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Guidance evolving on cleaning dental implants
Jan 25, 2012 | DENTAL HYGIENE

Guidance evolving on cleaning dental implants

As a dental implant sales rep, I speak with many clinicians on a daily basis about implants. Coming from a background of 28 years as a dental hygienist, the topic of cleaning dental implants always seems to come up in conversation. These communications suggest that the majority of dentists and hygienists are experiencing a great deal of frustration and misunderstanding about the biology and the armamentarium used when maintaining dental implants.

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The amazing opposable thumb
Nov 29, 2011 | DENTAL HYGIENE

The amazing opposable thumb

For four years, I’ve been fascinated with thumbs, and rightfully so. In fact, I’ve got a thumb that just doesn’t function the way it used to when I first started working as a hygienist 40 years ago. When I go out to dinner with my husband, I notice how other patrons handle their knife and fork.

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Are you technologically and ergonomically balanced?
Nov 15, 2011 | DENTAL HYGIENE

Are you technologically and ergonomically balanced?

Ergonomic and/or lightweight handpieces may help to reduce the risk of certain musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome (Dong 2006). Advances in technology have provided improvements in ergonomics; thereby, helping to extend the longevity and careers of dental professionals. Improved technology along with normal and neutral positioning of the body, spine and hands will work together for positive health.

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Is there new hope for periodontal patients?
Nov 2, 2011 | DENTAL HYGIENE

Is there new hope for periodontal patients?

As clinical dental hygienists, we want our patients to be as healthy as possible. This means having the skills and knowledge to treat them as effectively as possible. When a patient presents with periodontal disease, scaling and root planing with or without osseous surgery are the modalities for treating this condition.

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Relationship marketing
Sep 28, 2011 | DENTAL HYGIENE

Relationship marketing

I bet when you first glanced at the title of this article, you might think… “Hygiene, relationship marketing? Help me connect the dots.” Especially in our profession, developing a relationship — a rapport — is critical to our success and our patients. Think about the definition below and extrapolate it to the operatory. The emphasis is on the connection, not the production.

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Flying with Hilda
Sep 21, 2011 | DENTAL HYGIENE

Flying with Hilda

Flying can be a wonderful or stressful situation, and more often than not I find it brings stress. On a recent trip, I found myself on the edge. The first leg of my flight was delayed due to issues with the plane, which then cut into my layover time, which was only 45 minutes to begin with.

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