actively participating on boards. This article explores the significance of dental professionals’ involvement in policy development and advocacy. The Importance of Board … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Fiona aka “Mouthboxx” a self proclaimed “non-traditional hygienist” who uses her online platform to educate and mentor fellow dental hygienists as they progress in their careers. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I grew up with an … Read more
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a promising breakthrough by developing a urine-based test designed to detect head, mouth and neck cancers, particularly those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This noninvasive test is still in the discovery phase, but it holds promise for early cancer detection from the comfort of a patient’s home, … Read more
The dental industry, like many healthcare fields, faces the dual challenge of an aging workforce and an increasing demand for services. To ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals, it is imperative to attract young talent to the field. This article explores strategies for engaging and educating high school students and new grads about dental … Read more
The Blueprint to OralRisk™ AI Genetics Success! Your dental practice has the potential to be groundbreaking and state-of-the-art, meeting the public’s desire for the best in dental care. Patients want to feel confident that they have made the best choice by selecting your practice. To stay at the forefront of the industry, continual professional development … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Amanda Zubricki, RDH, a passionate advocate for healthcare professionals supporting individuals with hearing loss and an unapologetically deaf professional. She shares the barriers she has faced as a hygienist with hearing loss and offers insights on how dental practices can be more … Read more
Last year, I joined a group of volunteer dental hygienists in the Seal Grenada dental outreach program which had the goal of placing 1000 sealants on children in Grenada over 5 days. Not only did we reach our goal, we almost tripled it! While that is something to cheer about, here is something that we … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Janet Star Kuo, a Registered Dental Hygienist, creator and mother. She shares her unique path into dental hygiene and her journey of writing and self-publishing her own book. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I did not enter … Read more
As dental professionals, we see patients up to three or four times a year. In retrospect, as per CDHA (Canadian Dental Hygienist Association), Registered Dental Hygienists see a larger population versus other medical professionals. We often work with patients who have complex medical histories, and often present with risk factors that require an interdisciplinary approach.1 … Read more
Planting the Seed For 5 days in August 2023, Fanshawe College dental hygiene professors Kelly Turner and Shelley Getty helped run a pilot sealant project for Grenada’s children. Grenada, the “Isle of Spice” in the Caribbean, boasts a population of approximately 125,000 beautiful souls. It’s known for being safe and politically stable and full of … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Paulette Dahlseide, owner of the mobile clinic Providence Dental Hygiene and passionate volunteer in the Alberta Metis community. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? Truly, I stumbled or, more aptly I suppose, I was led into the profession … Read more
Managing costs is a perpetual challenge for independent hygienists running a busy practice. Every penny counts, especially when it comes to your dental office lease. Here are five strategic tips for minimizing expenses and safeguarding against financial pitfalls. Negotiate Rental Escalations Wiseley Your “Annual Base Rent” is the amount that you agree (or agreed) to … Read more
I have been there. You pull into the same parking spot you leave your car in daily, enter the office, and wish your co-workers good morning as you change into your uniform and place your lunch in the fridge. Through the morning huddle, you politely smile and nod while biting your tongue, wishing you had … Read more
In the bustling environment of a dental clinic, amidst the whirring of drills, the hum of suction devices, and the clinking of instruments, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the protection of the practitioners’ hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined as hearing loss due to damage of the inner ear from overexposure of loud … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Martelle Coke, Founder of BrownGirlRDH, a platform for women in dental hygiene to connect, share experiences, and provide support. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? I wanted to help people. I have a compassion for helping. My sister … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing the duo Jessica Drader, Founder, CEO and Registered Dental Hygienist (C) & Amy Pannu, Founder, CFO and Registered Dental Hygienist (C). How did you get into dental hygiene? Jess: I began as a certified dental assistant, working at Clayburn Dental. I developed a … Read more
Change for the Better: Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? Challenge As a dental hygienist, I’m finding it harder to provide comprehensive care due to time constraints stemming from my dentist’s actions. Prolonged examination periods during an hour-long appointment, sudden requests for … Read more
Dental hygienists play a pivotal role in fostering oral health. Yet, the challenge lies in the stark contrast between the brief encounters in the dental hygiene operatory and the year-round responsibility patients bear for oral care. This article explores the complexities surrounding the guilt dental hygienists often feel when appointments extend beyond a single appointment … Read more
Dementia is a complex condition that affects over 733,000 people in Canada. It is caused by a decline in a person’s cognitive abilities and can severely impact their memory, behaviour, language and reasoning. While many people recognize that dementia can affect the brain’s ability to function, what is not so commonly known is that it … Read more