Patient Care

The scary “C” word, cancer, could naturally cause a clouded judgment to anyone affected by it. You have a hard time seeing the light at the tunnel and question everything leading up to the diagnosis. “Why me?” “Am I going to die?” “No, are you sure?” These are all thoughts that could run through a worried mind. At least it...

When cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is discussed, do you immediately think of dental implant placement, third molar extractions, or sinus lifts? More and more general dentistry and periodontal practices are investing in CT imaging equipment. The value of the CBCT image cannot be underestimated in terms of application to the daily practice of dental hygienists. Let’s take a look...

Have you ever wondered what really matters to patients when they are choosing a dental provider? In this highly competitive dental market, knowing what your patients really care about and being able to deliver that can be a simple key to achieving patient satisfaction. Dental patients have all types of different reasons for choosing you or your dental office. It...

Much emphasis has been given to prenatal oral care of patients, which is essential because 60% to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, and one in four pregnant women have untreated caries.2 However, with so much emphasis on the dental care of the mother, what happens when the baby arrives? The mother doubtlessly is busy thinking about clothing, bedding, strollers,...

One of the most effective ways to gain case acceptance in the dental practice is through “co-planning” each dental patient’s treatment. Co-planning is essentially a broader concept of theoretical hand-holding and guiding your patient along as you work together to assess, identify, and plan the best course of care for specific oral health concerns. In pediatrics, we often use the...

The purposes of a thorough patient health history are discussed by Vavrosky.1 When that thorough health history is combined with an educational session tailored to patients’ needs, they will receive the kind of help that a dental hygienist is well trained to share. Snyder discusses how periodontitis can link to diabetes and vice versa.2 This paper builds upon the works...

As dental professionals know, dietary supplements are continually becoming more popular for consumers of all ages. From memory support and sleep aids to skincare and fitness, supplements range in uses and potential benefits. But how well are these supplements really working, and how does one really know if the supplement is effective and safe? The National Institutes of Health (NIH)...

Several years ago, it occurred to me that I was a minimizer. I heard myself say things to my patients, such as, “You have a little bit of bleeding. I am just going to clean your teeth, and you might want to think about getting that cavity treated.” These minimal instructions and suggestions began to stand out when I transitioned...

Eagle syndrome (stylohyoid syndrome) is within the category of many other conditions since there are no definite known causes. Pain is experienced in the head and neck region, and the symptoms can mimic other conditions that cause head and neck pains. Tonsillectomies are considered a likely factor as a result of possible scarring and injury from the procedure. Other factors...

Providing dental hygiene care can be one of the most rewarding jobs in health care. When patients find a good hygienist, they tend to stick with them and even begin to look forward to their biannual cleanings. As a dental hygienist, you form close bonds with many patients, and you feel like part of the family. Sometimes, however, being a...