How To Clean a Denture With An Ultrasonic Scaler

We have several new videos up that may be helpful to you. One of my favorites is the one on how to clean a denture with an ultrasonic scaler. YES, even dentures can build up calculus. This is something I never learned in hygiene school, did any of you?  I did learn to put the denture in 2 Ziploc bags, fill it with tartar cleaner and place it in the instrument ultrasonic for 15 mins. However, I noticed that most often the calculus was still present on the denture after this process. Luckily,  as an assistant, I worked for a dentist that gave me some instruction on how to remove the calculus from a denture. Check out the video below to see how to do it for yourself. Let us know how it goes in your daily practice.  

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Check out some of our other new videos on our channel HERE.

Becoming an INVESTED Dental Hygienist

Simon Sinek, author of “Start With Why “, tells a story about a lady named Christina Harbridge who was a debt collector. She realized one day that she was behaving like all of the other debt collectors- badgering people to pay their debts. 

 She did not like the way she was treating people and the way she was feeling so she decided to open her own debt collecting firm- based on treating the debtors with kindness and respect. The firm was named Bridge Point Financial. As you can imagine no one thought she would make any money this way.  

 She measured the employees success NOT on how much money they collected but on the amount of THANK YOU NOTES that were written. In order for a thank you note to be written the employees had to really build rapport and get to know the debtors in a short amount of time. Bridge Point Financial ended up collecting 300 percent more than the industry standard.  

I worked in an office where we were required to write at least one thank you note a day and I will say there was a tangible difference in the atmosphere of the office and patient loyalty to the office.    

I've noticed a shift in myself since I've made an effort to write thank you cards. I'm more actively engaged and finding more about the patient.  I noticed I intentionally point out more positive things they are doing in the appointment. Some days each patient will get one.  Other days I might only have time to write one.  But one thing is for sure there is something magical taking place.   

Here are some sample letters loosely following the layout picture. 
 

ADULT:
Dear Mrs. Jones,

Thank you for letting me take care of you on Wednesday.  I always feel happy when I see your name on the schedule.  I am so excited about the progress you have made with your oral health!  The dedication you have had coming to your three month appointments and the adjustments you’ve made with your home care have NOT gone unnoticed. Great job!!  Smile Works Dental Office is lucky to have you as a patient.  Please let me know if you have any further questions about the information that was discussed at your appointment. 

 Sincerely,

Candi Kidd, RDH

P.S.  I hope that you have fun on your trip to Disneyland with your grandkids!

CHILD:

Dear Julie,

            Thank you for doing such a GREAT job at the dentist!!  You held so still when I took the pictures in your mouth!   I couldn’t believe how big you opened your mouth during the cleaning.  Your teeth sure looked sparkly!  I hope that you have fun at the princess party that you told me about.  Don’t forget to keep up the great work!!
 

Sincerely,
Candi Kidd, RDH


TIP 1:  In the family chart under the "notes" put the date and that you wrote a card.   This will help you remember the next time you see the patient if you need to write a thank you note or not!

TIP 2:  For thank you cards for children always make sure the sibling that was a patient the same day (even by another hygienist or the dentist) gets one too!  I like to put stickers in each of the child’s thank you cards!!

Tip 3:  Buy bulk thank you cards.  Even if you have to bring them initially I think eventually the office will jump on board. If they don't, it's okay because investing in your relationships with your patients will only make work that much better to go to!

Always remember that in hygiene it’s all about doing the things that are super easy to do…but also super easy NOT to do that give you the Hygiene Edge. 

Naturopathic Remedies for the Oral Cavity

Ever have a patient mention a new oral hygiene technique that you have never heard of? With the increasing popularity of naturopathic remedies, we explain some of the popular techniques that are circulating the internet right now.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal Silver has been used for 200 years to help fight infection and inflammation all over the body. The idea first was presented because royalty used silver utensils to eat and rarely became sick. Now, Colloidal Silver can be ingested in a capsule, used as a topical lotion or spray, or rinsed in a liquid.  The most common method to use Colloidal silver for gingival or tooth infection is a three step process. First, a small amount of liquid silver is brushed on the infected area. If there is generalized bleeding present, the entire mouth is brushed with it instead of just the localized area. Next, a 10-minute rinse of fresh colloidal silver is used. If the patient is having pain or visible exudate is present, then the patient increases their oral dose until the pain is gone.

The thing about colloidal silver is that it’s silver! It can cause dark rings of stain along the gingival margin, as well as generally turning the teeth blue or brown.  It is strong too, and usually becomes intrinsic and can be hard to whiten over. Based on these risks, discouraging patients to use this method and try other natural methods is always recommended.

Tea Tree Oil

Tee treat oil has been used for hundreds of years due to properties that are antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. It can be found in toothpastes and mouth rinses, with the most common being Therabreath. To use the oil to treat gingivitis or periodontitis, patients put 1 drop of oil on their toothbrush and brush for 2 minutes. This oil is strong, and can cause numbing in the gingiva and tongue.  It also has a very strong clove flavor, so it takes the right type of patient to use this technique regularly.

doTerra OnGuard Toothpaste

doTerra is an essential oil company that specializes in already combined oil mixes to make using essential oils easy. One of their biggest selling products is their OnGuard Toothpaste.  It contains wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, and xylitol. These essential oils have been known to help decrease inflammation, improve breathe, and increase circulation.  It does not contain any fluoride.

Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling is a technique that comes and goes every few years but has been in practice for hundreds of years. Traditionally the technique used sesame oil but with the increasing popularity of coconut oil, most patients today use that. The technique of oil pulling is simple- swish with 1 tablespoon of oil for 20 minutes at least 2 times a day. Some patients think that this is enough, and brushing and flossing are completely stopped as the oil pulling routine is started. Some use it as an addition to their regular oral hygiene techniques.

Now the next time a patient mentions their new oral hygiene routine, you can have the perfect background information to help educate!

Have you heard of any other naturopathic remedies that your patients use? Have you tried any yourself?

Hygiene Bingo

Need a Tuesday Pick Me Up? We have the perfect solution! HYGIENE BINGO!

How to Play:

1. Print off a Hygiene Bingo card for yourself and your hygiene coworkers. There are five different cards for you to choose from. 
2. Keep an ear out in your office for common saying that patients mention during the day.
3. Cross out each box as you hear them!
4. After you have a BINGO or a black out, upload a photo of your card to our Facebook (www.facebook.com/hygieneedge) or tag it (#hygienebingo) on Instagram for a chance to win a PRIZE!

Now let's have some fun this week playing HYGIENE BINGO!

Bingo Card 1

Bingo Card 2

Bingo Card 3

Bingo Card 4

Bingo Card 5

Whitening Post Op Instructions

Even if a patient hasn’t been to the dentist in 20 years, or comes every 6 months, they always seem to have the same question- Can I whiten my teeth? 

There are hundreds of whitening products on the market, and each office recommends their own. But one thing that each product has in common and needs is good post op instructions. These instructions are so important to have the best outcome for the patient.  What to eat, what to stay away from, and possible sensitivity after treatment should all be included.

First, dark colored foods, drinks, and sauces should be avoided for at least 24 hours after whitening procedure. Teeth are susceptible to pick up stain after whitening has occurred since tubules in the teeth are now exposed. Avoiding these foods, such as dark sodas, sauces, red wine, grape juice, and coffee, will greatly increase the effect of the whitening treatment.

Next, patients should know that sensitivity after whitening is very common. This is so important to tell patients, especially if they have never whitened before. The last thing your doctor will want is a panicked phone call in the middle of the night because your patient has woken up with throbbing teeth! Explain to your patient that this can be normal, and over the counter pain medication and sensitive toothpaste can greatly decrease the pain.

Lastly, stress the importance of good oral hygiene after whitening. If teeth are sensitive, brushing and flossing may be the last thing they want to do. But helping keep bacteria off will help the new shade stay and help heal the gingiva faster if it happened to burn.

What are YOUR post op instructions that you recommend to your patient after whitening?

We’ve included a PFD of our post op instructions for you to save and print! 

Also, do you want to win a FREE Go Whitening System from Opalesence ? Head over to our Facebook (www.facebook.com/hygieneedge) or our Instagram (instagram.com/hygiene_edge) to find out how to win!

Printable Instructions HERE

Hygiene Edge Thank You Cards Video

Need an evening pick me up after a long day at work? (Who doesn't?!) Check out our latest silly video, fashioned after Jimmy Fallon's Thank You Notes Skit. You will definitely relate, especially after a Monday!

BECOMING AN UNFORGETTABLE DENTAL HYGIENE TEMP

I chose to exclusively temp for 1.5 years due the flexibility with starting a family.  I’ve temped for 16 dentists in 11 offices and have thankfully been invited back by each of them.  

--BEFORE YOU GET NERVOUS ABOUT TEMPING--
 

• 1. Remember this is about  “BECOMING” an unforgettable dental hygiene temp (you don’t have to already be  one). Watch This short video here about “Becoming”
• 2. Watch This short video on how to not be nervous but excited about dental hygiene.  
• 3. Read below the 7 practices I’ve implemented that have been GAME CHANGERS!

 At first temping was very challenging and I had some REALLY difficult days … but as I kept doing it and applying the things that I’m going to share I began to receive comments Like “The dentist loved working with you and he normally doesn’t like anyone” ,  or “We’ve never received so much positive feedback from patients from a temp before” .   I just recently received a hand written letter from a dentist thanking me and it said “You’re such a good hygienist”  I would have never received a letter like  that in the beginning!! 

 I believe there are 7 points to becoming an unforgettable dental hygiene temp.

 TIP 1- HYGIENE NOTEBOOK 

My #1 tip is to purchase a temping notebook!  I honestly believe success is in this notebook.   The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory,  The notebook is where I put all of the pertinent information   (as far as computer commands, staff members names and anything unique the doctor or office likes)

I often get comments how fast I mesh into offices and I honestly believe its because I have everything written down so I don’t have to ask the same question and over.    When I come back to an office after awhile I can easily step back in, remembering how the particular office runs, computer commands and staff members are always impressed that I remember their names.  


TIP 2-RUN AHEAD

Running ahead starts before the patients ever get there by getting to the office early and learning as much and writing down as much as you can before your first appointment. 

I usually try to be to an office 30 minutes early.  

I walk in and immediately introduce myself to the office manager.  I will usually jot down her name with a description in my notebook.  Such as “Jana – office manager-blonde”.  As the office manager introduces me to other staff members I try to quietly do the same- “Tara-assistant- glasses” (I always avoid descriptions of size because you never know who will see your notebook!)

I immediately take a mental note of how the room is set up.  Where the slap wrap is placed and so on.  I  start opening drawers to see where pt bags are located, prophy paste etc….

As soon as possible I will ask an assistant to show me how to get on the pt charts and how to take radiographs/retakes, how to get into my notes, and the probing chart.  

Every command the assistant does on the computer I write down and draw a little picture when I can.   For instance to take radiographs at the office I work at now.  I would put :

x-rays = LR circle (and I would draw the picture of the circle with the squiggly in the middle of it on the Lower Right of the computer) ->new exam-> Schnick Smile exam 

On the next line I would put "retake= double click"

After I’ve written all the pertinent info I will then make sure the air/ water is on and see how the chair is operated.  (NOTHING is worse than trying to figure out how to operate the chair with a patient in it!!).. I locate patient bags, gauze etc.  

 TIP 3- BUILD RAPPORT  

There are two keys to building patient rapport:  Be sincerely interested in the patient and Compliment.

Recently I was temping and by the end of the appointment this older cowboy was excitedly showing me pictures of his saddles, horses and cows while we waited for the dentist.  He knew that I was interested not only in his oral health but in him as a person.    Also, never introduce yourself as "the temp." Pretend that you have been working there for 40 years but if they ask where their "usual" hygienist is I say something like, "they have the day off but I will be taking excellent care of you today." 

The second step is to COMPLIMENT, COMPLIMENT, COMPLIMENT.  Every office has something special about it. Nothing makes a patient feel more secure with their choice of office, and an office more happy than hearing you pointing out something great about their office.  I’ve said complements to the patients like “I LOVE how nice and friendly the staff is here”, Or “Wow I’m super impressed how up to date the doctor is on the latest technology and products” .  Or isn’t this such a beautiful office if I can’t think of anything else.?

TIP 4- BRING VALUE TO THE OFFICE


Add value by leaving the office/patients with a new idea or product.

No matter what the previous hygienist does- give the highest standard of care.   Cancer screening and probing, patient glasses (I used to bring my own sunglasses, xylitol samples etc.) and so on. This means that you are recommending fluoride and electric toothbrushes.  Recently I was in an office for two weeks and was able to introduce MI past to their office as a product and showed the DDS how he could offer it to his patients for white spot remineralization. The office manager ordered it and we went through two boxes while I was there, which increased their production and gave them something to offer their patients when I left.  


Bringing value means staying on time.  This is difficult when temping but having the notebook helps avoid having to ask too many questions and will speed you up!  If I’m running a bit behind I will walk my patient to the front and have the front office manager schedule his/her 6 month appointment.  

Bringing value also means that you are constantly looking for ways to contribute, not just production wise, but to the actual office by always staying busy.  It means that if you have time, you help break down the doctors rooms, and if your patient cancels, that you are scrubbing baseboards. I heard from a temp agency that a lot of doctors kept calling and requesting the hygienist that cleaned baseboards and windows if her patient cancelled.  

TIP 5:  LEAVE WITH A BANG

At the end of the temp day individually thank the DDS and each staff member.  And let them know that you would love to come back.  If you are temping for an extended period of time bring cookies or treats for your last day.  It’s something small but I will say it goes a loooong way!   I  also heard from a temp agency that the dentist kept requesting the hygienist that ordered the office pizza for lunch.  That is a small expense for all the temping work she got from that gesture.

 TIP 6: REVIEW:
When the temping day is over, spend 5 minutes in your car and write down anything unique to the office for next time, and any questions you would ask when you return.

 TIP 7:BECOME THEIR FIRST CALL:  

When the dental office calls you to come in again and you can’t, make sure that you help find them someone who can.  This not only helps your dental hygiene friends but they will always call you because they know if you can’t help them out that you will find someone that can.  

How To Reach Those Hard To Access Areas

Wow this Craigslist posting for a hygienist had me in awe! I read it in an article in the December 2012 issue of the RDH magazine entitled IS THERE REALLY A HYGIENE SHORTAGE? 

"The World Wide Web is an excellent resource for job searching, if one is careful of the sources used in seeking employment. Sites requiring a fee for job postings are often less packed with offers of part-time work making thousands of dollars weekly — postings worth ignoring. Success in career placement has been found on sites ranging from Monster.com to LinkedIn. The worst posting I witnessed this year came from Craigslist.org and was forwarded to me by a frustrated dental hygienist."

“Dental practice in ______ seeking motivated Hygienist. Looking for someone who can complete task at hand so that I do not have to come in and finish the Distal lingual of the lower right and distal buccal of the upper left on every single patient. Also need you to come to staff meetings with an upbeat attitude, focused on trying to find ways to connect with your patients and help keep your schedule full, rather than have a chip on your shoulder and fail to participate in any meaningful manner. Position will start as part time but with the right person can become full time. With this economy and WDS, times are terrible for practice owners. Most of us have taken 50%-75% pay cuts. The gravy days are over. Pay will start at $35 per hour. Bumping up to the high 40s of yesterday will be determined on your skill level, ability to complete tasks at hand without emotional flare up and attitude. Most importantly, you will be expected to help in keeping your schedule full rather than expecting the front desk personnel to do it all for you. If you want employment, and are willing to put in an effort, send your resume.”

Of course this AD is a disgrace in all aspects but I show you this not to discourage you but to make you step back and ask yourself if you are able to reach #15 DB and #31 L. Are you going to staff meetings with a great attitude? Do you have a recall system in place in your office or do you have one that you can present to the dentist in an interview? Check out our latest video for tips on how to reach those hard to access areas. 

Networking- The Magic Bullet During Job Hunting Season

It is job hunting season for many hygienists. 


My Dad always told me, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." As I have gone through the job hunting process myself, I have realized that Dad was correct.  I currently work in education and private practice. Both of these positions came to me through someone I know. I have also been able to keep these positions because of WHAT I know. Both the WHO and the WHAT I know have been because of networking. Networking is the secret weapon of being an extraordinary hygienist.

My Dad also taught me that relationships are one of the most important things to cultivate. The opportunity to create relationships is one of the reasons I chose to become a dental hygienist. I encourage you to look for every opportunity to create networking relationships. For example, I have come to find that going to dental conventions are not only for CE's but for networking. Conventions are for connections too! We sometimes get CE focused and miss out on the most important part... the relationships! At my first ADHA convention I met incredible hygienists that have impacted the way I understand and engage in with patients and students. The one and only Esther Wilkins even beat me down the hall on the way to a class. 

My fellow RDH friends often comment that I know "everyone" when they come with me to our local convention. The connections that I have made at conventions are invaluable. I have been able to help direct colleagues to products and people that have enhanced their lives. I myself have been introduced to mentors, educators and entrepreneurs that have enhanced my profession. When you find yourself sitting in a CE class waiting for the speaker to start or walking from booth to booth in the exhibit hall, stop, look around and strike up conversation with those around you. You may meet your next boss, a new mentor or become a mentor for someone else.  

Here are some suggestions on how to network:
Join a Facebook group of fellow Hygienists. 
Use Linked In.
Be friends with your former professors!
Join ADHA and be involved in your local chapter.
Attend CE courses.
Stay in touch with your class mates.   


                                                                                                                                          -JESSICA

P. L. E. A. S. E Method

PICTURE THIS:


You are hunched over your patient frantically scaling half hazard strokes...the clock is ticking and you move to the next quadrant, you don't completely adjust your light but you can still kinda see (kinda/sorta).  You clean the distal lingual of 15 and keep moving on...only to realize that the distal of 15 still has a huge piece of calculus still on it.  You go back to 15, remove the calculus and then try to remember which teeth have been cleaned.... Meanwhile your body looks like a human pretzel..your patient is too high, you're too low- your elbows are high, shoulders hunched, your neck is twisted (because you haven't had the patient adjust his head) and some teeth are cleaned while others are not.   The faster you go the less adaptation you have and your patient keeps "jumping".  By the end of the day you've been behind all day, your body is killing you and you're very frustrated with your career choice!!

I remember sitting in hygiene school and one of my professors off handily saying that she wished there was a mnemonic/checklist to make sure that nothing was forgotten in the hygiene appointment.  For years after that comment I would randomly think about it.  One morning I was laying in bed and it came to my mind as clear as glass.



P= Position  for both yourself and patient.  If I was going to clean the lingual of quad 2 (as a right handed hygienist)  I would sit at 9:00. I would have my patient's head up and tilted towards the left.  If you notice yourself leaning…it's because your patient is most likely not in the correct position. 


L = Lighting.  It's important to use your overhead light and mirror for maximum illumination.  Often times (myself included) when hygienists move from one quadrant to the next the light isn’t adjusted in a way to provide maximum illumination and essentially when we do this we are cleaing in the dark.


E = Ergonomics. Make sure you are not leaning to one side in your chair but that you are sitting up straight, that your wrist is neutural and that you are not making chicken wings with your elbows.

A= Adaptation.  If your pt complains of you hurting them it is most likely that the toe third of your instrument is not adapted to the tooth. 

S=Strokes.  The quickest way to fatigue is doing a working stroke too often.  Its important to do exploratory strokes with your instrument and then working strokes.

E= Edge.  The saying "sharp tools make light work" is very true in DH. Continually check to make sure your instrument is sharp.  It's helpful, especially in SRP to have a sharpening stone on your tray. 


Now let's look at the above scenario with the Please Method.  

The clock is ticking.  I sit down to do the lingual of quad 2.  I take a deep breath.  I make sure my chair and the patient's seat is in the correct posistion.  I have my patient put his/her chin up and turn slightly to the left. I adjust my light for maximum illumination.   I check my ergonomics and notice I'm leaning so I adjust my patient more.  I then place my instrument in the distal of 15 and then adapt the toe third of my instrument to the tooth.  I start with exploratory strokes and make sure my instrument feels like it is sharp.  I clean the distal...when it feels great I move onto the straight... and then the mesial.  Then I move onto 14..I clean the distal, when it feels great I move onto the straight and then mesial. I keep going until I need to move onto the next quadrant. I then put the PLEASE method into practice again!!  

 With the PLEASE Method I have noticed that my cleanings are CONSISTENTLY more focused, gentle and thorough while still protecting myself as the dental hygienist.   Want to see it for yourself. Check it out in the video below.

Need a PLEASE reminder? Download the file and hang it where you keep your daily goals and reminders HERE.