Professional
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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
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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
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November 01, 2024
Halloween is a thrilling time filled with costumes, decorations, and – of course – candy! While the excitement of trick-or-treating can be a wonderful experience for kids, it also brings challenges for dental health. With abundant sugary treats, parents need to adopt effective strategies to keep smiles healthy throughout the Halloween season and beyond.
In this week's blog, we’ll share tips on caring for your teeth after Halloween and ensure that everyone in the family can enjoy their candy safely!
Set a Candy Limit
Before the candy haul begins, it’s wise to discuss a plan with your child. Setting a limit on how much candy they can enjoy each day helps to prevent overindulging. Consider using a fun calendar or chart to keep track of their candy consumption. This way, they can enjoy their t
