maxill's Dental Blog
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March 05, 2023A dental office reprocessing area must be organized in a one-way workflow to prevent cross-contamination. The one-way workflow is composed of stations that are linked in functionality to one another to finally achieve the end point of reprocessing; sterilization. Each station can only perform the duties of THAT station and can only host the contents of THAT station’s tasks. In ‘common practice’ vs ‘best practice’ reprocessing rooms ...
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March 05, 2023
A recent study showed that over 90% of dental professionals were feeling stressed. Those who work in the dental industry are probably not surprised to hear this. Working in dentistry has always been identified as a highly stressful profession.
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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 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 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.
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December 29, 2022
This blog may have been posted after our holiday season celebrations with office parties and family gatherings.
As we return to our routine office schedules, we must maintain our respiratory health program with the most current and appropriate CDC infection prevention recommendations for the 2022-2023 flu season.
Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and even new viruses can appear each year and a gift none of us wants to receive.
Although the fall and winter is typically the most popular season for the flu to rear its ugly head, the season of flu can vary from different parts of the country and from season to season.
Annual flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death”.1 (CDC influenza). Flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or
