2018 Dental Black Friday Deals
Today is the day! Black Friday 2018, which means frantically thinking of everyone on your list for the year since there are so many great deals going on. But, did you remember the most important person on your list? That person is YOU! We’ve compiled a few of our favorite dental items, scrubs, and just for fun products for the dental professional that are on sale today!
Scrubs are 30% off today, which is one of the lower percentages off this year. Their scrubs stretch, breathe, and stretch which are perfect in our career. I’m just waiting/hoping for them to create dental themed compression socks since their medical ones are the best.
Jaanuu’s entire site is 35% (excluding sale), which is the perfect time to try out some of their brand new fits and prints. No code is needed.
With 23% off your purchase plus a free PDT scaler, grab some gifts for yourself and your dental besties. We love the No Scrubs sweatshirt, so many cute stickers for your loupes case, and all the Christmas themed shirts for your holiday parties.
The site has 25% off your purchase, plus free shipping today with the code BLACKFRIDAY. This sign is perfect home bathroom or dental office decor.
Cocofloss is 20% off today (and I bought it when it was 15% off. Whomp). If you only need a few packs for gifts/family members/ to travel with, this is the best time to buy. If you love Cocofloss and want larger quantities for yourself or for patients, register as a dental professional for great pricing options.
Good luck today guys! And don’t forget to treat the best person on your holiday list.
Are you a Black Friday Shopper? Where do you like to go/stock up on?
How Grateful are You for Dental Hygiene?
The end of the year is my least favorite time in dentistry. Days are full of stressed patient’s trying to get in before their insurance renews that have busy lives and schedules, last second patients being squeezed in at the end of the day or during lunch, and patient’s running late due to weather conditions. It can make for a stressful day. That with not being paid enough, not being appreciated, and having cuts to the office supplies, it’s surprising we don’t all quit our jobs during these last two months! However, being negative about pretty much everything is a feeling we have about our situation. Just a feeling! We can change that feeling by changing our thoughts. And what’s a way to change our thoughts? Being grateful.
So many studies show the importance of being grateful each day (see below to read just a few). Being grateful leads to a happier life, better relationships, and more personal fulfillment. Who wouldn’t want that at work- a place we spend the majority of our day? Being positive at and about work could change the flow of your day.
So, how do you best change your perspective on your current job situation? Look at the good you’re doing and how it’s helping both you and your patients.
1. What you’re doing for your patients and work environment
Of course, our days are spent treating patients that tell us they do not like being in our chair, or just ate Oreos before coming to their appointment. When I hear these comments, it’s so easy to be negative. But who else is spending an hour with this patient that day, talking about them and their health? Who else shows them little techniques and tricks to make their oral and overall health better? Who else is positive and excited when the patient’s oral health improves by millimeters? We celebrate and care about these people and they appreciate it! They may not express it as often as we’d like, but actually having them come back in 6 months with a positive attitude shows how much they like it. Good job, RDH! You are making a difference in your community. Which such a global world, there are few careers that effect your neighborhood and the people in it anymore.
2. What your job is doing for you
Yes, we’re healthcare workers and professionals. We love helping people, learning new things, and incorporating technology into what we do. But, having a job to pay the bills and spoil yourself once in a while is helpful. Your job is helping you with your goals, even if your goals aren’t monetarily based.
If you find that your job truly isn’t a good fit for you, you can still be grateful! Be grateful for the experience that you’ve found what works and what doesn’t work for you, and that this experience showed what to look for and what to stay away from as you look for further career opportunities.
We at Hygiene Edge just want to say THANK YOU to you! Thank you for supporting our dreams of growing out profession and helping hygienists around the world. Thanks for following us as we grow and learn and find out what works! We are definitely grateful for our career, and how we can change lives one person at a time.
Looking for studies on being grateful? We have lots!
Have You Heard About American Eagle Instruments M23?
Hey there! Let’s chat about your favorite instruments. If you love the Barnhart 5/6, but wish it had a tip over a toe, then you will love the M23 by American Eagle Instruments. Check the instrument, the technique, and where to use it in our latest video.
Newborns and Ear Infections
I have a confession… I've become one of those hygienist that inundate people with dental information when they least expect it. There is one subgroup in particular that I seem to really channel in on- expectant mothers. And I'm not picky to where I give my OHE lessons.
Parks? Yep.
Mom Groups? You Betcha.
Church? Check
But here is the thing. There is a lot of research that shows that the healthier a mothers mouth is the healthier their babies mouth will be. Babies aren't born with bacteria and research shows babies tend to have their moms bacteria. I encourage expectant moms to get onto a xylitol regime ASAP.
In addition to helping prevent dental caries, xylitol has been linked to a decrease in ear infections.
Apparently the mom passing great bacteria is not the only thing that can help newborns- so can xylitol nasal spray.
The thing is xylitol gum can be a little spendy...(totally worth it in my opinion) but the nasal spray is NOT an expensive option and might be more doable for some patients.
There was a study done in the International Journal of Audiology where 10 babies had xylitol placed in their nose (2 drops each nostril) at every diaper change. And guess what? They had a 93 % reduction in ear infections. Ten babies is a small small sample size and when it was replicated it was only a 39 % decrease, but because the first study was more structured- I don’t think it can be completely discounted.
Hygiene Edge Tip: Have your patients place nasal spray by their babies changing stations and get those mamas chewing some xylitol. You could suggest they put xylitol gum by the change table and each time they change their baby, they chew a piece of gum.
Looking for a hand out about Xylitol to help with education? We have one!
2018 Dental Holiday Gift Guide
It’s hard to believe, but the minute it turned November, so did the holiday prep. And of course, the thought of getting gifts for a boss or manager lingers in the back of everyone’s mind. We want to help! A gift card is always appreciated, but this year, mix it up a bit with something new that they won’t forget. Here is a list of unique dental gifts for any dental professional in your life. Maybe yourself as well?
Did your office do Secret Santa this year? This tote is a cute option for anyone! You could fill it with the recipients favorite treats (or healthy snacks if they’re into that), or even a mascara or lip gloss or a favorite dental product (Cocofloss maybe?).
2. Custom Socks
Is your dentist obsessed with their dog or kids? These custom socks can have any face put on them, with the color being customizable as well. This gift will definitely get some laughs at the company Christmas party. And if they’re a dentist, they are probably a bit practical, which socks is the perfect gift for someone that’s practical. You can also connect over them when they (hopefully) wear them to the office!
3. Dental Mug
If you’re into humor as a gift, why not a silly mug? Even if your boss is for or against the current political situation, they’ll love something funny that goes along with it. You could pair this mug with some hot chocolate mixes or a Starbucks gift card.
4. Dental School Alma Mater Wear
Check out your DDS’ diploma. Where did they spend 4 years of their life gaining their degree? Most dentists have fond memories of where they went to school, even if it was some of the hardest years of their lives. Head over to the school they went to online book store to order a sweatshirt, mug, keychain, etc.
If they love to read, learn or have a long commute to get to the office, an Audible membership is the gift that keeps on giving! The price point is a bit higher, so going in as an entire office may be the best for this gift. Each month, they are able to download 1 book and get discounts on other books they may be interested it. I personally love my membership and listening to something new each month as I drive to work.
6. Give Service
Now, this may sound a little different, but so many people are hard to buy for. Why not do something a little different instead? Pool the money you were going to use for a gift, and give it to a local charity that your boss has an interest in. Or, use that money to purchase hygiene supplies and put together hygiene kits for the local women’s shelter. They could be put together during a lunch break or even your office party. With many hands helping, they don’t take too long to assemble. Check out JustServe.org for other volunteer opportunities in your area.
Happy gift giving! What does your office usually do for gifts?
It's Time To Get Better Instruments
Next time you need new instruments try out the XP Sharpen-Free Technology from American Eagle Instruments. Learn all about them in our latest video below.
Some Things You Don't Learn In a Text Book
If you are a dental nerd like me you love all things dentistry. Even after school there are so many interesting things to learn and implement. I do keep a few trusty old books close by in the operatory for reference, as you can see in my photo, but one thing school books don’t train you on is your chairside manner. I remember struggling as a new grad to find my stride on educating patients on treatment plans and providing the best customer service. I ordered book after book on the best practices to become an amazing hygienist, and how to build a hygiene department. There are so many great resources we have in dental hygiene to guide us on this path.
Here at Hygiene Edge we have a subscription to Speareducation.com. They have helped me to become a better dental hygienist through their helpful videos. Lately, I especially like the ones on restorative dentistry so I can better help patients understand their treatment needs. There are a lot of offices that invest in their team and get an office subscription. You can watch these and learn techniques together during staff meetings or during down time. Learning is always informational with their unique site.
What are some of your favorite resources that have helped you on your path as a hygienist?
Hygiene Round Up- July
With summer in full swing, it's time to brush up on your skin cancer knowledge for extra oral exams.
Are you a dental hygiene student? We'd love your help with a survey all about dental hygiene clinical instructors.
Loving this new print for a scrub top.
A great perspective on being part of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.
Pretty interesting that some monkeys have better hygiene habits than many of our patients.
2018 Student Essay Contest
It's time again for our Annual Student Essay Contest!
This year, we've decided to look into ADHA and being part of your student chapter. We'd love to know how being part of it as helped you learn and grow as a person and as a dental hygienist. Any fun activities you've done? Any great events or volunteer opportunities that your classmates have been involved in? What have you learned from being part of the events and a dental hygiene community? We want to know!
Winner will be chosen and given $100, a prize package from our shop, and be published on Hygiene Edge. Email your submissions by August 1 to hygieneedge@gmail.com.
We're so excited to hear what you've been up to with the ADHA and SADHA!
Fine print: You must be a current dental hygiene student OR have graduated dental hygiene school in the last 6 months. Entries are due August 1, 2018 and should be emailed to hygieneedge@gmail.com. All writing must be original work. Entry must been less than 1000 words long. Photos can be included, but must be copyright free.
What, No Toothpaste?!?
Before you have a heart attack, you can add toothpaste, just not in the way we were taught in hygiene school.
Am I the only one that squirms when a patient asks about toothpaste ingredients? The patient starts rambling off ingredients that you're pretty sure you recognize from hygiene school, but the recall is not there. Thank heavens we are "able" (required) to take Continuing Education classes.
Apparently its not only the ingredients we should be worried about but WHEN the patient brushes.
I recently took a course from Spear Education from one of my FAVORITE hygienist-Trisha O'heir. The course was called, "The Toothpaste Secret: Helping Patients Develop Effective Toothbrushing Habits." The course was short and it was fascinating. She shared that in the 70's before there were strict laws on recording people without their consent, researchers put up secret cameras to watch people brush their teeth.
As hygienist we already know what the research confirmed- patients brush sporadically-they start on the facials and barely touch the lingual side of their mouth, they don't brush very long and aren't very effective.
Her remedy was to have them brush WITHOUT toothpaste, starting on the lower right linguals for right-handed patients and lower left linguals for left-handed patients. This is called "dry brushing." When dry brushing is done the research shows that patients brush longer and more effectively!
Genius!! it makes perfect sense to have patients start brushing where they brush the least. And because toothpaste numbs senses, without toothpaste the patient can feel if his/her mouth is actually clean or not. After the patient's mouth feels clean, advise him/her to add toothpaste and brush again.
We still want our patients to use toothpaste but WHEN the patients uses it is very important.
As far as patient ingredients: O'Heir advises against any kinds of toothpaste containing microbeads. Proctor and Gamble has been working on getting the little pieces out of toothpaste but definitely look before you recommend any brand. Also, O'Heir strongly advises against Sodium-laurel sulfate (the ingredient that causes toothpaste to foam) because of its increased risk of aphthous ulcers.
Hygiene Edge Advice: If you have a patient with a lot of plaque- teach them how to dry brush (we included a handout for you below). Patients trust your opinion so be a detective and research toothpaste ingredients before you recommend a toothpaste.
Here is a handout for you to give to your patients all about dry brushing :)
