Dietary choices are one of the primary causes of dental erosion. Here’s how to start the conversation with your patient to understand and manage their dietary erosion risk factors.

Pre-procedural rinsing has been part of our routine and now it still is!

Identifying the changes on our patients oral health due to the pandemic and how to improve it will help your patient have a great start back to a healthier oral health!

Most patients throw the little bag in the back of the car. Skipping the bag is a great way to reduce waste and still give your patient the product you are recommending.

Getting patients to comply with recommended home care shouldn’t be about making them do what you want by scare tactics and force. Good communication, including listening, will help you to make the best recommendations for your patient to be healthy!

Many patients may be embarrassed to ask about bad breath. Honest and professional conversations can build trust and may help them get additional help they need.

Investing in good oral health aids should be part of orthodontic therapy. Learning to speak to parents about how they go hand in hand will help them and their child be happier with the end result of orthodontic treatment.

Fluoride application should be an ongoing conversation. It's important to talk with parents about the benefits of fluoride and how it's more important than ever with the change of schedules and routines.

Digital resources make product recommendation easier for dental hygienists, and access and follow-through easier for patients!

Many at-home aligner treatments have entered the market. With home delivery becoming more common and people choosing not to leave their house, patients need to be properly informed about orthodontic treatment and the differences between at-home and professional orthodontic treatment.

Having a social media presence is important for practice building no matter what platform your dental office opts to use, e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or a website. Be sure to have someone who is actively monitoring your platform so that content stays up to date and any questions or reviews that are posted can be addressed.

Helping our patients who have cancer includes being supportive as we help them take care of their oral health while they transition through cancer therapy.

Patients with special needs want the same things as other patients. It is our responsibility to provide resources to assist them in having good oral hygiene and more effective daily routines.

Dental professionals can be proud to recommend Colgate, a company known for both its researched products and its community outreach.

Education on home care is an important part of the dental hygiene appointment. Helping patients choose the appropriate toothbrush is a great starting place to encourage patients to adapt and improve their home care regimens. Educating patients about the different toothbrush options available will help them make an informed decision about which brush would be best for their oral health needs.

Tooth whitening is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve smiles and self-esteem. Here's how dental hygienists can start the conversation.

At a time when we are all facing change in our lives, many dental hygienists have found themselves wanting or needing to find a new position. If you have found yourself searching for a new RDH position here are 5 questions you can ask your potential employer to ace the interview.

Dental enamel erosion can be caused or worsened by lifestyle factors like diet. Here's how dental hygienists can educate patients on preventing erosion.

The "new normal" in clinical practice can be challenging for dental professionals. It can also be rewarding, and an opportunity for professional growth, to identify what part of the new routine is most challenging and find healthy ways to adapt.

In addition to the changing medical concerns, the habits of older adults has an affect their oral health. Resources such as prescription strength fluoride can provide benefits to reduce the caries rate.

Technology is always advancing, and there are many new power toothbrushes available to patients. Staying familiar with those advances will allow dental professionals to make the best recommendation for patients.

Recommending products has never been easier than with Colgate Professional Direct. Using this easy app allows dental professionals the opportunity to make specific personal recommendations for patients, convenient to receive and easy to follow through!

Can your patients benefit from in-office or at-home fluoride therapy? Here's how dental hygienists can start a conversation about the benefits of fluoride.

Fluoride is a proven mainstay in caries prevention as part of oral care.

Many patients assume that it is normal for their teeth to hurt when they eat or drink something hot or cold. However, as dental professionals we know that dentinal hypersensitivity is a common condition that can interfere with our patients’ quality of life. It is important to identify patients who are silently suffering from dentinal hypersensitivity and provide solutions for relief.

As dental offices start to re-open, appropriate PPE will be essential for helping dental hygienists to safely transition back to patient care.

Negotiating a pay raise is often a difficult task. Find an appropriate time for both you and your employer to discuss a raise. Dental hygienists are invaluable members of the dental team and you deserve to be compensated fairly for your contributions to the office.

As dental teams return to work after COVID-19 closures, here's how dental hygienists can take a leadership role to help ensure a safe, informed workplace.

Some patients come in asking about whitening, others do not. This article should focus on how to begin a whitening conversation. It should include tips on 'openers' for that conversation and also provide examples of several 'openers'. It should include tips on how to ask about any upcoming events that might be a reason to introduce and encourage toothwhitening. Also include tips on how to pivot a conversation to whitening when it is the patient who mentions that they have an upcoming event (but does not ask about whitening).

This article should discuss the role of diet in dental caries and erosion. Examples should be provided of foods, drinks and dietary habits contributing to this problem.

This article should begin by providing a definition for root caries and its location. After this, the disease process for root caries should be briefly discussed. The remainder of the article should focus on the management of root caries - both prevention and nonrestorative treatment for existing caries lesions on root surfaces. Also address need for OHI and dietary advice. Can mention may be dexterity issues causing difficulty with OHI in older patients.

This article should address why it is important to reassess your patient's caries risk post-pandemic. It should include information on what may have changed for an individual patient during the pandemic, making it even more important to reassess their caries risk. Examples of areas to address that include potential changes that would increase caries risk: 1) habits (e.g., more frequent snacking, greater consumption of soft drinks (sugars), increased alcohol consumption, drug use). 2) Anxiety/depression during the pandemic and use of medications causing dry mouth. 3) Reduced home care 4) lack of visits to the dental office/reduced visits. Also mention that COVID-19 can itself result in dry mouth. After this, briefly address options for care based on the outcome of the risk assessment.

This article should discuss how RDH can best partner with other members of the dental team. It should provide tips on how to do so, and including to discussing how each member contributes to patients wanting and receiving whitening treatments, how to all 'sing from the same sheet' on information and discussions about whitening with patients. The roles of each individual should be also be discussed.

No one wants a medical emergency in their office. Good preparation, before an emergency actually happens, will help prepare for a good outcome!

Sweet treats are in abundance during the holidays, but this can put your patients at higher risk of dental caries. Here's how dental hygienists can help.

Giving patients resources to help with medication induced dry mouth and increased caries risk can be easy when you understand their need!

Prescription-level fluorides are shown to prevent, arrest and reverse dental caries. Are you prescribing them in your office?

With National Children's Dental Health Month approaching, we discuss how dental hygienists can prepare to get involved and give back in February 2022.

Many patients do not need a thermostat to know the weather is getting colder. The extreme sensitivity many of them suffer from is very real and with proper recommendations, can be resolved!.

There are oral and systemic health issues we need to continue the conversation on for patients with diabetes.

Lasers have become popular amongst dental hygienists. Their ability to assist with patient care has made them an enticing adjunct therapy.

Optimism is key to a happy, healthy and productive dental office. Here's how every dental hygienist can become a champion of optimism in the workplace.

Summer means more outdoor activity, higher sports drinks consumption -- and potentially more dental erosion. Here's how dental hygienists can help.

We all want our patients to be enthusiastic about brushing, but what happens when they're too enthusiastic? Here's how to manage the risks of overbrushing.

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine rollout, how should dental hygienists answer questions from patients about their vaccination status?

In-person conferences are resuming in 2021! Coming together is an exciting time that we are all looking forward to.

Here are three ways to engage and encourage adolescent patients to take good care of their oral health.

There is debate in the dental community surrounding the issue of whether patients need antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures.

As a dental hygienist, it's important to stay motivated. When dealing with work-related stress, you may lose sight of why you chose dental hygiene as a career.

The key to achieving the right balance between your career and parenthood is to come up with a system to make time for family, but also yourself.

Did you know you can leverage your social media profiles to advance your dental hygiene career? Follow these social networking tips to get the most from your social media profiles.

Have you wondered what the benefit would be if you were to further your education? Here's what to know when considering a bachelor's degree.

A discovery made by the University of Nottingham and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University has uncovered the capabilities of regenerative dental fillings.

If you feel you're ready to transition from mentee to mentor, you may not know where to begin. Here are some tips to help you make the leap.

Evidence-Based Dentistry is to promote oral health, by giving information based on research, expertise and the patient’s needs. As health care workers, we should always want to use EBD to provide the best care possible.

If your patients are apprehensive about amalgam fillings they have, here is how you can help put their minds at ease.

Dental stem cells are being investigated for multiple applications to help solve some of the biggest health issues we face today.

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids have put health departments on alert, and the side effects are something you should watch out for in your dental patients.

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Here is an overview of mouthwashes, their ingredients, and how to tailor recommendations to best fit your patients' oral health needs.

Attending a dental convention can be an overwhelming experience. Read more to learn how to take advantage of them to propel your career forward.

Dental schools don't teach students how to find a mentor, they place students in guided clinics & classes under direct mentorship from expert dentists.

How do you make the transition from student to dental health professional? Here is advice on finding your way in the real-world workforce of dental hygiene.

Dental caries, if left unchecked can produce cavitation of enamel & collateral damage to the dentin and pulp. Help patients practice good oral health.

A full dental hygiene schedule keeps up the efficiency of the hygiene department & helps patients. Here are some methods to help ensure a full schedule.

Dental hygiene is a field that can be very stressful at times. Use these helpful tips on how to relax after work to help yourself decompress and re-energize.

Networking and building a relationship with a mentor allows dental hygienists to share their knowledge and years of experience with each other.

Questions to ask mentors can include advice on job location, furthering your education or career goals. Here are ideas to help grow your relationship & career.

Questions to ask mentors can include advice on job location, furthering your education or career goals. Here are ideas to help grow your relationship & career.

Dental hygiene is a very mentally and physically demanding career. When your body starts to ache, you are expected to push through the rest of your workday.

When you educate your patients as you treat their gingivitis, it can help them improve their oral hygiene. Here are tips to help your patients oral health.

After the wedding, if a woman chooses to change her name, she will have to change it legally. Here are tips to make the name change process as easy as possible.

As many dental hygienists know, there's a high risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome rearing its ugly head and affecting your ability to perform everyday duties.

Encouraging patient compliance can be difficult with patients who have poor home care habits and a history of periodontal disease or gingivitis.

How can we get our patients to understand that the blood in the sink is a sign that their gums aren't healthy, and to be more proactive with their oral health?

Discomfort can interrupt your life in several ways, that's why it's important to do stretches for shoulder pain. Read more on these stretches.

What you need to know about the complications that may arise due to cancer therapy and what dental measures you can take to keep a patient's mouth healthy.

Dental hygiene can be taxing on the body, resulting in emotions and chronic pain that are all too familiar for many dental hygienists.

You may often put your body in painful positions without realizing it, and poor posture and shoulder pain are directly related. Learn to alleviate both, here.

Working in the limited space of a patient's mouth requires a high degree of precision. For this reason, it is essential that your manual dexterity is developed.

Dental consultants can help your practice provide more efficient, productive care. Understand the pros & cons of a dental consultant before hiring one.

Discussing the effects of smoking and the importance of quitting is difficult. Have you begun talking, only to get an eye roll from your patient?

Patients with diabetes may not realize the connection between diabetes and oral health, or that periodontal disease may add to a rise in blood glucose.

Preventive care matters for treating caries & periodontal disease, learning good habits & proactive care may help prevent back problems and foster a long career.

Follow these time management steps to schedule individual appointments, and your day as a whole, to have a smooth, stress-free day.

Dental practices might adopt an assisted hygiene model for many reasons, from increasing productivity to offering more appointment options for patients.

As a dental hygienist, your job is to provide quality care to everyone, so here are five ways to make your most troublesome patients a little less challenging.

The AHA issued new blood pressure guidelines in November 2017. As a result, almost half of adults in the U.S. fit this definition of hypertension.

Therapy pets help calm patients and may reduce anxiety in children and adults with dental phobias. Learn the pros and cons of pet therapy here.

Dental hygienists have 3 ways to conserve water: in the office, with patients and at home. Here are some tips for a better world through water conservation.

Sales representatives are knowledgeable about products that can help your office and your patients, and a gateway to learning and networking opportunities.

Dental erosion is something you see in patients on a daily basis. Although it has multiple causes, many people aren't aware of the damage done to their teeth.

When it comes to persuading patients to accept a care plan, dental hygienists should be sensitive to the factors that help determine patients' care choices.

Making the connection between oral signs, symptoms, & sleep problems, is key to help patients understand long-term health consequences of their sleep patterns.

For dental hygienists, it can be so frustrating when you realize your patient isn't flossing. Here are some tips to help your patients floss regularly.

It is a dental hygienists responsibility to help patients understand the benefits of preventive dental care, even if insurance may not pay for treatment.

What is reverse mentoring? The name suggests it's a way for the teacher to be taught by the student, but it's so much more than that. Read more to learn how it can help your career.

By using these tooth brushing tips when providing oral health education, you will effectively relay a simple message that focuses on each individual's needs.

Working in multiple dental practices can be like musical chairs. Some may work in one practice exclusively, others may choose to work in multiple offices.

Navigating and understanding the grief process with your patients is a delicate process, but with careful consideration, you can help during a stressful time.

Dentists can be an excellent mentor who can pass down valuable knowledge & first-hand experiences. Read more about the five things you can learn from yours.

Learn how to benefit from a mentor relationship with an experienced dental hygienist and how they can impact your career. Read more at Colgate® Professional.

Considering working with a financial advisor? Having someone guide your financial decisions is a great way to provide peace of mind & financial security.

Networking is important for growth in the dental health field. Discussing latest topics with peers will help you stay up to date on new technology & methods.

Botox injections are a well-known solution for cosmetic needs, but can also be an option for the treatment of certain orofacial conditions.

As the calendar flips to the new year, people may wish to make resolutions to improve their oral health. With the right support, they may reach their goal.

Dental hygienists who ask patients questions beyond their oral health can help build successful relationships and make oral health a more achievable goal.

Here are some tips for communicating effectively with patients and coworkers, and how to integrate into your new office as a dental hygienist.

This code now bridges the gap between dental procedure codes D1110 (prophylaxis) and D4341/D4342 (scaling and root planing).

Making eating right a priority will have a positive impact on your workday and your personal life. Here are steps to add healthy eating habits into your day.

Newer dental practice management programs can work for both Macs and PCs. Cloud-based software is easy to access in any location for multiple locations.

Do you worry about how to pay for college for yourself or your kids? If so, you're not alone.