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The Systemic SHOULD of Dentistry

(by Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, FDSI ) Knowing the difference between ‘should’ and elevated patient care is key for hygienists. I won’t get into the details of it, but let’s just say that the inspiration for this article came from a recent lunch I had with a colleague and fellow dental hygienist. Naturally, between bites of salad and …

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Half of Your Dental Employees Are Looking to Work Elsewhere!

(by Sandy Baird, MBA ) According to Gallup Workplace’s May 2024 survey, 51% of US employees are actively seeking a new job. This statistic is especially worrisome in the dental industry due to an existing shortage of dental personnel, particularly dental assistants and hygienists. Applying these statistics means half of your dental team is applying to and interviewing for work …

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Embracing The Meditation Experience: No Matter What Shows Up

(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) As you meditate, you’ll encounter a variety of thoughts, sensations, and emotions. These experiences are a natural part of meditation and highlight the process of releasing stress and fostering inner peace. Understanding these common occurrences can deepen your practice and enhance your connection to the present moment. Everyday thoughts: You might notice a stream of thoughts, …

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Spotting Trouble: How to Spot More than Just Oral Issues Your Patients are Facing

(by Brandi Hooker Evans, RDH-ER, MHE, MAADH) Here’s the thing Hygiene Team: now more than ever before, our patients need us. And sadly, our picking and scratching ain’t gonna do the whole trick. Don’t get me wrong, the hand scaling, polishing, and my personal favorite: ultrasonicking are all super important, but the superb plaque and calculus removal simply isn’t enough. …

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Talking Dirty: Why Every Practice Needs an ICC

(by Karen Daw, MBA, CECM, CDIPC ) In the lively world of dental practices, where face masks meet fabulous fluoride treatments, it’s easy to let some things slide under the radar—like those pesky microorganisms. But before you get caught with your latex gloves down, let’s talk dirty… infection control dirty. Every dental practice needs that one person with a special …

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Is Dentistry Moving in Reverse?

(by Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, FDSI ) How to drive patient recommendations forward. When I was in third grade, I became a junior Girl Scout. As a wildly driven scout who had just received her bright green sash, I was determined to bedizen my sash with every patch available.  With ease I received my badge for animal care, …

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From Chaos to Clarity: The Benefits of Meditation

(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) In the whirlwind of the day-to-day – deadlines, generating an income, family commitments, and more – finding time to develop and care for Self can feel elusive. Meditation is a simple, powerful tool to alleviate stress, enhance positive experiences, and cultivate peace through present moment awareness. Extensive research shows that a regular meditation practice offers significant …

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Yes, You Need a Personal Brand in Dentistry

(by Kelly Duggan, RDH, AICI CIC ) The phrase “personal brand” gets thrown around a lot, but many people don’t understand what it really means and what a coherent, conscious approach to branding can do for your career or practice. Your personal brand is the overall perception others have of you as an individual. It’s based on your experiences, your …

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The Next Chapter in your Dental Hygiene Career

(by Brandi Hooker Evans, RDH-ER, MHE, MAADH) Remember when you were in dental hygiene school and you thought as soon as you graduated, things were going to be great? You would have your own operatory, your own patients, and oversee your own destiny. That’s right, no more instrument pass offs or multiple-choice exams for you. Freedom with a shiny Registered …

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The Orchestration of It All

(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) As I stepped out of the elevator at 5am, I pulled out my ride-share app and ordered a car to take us to DAL airport for our flight home. I was advised that my ride was 12 minutes out as we walked out the hotel front door. I shared with my husband, Jeff – who had …