maxill's Dental Blog
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March 05, 2023Our previous blog post discussed the Canadian dental labour shortage and identified some rationales as to why there is a labour shortage in dentistry. In the first post, we identified that Dentistry requires a high level of performance expectations from those working in the industry.
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March 01, 2023There are two main elements to the reprocessing of a dental bur. First, what does the manufacturer of the bur state to do with the bur? Is it single use or can it be reprocessed? Second, if it can be reprocessed what are the steps from end-to-end use that meet IPAC standards of practice.
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March 01, 2023Dental Assistants Recognition Week is about showing appreciation to assistants in the dental industry for all their hard work and dedication that has improved the lives of their patients and improved the dental sector overall. DAWR is also a great tie for dental assistants to reflect on their career accomplishments and goals.
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February 24, 2023
For years, dentistry has had an oversaturation of dental professionals. There hasn’t been a dental labour shortage before now. Instead, job postings were few and far between and most jobs surfaced through word of mouth and were immediately filled. Currently, Canada is experiencing a significant labour shortage in dentistry. Dental professionals, where are you?
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February 22, 2023
Operating a successful dental practice extends beyond purchasing equipment and supplies. Understanding the nuances of expenses and implementing targeted approaches to reduce costs while increasing profits is pivotal for sustained growth and success.
Understanding Variable Costs and Fixed Expenses
Variable costs, representing 45-55% of a dental office's expenses, encompass various essential elements like payroll, lab fees, expense fees, dental and office supplies, staff CE training, and infection control products. Meanwhile, fixed expenses, constituting 4-7%, encompass recurring overheads such as rent or mortgage, utilities, phone/internet services, dental software subscriptions, and staff health benefits.
Diverse Factors Influencing Costs
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February 15, 2023
The process of disinfecting is a two-step procedure. First, the surface must be cleaned to ensure all blood, debris, and waste is removed. Second, the surface is disinfected by applying a disinfectant and letting the chemicals activate for the noted contact time to kill all bacteria, viruses and possible fungi present.
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February 14, 2023
Gloves are the most important part of any medical facility.
Why do dentists choose nitrile gloves? — Disposable nitrile gloves are part of the dental staff’s personal protection equipment (PPE) used when completing exams and procedures. They provide a barrier of protection to the skin, resistance from tears, and durability. Nitrile gloves are produced from hypoallergenic synthetic materials, making them a safe alternative for those with latex allergies.
Latex Gloves vs. Nitrile Gloves
In the past, disposable latex gloves were the standard gloves used in hospitals and dental offices in Canada. That changed several years ago as latex allergies became more common, and nitrile gloves became the alternative.
Latex gloves are
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February 02, 2023
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: Enhancing Oral Health
Mouthwash, a vital oral hygiene tool, comes in various types, offering temporary benefits or actively addressing dental concerns. Therapeutic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate stand out for their ability to combat plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
Understanding Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine gluconate, a potent cationic antiseptic, serves as a cornerstone in dental care. With a bisbiguanide base activity and a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it’s method disrupts microbial cell membranes, leading to cell death, and effectively targets a wide spectrum of oral pathogens.
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January 30, 2023
Cleaning and maintaining Dental Unit Waterlines is essential for patients and dental professionals' health and safety.
Not only does it keep patients safe from harmful bacteria, but it also helps to protect equipment longevity.
Dental Unit Waterlines are a common source of microbial contamination and need to be cleaned regularly in order to prevent build up of a microbial biofilm colony inside the narrow tubing of the DUWL.
Reasons for Cleaning
Dental Unit Waterlines are essential to keeping a dental practice running smoothly. It is important to keep these waterlines clean and free from contaminants to ensure the safe delivery of water during dental services.
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January 25, 2023
Alginate is an impression material that is commonly used in dentistry. Alginate impression material is used to create an accurate negative model of the teeth and gums. Alginate impressions are typically taken of the maxillary and mandibular teeth.
Alginate is a natural polysaccharide derived from brown algae that is commonly used in dentistry for creating dental impressions. It is also used to make dental prosthetics, such as dentures and crowns. Alginate impression can be used for the fabrication of a primary cast in prosthodontics, study models in orthodontic, and duplication of casts.
Alginate is typically used in the form of a hydrogel in biomedicine, including wound healing, drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Hydrogels are three-dimensionally cross-linked networks composed of hydrophilic polymers with high water content.
