Dental Hygiene

Currently, more people are flossing than ever! However, don’t get excited… They are flossing their bodies not their teeth (you know you have tried it!) If I could get my son to be as diligent with his math as he is with his floss dance, he would become the next Albert Einstein. Flossing, such a simple concept yet practiced...

To Whom It May Concern, Your recent article published on your website on November 19, 2018, titled “Sucking Baby’s Pacifier Clean May Prevent Allergies,” has me concerned for babies health. Let me begin by introducing myself; I’m a Registered Dental Hygienist. Dental hygienists are also considered preventive health care specialist; we are one of the professions in the health care...

Ultrasonic scaling has been around for decades and should be part of the dental hygienist’s daily patient routine. Sonic scalers are still around, but most have transitioned to ultrasonic scalers. Ultrasonic Scaling Technology There are two types of ultrasonic scalers: magnetostrictive and piezoelectric. Both ultrasonics are effective but operate differently. Piezoelectric devices use electrical energy to activate crystals within the...

Several years ago, a popular talk show informed the public that dental X-rays could be a contributing factor in thyroid cancer. This was shared via emails and social media and incited fear in many people. People began declining dental X-rays and made dental professionals jobs quite difficult. Since that time, I still encounter patients that decline X-rays due to...

New and exciting things were happening at this past EuroPerio9 held in Amsterdam from June 20th-23rd, 2018. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) announced new periodontal classifications for the AAP Guidelines. The guidelines have not been updated since 1999, so this is a pretty big deal! This was a long time coming as both the American Academy of Periodontology...

For some, a dental appointment is a fearfully, dreaded appointment; while others don’t mind or even eagerly anticipate the appointment. However, no matter which side of the fence you are on it seems to be a mutual consensus that no one enjoys dental X-rays, and many are confused why they are even necessary. Often, dental professionals are questioned about...

In June, I had the opportunity to attend the EuroPerio9 workshop held in Amsterdam. While attending, I took courses from researchers and also sponsored courses on new products.  During my travels, I saw a lengthy discussion on Facebook regarding selective polishing.  Everyone had their own opinion, as they always do, and I couldn’t help but think, “Can we stop...

Disclosure: We value transparency at Today’s RDH. This article is sponsored content from Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program as part of our sponsored partner program. For many dental hygienists, the road to becoming a licensed professional may not have been filled with rainbows and unicorns. After completing college prerequisites, there’s applying to a hygiene program or even several. Once accepted, getting through the...

If you have any problems taking the quiz below, please go here to take it: https://goo.gl/forms/nj1WMsAO8YyriNXC3 [googleapps domain="docs" dir="forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSFGieEBCOfHyB4EOiJ0XL4QFpRqSwzNmG7LMJRmG48-TLvg/viewform" query="embedded=true" width="768" height="27500" /]

I believe every school-aged child should have access to necessary hygiene items, for free. There is no reason for children to go without the basics needed to succeed. I have experienced numerous times while performing hygiene treatment in schools, as I’m explaining why they need to brush better, children telling me they don’t have a toothbrush. Then seeing their excitement when I...