Modern Hygienist

As hygienists, we are pretty particular about our tools. At my hygiene recare visits, I need technology that is beneficial to patient care, easy to use and portable.

 As the “technology evangelist,” I sometimes lose myself in reading about and researching different aspects of technology. On occasion, I can go down the technology rabbit hole and disappear for hours at a time. 

Instagram is a dental nerd’s dream! I love scrolling through and see what is being shared and what is "hot" on social media sites. I often post things I find interesting on my account. Of course, you know that Dental Products Report has an Instagram account, right?

If we described a team member who produced 30 percent of the practice revenue, was the reason more than 80 percent of new patients came into the office and from whose operatory 60 percent of restorative treatment was discovered, you may likely be thinking this is one heck of an associate and partner.

Every practice is a little different in terms of the role the hygienist plays in the grand scheme of helping deliver good oral health care to patients. Some dental offices have the hygienist performing a higher level of care, while others may have the hygiene staff focus more on cleanings, diagnostics and patient education. 

In the modern era, teeth are important for people to take care for many reasons, including general health, function and, of course, a welcoming smile. For archaeologists and other people interested in the past, teeth are important as they act as portals into past diets, food preparation, family relationships and childhood health.

In 2013, investigators on a routine inspection of an oral surgery practice in Tulsa, Okla., discovered numerous violations of health and safety laws and major violations of the state dental act.

Dr. Jeff Dalin describes himself as “an early adopter who does a little bit of everything” at his general practice in St. Louis, Mo. He’s also someone who believes strongly in the power of technology to help his practice and improve the lives of his patients.

It’s the end of your workday and you are about ready to walk out the door. You would ideally like to look back on the day and feel energized, productive, and confident in your leadership accomplishments but you don’t. Instead, you are exhausted! 

Once again, April has arrived with thoughts of spring, flowers and a new beginnings change perceptions and outlooks. Did you think, hey, it’s also Oral Cancer Awareness month?

It's time to recognize some amazing women in the dental industry! For the sixth consecutive year, Dental Products Report is honored to name the Top 25 Women in Dentistry. We will be profiling these awesome women in our October issue ... but we need your help to know who the top 25 women are.

What does Dr. John Flucke, DDS, think of the new DEXIS CariVu caries detection device? He gets truly honest about the product in this featured Google Hangout video interview with Dental Products Report Content Director, Kevin Henry.

In the changing world of dentistry, it is only logical that the role of the dental hygienist will be growing and developing as well. Dental Consultant Jack Abrams sat down with Wendy Briggs, dental hygienist and president of The Team Training Institute to discuss the changing role of the dental hygienist.

This week at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, Carestream Dental announced the release of the latest Logicon Caries Detector 5.1, which reportedly further automates the detection process and produces improved displays of caries sites.

In 2008, the American Dental Educators Association (ADEA) formed a committee charged with assembling a glossary of terms for dental educators. Their labors were published in July 2010 Dental Clinics of North Americas. They found this necessary because the teaching of dentistry had changed in light of CAMBRA-Caries Management by Risk Assessment. 

For the last several years, I have been fortunate to work with many of the top dental practices in the country. As I review their vital statistics and study procedures done, I am often alarmed at how often we struggle to provide periodontal services.

Anastasia Turchetta, RDH, the editor of Modern Hygienist, recently sat down with Carol Jahn, senior professional relations manager at Waterpik, to talk about Waterpik and the innovations the company has produced since 1962.

Millennials need to feel as if their treatment is important and that they are on the right track; this means being inquisitive. Is there anything in the practice of dental hygiene that should be exempt from questioning and examination? 

You're probably thinking, “No! Not another article on exercise.” Well, yes, but cardio in particular … High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) cardio to be exact. I think we all know that exercise is beneficial and a body that moves heals faster than a body that does not.

What can DEXIS CariVu do for your practice? Get first-hand advice from Dr. Justin D. Moody.

More than 600 dentists and hygienists from across the U.S. gathered together to learn about the latest perspectives on evidence-based dentistry, making Colgate®’s first “Science to Cities” five-city educational lecture tour a huge success. 

DUX Dental has introduced a tray cover with secure seal to its line of office organization products to help oral care professionals create a safe environment for practitioners and patients.

The Pride Institute's "Best of Class" Technology Awards represent an initiative to promote innovation in new and existing dental technology companies, providing a means through which the organization can educate those in the dental profession to use technology more effectively. 

While oral hygiene habits and diet influence the risk of tooth decay, genetics are also at play in regards to susceptibility for dental caries development … genetics that can also determine hair disorders. 

A trip to the dentist can be a stressful experience for many people – but to some children on the autism spectrum, it can be beyond frightening. With more and more children being diagnosed as on the spectrum, it’s more important than ever for dentists to have strategies in place for dealing with autistic patients who are overwhelmed by the experience.

A mentor once gave me some advice for a successful practice: “As a dentist, it is all in the diagnosis.” From that time on, I have strived to adopt technology that is integral to diagnosis, especially concerning imaging. The use of technology has changed the way I communicate diagnostic findings with patients. In fact, it’s instrumental in meeting one of my most important goals, creating patient trust and loyalty.  

As part of last month's look at the caries detection category, DPR asked DEXIS to show us how their new device - the CariVu - sets itself apart.