maxill's Dental Blog
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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 21, 2025
Denture stomatitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide who wear dentures. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, particularly under the denture. If left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection. In this blog, we'll explore the causes of denture stomatitis, how to prevent it, and provide tips on how to properly care for and maintain your dentures.
What is Denture Stomatitis?
Denture stomatitis is a condition that occurs when the mucous membranes in the mouth become irritated and inflamed due to the presence of dentures. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Inadequate hygiene and cleaning
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Irritation from denture adhesive or materials
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Poorly fitting dentures
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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 29, 2025
In healthcare, sterilization is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Dental practices have long been at the forefront of stringent sterilization processes, driven by the high standards required to prevent infection. But what if these best practices could extend beyond dentistry? Here, we explore five industries that could benefit significantly from dental-inspired sterilization solutions.
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Veterinary Medicine
The veterinary field shares many similarities with dentistry, particularly regarding the types of instruments used and the need for infection control. Just like in dental practices, veterinarians operate on live animals, which requires meticulous care to prevent post-procedure infections. Implementing dental sterilization protocols – such as using steam autoclaves to efficiently sterilize surgical instruments – can significantly improve patient outcomes. For
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January 24, 2025
In the dental field, maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to ensuring patient safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. One of the fundamental practices that can significantly impact infection control is proper donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) of personal protective equipment (PPE). In this blog, we’ll explore why these practices are essential for dental professionals, provide step-by-step instructions for both donning and doffing and highlight key tips to keep in mind.
The Importance of Proper Donning and Doffing
The mouth can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses, making it imperative for dental professionals to take the necessary precautions. The correct donning and doffing of PPE help to:
- Protect Patients and Staff: Wearing proper PPE safeguards b
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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
