Placement of Arestin- A Before and After Look

A before and after look at the placement of Arestin. Some choose to place it at the time of initial therapy and some place it at the re-evaluation/perio maintenance procedures. As a team, sit down with your dentist and decide what is best for your patients. The billing code for Arestin is D4381. 

Curaprox Giveaway

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!

To celebrate, we are giving away 10 Curaprox toothbrushes for you to try! These brushes were developed in Switzerland and have recently made their way over to the US, so your patients may be asking about them in over the next little bit.

To enter, let us know below which brand of toothbrush is your current favorite? 

Cetacaine-Topical Anesthetic

I use Cetacaine when my patients are feeling sensitivity during scaling in localized areas throughout the mouth. I find it more time savvy and convenient than getting out a whole syringe and doing an injection sometimes. What works best for you? 

Common Errors on the IA Injection

We came up with a few of the most common errors made on the IA injection. Made specifically for students in mind but will help any hygienist review their skills. 

Common Errors on the PSA Injection

Taking local anesthesia boards soon? Having trouble getting your patients numb? This video can help with both!

Getting To Know Us: Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the one, the only, Shelley Brown. I have had the privilege to be Shelley’s student, colleague, co-worker, business partner and friend. Shelley’s first and foremost passion and priority is her family and she treats those in her circle of influence like her family. When I was a student, in the throws of dental hygiene stress, it was always a relief to see her walk into clinic. Shelley has been an instructor at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene for 7 years and my feelings about her as an instructor have been shared by the over 500 students she has taught.  I compiled a few of my favorite comments from those students and feel that they introduce Shelley well.

“She always made me feel like I was doing ok and that I was going to make it even when I felt like I was never going to pass. She was relatable. Easy to talk to or ask questions.”

“The thing I loved most about Ms Brown was that she was REAL!”

Shelley IS “relatable,” approachable and “real” because of how she has chosen to share her life experience. There was a time where she could have gotten stuck in feeling like she was never going to pass and should just give up. Shelley applied 7 times to Hygiene programs in a 4 year span and was finally admitted to the Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She was determined to show the world that she was Hygienist material and would be the best hygienist around.  Students with gratitude now exclaim that Ms. Brown “knows EVERYTHING” and “We can always ask her anything and she will always have an answer for us. There wasn't anything she didn't know, and she would teach you it in a way you would remember!”

Shelley went on to score a 100% on her clinical WREB exam and 96% on her National written exam!

“If she saw a problem she was willing to help with a solution.” Shelley saw a need to help hygienists and our conversations quickly snowballed into what is now Hygiene Edge. I am grateful to have Shelley because she has a gift to teach. “She is an extremely patient teacher. She also did so much to help build my confidence. I couldn't possibly list all the tips and tricks she gave me to make me the hygienist that I am.”  With Hygiene Edge we are happy to share her with the world of hygienists.

“You could tell she honestly wanted us to succeed!” Shelley truly has the desire to see all hygienists succeed and become their best selves.

“I loved the one-on-one time. I felt like I learned so much from her.” I invite you to watch some of our youtube videos and have your own one-on-one time with Shelley and our team.

Ms Brown didn't just sit there and waited for someone to ask for her help. She always went around and help with whatever you were doing that day. You as a student don't always know when you need help. She always gave you great suggestions, wonderful tips, some shortcuts, and little tricks that made you a better clinician. She made you feel special (in a good way) hahaha

As Hygienists we often don't know when we need help, when our skills have become dull and need a little sharpening. Shelley doesn’t wait to help, click on one of our videos and sharpen your skills. You have someone in your corner, just one click away. Her name is Shelley Brown.

How To Use Endo Ice

There will come a time, or maybe it has already happened, when that emergency patient gets scheduled in your hygiene chair. It is important to become familiar with a product called Endo Ice that tests the vitality of the nerve. Check out our latest video to learn more. 

Things your Patients are Talking About: Smile Direct Club

We all know the ins and outs of Invisalign- initial radiographs, follow up appointments, impressions, photos, post op instructions, oral health education. This list goes on and on. And because of that, it can be pricey. And as we all know, patients love the cheapest options for their oral health.

In comes Smile Direct Club- an affordable option to Invisalign. Sounds perfect, right? Though it is cheaper and sounds like the dream treatment, it definitely is not.

First, the patient never has to set foot in a dental or orthodontic office. Sounds perfect, right? This can cause MAJOR problems for the patient since they never have to have their periodontal health checked, radiographs exposed and roots evaluated, or decay treated that could worsen with any kind of orthodontic treatment. Instead of going to an office, the patient takes their own photos with their phone and take impressions with a mail in kit. They do not require a bite registration with their evaluation.

Second, it is the same price for everyone. After the impressions and photos are sent to the company, they evaluate if the patient is a candidate for their treatment for a fee of $95. If the patient does qualify for the treatment, is it a flat fee of $150, no matter how many trays they need. Also, if only the maxillary qualify, it is the same price.

Third, occlusion and TMJ issues are not included in the treatment planning. This could cause major problems down the road, and cost a lot more money to fix the problems than the original price that an orthodontist would charge.

And fourth, the company does not directly work with insurance. The patient is responsible for all the upfront costs. Then, they are are to work with their insurance for reimbursement. Since they are a few company and not a typical way for orthodontic treatment, there is no guarantee insurance companies will pay anything for the treatment. 

So, if a patient brings up an "teeth straightening procedure that they saw on Pinterest", you'll hopefully know a little bit more about how to educate your patients on this new company.

What are your patients talking to you about? Let us know below!

Winner of The Double Gracey Anterior

Please send us your address to hygieneedge@gmail.com so we can send you your instrument. 

Double Gracey Anterior Instrument

This Double Gracey Anterior is a game changer for hand instrumentation in the anteriors. Check out our latest video to learn how to use it. Also, win your own by sharing this video from our Facebook page.