The beginning of a new year is a perfect opportunity to make a fresh start and set new personal and professional goals. While many people focus on self-improvement initiatives, dental hygienists remind Canadians not to overlook oral health when making choices about improving overall physical and mental well-being. “Good oral health is essential to total … Read more
Everything from a single source for safer, better and faster dentistry – CEREC makes this possible. This method offers the possibility of treating patients in a single visit with a ceramic, or even full zirconia, restoration. There is no need for uncomfortable impression material thanks to a digital scan, only one anesthetic injection is necessary … Read more
Few studies have described ZIKV manifestations in the mouth of infected patients. Recently, Brasil et al. reported local hyperemia and petechiae on the hard palate of an infected patient. 1 Some viruses are transmitted through saliva, including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). 2 Notably, HSV and ZIKV display … Read more
I remember my first days as a new dentist and my introduction to the great debate over amalgam restorations vs. composite restorations. Today, we no longer place an amalgam or resin restoration without having a discussion with our patients over the advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses of amalgam vs. resin. This also applies to … Read more
As a long time devout Christian, I have listened to many inspiring sermons by numerous Pastors over the years. One particular Pastor’s sermon style stands out in my mind with a transferrable concept that is very practical and relative to the practice of clinical dentistry. He titled his Sunday morning presentations as The 3 Point … Read more
The first touch-point for patients is the reception area and it is critical to make a positive and lasting impression. Patients expect a dental office to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety, which starts from the moment they enter the door. Is the room inviting, comfortable, organized and well maintained? Or does the room … Read more
Nearly 90 percent of patients at long-term care facilities don’t take advantage of dental services, even when they are free, a recent study by University at Buffalo researchers has found. The research, published last month in Special Care in Dentistry, found that the longer a patient stayed at a long-term care facility, such as a … Read more
Being struck by Cupid’s arrow can be good for your teeth. According to University of Queensland researcher Grace Branjerdporn, finding a soul mate puts a smile on your face in more ways than one. “We studied how the dynamics of our romantic relationships affect our oral health,” Ms Branjerdporn said. “We determined that those who … Read more
Several patient-friendly dental IT (information technology) tools are available today to help improve the levels of patient satisfaction. At the same time, these tools can make a dental practice more operationally efficient. Dentists who adopt new technologies and innovative IT tools can empower patients and serve them more effectively. A number of dental offices have … Read more
Marketing your practice well requires the right marketing mix … it takes hard work, innovative, thoughtful ideas and consistent effort. Over the upcoming weeks, I will have many conversations with doctors and office managers wanting to attract more new patients to finish their year off strong and set themselves up for success to begin the … Read more
On Saturday, September 3, 2016, a group of strangers from across Ontario gathered at the Toronto airport. Their mission: head down to Negril, Jamaica to provide free dental treatment and education to impoverished Jamaicans. This was the second annual trip organized by Great Shape! Inc., the Sandals Foundation, and DMC LLP.1 The volunteer group included … Read more
Futuredontics® announced today that company co-founder Fred Joyal is hosting a free webinar for dentists called “What Dental Patients Want.” In this special live presentation, Fred draws on new research to reveal the surprising factors that have the greatest impact on a consumer’s choice of a dental practice. The hour-long webinar will be held on … Read more
A 72-year-old female patient was referred to our office by her physician with the chief concern of a large granuloma on her lower lip. The patient had a medical history positive for hypertension, thyroid disease, hypercholesterolemia, osteopenia, sinusitis and eczema. The patient reported that over the past two to three years, she had a re-occurring … Read more
Young Dental and Wrigley are excited to introduce Wrigley’s Orbit® Prophy Paste and Gum packs. This first-of-its-kind product lets patients experience the signature flavors of Orbit gum both during and after dental appointments. Each co-pack contains a single-dose cup of Orbit-flavored prophy paste in the brand’s Bubblemint, Spearmint and Peppermint flavors, and a piece of … Read more
I am a retired dentist who has a passion for preventative dentistry and preventive medicine. I recently became painfully aware of the ramifications of acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) on the oral cavity. I developed severe GERD late last year. Unfortunately, complete understanding of the difficulties experienced by patients comes best through direct … Read more
Millions of Americans endure pain and shame because they can’t afford dental care. The issue is particularly pronounced in rural areas, as emphasized by a recent report by National Public Radio. People in rural areas are not only more likely to lack the jobs that connect them to dental insurance or the money to pay for … Read more
Eighty million people in the U.S. struggle with bad breath — many of them don’t even know that they do, but the people around them are likely all too aware. Last year at CES, Breathometer teased a connected device called Mint that measures a user’s breath and gives them some tips on how to improve their oral health. At … Read more
According to Mountain View dentist Donian Shen, DDS, missing teeth are not only a cosmetic concern, but also a condition that can lead to bone loss and functional problems in the long-term. She explains that one of the most popular and recommended treatments for missing teeth, dental implants, requires adequate bone structure to be effective. While … Read more