maxill's Dental Blog
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July 25, 2025
In dentistry, and especially in infection prevention and control (IPAC), the term “best practice” is often misunderstood. Many assume it's an optional extra, something aspirational or “above and beyond” the standards. But in reality, best practice is not about going beyond the standards, it's about fully meeting them through a responsible, evidence-informed, and risk-managed approach.
Let me explain.
When we say “best practice,” what we really mean is: meeting the standards with accountability. Best practice is about taking the regulatory standards and interpreting them through the lens of risk management, tailoring them to your specific clinical environment. It's not an abstract concept or a luxury for high-end clinics. It is the professional duty of every regulated health professional.
Why Standards Sound Vague—And Why That's Intentional
Often, standards are written broadly. This is not becaus
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July 11, 2025
In the world of dental infection prevention and control (IPAC), the terms *guidelines* and *standards* are often used as if they mean the same thing. But should they be? And more importantly … does it matter?
Yes, it matters. A lot.
What's the Difference?
Standards are formal, enforceable requirements set by regulatory bodies. They are the minimum expectations for safe and ethical practice. Meeting these standards is not optional—they are legally binding, and failing to comply can lead to professional consequences, including disciplinary action or loss of license.
Guidelines, on the other hand, are recommendations. They are typically developed by public health agencies, expert panels, or research organizations. While not enforceable on their own, guidelines represent current best practices and offer direction on how to implement standards effectively and safely.
Why Are They Confused?
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June 27, 2025
In today’s high-tech dental world, quality assurance (QA) often brings to mind automated sensors and software calibration. But there's one old-school, low-tech tool that remains just as essential as ever: the step wedge. Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 and best practice guidelines still recommend regular use of this tool to ensure your dental radiography systems are functioning correctly (Health Canada, 2022). If your practice is overlooking step wedge testing, or not logging it properly, you may be putting diagnostic accuracy and patient safety at risk.
What Is a Step Wedge Test?
A step wedge is a radiographic quality control tool made of graduated thicknesses of aluminum. When exposed to X-rays, it produces a pattern of varying density levels on the image. This test helps evaluate the consistency of image quality and monitor changes in exposure, sensor calibration, or processing systems (for fil
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April 04, 2025
April 4 to 10 is our week, fellow RDHs! National Dental Hygienists Week™ (NDHW™) is a time to reflect on how far we've come as a profession, celebrate our contributions to oral health, and continue advocating for a future where everyone has access to preventive care. We are the unsung heroes of dentistry, bridging the gaps in healthcare, fostering trust with our clients, and standing at the forefront of prevention.
Our Journey: From Auxiliary to Independent Healthcare Providers
Did you know that dental hygiene as a profession started in 1913 with Dr. Alfred Fones training Irene Newman in Connecticut? His vision was clear: rather than just treating disease, we would prevent it. That vision remains at the core of what we do today.
For decades, RDHs were restricted to working under strict supervision, but as research reinforced the connection between oral and systemic health, our role expanded. And now? We are essential members of the healthcare team. We've earned our
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March 14, 2025
As dental professionals have implemented the 2018 AAP periodontal classification of staging and grading there is still some confusion as to some of the rules of what counts and what does not count. One of the ways to make sense of the ‘rules’ is to ask the question Papapanou et al. (2018) pose in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, “How do we define a patient as a periodontal patient?” (p. 168). Answering this question clarifies the rules of staging and grading, including the need to capture true interdental CAL’s, the requirement for a matching CAL site, searching for the highest CAL’s, why adjacent CAL doesn’t count, when buccal and lingual CAL can be considered, and how periodontitis distribution is assessed across the entire mouth rather than assigning generalized or localized labels to specific stages.
To answer this question, we must consider how we have traditionally approached it and not ask "Does the patient have perio?" instead "How do we define a patient as
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January 10, 2025
Whether you're wearing traditional metal braces or clear aligners, proper care is essential not only for your comfort but also to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment. In this post, we'll explore some helpful tips for caring for your orthodontics, as well as the tools and aids that can make the process easier and more effective.
Understanding Your Orthodontic Options
Before diving into the care routine, it's important to understand the two main types of orthodontic treatment.
Traditional Braces:
Traditional braces consist primarily of metal or ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth, connected by a wire. These braces work by applying continuous pressure to gradually shift your teeth into alignment.Clear Aligners:
Clear aligners are a series of clear, removable trays that gradually move your teeth. They are a popular choice for adults and teens preferring -
December 13, 2024
As we approach 2025, it’s hard to ignore the seismic shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. While much of the world has adapted to new norms, certain sectors, such as dentistry, continue to face unique challenges. The pandemic affected not only our health but also our dental practices, introducing waves of stress, financial burdens, and new stringent infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols.
In this week's blog, we explore the unseen struggles dental clinics face as they navigate a post-pandemic landscape and what that means for the patients who rely on their care.
The Financial Strain on Dental Clinics
When COVID-19 swept the globe, dental clinics were among the first to feel the effects. With government mandates for non-emergency dental procedures to halt, m
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December 06, 2024
Why does sterilization monitoring include both a biological indicator ‘test’ and a ‘control’? Post incubation is it not clear enough that the user will simply look to see if the vial is purple or yellow? Seems simple to observe a color change and log the outcomes. This is all indeed true, however, dental professionals need to remember the structure of scientific testing and validating. Going back to high school science and the science labs in undergrad we were all taught the purpose of following the scientific method. As we get busy in our typ
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November 29, 2024
Dental professionals and patients are exposed to various eye hazards during dental procedures. While the risk of infection or injury might not always seem obvious, combining high-speed tools, chemicals, and light sources such as lasers and curing lights makes comprehensive eye protection critical in the dental field. The potential consequences of not using eye protection can be severe, including corneal abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, and even irreversible eye damage. This article will explore common types of eye injuries, types of lenses suitable for various dental equipment, and criteria for selecting appropriate protective eyewear for both healthcare providers and patients.
Types of Eye Injuries in Dental Settings
Eye injuries in dental practices can be broadly categorized into four main types: trauma, infectious, impact, and chemical injuries.
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November 22, 2024
When we think about dental health, our minds often jump straight to toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and the occasional dental visit. However, one of the most crucial players in maintaining oral health is usually overlooked: saliva. This clear fluid does more than keep our mouths moist; it plays a pivotal role in protecting our teeth, aiding digestion, and overall oral hygiene. In this blog, we’ll take a deeper look into the multifaceted role of saliva, its composition, and the surprising facts about how it impacts our dental health – things that may not be commonly known.
The Composition of
