GET A "GRIP"

Do you find yourself complaining of hand, wrist, or lower arm pain? It could be because you've lost your grip. You may have let your hand slip into the usual way you hold a pen and let some fingers take a vacation in their grasp duties. The way that we usually hold a pen is unsuitable for use by dental professionals to hold their tools. This is because the way we hold a pen to write requires increased force of the muscles of the hand and upper arm.  Stability and flexibility of this type of grip are low as a consequence of using the middle finger for both holding the instrument and supporting the hand.

As we hold a pen when we write, the third finger is fixed therefore, many movements have to be made in the wrist. This causes unfavorable positions such as an extensive palmar flexion. It is understandable that the use of a normal pen grip can give rise to "CANS" (complaints of arms, neck and shoulders), formerly called RSI (repetitive strain injury). Did you know that you get FOUR times the strength when you use a modified pen grasp when instrumenting?!? You DO, as well as less discomfort in you hand, wrist and arm. 

When my students complain about hand or arm pain, I look first to their grasp.  Or when my students complain about ineffective calculus removal, I look first to their grasp.

I often see fingers taking a vacation, being lazy, or taking on the duties that another finger is supposed to preform. Let’s review the duties of each of the fingers: 

The thumb and the index finger are used to sandwich the instrument. They are responsible for holding the instrument steady and providing the rolling function of the instrument in adaptation.

The middle finger is the feeler finger to help assess calculus deposits. It also helps with stability of the instrument as you roll it between your thumb and index finger.

The ring finger is your fulcrum, powerhouse and stabilizer.

The pinky is a freeloader. No other finger can have the job of the freeloader because the pinky has the job covered.

The most common mistake I see is that the feeler finger takes the job of the pointer finger, which I have seen decreases effectiveness in assessment and in calculus removal. Remember to get a grip and to use the modified pen grasp to help your body and your practice.

Stop Measuring Success with Production

With an industry that measures success in the terms of "production" what I'm going to tell you might be a bit of a paradigm shift.

How many of you have had carrots dangled in front of your face or chased "the shiny pennies" that the dentist promises if a certain production goals is reach... only to have a bunch of "no shows" and other factors occur that are out of your control.

The truth is we can't control production at all. We like to think we can. We can't. Yes, we can influence it. But we can't force anyone to do anything. Ultimately, even with our best efforts, there will be patients that don't want to filling they absolutely need or the electronic toothbrush that would make ALL the difference to their oral health.

Instead, let's measure success with out efforts. Efforts can be controlled. Outcomes unfortunately cannot.

I'm not saying a "just try your best" attitude is enough. Although, I wholeheartedly hope every person does in fact try his/her best. I'm talking about very calculated efforts following certain tried and true principles.

There are studies that when patients are appreciated, they are more likely to return. You can't physically make a patient come back (unless you kidnapped them, which we don't recommend!) But you can follow the principle of writing thank you notes and expect to get the desired outcome. For example:

OUTCOME BASED GOAL: "Have 10 patients schedule re-care."

EFFORT BASED GOAL: "Today I'm going to write each new patient a hand written thank you note." or "I'm going to ask and encourage each patient to schedule their next 6 month appointment. If they don't, I'll write a postcard to be sent out 1 month before they are due to be sent as a reminder."

A non-hygiene example:

Outcome Based Goals: "Lose 30 pounds."

EFFORT/SYSTEM BASED GOALS: "Exercise Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week."

Here are a few more dental examples.

"Today I'm going to point out treatment to each patient that needs it before the doctor walks in."

"Today each patient will leave with either a new product or an idea how to improve his/her oral hygiene."

"Today I'm going to offer fluoride to three patients (Notice: It's not give three patients fluoride.)"

I shouldn't put such a bad taste on productions. I honestly beleive it can be an instruments to review and see if your efforts are giving you the outcomes you except. The beauty in the above examples are that if you aren't ever getting the desired outcomes, it's completely acceptable to keep adjusting your efforts and approach.

Put laser focus on implementing systems and fee successful. Every. Single. Day.

Dental Hygienist Spotlight

Avalene Roberts has been in the dental field for over 19 years. She is a mom of two little ones, is the head hygienist for a busy New York practice and is the CEO of DDS Connections, a nation wide dental employment web site.  She is one busy lady. She thought of everything when creating DDS Connections for dental professionals. The website gives an interactive experience where dental professionals can search for employees by years of experience, zip code, pay rate, languages spoken, full/part time or temporary work and of course position.  Some unique features about DDS Connections are that it allows you to upload a personal professional photo, post case pictures and add video references from past teachers or employers. You can become part of the DDS Connections community at www.ddsconnections.com. We here at hygiene edge are happy to support a fellow hygienist as she helps hygienists reach their employment goals!

How to Quit a Dental Hygiene Job

Congratulations on a new career change! However, the only thing that lowers the high of a new opportunity is memory that you have to quit your current job. Though quitting can be stressful, it also needs to be executed smart to not “burn any bridges” as you move on to your new phase in life. Follow these easy steps to help make quitting easier for you now, and help your career in the future.

1.     Explain your reasoning for leaving. When you put in your notice to your employer, don’t be afraid to explain why you are moving on. It could be that you want to diagnose and perform more perio treatment, try your hand at new technology, or get out of clinical practice eventually. Give your vision of what you see yourself doing in the next 5 years and how this step will help with your future goals. Don’t forget to stay positive on why you are moving on. This will help keep your relationship that you’ve worked so hard on. You never know when you will need a contact or a reference for a future position.

2.     Keep in contact. Small connections over the year are a great networking idea for future jobs or possible reference opportunities. You could send a Christmas card each year with a small personal note saying how much you loved working there, or add your coworkers on social media and message them on occasion. Give a warm hello if you ever see a former employer out or at a dental convention, even when the easier thing is to pretend that you didn’t see them. Small steps that can make a big difference in the future.

3.     Leave when you know it’s time to go. Even if it doesn’t seem logical, it’s time to leave when your gut tells you to. If you leave employment then, you’ll be leaving on your terms, which is usually positive and keeps a positive relationship. If you leave when times are tough or you are forced to leave, it can burn the relationship and the connection that you’ve made with your coworkers. Trust your instincts- they know what’s best!

4.     If your company gives you a count offer, don’t take it! It’s tempting to stay at a place when someone begs you to reconsider. However, stick to your word to both companies and move on to your new position.  This shows good character by keeping your word, and that you care about something more than money. Plus, in most scenarios when a counter offer is taken, the employee ends up quitting again in a few months and in turn burns the bridges of the possible employer that was turned down previously.

5.     Be professional with your last working weeks. Make the transition smooth for your employer by staying positive with your last few weeks of work. When you know you’re quitting, it’s easy to get lazy, let things slide like patient education, and being a team player stops. However, the dental world is small, and you never know when you may want to come back to the office, or whom your employer is a friend with. Always be gracious and be kind to all coworkers as you are quitting.

6.     Feel out how long your notice should be. Honestly, 2 weeks is usually not long enough to find a replacement dental hygienist. If you have a good relationship with your employer, try to give 1 month advanced notice of you leaving. If the relationship is not good, first of all why are you working there still, and second, 2 weeks is plenty. Try to fight the urge of only giving a few days notice, no matter how awkward quitting a job is.

Now go celebrate! You deserve it!

Alginate Impression Help

Impressions can be difficult because they are so time sensitive. Need help brushing up your skills? Watch our latest video on the proper way to mix alginate since a good mix is the key to a great dental impression. Perfecting your skills will make you more valuable to your office and build your resume!

How to Feel Renewed as a Dental Hygienist

 Are you hitting your 7 year, 7 month, or 7 hour slump of your career? Being a dental hygienist is hard. It’s hard on our bodies, minds, and self esteem. It can also be one of the most rewarding professions by helping so many people smile, so don’t throw in you scalers just yet! Follow these quick tips to help recharge your hygiene spark. 

1.     Get a Mentor. Do you know any Dental Hygienists that you admire and are interested in their life? Having these connections and learning from your colleagues can help inspire your career, learn from their mistakes and grow from their experiences. It also can be great to bounce dental hygiene ideas off of, ask hygiene related questions, or even vent about  a hard work day with. No one can relate as better as friend that knows your dental hygiene world.

2.     Go to a dental convention. Going to a dental convention or class does cost money, but in the long run, it could help make you money. It will help renew your love of dental hygiene, become inspired by other hygienists to improve your workspace, and show your employer you are committed to your career. In turn, being educated and expanding your knowledge of dental hygiene skills could be a good bargaining tool when the time to ask for a raise arises. Also, being inspired can make your practice of dental hygiene more enjoyable and keep you motivated to work those long hours. Don’t go for the CE’s- just go for yourself and learn for the fun of learning! Some options of sessions this summer: RDH Under One Roof is in Las Vegas this summer July 15-17, and ADHA Annual Session is in Nashville Jun 17-23.

3.     Read Dental Hygiene Magazines and Blogs. If going to a convention is out of the question, get inspired with all the free dental hygiene publications. In them, you can learn about other dental hygienists experiences from all over the country. You can read about the latest products, request samples, and learn about the newest techniques. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene is a free monthly magazine that is full of great information on clinical skills, business how-to's, workplace relationship improvement ideas, and everything else dental hygiene related. Subscribe to the free publication HERE.

4.     Get a new pair of scrubs, new shoes, a new headband, anything. Sometimes having something new, even if its small, will help motivate getting to work in the morning. That morning boost can help keep your spirits up all day.

We love dental hygiene and want you to feel the love for this amazing profession. The little steps listed seem minor, but they could help in a major way. Anytime you are feeling a little down with dental hygiene, try to switch it up with a tip and see if it helps! 

The Most Important Instrument

It was a Monday afternoon and I had settled into my daily routine. I was sitting on the edge of my chair, legs crossed, torso twisted just finishing up on the towards surfaces on the mandibular anteriors when I my coworker chided me "You don't teach your students to sit like that, do you?" She rightfully doesn't have sympathy for me when I have a sore back. I have only met one hygienist in my entire dental career whom has claimed to not have had any musculoskeletal symptoms resulting from time spend in the dental operatory chair. She was also very dedicated to her yoga practice. I thought to myself "Ain't nobody got hime for dat!" I then came across a survey that was conducted in 2012 of more that 1100 dental hygienists. In it, 51% of respondents self-reported either single or multiple workplace injuries.1 The study indicated that hygienists manage musculoskeletal disorders by stretching, core-fitness training, medications, therapeutic massage, or chiropractic treatment. Even  with that care, 27% have temporarily and 38% have permanently reduced work hours. We can often forget that it won't matter how sharp our scalers are, how expensive the equipment we use, or how much we get paid if our more important instrument is being neglected day in and day out. So next time you think to yourself "Ain't nobody got time for day" remember you won't have time for a job if you don't take time for your body. I will be focusing my next few posts on what you can do to ensure job security for yourself an your most important instrument- your body. The first step for me was to be kinder to my internal dialog about my body. When I am feeling my muscles in a knot, instead of complaining first, I express gratitude for my muscles. My body is what allows me to have this AWESOME career. Being more grateful has helped! Be grateful and stay tuned, I will be posting a video about clock positions now that I have repented of my harmful ways.

1Guignon AN, Purdy CM. Stop the pain! Greater Cleveland Dental Society website. www.gcds.org/Upload/Documents/Guignon%20-%20Stop%20The%20Pain.pdf. 2014. Accessed June 25, 2014 - See more at: https://www.dentalaegis.com/id/2014/08/protecting-your-most-valued-investment#sthash.0nMpmiD1.dpuf

Tips for a Dental Hygiene Working Interview

You’ve nailed your first interview with a potential employer, and you’ve been asked back for a working interview! This can be a little overwhelming, but if you apply these little tricks, it will make a big impression that will definitely help get you hired.

1.     Before you start the day, look at the schedule. If you notice you have a new patient, make sure you know the office’s periodontal protocol. Do they want to focus on education after diagnosing periodontal disease and schedule the SRP for another day, or at least start one quad at that appointment? Where are the anesthesia and syringes? If your state doesn’t allow hygienists to give anesthesia, what is the system for getting patients numb in that office? These tips will make the transition from new patient to perio patient less stressful and have you look professional and hirable.

2.     Look the part when you show up. Make sure your scrubs are ironed, your shoes are clean, and make up is professional. Keep jewelry simple. You never know the office environment, so underdressed with jewelry is always better than overdressing. Bonus points in this area: Wear a nametag with credentials- these can be made online for about $10.

3.     Make sure your tray is clean and organized for the dental exam. This seems obvious, but when you’re in a new environment it can be a bit stressful, this little habit is easily be forgotten. Put the cleaned mirror, explorer and a fresh 2x2 together on one side of the tray and all the scalers, probes, and syringes on the other side. Throw away all trash, and wipe off the mirror so there are no visible streaks. It makes a huge impression on the dentist that you value his or her time by not wasting it by having them search through contaminated 2x2's and prophy paste to find the mirror and explorer.

4.     Have a pair of gloves out for the dentist at the exam. Again, huge time saver and makes a great impression.

5.     Have all the radiographs you need for the exam, and most importantly make sure they are diagnostic. You could spend hours making sure all the subgingival calculus is removed, but if a bitewing has overlapping contacts or cone-cuts, that is what the dentist will remember most. Make sure to ask the patient while taking bite wings if they have any problems, concerns, or toothaches to get a PA right away to save time and be ready for the exam.

6.     Be friendly to the other staff. Lots of offices ask assistants and receptionists after interviews who they think will work well with the office dynamic. If you didn’t introduce yourself, they may not even remember you, let alone recommend you for the job.

7.     Send a thank you to the office a day or two after the interview. It could be in the form of a note, flowers, donuts, or whatever you feel comfortable with. This will remind the office of who you are and that you’re serious about the position.

Now get out there and find your dream job! 

Could a Pillow Change Increase Your Hygiene Career Longevity?

About 1 year ago I woke up with a kink in my neck that prevented me from turning my head to the right without experiencing a lot of pain. Have any of you had a similar experience? It took several visits to the chiropractor to get me functioning again. I vowed to have better ergonomics, use my loupes and light and do daily stretching. A massage therapist, turned dental hygienist, recommended to me to use the tri-core pillow. She mentioned that the positions we sleep in have a lot to do with how our body functions during the day and through out our lives. The longer I am a hygienist the more I realize that I need to take care of my body in as many ways as possible.

My personal review of the tri-core pillow is that it gives great support to my neck while sleeping on my side and back. I ordered the medium one but wish I had gotten the large. I Hope this small change can help increase the longevity in your career and prevent neck pain.

Click the image bellow to check it out for yourself!

                                                           TRI-CORE PILLOW

DRY Tooth Brushing

Most of us tell our patients that they need to brush twice a day... And if we're feeling extra ambitious we might even teach them the Bass technique. 

With our recommendation are our patients actually removing plaque?  When our patients typically brush their teeth they feel the mint, they feel the foam and 17ish seconds later they are done!  

Dry brushing is where you have the patient start on the lingual without any toothpaste (right handers on the right lingual and left handed people shout start on the left lingual).  The patient brushes his/her teeth until the mouth feels super clean and fresh and THEN the patient adds toothpaste and brushes again.  

Patients actually brush longer and more effectively. The November 2013 Perio Report  said:

"Research published in the JADA in 1998 confirms this.  Patients instructed to dry brush their teeth, beginning on the inside of the bottom teeth first and brushing until the teeth felt and tasted clean throughout before adding toothpaste showed significant benefit after six moths.  This resulted in 63 percent reduction in lingual calculus and a 55 percent reduction lingual bleeding."

Read more about dry brushing here. (http://www.dentaltown.com/media/interactive/341/magazine.pdf)

Also, want some tips on how to instruct your patients on this technique? Watch our short, helpful video below.