Take Care of Your XP Sharpen-Free Instruments
Happy Monday! We are going to keep the giveaways going for the XP Sharpen-Free instrument videos open until Friday December 14. To enter head on over to our Facebook page HERE. Also, be sure to check out our latest video on how to care for the XP Sharpen-Free Instruments.
Dental Hygienist Spotlight: Shiva Abadi
Meet Shiva, a dental hygienist and entrepreneur who started Yoursmilebox, an online dental hygiene product subscription box to help patients obtain the best products for them.
Shiva is a hygienist who works hard and is doing amazing things! She started her own company, Yoursmilebox, to help patients get the best home care products for their needs. Learn all about her process of starting her business, plus enter to win your own Yoursmilebox on our Instagram @hygieneedge!
I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 7 years, the President of San Diego County Dental Hygienists' Society and a Independent Educator for the last 2 years. I received my Masters in Dental Hygiene at the University of California- San Francisco and published my study on Electronic Cigarettes in the Journal of Dental Hygiene.
Tell us about starting your own business: I started Yoursmilebox when I went through a lifestyle change 3 years ago and had to adjust my beauty, hygiene products and diet. I knew I wasn't the only one hypersensitive and allergic to certain chemicals in our toothpastes, shampoos, soaps, and lotions. I spent my weekends researching more about how our hygiene and beauty products are made so I could spread a healthier lifestyle for those around me. The best part of starting my own business is that I can be creative with marketing and choose which products I want to manufacture and promote. Starting my own business has taught me how to continuously balance my schedule since I hold multiple positions.
My upbringing included moving to the other side of the planet at age 7 and continuing my education in a completely different language. I was overwhelmed and sobbing about my first day to my family at which point, my younger brother courageously came to me with a solution. He told me to not worry and to simply reply with, "Ok". Mind you, this is a 4 year old Iranian boy whose only exposure to English was several hours of American television.
Any advice for a dental hygiene student? My advice to Dental Hygiene students is to start applying your theoretical knowledge to real world experiences with your patients in clinic. This is not only going to ensure that you pass the National Boards but it will also help you really understand the material without having to memorize everything you're learning.
Everyone NEEDS a Blackjack!
If you don’t have the Blackjack from American Eagle Instruments you need one. It has a longer shank than similar instruments and they make it in XP Sharpen-Free. Learn more about it in our latest video below.
Dental Hygienist Spotlight: Willow-Haven Walaszek
Willow-Haven is a current dental hygiene student that we are blown away with! She started off creating a project for school, which has now grown to being published and promoting her own children’s book about dental hygiene. We asked Willow a few questions about her project and the process of becoming an author, which may answer some questions for you if you’ve ever wanted to have your very own book.
Willow-Haven is a current dental hygiene student that we are blown away with! She started off creating a project for school, which has now grown to being published and promoting her own children’s book about dental hygiene. We asked Willow a few questions about her project and the process of becoming an author, which may answer some questions for you if you’ve ever wanted to have your very own book.
What started the processes of creating your own book? The book started as a hands on educational tool project for my Pediatrics class. I love to paint, specifically watercolor, any opportunity I have to exercise creativity and use watercolor as a medium for a school project makes the work more enjoyable. I first had the book printed by an online photo book company, and sent a few to my family just so they could see some of my work. My family started showing their friends and dentist. I started to realize I was going to need a lot more books.
I had decided to write a children’s book because I had seen the impact books make on young children as a nanny. It taught me the impact books have on children. Children will ask to have a book read repeatedly for hours, ask many questions about the story and the pictures, and even bring up components of the story hours later. They are extremely impressionable. At this time, children will be visiting the dental office for the first time and this new experience can be daunting. Introducing a story to them before their visit is the perfect “tell-show” component of the “tell-show-do” method we use with children. Whether that is at home long before they come to the dentist or minutes before they sit in the dental chair.
Have you always wanted to write your own book? I played with the idea a few times, more for personal gifts, but I never planned on ever publishing a book. It’s not something you really think about doing right in the middle of dental hygiene school.
What has been the hardest part of process? Honestly the hardest part is the part I’m actively doing, marketing. Knowing your target audience is one thing, but knowing how you are going to reach them is another. With being a full time student I haven’t been to spend as much time on marketing as I would like, but little by little I am making headway and learning a lot as I go.
Do you have any advice for someone also wanting to publish? Do your research ahead of time. Selecting the right publishing company for you will make the rest of the process easier for you. Talk to other authors, call the companies, ask as many questions as you can and take your own time to make the decision don’t let anyone rush you. Sell yourself and be proud of what you have done. When you are privately publishing a book, your product is you. Make others believe in your story, and your passion behind it. If you can get others to believe in your brand, you will not only be successful in selling your book, but you will also be successful in selling your message.
Any advice to other dental hygiene students just starting out school? You are capable than so much more than you think. Whatever hygiene school is throwing at you right now, you will succeed! Don’t let the business of school stop you from taking on new opportunities, because you can do extraordinary things.
If you’d like to contact Willow with any questions or order your very own “I Like Your Smile” Book, find her on www.willowhavenwalaszek.com or email her at willowhavenwalaszek@gmail.com.
The Trusty Ol' Barnhart 5/6
The Barnhart 5/6 is every hygienist’s first love. It’s one of the first instruments we learn in school and then rely on so much to remove sub and supragingival calculus throughout our career. And don’t tell me you haven’t had a dream about scaling teeth with your trusty old Barnhart. Of course, American Eagle Instruments makes one of these trusty instruments with their XP sharpen-free technology. Be sure to head on over to our Facebook page to win one and see it in action in our latest video.
2018 Dental Black Friday Deals
Today is the day! Black Friday 2018, which means frantically thinking of everyone on your list for the year since there are so many great deals going on. But, did you remember the most important person on your list? That person is YOU! We’ve compiled a few of our favorite dental items, scrubs, and just for fun products for the dental professional that are on sale today!
Scrubs are 30% off today, which is one of the lower percentages off this year. Their scrubs stretch, breathe, and stretch which are perfect in our career. I’m just waiting/hoping for them to create dental themed compression socks since their medical ones are the best.
Jaanuu’s entire site is 35% (excluding sale), which is the perfect time to try out some of their brand new fits and prints. No code is needed.
With 23% off your purchase plus a free PDT scaler, grab some gifts for yourself and your dental besties. We love the No Scrubs sweatshirt, so many cute stickers for your loupes case, and all the Christmas themed shirts for your holiday parties.
The site has 25% off your purchase, plus free shipping today with the code BLACKFRIDAY. This sign is perfect home bathroom or dental office decor.
Cocofloss is 20% off today (and I bought it when it was 15% off. Whomp). If you only need a few packs for gifts/family members/ to travel with, this is the best time to buy. If you love Cocofloss and want larger quantities for yourself or for patients, register as a dental professional for great pricing options.
Good luck today guys! And don’t forget to treat the best person on your holiday list.
Are you a Black Friday Shopper? Where do you like to go/stock up on?
How Grateful are You for Dental Hygiene?
The end of the year is my least favorite time in dentistry. Days are full of stressed patient’s trying to get in before their insurance renews that have busy lives and schedules, last second patients being squeezed in at the end of the day or during lunch, and patient’s running late due to weather conditions. It can make for a stressful day. That with not being paid enough, not being appreciated, and having cuts to the office supplies, it’s surprising we don’t all quit our jobs during these last two months! However, being negative about pretty much everything is a feeling we have about our situation. Just a feeling! We can change that feeling by changing our thoughts. And what’s a way to change our thoughts? Being grateful.
So many studies show the importance of being grateful each day (see below to read just a few). Being grateful leads to a happier life, better relationships, and more personal fulfillment. Who wouldn’t want that at work- a place we spend the majority of our day? Being positive at and about work could change the flow of your day.
So, how do you best change your perspective on your current job situation? Look at the good you’re doing and how it’s helping both you and your patients.
1. What you’re doing for your patients and work environment
Of course, our days are spent treating patients that tell us they do not like being in our chair, or just ate Oreos before coming to their appointment. When I hear these comments, it’s so easy to be negative. But who else is spending an hour with this patient that day, talking about them and their health? Who else shows them little techniques and tricks to make their oral and overall health better? Who else is positive and excited when the patient’s oral health improves by millimeters? We celebrate and care about these people and they appreciate it! They may not express it as often as we’d like, but actually having them come back in 6 months with a positive attitude shows how much they like it. Good job, RDH! You are making a difference in your community. Which such a global world, there are few careers that effect your neighborhood and the people in it anymore.
2. What your job is doing for you
Yes, we’re healthcare workers and professionals. We love helping people, learning new things, and incorporating technology into what we do. But, having a job to pay the bills and spoil yourself once in a while is helpful. Your job is helping you with your goals, even if your goals aren’t monetarily based.
If you find that your job truly isn’t a good fit for you, you can still be grateful! Be grateful for the experience that you’ve found what works and what doesn’t work for you, and that this experience showed what to look for and what to stay away from as you look for further career opportunities.
We at Hygiene Edge just want to say THANK YOU to you! Thank you for supporting our dreams of growing out profession and helping hygienists around the world. Thanks for following us as we grow and learn and find out what works! We are definitely grateful for our career, and how we can change lives one person at a time.
Looking for studies on being grateful? We have lots!
Have You Heard About American Eagle Instruments M23?
Hey there! Let’s chat about your favorite instruments. If you love the Barnhart 5/6, but wish it had a tip over a toe, then you will love the M23 by American Eagle Instruments. Check the instrument, the technique, and where to use it in our latest video.
Newborns and Ear Infections
I have a confession… I've become one of those hygienist that inundate people with dental information when they least expect it. There is one subgroup in particular that I seem to really channel in on- expectant mothers. And I'm not picky to where I give my OHE lessons.
Parks? Yep.
Mom Groups? You Betcha.
Church? Check
But here is the thing. There is a lot of research that shows that the healthier a mothers mouth is the healthier their babies mouth will be. Babies aren't born with bacteria and research shows babies tend to have their moms bacteria. I encourage expectant moms to get onto a xylitol regime ASAP.
In addition to helping prevent dental caries, xylitol has been linked to a decrease in ear infections.
Apparently the mom passing great bacteria is not the only thing that can help newborns- so can xylitol nasal spray.
The thing is xylitol gum can be a little spendy...(totally worth it in my opinion) but the nasal spray is NOT an expensive option and might be more doable for some patients.
There was a study done in the International Journal of Audiology where 10 babies had xylitol placed in their nose (2 drops each nostril) at every diaper change. And guess what? They had a 93 % reduction in ear infections. Ten babies is a small small sample size and when it was replicated it was only a 39 % decrease, but because the first study was more structured- I don’t think it can be completely discounted.
Hygiene Edge Tip: Have your patients place nasal spray by their babies changing stations and get those mamas chewing some xylitol. You could suggest they put xylitol gum by the change table and each time they change their baby, they chew a piece of gum.
Looking for a hand out about Xylitol to help with education? We have one!
2018 Dental Holiday Gift Guide
It’s hard to believe, but the minute it turned November, so did the holiday prep. And of course, the thought of getting gifts for a boss or manager lingers in the back of everyone’s mind. We want to help! A gift card is always appreciated, but this year, mix it up a bit with something new that they won’t forget. Here is a list of unique dental gifts for any dental professional in your life. Maybe yourself as well?
Did your office do Secret Santa this year? This tote is a cute option for anyone! You could fill it with the recipients favorite treats (or healthy snacks if they’re into that), or even a mascara or lip gloss or a favorite dental product (Cocofloss maybe?).
2. Custom Socks
Is your dentist obsessed with their dog or kids? These custom socks can have any face put on them, with the color being customizable as well. This gift will definitely get some laughs at the company Christmas party. And if they’re a dentist, they are probably a bit practical, which socks is the perfect gift for someone that’s practical. You can also connect over them when they (hopefully) wear them to the office!
3. Dental Mug
If you’re into humor as a gift, why not a silly mug? Even if your boss is for or against the current political situation, they’ll love something funny that goes along with it. You could pair this mug with some hot chocolate mixes or a Starbucks gift card.
4. Dental School Alma Mater Wear
Check out your DDS’ diploma. Where did they spend 4 years of their life gaining their degree? Most dentists have fond memories of where they went to school, even if it was some of the hardest years of their lives. Head over to the school they went to online book store to order a sweatshirt, mug, keychain, etc.
If they love to read, learn or have a long commute to get to the office, an Audible membership is the gift that keeps on giving! The price point is a bit higher, so going in as an entire office may be the best for this gift. Each month, they are able to download 1 book and get discounts on other books they may be interested it. I personally love my membership and listening to something new each month as I drive to work.
6. Give Service
Now, this may sound a little different, but so many people are hard to buy for. Why not do something a little different instead? Pool the money you were going to use for a gift, and give it to a local charity that your boss has an interest in. Or, use that money to purchase hygiene supplies and put together hygiene kits for the local women’s shelter. They could be put together during a lunch break or even your office party. With many hands helping, they don’t take too long to assemble. Check out JustServe.org for other volunteer opportunities in your area.
Happy gift giving! What does your office usually do for gifts?