Monthly Archives: July 2026
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July 15, 2026
For many years, dental offices have used the foil test as a simple way to check whether an ultrasonic bath was producing cavitation. The process was familiar: place a piece of foil into the ultrasonic cleaner, run the cycle, and look for pitting, marks, or perforations in the foil as a sign that the unit was functioning.
However, current Canadian reprocessing standards have moved beyond this method.
As outlined in CAN/CSA-Z314:23, Canadian Medical Device Reprocessing in All Healthcare Settings, under Clause 11: Decontamination of reusable medical devices, ultrasonic cleaners shall be tested using commercial methods that verify cleaning and functionality daily when the ultrasonic cleaner is used. The standard also notes that foil testing is not a validated testing method.
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July 01, 2026
Running a dental practice takes more than strong clinical skills, it requires effective communication. From the front desk to the operatory, the way we talk with each other can either build trust and efficiency or create unnecessary tension. One communication style that empowers both leaders and team members is solution-based communication.
What is Solution-Based Communication?
Solution-based communication is a way of speaking and listening that focuses on outcomes and collaboration, rather than blame or dwelling on problems. Instead of pointing fingers or getting stuck on what went wrong, the conversation turns toward what can be done to improve the situation.
Think of it as shifting from:
“Why did this go wrong?”
to
“How can we make this work better next time?”Why It Matters in a Dental Office
Dental teams are unique: hygienists, assistants, dentists, and administrators
