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Dental Hygiene Lunch and Learn List

I know that it’s tricky at times to attend a conference to learn about a new product, or read the hundreds of emails that come through about the products. Plus, once you learn about something new, it’s always nice to have a person or contact to ask questions to, get answers, and actually be able to try it out. This is why I love a lunch and learn. It’s a great way to learn about something new in a set amount of time when I have a break during a clinical day. Plus, having the entire team learn about the products are so helpful to keep the conversation going in your practice.

So, what companies actually offer this service? We’ve compiled a list of the companies that do, and the best place to reach out to about it. Sometimes these educators are location based, so you might have to meet with a certain rep, but then you’ll get to know your local rep which is so helpful. Some companies hold them virtually, which is very helpful to connect with placed that no not have any local.

A note about lunch and learns. Usually, these are most of sales and product information, so CE credits usually are not provided. They are usually full of the science behind the product, but since they are sponsored and 1 comapny/product heavy, they cannot give CE Credit. However, still a valuable lunch to attend!

Here is the list!

Arm and Hammer/Therabreathe

This is a great lunch to attend with lots of free samples. Usually taught by a dental hygienist.

https://ahpro.oralcarepro.com/en-US/officeregistration

BioGaia

Held virtually at times that work for you. Probiotics for adults and kids

https://calendly.com/biogaia-lunch-and-learn/biogaia-lunch-learn?month=2024-09

Centrix

Learn more about SDF or other prevention products and solutions.

https://www.centrixvirtuallearning.com/lunch-and-learn/


Crest Oral-B

I’ve been to some where the reps bring lunch, or it can be just informational.

https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/product/request-teach-and-learn


DMG

More dental tailored, but some great topics to learn about.

https://dmg-connect.com/learn-over-lunch-with-dmg/


Dr. Jens

I’ve been to a few of the Dr Jens presentations, and have loved them all. 

https://calendly.com/drjen-cepresentation/dr-jen-ce-presentation?month=2024-08


Elevate Oral Care

Learn more about some of my favorite prevention products. So much great research and support behind them as well.

https://www.elevateoralcare.com/staff-meetings


GC America

These can be tailored to your office, speciality or interest. From direct restorations to prevention, there are several topics you’ll love to learn about. I really loved the MI Paste one.

https://www.gc.dental/america/lunch-and-learn


Ivoclar

Reach out to your local rep about meeting to learn about a few products, or a specific one you’re curious about.

https://ivoclarlearning.com/#


Oxyfresh

I’ve never used these products before, but signing up for a webinar lunch and learn to learn more.

https://oxyfresh.com/pages/dental-pro-resources-and-educational-material


Phillips Sonicare

Reach out to you local rep for more information. In Person and can cover whitening products or power toothbrushes

https://www.philipsohclearning.com/


Risewell

Learn more about hydroxiapetite and andd how to incorporate the porudcts in your office. Reach out to Melia (melia@hygieneedge.com) and she can help you find your local rep.

https://risewell.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopLzqjqMW_QxmFnWpcRjRIkY892qjmZQKnlwiGCM_MIcCH9nG3P

Stella Life

Mouthrinse, probiotics, and more

https://stellalife.com/blogs/education?srsltid=AfmBOop0-2ktA_S2p_CMsFEX8wg9UzFfBvDVrPcccnRyYVK72sR54cgq

Spry

This is a local company to me in Utah, and I use their products regularly. If you’re not talking about xylitol in your practice, it’s time to learn a bit more from some amazing educators.

https://xlear.com/our-educators/

Waterpik

Offered both in the USA and Canada

https://www.waterpik.com/pro/lunch-learn/

I’m excited for you to learn a bit more about these amazing products, gain some insight on how you can help your patients, and keep up your clinical skills!

Which ones have you attended?

xoxo Melia Lewis, MED, RDH

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Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, MEd Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, MEd

How do you know you are at the base of the pocket?

A review the getting to the base of the pocket.

Identifying when you are at the base of the junctional epithelium during periodontal therapy is critical to ensure that you are effectively removing calculus without damaging the periodontal tissues. Here are 4 key indicators based on my clinical experience and studies:

1. Tactile Sensation

  • Texture Change: As you reach the base of the pocket, you will notice a change from a rough to a smoother root surface, indicating the absence of calculus and the proximity to the junctional epithelium (Armitage, 1996).

  • Increased Resistance: The tactile sensation of the instrument changes, often with a slight increase in resistance, as you approach the base of the pocket (Cobb, 2002).

2. Probing Depth and Anatomy

  • Use the Probe as a Guide: Knowledge of the patient’s probing depths and anatomy can help you estimate when you are near the base of the pocket. The junctional epithelium typically lies at the apical extent of the probing depth (Lindhe et al., 2015).

  • Limit of Attachment: The junctional epithelium is attached to the root surface via hemidesmosomes and is sensitive to mechanical trauma. Over-instrumentation can lead to bleeding, which might indicate you have gone beyond the base of the junctional epithelium (Haffajee & Socransky, 1994).

3. Clinical Signs

  • Bleeding on Instrumentation: Light bleeding may occur as you approach the base, but excessive bleeding could indicate that you have disrupted the junctional epithelium (Newman et al., 2018).

  • Patient Discomfort: Increased sensitivity or discomfort may occur if you are applying too much pressure or reaching the attachment level.

4. Instrumentation Technique

  • Correct Angulation of Hand Instruments: Proper angulation of the curette or scaler is important. Keeping a hand instruments instrument’s blade against the root surface at a correct angle can help prevent inadvertent damage to the junctional epithelium (Pihlstrom et al., 1983).


See it in action in our video here: VIDEO

-Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

References:

  1. Armitage, G. C. (1996). Periodontal diseases: diagnosis. Annals of Periodontology, 1(1), 37-215.

  2. Cobb, C. M. (2002). Clinical significance of non-surgical periodontal therapy: an evidence-based perspective of scaling and root planing. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 29(S2), 6-16.

  3. Haffajee, A. D., & Socransky, S. S. (1994). Microbial etiological agents of destructive periodontal diseases. Periodontology 2000, 5(1), 78-111.

  4. Lindhe, J., Lang, N. P., & Karring, T. (2015). Clinical periodontology and implant dentistry. John Wiley & Sons.

  5. Newman, M. G., Takei, H., Klokkevold, P. R., & Carranza, F. A. (2018). Carranza's clinical periodontology. Elsevier Health Sciences.

  6. Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (1983). Periodontal diseases. The Lancet, 366(9499), 1809-1820.

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Using a Sharpening Test Stick

For the past year, I have taken on 1 day a week temping. This has been such a great experience for me, seeing so many different offices and how they run, schedule, and what software they use. One thing I have noticed when I step into different offices for the day? How instruments are so different, and how many need to be sharpened! It’s hard to find the time to sharpen (more videos on that coming soon) but once you determine your instrument is dull and either take the time to sharpen or send them out to a company, you’ll see a word of difference on how they actually work so much better, you’ll spend less time hand scaling, and less force needed with our hands. A helpful tool to check your instrument is a sharpening test stick. We have definitely used and loved using plastic air water syringes before as a substitute test stick, but really love using a regular test stick even more. I find it gives me a better indicator of when an instrument is sharp and ready to be used, other than sharpening too much or too little on an edge.

If you haven’t used a test stick before, or haven’t since dental hygiene school, this video is for you!

xoxo Melia Lewis, RDH

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Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, MEd Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, MEd

Silver Diamine Fluoride Doesn’t Stain Sound Tooth Structure

SDF doesn’t stain sound tooth structure

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an increasingly popular treatment in dentistry, primarily due to its efficacy in arresting dental caries. Yet we may forget that it is amazing for sensitivity which is its on-label use. SDF is a topical medicament that combines the antibacterial properties of silver with the remineralizing effects of fluoride. The application of SDF is minimally invasive and painless, making it an attractive option for pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as those with dental anxiety. Studies have shown that SDF can effectively halt the progression of caries, reducing the need for more invasive treatments like drilling and fillings .

One of the main indications for SDF use is in primary teeth, especially in children who may not tolerate conventional restorative procedures well. SDF is also indicated for root caries in older adults, which are challenging to treat due to the difficulty of maintaining moisture control and the high likelihood of recurrent decay. Additionally, SDF can be used as an interim measure to stabilize carious lesions until definitive treatment can be provided, which I do often in homebound settings.

A notable advantage of SDF is that it does not cause staining on sound tooth structure. While one of the common concerns with SDF is its potential to stain decayed areas black, but this does not affect healthy enamel and dentin. This selective staining property allows clinicians to distinguish between arrested carious lesions and healthy tooth structure easily. The non-staining characteristic on sound tooth surfaces makes SDF an excellent choice for patients concerned about the esthetic outcomes of their treatment. We recently posted a case study where we placed it on sensitivity on sound tooth structure and 1 month after, there was no staining. You can check it out HERE

As dental professionals continue to seek minimally invasive and patient-friendly treatment options, SDF stands out as a valuable tool in the prevention and management of dental caries .

-Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, FADHA

  1. Crystal, Y. O., & Niederman, R. (2019). Silver diamine fluoride treatment considerations in children’s caries management. Pediatric Dentistry, 41(5), 292-298.

  2. Horst, J. A., Ellenikiotis, H., & Milgrom, P. L. (2016). UCSF Protocol for Caries Arrest Using Silver Diamine Fluoride: Rationale, Indications, and Consent. Journal of the California Dental Association, 44(1), 16-28.

  3. Clemens, J., Gold, J., & Chaffin, J. (2018). Effect and acceptance of silver diamine fluoride treatment on dental caries in primary teeth. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 78(1), 63-68.

  4. Gao, S. S., Zhao, I. S., Hiraishi, N., Duangthip, D., Mei, M. L., Lo, E. C., & Chu, C. H. (2016). Clinical trials of silver diamine fluoride in arresting caries among children: A systematic review. Journal of Dentistry, 44, 102-110.

  5. Seifo, N., Cassie, H., Radford, J. R., & Innes, N. P. (2020). Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: An umbrella review. BMC Oral Health, 20(1), 145.

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Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, MEd Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, MEd

3 ways to answer “what’s your biggest weakness,” in your next dental hygiene interview.

3 ways to answer “what is your biggest weakness.”

One question that is often asked in an interview is "What is your biggest weakness?" Here are three effective strategies to use in your next dental hygiene interview:

  1. Show self-awareness and growth: Acknowledge a genuine weakness you have identified in yourself, but emphasize how you are actively working to improve it. For example, you could say, "I used to struggle with time in hygiene school as it took me 3 hours to complete an appointment but now in my last semester I am able to be thorough and and efficient at the same time.” 

  2. Highlight a skill that is not essential for the job: Choose a weakness that is not directly related to the core skills of dental hygiene. This shows self-awareness without raising doubts about your ability to perform in the role. For instance, "I have a hard time remembering names so I like to write patients' names on a sticky note on each tray.” 

  3. Frame it as a learning opportunity: Discuss a weakness that you have successfully overcome in the past, demonstrating your ability to adapt and grow. For example, "In the past, I struggled with motivational interviewing, but I enrolled in a course and Now, I am effectively able to motivate my patients versus just lecture them.”

Remember, the key is to be honest yet strategic in your response, showcasing how you approach challenges and your commitment to continuous improvement. This demonstrates to the interviewer that you are self-aware, proactive, and capable of addressing weaknesses effectively. Best of luck on those interviews! 

-Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

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Melia Lewis, RDH, BSDH, MEd Melia Lewis, RDH, BSDH, MEd

Ultrasonic Tips with Nordent

I still remember the day we learned about the magneto ultrasonic device in dental hygiene school. Do you? I was so excited to be handed a machine to do it all and I wouldn’t have to use hand instruments ever again (I was obviously very naive in my thinking!) The day came in the clinic after learning about the technology in our lecture the previous day. I remember thinking “I just go for it?” and getting it set up, the correct amount of water mist, and  figuring out the best way to hold the handle and the cord. And that’s what I did. Just went for it with no rhyme or reason and hoped it all worked out. Fast forward to a few years later when I was an instructor and teaching others how to use the ultrasonic. There is nothing quite like having to teach something that you have learned hands on before.

Early in my teaching career, I had the same mentality when it came to ultrasonic use-just go for it. But, after time and research, just “going for it” is probably not the best method for both you as a clinician and for your patients. There is so much science and research behind this machine that we use every hour and there are certain techniques that work better than others. One technique that gets lost as we hurry is channeling. This technique is critical to ensure the ultrasonic is working it’s best and both calculus and biofilm is removed without causing burnished areas or trauma to the tooth or tissue.

Here’s how it works:

1. Tip Orientation: The ultrasonic tip is placed at approximately a 0-15 degree angle to the tooth surface. This angle helps to direct the energy and vibrations produced by the ultrasonic scaler towards the calculus deposits.

2. Activation: The ultrasonic scaler is then activated.

3. Movement: The tip is moved in a controlled manner, following the natural contours of the tooth and focusing on areas with calculus buildup. The movement can be linear or curved, depending on the location of the deposits in small 2-3mm areas.

4. Adaptation: As the deposits are removed, the clinician adjusts the angle of the tip to ensure efficient and comfortable removal without damaging the tooth or surrounding tissues.

xoxo, Melia Lewis, MED, RDH

To learn more about this technique- channeling- and how to incorporate it into your practice, don’t miss our latest video which is highlighting Nordent LuxPoint magnetostrictive inserts.

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The Perfect Dental PA with DentiMax

When I was a brand new dental hygienist, I was interviewing at offices all over my area trying to find the perfect first dental hygiene job. During one of the working interviews, the dentist would spend extra time during dental exams and take the time to thoroughly look through the radiographs. After the first few patients, one of the assistants pulled me aside and confided that the dentist is really particular on radiographs, and that mine were looking great! After that, I was sweating all day whenever I pushed that radiology button, hoping the image would turn out as well as I hoped. 

This was many years ago and I definitely have learned so much about radiology and the techniques needed to have a successful image. One thing that is key to having a great radiograph? Great sensors known for its quality, just like the DentiMax Sensor. We have loved using it with our patients, and recently we were lucky enough to film our latest video with it. You can definitely see the quality of the images, even on video (which we all know throws it off at times).  Plus, if you do decide to get a DentiMax sensor, they offer 1 on 1 training of your hygiene department or staff to help get the best images. With the combination of quality materials, videos from us at Hygiene Edge, and training straight from DentiMax, you’ll be feeling tip top with your radiology technique.

To learn more about the proper sensor placement to get the best image, definitely check out our latest video:

Also get up to $3000 of with this link: https://products.dentimax.com/hygiene-edge-exclusive-dentimax-discount.html

Thank you to DentiMax for supporing us at Hygiene Edge! To learn more, check out their website.

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How Can I Get into Dental Hygiene Education?

We regularly get questions about being an educator. Usually the questions are “how did you get into education?” or “How do I break into education and get an educator role?” This is definitely a multifaceted question, but something I absolutely love talking about.

Education is so fun. We love being able to talk to coworkers about health, geek out with other educators about changes in learning, and stay up to date to help the next generation of dental hygienists. However, education can also be very tricky. If you are burnt out of dental hygiene, dental hygiene education may not be the answer. We still regularly work with patients, treat periodontal disease, and work one-on-one with patients all the time. But now in an education setting, we have an extra added layer of teaching at the same time. It is not the only way out of clinical Dental hygiene, but it is a fun way to keep dental hygiene interesting and may even renew your love for dentistry if you're feeling the sting.

So, what do we recommend to help you get into an education role? Here are a few things we have done that helped us get our foot in the door and introduce us to the amazing world of education.

  1. Be a member of your professional organization. I know it is definitely a cost involved with joining an organization but being a member of a group of individuals who understand and love the profession is great for networking. I have found that Educators understand the value of a Professional Organization so there are many Educators part of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, as well as working on a volunteer level of the organization. If you have the time and capacity, it might be great to volunteer for a role in your local component to get to know both educators and dental hygienists in your area. This has been such a great experience for me both personally and professionally and has helped with connecting with educators all over both my state and the country.

  2. Take methodology courses now. Even before you start teaching, it's  helpful to have teaching methodology courses before you jump into teaching. You'll have a broader range and knowledge of what education is instead of learning what is when you get into the role. Being a new educator can be overwhelming. Trying to add in methodology in addition can feel like a lot. There are many ways to get teaching education mythology online or through a local college or university, but we love hosting a monthly mastermind for educators called Hygiene Edgeucators. Each month, educators from all over the country come together virtually to talk about different teaching issues, problems, and work together in a mastermind to learn something new. Along with getting some methodology CE, you’ll also be networking with educators from all over the country since it is full of people from so many different schools. Having methodology classes will look great on a CV or your LinkedIn profile and help you stand out from other clinical dental hygienists applying for education roles.

  3. Keep in contact with your instructors from your education. This is how I was first introduced to education. I reached out to a few of my past instructors and let them know I was interested in education if they had any opening or knew anyone looking. With that connection, they referred me to come interview for a clinical instructor position that I ended up loving and learning so much from. These educators are a great networking tool to keep the relationship you formed over a long two years after graduation.

  4. Attend a conference. Educators love education (you might relate!). Attending even local component study clubs or your state dental hygiene association meetings is a helpful way to connect with educators face to face, for them to get to know you, and become friends with others in education.

I love having a role in an education, being part of the growth and changes in our education and future of dental hygiene, and have the opportunity to constantly learn through education. If you’re interested in a position in education, we are excited for you! Please connect with us so we can follow along and cheer you on with your journey.

xoxo Melia Lewis, MED, RDH

@meliardh

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Pediatric Dental Radiology with Kilgore International

A few weeks ago, I was temping at an office that was new to me. My regular office that I see patients in is close to a university campus, so the majority of my patients are college students, professors, employees, pretty much anyone over the age of 18. This office, however, was close to a community full of families and an elementary school so I was lucky enough to see several pediatric patients throughout the day. Honestly, when first looking at the schedule, it made me a bit nervous. Did I remember how to work with and treat pediatric patients, especially when it comes to taking radiographs? Well, lucky for us in the dental field and in education, Kilgore International has an amazing pediatric radiology mannikin that is the perfect solution to help either the clinicians in your office or your students feel comfortable with placing and taking radiographs, either if it’s their first time working on with a ped or if it has been a while, like I had experienced. 

Our latest video, thanks to Kilgore International, focuses on pediatric radiology placement and exposure to make sure you have the best possible image in a sometimes small or tricky situation. A few things to think about to have a successful image.

  1. Sensor size. If a patient does not have their 1st permanent molar, generally a regular size 2 sensor will be too large for their mouth. Unfortunately, I have sometimes tried to use a larger one since either that’s all the office has or that’s what I have handy, but trying to get something too large to fit doesn't work well with kids. Also, once I’ve caused some tenderness, their trust in me is out the window and taking a radiograph is pretty difficult with no trust.

  2. Timing. What is the most important part of your visit for the day? Is it a good set of radiographs due to pain, caries concerns, etc? Is it placing varnish? Is it teaching good home care? Whatever is the most important thing, do that first (after the fun part of riding in the chair, catching up, finding out the cool thing in their grade, etc).

  3. Making it fun. Of course, we as humans want to have fun, especially kids. Unfortunately, sometimes pediatric patients are told either by friends, family, or media that the dental office is a “scary” place. Coming in with that thought, of course doing any kind of radiograph or treatment will be tricky! Keep your appointments fun to keep patients engaged and happy, and hopefully rethink the scary thoughts.

We know you’ll love working with the mannikin like we have! Definitely check out this video to learn more and to become the best at your pediatric radiographs.

xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH

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Fixing Overlap on Your Bitewing

I regularly would tell my students in the radiology lab and even in clinic that “radiology is an art, not a science”. Do you agree with this? Seeing students try to understand the concepts of radiology and creating a 2D image of a 3D thing is tricky, and does need practice.

We know that there is so much science involved with radiology, when it comes to exposure,  KVP, waves, etc. But, there is an element of art along with it- perfecting angles, sensor placement, patient comfort, and education to have the perfect exposure of a bitewing or periapical. 

One of the trickiest parts of having the perfect bitewing is definitely horizontal angulation. Knowing where to place the tubehead is critical to prevent overlap. We know that this angle is such an important part of a bitewing. Without it, we will end up having overlapping contacts and overlapping teeth that cover the height of the bone and ultimately an undiagnosed radiograph.

How can we help prevent these diagnosed radiographs from happening? Practice! With ALARA, it can definitely be hard to practice radiology on our patients, but utilizing a manikin like the Kilgore Radiology Manikin is a game changer. Having this will allow you, your students, or your coworkers to be able to practice their techniques, feel confident in their radiology skills, and to make sure we understand the techniques and tricks when it comes to taking an x ray. 

To learn more about this manikin, but also some helpful tips when it comes to taking proper bitewings, both molar and premolar images, definitely check out this video from us at Hygiene Edge.

xoxo Melia, RDH

A huge thank you to Kilgore for supporting our educational efforts here at Hygiene Edge! Their goals definitely align with ours- helping clinicians feel empowered to give the best possible care to our patients and communities. 

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