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  • Volume 44, Issue 6 (August/September 2024)
  • Volume 44, Issue 6 (August/September 2024)

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    Inspiration

    Community: The heartbeat of the dental hygiene profession

    A strong, uplifting community of likeminded professionals is key for career growth in any field—especially the dental industry.
    Patient Education

    Social selling the truth: The dental hygienist's role in closing the dental “curiosity gap” influenced by social media

    Social media has the power to both educate and influence users like never before. As dental professionals, it's paramount to make sure patients are educated properly when it comes...
    Sponsored

    Chairside Impact: Pac-Dent’s EzAim X-Ray Positioning System

    Conducting X-rays is an important and routine part of providing holistic dental care. Pac-Dent’s EzAim X-Ray Positioning System can make taking radiographs easier!
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    Sponsored

    RDH Clinical Recognition Program: Lucy Crawford

    Sept. 23, 2024
    Lucy Crawford likes to say that dental hygiene found her. She became a dental assistant when she moved to the US from Brazil, and discovered that she liked dentistry. Her hygiene...
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    Instruments/Handpieces

    Clinical tips: Selecting hygiene hand instruments

    Dentists and dental hygienists need to rely on hand instruments in order to do their job. Therefore, it's important to choose the right tools that work for you.

    More content from Volume 44, Issue 6 (August/September 2024)

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    Wave goodbye to burnout: 3 strategies to eradicate stress for good
    Career & Profession

    Wave goodbye to burnout: 3 strategies to eradicate stress for good

    Sept. 18, 2024
    Delivering excellent service not only boosts patient satisfaction but also alleviates stress and burnout. Tiffany Wuebben, RDH, shares tips for transforming the hygiene department...
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    mitochondrial dysfunction, periodontitis, and systemic disease
    Patient Care

    Mitochondrial dysfunction, periodontitis, and systemic disease: Part 2

    Incorporating mitochondrial-targeted therapies alongside conventional mechanical debridement holds promise as innovative approaches for controlling periodontitis. Here’s what ...
    Golubeva / Getty Images Plus /
    yoga and dental hygiene
    Ergonomics

    The power of alignment: Yoga therapy for dental hygienists

    Don't dismiss yoga as a possible therapy for your work-related pain. More is being learned just how effective it can be for pain and relaxation.
    disinfectant wipes
    Disinfection

    Are natural disinfectants a good choice for your operatory?

    If you're concerned about your health and the products you use to clean your op, you aren't alone. Here's what to look for in the natural disinfectants you might be considering...
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    ddepression and oral health
    Patient Education

    Depression and oral health: A comprehensive review

    Aug. 23, 2024
    While everyone is well aware of the oral-systemic link, depression is often overlooked. Here's how you can help your patients who suffer from depression.
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    sugar alcohols, natural sweeteners, and oral health
    Patient Care

    Sugar alcohols, natural sweeteners, and oral health: Part 1

    With sugar substitutes gaining traction in the fight against dental caries and health issues, dental professionals should educate patients on the pros and cons of these sweet ...
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    dental_insurance_coding
    Dental Coding

    “Why is there no insurance reimbursement for (fill in the blank)?”

    We've all heard, "I only want what insurance will cover." Here are some great ways to describe exactly what dental insurance is to your patients.
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    Pass the dental unit waterline test
    Water Safety

    3 easy steps if you fail a dental unit waterline test

    Did you flunk your DUWL test? Don't panic! Follow these three steps and you'll be good in no time. Then find out where your problem is.
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    differential diagnosis for periodontal pathologies
    Pathology

    Differential diagnosis for periodontal pathologies for nonplaque-induced gingival diseases (NPIGD)

    Dental hygienists are often the first line of defense in identifying and managing nonplaque-induced gingival conditions. Recognizing subtle clinical signs can facilitate early...
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    A sincere apology goes a long way with dental patients.
    Career & Profession

    The difference between apologizing and not apologizing in a professional setting

    The value of a sincere apology can go a long way with patients. This RDH witnessed the dentists who chose two very different approaches.
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    working while pregnant
    HR

    Navigating pregnancy as a dental practitioner: Part 1

    A lot happens during pregnancy, and work hazards don't need to add to your worries. Here are what clinical hygienists should be watching for while they're pregnant and working...
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    Man vs. microbiota: The human microbiome story
    Patient Care

    Man vs. microbiota: The human microbiome story

    Katrina M. Sanders-Stewart, MEd, BSDH, RDH, unpacks the story of the human microbiome and the role dental practitioners have in advocating for a supreme standard of care for themselves...
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    Whitening

    Unlocking the whitening power of GuruNanda oil pulling

    Patients who want whiter teeth without harsh chemicals should consider GuruNanda oil pulling products as a natural alternative.
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    Career & Profession

    Work too hard to get patients to like you? There's a better way

    This hygienist started to feel uneasy about how she was told to approach patients. A simple mindset adjustment made all the difference in her enjoyment of dental hygiene.
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    Career & Profession

    What you need to know about AI in dentistry

    Dentistry is a rapidly evolving industry, and AI is one force driving these changes. Here's more info on the implications and limitations of AI in your practice.
    Photo courtesy of MicroCare
    Sponsored

    MicroCare Medical Spec Clean Disinfectant Wipes: Elevating the standard of disinfection

    These new disinfectant wipes from MicroCare check many of the boxes in daily practice for infection control. KOLs shared their feedback.