Hygienist Spotlight- Sarah Theil
Name: Sarah Theil
Dental Hygiene School: San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico
What got you interested in Dental Hygiene? I wanted to be a photographer. I moved up to Provo and was all signed up to attend at the time it was called Utah Valley State College. I was driving down the road and saw a sign for a Dental Assisting school. I remember calling my mom and telling her I unenrolled from UVSC and signed up for dental assisting school, all within a matter of an hour. HAHA. I was a dental assistant for 4 years before I realized how awesome dental hygiene was. I wanted to be able to make my own schedule and see my own patients. Most importantly, I knew one day I wanted to be a mom and I wanted to be able to make enough money in a few days that I could stay home and raise my family the rest of the time. So off to hygiene school I went! That was 11 years ago.
What do you do for work now? I work clinically one day a week. I still have those few patients left that threaten to never get their teeth cleaned as long as they live if I don't do it. I am a secretary on the Dental Hygiene Committee of the NM Board of Dental Healthcare. I am a dental hygiene examiner for two different examining companies. And most recently, I started a company called CE Zoom!
What is CE Zoom? CE Zoom is the only fully automated CE management platform. From one website, a person can be notified of a course, register for it, verify their attendance, take a mandatory survey, receive a digital copy of their CE certificate, track that course against their individual state's rules and regulations, and in participating states have their completed CE transcript submitted straight to the state for license renewal or and audit. This is a great tool for a dental professional, however, it's even better for a company or conference to help manage their presenters, registration, surveys, and certificate distribution! AND from a state dental boards viewpoint, it's a fantastic way to do an audit. The system separates everything into different categories based off of what each individual state's rules are so when the person doing the audit receives a transcript, they don't have to think about what course goes into which category. It is all done and separated out for them. If the person doing the audit relieves a transcript, they don't have to think about what course goes into which category. It is all done and separated out for them. If they person doing the audit doesn't feel like a course was good for that state, they can deny the course and the system will automatically recalculate knowing if that individual passed their audit or not. This is a very basic description of what CE Zoom can do. If you want to know more, get on the site and sign up for a free account!
What is one piece of advice that you'd give yourself as a dental hygiene student? Everything you learn in dental hygiene school IS and could be useful to you at some point! I remember we had to give so many presentations and I could not figure out why and hated every second of it! Now, I know why that was so important and am so grateful that I learned how to do that! I have to stand in front of group of people all the time now and present my company and I honestly feel because I was forced and taught how to do it so early on that this is now very easy for me to do. Also, I wish I had started networking and being more involved in the American Dental Hygiene Association sooner in my career. I could know and could have made so many more connections if I had been networking and volunteering since the day I graduated rather than for the last 5 years.
What is one thing you would want to tell a dental hygienist who is interested in starting their own company? It's not easy. I could count on my hands and feet how many times I wanted to give up. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It's kind of funny- the reason I was really gung ho about starting CE Zoom and making this work is because I wanted to be able to stay home full time with my kids. The COMPLETE opposite has happened. Now I'm gone even more because I have to travel so much to teach people on how amazing this program is. I know though that in a few years things will change and I will be able to to be home more with my kids. However, I absolutely love the opportunities I have gained from all of this! I would have never met all the people I have and made the connections I have if I never started this! I would still be working my 2 days a week and filling in for hygienists when they go out of town, which would have been fine. I remember in February I was in Ohio at dinner with some "big dogs" of a company and I remember just sitting there thinking "Wow! Two years ago I would have NEVER imagined I would be at dinner with these two guys talking about our families like we are old friends." Now I have been invited to be a member of the Crest Smile Council and I get to spread my voice about the importance of CE and why it's important for dental professionals to care about the continuing education they are going to.
Thank you Sarah for letting us highlight you in our latest Hygiene Edge Hygienist Spotlight! If you know a hygienist worth spotlighting, email us at hygieneedge@gmail.com.
Using Gracey's During Root Debridement
Need a refresher on how to use Graceys during root debridement? Then our latest video is for you. Also, remember that in a furcation you will use the 11/12 on the mesial of the distal root and the 13/14 on the distal of the mesial root.
YA! A New Instrument For Hygienists-The Boge 513
American Eagle Instruments have released a new instrument called the Boge 513. It has a Hoe on one side and a Nebraska on the other. The best part of this instrument is that it was created by Emily Boge, a dental hygienist. Check out our latest video on how to use it.
Also, would you like to win one? Head on over to our Facebook page HERE to share the video to your dental hygiene friends to be entered to win one for your office.
Tips and Tricks for Purchasing Scrubs
Professional and uniform dress instills patient confidence in you as a professional. Here are a few tips and tricks in order for uniforms to instill confidence in you.
1. Make sure you try them on. I was in a hurry at the scrub store, you know the days when you get there right before they close and you just grab “your size”. Well, they were HUGE. I have the same “size” in a different brand but the fit was as far from comparable as apples to oranges.
2. Wrinkle Free is the way to be. I remember when I was in school, we’d be subject to a point deduction if we came in wrinkly scrubs. I remember being so frustrated because I swear those scrubs would wrinkle in an instant. Thankfully now, I have the flexibility to choose my own scrub fabric. If you are employed at a place that has pre-ordered scrubs, I would encourage you to have a discussion with your employer about allowing you to choose your own brand as long as you stay in the dress code parameters.
3. Choose colors that are flattering. I have a coworker who makes sure she has a black set of scrubs so when she temps in any office she doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Black looks professional on everybody. However, even black can look bad if it looks like you are wearing a garbage bag.
4. It is important that you chose scrubs that have a flattering cut for your body type. I prefer scrub pants with BOTH a drawstring and an elastic waist band to make sure my pants stay up. My favorite scrub tops have a slimmer cut in the waist, buttoned backs or gathering that flatter my shape. I have found the type of fabric has as much to do with the fit as the cut does. As Dental Hygienists, we need fabric that will keep us cool, will stretch with our movement and keep us covered as we move. I prefer a fabric with some stretch. I also look for scrubs with easy access pockets to help me not lose pens and notes.
We’d love to know what makes your scrubs instill confidence in you and help you present yourself in a professional manner. What do you do?
Jessica is wearing Eon Active scrubs, the newest line of scrubs from Maevn Uniforms. We want to give a huge thank you to them for letting us out try their new scrubs!
Maxillary Block Injection-High Tuberosity Approach
Check out our latest video of the maxillary nerve block injection technique.
Technique: Same as the PSA injection (distal to second molar with 45, 45, 45 angles) but with a long needle inserted 3/4 the length.
Pros- 1 injection numbs the maxillary quadrant reducing the amount of injections needed.
Cons- Increased chance of hitting the plexus and is doesn't reduce hemostasis as well. Some supplementary injections still may be needed.
Subgingival Curettage
In 1989 the American Academy of Periodontology stated there’s no justifiable application of gingival curettage during active therapy stages for chronic periodontitis and that it has limited usefulness. There are many states that do require it be taught in the class room and in the clinic, or like California have a separate course you have to take to become licensed. So here is our demonstration for its "limited usefulness" that may be helpful to you.
Providing Oral Hygiene Education Through Blogging
One way to provide oral hygiene education to your patients in between appointments is by blogging. You can share the post on your office website, create a quarterly newsletter to email out, print it out for your patients goody bag, or share it on your office's social media pages. There are many options for topics such as, sharing your favorite dental products, websites and tips.
This can be a great marketing tool as well, as patients then share the information with others through forwarding the e-mail or sharing it on social media with friends. It also helps to keep “the dentist” fresh in their mind so that they return at appropriate maintenance intervals keeping your schedule full.
Here is a sample blog article written by our guest Dr. Bao Nguyen, DDS
Habits that Destroy Your Smile
Dr. Bao Nguyen, DDS
Your smile is often the first thing someone will notice about you. I know a person’s smile really captures my attention. Keeping your smile nice and clean will make you come across as more approachable.
There are some routines that you do that can be destroying your smile and you do not even know it. Here is a list of habits commonly done that hurt your smile.
Brushing too soon after eating
Consuming acidic foods and beverages can harm your teeth due their acidic nature. They will erode your tooth enamel - the glossy outer layer of your tooth. Brushing your teeth too soon after drinking or eating something acidic does not brush out the acid, instead, it brushes it into your teeth. It is best to rinse your teeth with water after consuming something acidic and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Excessively bleaching your teeth
Over-bleaching can cause your teeth to look unnaturally white as well as increase tooth sensitivity. Before purchasing an at-home bleaching product, talk to your dentist about which one provides the best results without damaging your teeth.
Not flossing
Everyone knows that brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but not everyone knows that you should floss at least once a day. Flossing gets rid of food that gets left behind in your teeth after eating. Bleeding and irritation can occur when you first start flossing but if you keep at it, it will get better.
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled tooth brush along with aggressive brushing can cause irreparable damage to your gums. You want to use a soft-bristled brush coupled with circular brushing to avoid causing sensitivity to your teeth.
Not replacing your toothbrush often
Old toothbrushes do nothing for your teeth and they also harbor bacteria that can cause infection. You are advised to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Dentists also suggest replacing your toothbrush after you have had a cold.
Cutting back on at least 2 of these habits can help bring back your pearly whites. You might think that you are helping your smile with some of these habits, but now you know what not to do when it comes to your smile.
Author Biography
Dr. Bao Nguyen, DDS
Dr. Nguyen is a trusted dentist at Promenade Dental Care in Temecula, Ca, where he is committed to providing you with the highest quality dentistry possible on every visit, everyday. He will make sure you are given different treatment choices for your dental needs.
How to Teach Your Patients To Clean Their Lower Anteriors More Effectively
I do a lot of oral hygiene education. I do it for my patients to live a healthier life, aaannnd because I'm kind of lazy, I don't want to clean as much when I see my patient in six months ;).
I do a lot of oral hygiene education. I do it for my patients to live a healthier life, aaannnd because I'm kind of lazy, I don't want to clean as much when I see my patient in six months ;).
If a patient uses a manual tooth brush they should be dry brushing starting on the lower right linguals. Research shows patients brush more effectively and longer. In addition to dry brushing I have my patients use many different directions on the LA- vertical, horizontal and oblique. I read an article in a hygiene magazine years ago (I can't remember the magazine) and I have been astonished how much more effective patients are at keeping the lower anterior teeth clean.
I always tell my patients that I want to "adjust" his or her technique to make him or her more effective. I actually take the toothbrush out of the packaging and demonstrate in the patients mouth- showing the bass technique and where I want the patient to start. After I've demonstrated, I put the tooth brush back in the packaging and in the patients bag.
Patients have been VERY receptive and grateful, and I usually have a lot less to clean in 6 months ;)
What to know more about how I teach this skill? Check out me educating a patient on dry brushing HERE.
Hygiene Edge Weekly Challenge: Educate a Patient on Dry Brushing
Student Article Contest 2016
Hygiene Edge, with Lilac Paper, presents the 2nd annual student article contest! This year's topic is: Study tips you've been using while in dental hygiene school. Submissions are due by August 1, 2016 to hygieneedge@gmail.com. Winner will have their article published on Hygiene Edge along with recieving a Lilac Paper Dental Student Planner, and $50 cash.
6 Steps To Getting A Raise
Updated 4-6-24
At any stage in your career you could be wanting to negotiate your pay with your employer. If you are just planning on walking into your employers office one morning and demanding a raise you are setting yourself up for failure. These things take time, research and patience. Below are 6 steps to getting that raise you deserve.
1. Decide What You Would Like to Get Paid
Do you want $1-2 more per hour? Do you want to get paid on production? What is it that YOU want? Decide, so that if asked in step 2 you can be prepared.
2. Request an Initial Performance Review
The purpose of this 10-15 minute meeting is to make goals that you can reach so that next time you meet you will have met those goals and be able to ask for a raise. This is not the time to ask for a raise but if they bring it up you will have already decided from step one what you would like to be getting paid. Here are some options of topics to review at that meeting.
What are some things that I do well?
What would you like to see me do better?
What are my goals and the office goals?
3. Increase The Hygiene Departments Production
You want to show that you add value to the office and therefore deserve a raise. Read up on our latest articles below on some ways to increase the hygiene department's production.
How to increase production with the medical history
How to increase production with your radiographs
4. Increase The Dentists Production
Read up on how to increase the dentists production. We are with the patients much longer than the dentist, giving us the opportunity to discuss findings to our patents and then bring up those findings to the dentist. If we can help increase the dentist production, as well as our own, it makes us invaluable.
5. Track Your Increases
If you don’t know how to do it yourself, ask the front desk personnel to teach you how to check your production. All practice managment software systems have a way that tracks the office's production, and breaks it down into providers. Then track it from the last 3 months to the next 3 months.
Also track how much treatment the dentist diagnoses in your chair. Look at what they have averaged daily in their production for the last 3 months and shoot for a goal to help increase that number. I usually have to track this by the patients printable treatment plan as I don't know of a dental program that does it for you unfortunately. If you know of one, let me know below!
An example of this is you have found out that the patient grinds and would benefit from an occlusal guard, you use the Diagnodent and find 3 high readings on the occlusal surfaces, you also notice 1 large filling that has a crack in it (potential crown) and then 2 teeth with suspicious areas of darkness on the radiographs. You discuss your findings with the patient and say, “Let's have the dentist decide what they want to do.” The dentist them comes in for the exam and you bring up your findings. Then at the end of the day, you track how much treatment was diagnosed in your operatory.
Since we are with the patient more than the dentist we have the opportunity to find treatment the dentist may not see.
6. 3-6 Months Later, Request a Second Performance Review
I would recommend creating a 1 page statistic sheet to show your performance for the last few months to present to the dentist (or whoever is in charge of giving you the raise.) After reviewing your past goals and maybe even setting new goals you can show them all of your hard work and ask them for the raise.
Have you ever asked for a raise? How did it go? What did you do to help present the importance of a raise to your employer?