Love To The Dental Hygiene Students
We know of your struggles and want to wish you the best. We dedicate this to you.
6 Tips to Thrive as a Freelance Dental Hygienist
There are countless benefits of working as a freelance dental hygienist. When you work independently, you can set your own schedule, choose which practices you work in, decide your hourly rate and even open your own practice if you want to really progress in the industry.
Whether you’re a first-time freelance hygienist or you’ve been temping for years, walking into a new dental practice for the first time is always a little intimidating. To help you fit right in and ensure you’ll get called back, follow our six tips to thrive as a freelance dental hygienist.
1. Confirm important details in advance
The day before you’re due to arrive, contact the person who offered you the position and confirm the important details. Double check the address, starting time, working hours and hourly rate. If you don’t get these particulars settled in advance, it could lead to some confusion and unpleasantness further down the line.
2. Familiarize yourself with the equipment
When you practice at different offices, it’s almost certain you’ll be required to work with different types of equipment than you’re used to. To avoid looking unprofessional in front of patients, make sure you understand how to use all the apparatus in the room before your first appointment.
Don’t be scared to ask your coworkers how the ultrasonic scaler or x-ray software works. It’s much better to ask your coworkers for help before the day begins than taking up everyone’s time asking questions during treatment.
3. Fit in with the workflow
Take note of how the dentist treats their first few patients and try your best to mimic their treatment style. Do they have a strictly professional appearance with minimal talking using proper terminology? Or are they really friendly and make a lot of small talk using layman’s terms to make the patient feel at ease?
However the dentist acts toward their patients, it’s important you fit in well so as to not disrupt the workflow or clash.
4. Be a team player
Some of your coworkers might feel a little put out by your presence. Try and shake off any potential hostility by getting involved in the team as much as possible. At the beginning of the day, offer to help set up treatment rooms and lay out equipment used by other dental hygienists. At the end of the day, ask if anyone needs help breaking down rooms or cleaning equipment.
When your coworkers see you’re invested in the team and not just there to earn your hourly rate, they’ll be much more welcoming toward you. You’ll also greatly increase your chances of being called back if your client can see you’re willing to go that extra mile.
5. Ask for helpful feedback
When all the patients have been treated and the workstations have been cleaned, ask for feedback on how you did and ways you can improve in the future. Even if your client doesn’t have much criticism for you, most will be thrilled you’re showing an eagerness to improve and work better within their team.
If you do receive advice on things you could do to better fit in with the practice, tell the dentist that you’ll take it on board and work on it for when you return or for your next client. Try not to take any criticism personally. Constructive feedback is designed to help you progress and develop in your career.
6. Document everything
For many, the biggest downside of working as an independent contractor is taking on the responsibility of doing your own taxes. Here’s a brief overview of the paperwork you need to submit each year when working as a freelance dental hygienist. So you can file everything accurately, it’s important you keep track of:
Names of your clients and their registered businesses
Dates and hours worked
Money earned for each position
Proof of work-related expenses
If you don’t monitor this information as you go, you’ll find it almost impossible to fill out your tax forms and will land yourself in some serious trouble.
To benefit from the incredible freedom you get from working as a freelance dental hygienist, it’s important you win over your coworkers, impress your clients and do an excellent job. Follow our advice and you’ll be well on your way to filling your work schedule with exciting new opportunities.
-Special thanks to Clouddentistry.com for the provided post!
Reducing Aerosols Through Evacuation System Maintenance
AEROSOLS, that is an important word lately. How do we reduce aerosols? The answer to that questions is, having a properly working suctioning unit. To keep those suction lines working TOP notch we need to be flushing the dental unit lines daily.
We NEED top notch evacuation systems to reduce airborne diseases and maintenance of that system is key.
In our latest video we talk all about how a usual bucket to solution technique only cleans the bottom half of your evacuation lines, due to gravity. To clean the entire 360 circumference of the lines use the Biotrol EZ 1-2-3TM Atomizer with VACUSOL Neutral or NeutraVAC® Evacuation system cleaners. The system dislodges and removes blood, saliva, amalgam, fluoride gel debris and is an anti-corrosive, non-acidic, non-foaming formula protects pump parts.
The Future of Our Profession
Being one who recently got laid-off (hopefully temporarily) from their clinical job due to the COVID-19 pandemic has me thinking about the future of my profession. When I graduated dental hygiene school in 2008, the economy was right in the middle of the housing crisis. At the time I honestly didn’t even give the economy a thought. I was young and hopeful. I worked hard to make myself marketable and found 3 different jobs to fill my schedule from M-F. This current situation is a little different than way back when.
As I sit at home now reading all about this pandemic, a few things stand out to me about the future of my profession.
1. We will go back to work. We will however, economically be in a situation where some patients have lost jobs and insurance plans, and won't be able to afford treatment. Is there still a way to take care of these patients during this crisis?
2. While back at work we will once again fill our schedules but COVID-19 will NOT be gone. It will never fully go away. The hope is that in 12-18 months a vaccine will come out to help prevent illness. I also hope that we find an antiviral for COVID-19 that is curative, and possibly prophylactic, but those things take time.
3. So after we do lower the curve and head back to work for the next 12-18 months, how do we protect ourselves and our patients? Below are a few changes that will need to be implemented. Note that I recognize that this will be ever changing as new guidelines come out.
Pre-screening over the phone about travel, and recent illness.
Taking of the temperature before the patient enters the clinic. (As COVID-19 tests become more readily available, we may need to screen patients before they even come into the building.)
Once the patient is cleared for treatment, they head right back to the operatory and skip the waiting room.
They will do a pre-procedural 1% hydrogen peroxide rinse for 60 seconds. (That’s half water half hydrogen peroxide)
We will proceed with treatment trying to reduce aerosols as much as possible. That means using high volume suction during polishing and power-driven scaler use. Consider investing a high volume suction attachment like the Nu Bird Suctioning mirror.
N-95 masks for us to use.
All proper PPE. Do you remember all the lab coats and precautions they made you take in hygiene school? There shall be no more bare arms folks. This may also include a face shield and changing your scrubs before you leave the office.
WHAT OTHER CHANGES DO YOU THINK WE WILL SEE?
Be sure to read the Clinicians Report article that discusses some things we need to be doing in office as well, such as disinfection protocols. HERE
I know that the dental bigwigs will be coming out with a great list of MUST HAVES before we can all head back to work so start preparing for more changes. Love you all and wish you the best on this unique journey. We are #dentalhygienestrong!
Online CE's to Get You Through
I’m not going to lie. This has been a tricky time for everyone! Honestly, the hardest part is staying put at home and getting a bit stir crazy. Need an idea to help pass the time, but also keep you on your hygiene game? We’ve made a list of upcoming webinars, CE courses, and online events that you can take part of from your own bed!
One of our favorite podcast “A Tale of Two Hygienists” has several podcasts that you can listen to for CE credits. Not live credits, but a great source of information.
Dimensions of Dental Hygiene is offering free infection control CEs right now. Their classes are awesome since they are all research based.
Viva Learning has 1 hour live CEs each week. I’m not going to lie- they are lots of ads during these CEs, but you can definitely pick up on some good tidbits.
Looking for some OSHA training? Hu Friedy has one coming up on March 23.
Colgate has a few scheduled coming up. Some topics covered are dental implants, treatment planning, and treating patients with autism.
Dentsply has a course about pandemics coming up on Thursday, March 26.
How Are We Talking About Toothpaste to Patients?
A few days ago (before everything stopped!), I dropped by my local pharmacy and strolled down the oral hygiene aisle. Now, being a dental hygienist, I feel like I know quite a bit about all the products that are lining the shelves. But, as I walked down, there was a customer picking up a box of toothpaste, spinning it around, putting it down, then went to the next product. Seeing her thumb through each item highlighted how confusing this aisle probably is to most patients and how we can be a source of credible information for them. It’s easy for me to rattle off oral hygiene instructions in my operatory, but putting myself in the store where the patients make the ultimate decision put everything into perspective.
So- what are we telling patients when are they in our operatory chairs? Are we creating meaningful conversations that they can take with them into the store? Are we recommending products that are easy to find and easy to remember? What are things you want to point out to patients so they can make the transition to purchase the best product for them? Here are a few things I like to chat about with patients to tailor product recommendations:
Ingredients: When talking about toothpaste, it’s all about the active ingredient. Point how important having fluoride in a paste and educate your patient to actually read the labels of brand they’re looking at. Like Crest Gum Dexofiy or Crest Gum and Sensitivity, I always recommend a stannous fluoride.
Cost: Of course, cost is a factor. You’ll need to look at the patient population you have and what they can afford at their time in life. Do you work with lots of college students, who may not have a lot of extra income and not be able to purchase an electric toothbrush, or work in a more middle class area?
Location: What stores are close to your office? Is there a big box retailer across the street that only carries a certain brand of toothpaste or toothbrush? Take a second during a lunch break and check out what products are offered at the stores close to you, so you can make practical recommendations to your patients.
We can educate all day to our patients about their needs to improve their oral health, but if we aren’t making it accessible to them, it is even that effective?
What do you do in your office to help patients improve their oral and overall health?
A huge thank you to Crest/Oral B for sponsoring this post! We have loved working with this amazing brand who focus on being #hygienistproud and supporting dental hygienist’s missions.
COVID-19 for the RDH
I’m currently quarantined.
A few days ago, I found out that a family member we had seen the week before tested positive for COVID-19. This news was a huge shock- there haven’t been many cases diagnosed in Utah, let alone America, and the thought of having it so close in the family made it unreal. With all this new, bring so many questions from me, the safety of my family and my patients, and what’s next. We had several conversations with the Utah Health Department and the CDC about what was next for us and them, and what’s best for our communities. Since I am low risk with no physical contact with the person but have been within 6 feet of them, my family and I was put on a state mandated home quarantine. So here I am, a few days in, with many questions as I watch from the outside (inside since I’m stuck in a house?) the news unfold of number updates, changes in ADA recommendations, and company closures.
Through it all, this is what I’ve learned so far:
1. We need to look out for each other. This thing is scary. It’s unknown, and we don’t know how long it’ll last or how bad it can be. Because of that, let’s be compassionate with everyone around us. We’ve had several neighbors text or reach out, but they rarely ask how we are doing or how the patient is. The questions are always “should I be worried about myself?” “You shouldn’t go into your yard” “You should get tested…” Unfortunately, we can’t really answer many of these questions, and it’s a bit overwhelming.
2. Get my finances under wrap! Since I’ll be out of work for a while with lots of questions of when offices can open again, this has really put my finances in the forefront. We’re excited to be working on some easy tips for RDH with finances. Because nothing makes you think more about them then being out of work for weeks.
3. This virus is ever changing. Each day, we are getting new updates on what to do, where to do and where not to go. And it’s overwhelming! There also is a lot of fear involved with the unknown and the changes. Take some time for self care and to make sure your mental health is doing ok.
Am I low key freaking out about being out of work for who knows how long, especially since I’m the main breadwinner in our family? YES!
Am I worried about my patients, my students, my career? YES!
Did I just stress order a comfy lounge outfit to wear the entire time I’m in lock down? YES!
There are many emotions and concerns with all the unknown that’s happening right now. However, one thing I do know is that I’m here to help if you need it. Need someone to vent to? Put on your own self isolation or a state mandated quarantine? Have a family member diagnosed? Need to vent? Have personal questions about what the CDC has been telling us? Please reach out! I’d love to chat with you and support you through this crazy time.
Let’s work together to stay safe and make the world a bit better.
How To Do Hygiene Recall Like a Pro
Most of the time there are things in every profession that you don't realize you will be doing when you chose to purse it. Recall, recare, continuing care or preventive care (whatever you want to call it) phone calls was one of those things for me. I didn't realize that hygienists need to be proficient in "telemarketing." Personally I would rather be treating patients, but that is an issue for a blog post on another day.
Most of the time there are things in every profession that you don't realize you will be doing when you chose to purse it. Recall, recare, continuing care or preventive care (whatever you want to call it) phone calls was one of those things for me. I didn't realize that hygienists need to be proficient in "telemarketing." Personally I would rather be treating patients, but that is an issue for a blog post on another day.
The skill of knowing how to make a successful recall phone call does often times come with the job description. I am not a natural on the phone and quite frankly doing recall scared me for a long time. I figured that many of our viewers were probably feeling the same stresses so I created an easy to follow phone script for you to use while doing recall. You can get the latest version in our shop HERE.
Special notes on how to use the script sheet
1. If you have to leave a message tell them that you have a question concerning their appointment. No, they don't have an appointment scheduled but you would like to schedule one. This will usually get them to call the office back thinking, what appointment did I schedule? If you leave a message only saying, " it is time for a check up, please call us back," 99% of the time you wont get a call back.
2. Don't take no for an answer. They are going to give you a reason that they don't want to schedule. My rule of thumb is to try and have a solution to the reason for them saying no. As shown on the script sheet, it will most of the time be, "I don't have time," OR, "I don't have money." Check the script sheet on how to answer these common, "no" responses.
3. Keep it positive, upbeat and try to remember that you are doing this to help keep their mouths healthy for a lifetime.
You can get the latest version of the script above in our shop HERE.
Simple Ways to Celebrate National Children's Oral Health Month
How are you celebrating National Children’s Oral Health Month this February? We have a few simple ideas you can start tomorrow!
February is becoming one of my favorite months. January finally ends, we get to focus on love for our family and friends, and we celebrate Children’s Oral health! Even with only 28 short days, there are some easy ways you and your office can celebrate this month.
1. Post about it on social media. Let’s let the public know about this month and how important home care and oral health is! Sometimes little things we think are common sense may not be to your friends. Like sharing utensils with babies, brushing baby teeth, children that snore can lead to other problems, etc, these are totally second nature to us. But if you’re never been to dental hygiene school, makes sense you wouldn’t know. Your post can be light and positive and highlight the importance of health in kids.
2. Play some kid friendly music in your op. Do you switch out your music for your patient type? We’ve made a Spotify playlist just for kids but won’t drive you crazy at the same time. Add it to your operatory today and switch it up this month (or any month!) when you have a pedo patient in your chair. Have a wiggly kid that’s having a hard time with the appointment? Invest in a few fidget spinners to have them play with while you’re scaling or polishing.
3. Hand out toothbrushes at your neighborhood school. What parent or kid wouldn’t love a new brush to take home? It can also remind parents of the importance of changing out their toothbrush every few months.
4. Get on your local news or write for your local paper. Wouldn’t this be a fun way to talk about oral health with the public? Share 1 or two oral hygiene tips for the general public to know and start doing at home. It’ll also highlight your office, and how start and caring dental hygienists are. Win win.
These are just a few ways to celebrate! How are you guys celebrating this month?
Dental Hygiene Valentine's
Three perfect Valnetine's to print or email to your coworkers or hygiene friends!
Valentines day is coming up. Need a last minute Valentine Idea for your coworkers? Print or email them one of our Dental Hygiene Themed Valentines! Does your office do anything special for Valentine's?
