Communication in the Dental Office
This has been a weird time. Anyone else feel this way? One minute I’ll be happy and loving being at home with my little one, with the next minute I’m missing patients and students and wish I could be at work. Then, the next is sadness for all the dentists and dental hygienists around me that are having similar thoughts and emotions as me.
If I’ve learned one thing during this time at home being away from people is the importance of communication. We are all fearful of what’s next for our careers and what’s next for our patients when it comes to our practices. But, with all the unknown comes fear. However, many times the unknowns can be answered with proper communication between the dental team.
Looking for a way to open the lines of communication between your office? Reach out to your dentist or office manager with kindness. They most likely are freaking out as well. Ask the question “What you can do to help?” It may be nothing, it may be just giving some supporting words, it may be talking to other offices to see where they are ordering supplies or PPE from.
Another way to open communication is be the communicator you wished they be. Let them know you’re always open to talk about things and what form of commination is the best for everyone (texting, calling, email, etc). Ask if it’s ok to start up an office group text to keep everyone on the team on the same page of what’s next. If everyone is getting the same information at the same time, this will prevent confusion in the future.
Also, as an office, share all the news. The good, the bad, the ugly. When we’re all on the same page of what’s working and what isn’t, it can make communication so much smoother. Let’s not only talk about the negatives right now (we have enough of that on social media or the news). Let’s talk about what’s also working and what’s a positive plan to move forward. Instead of sending a generic email of “closed until further notice” and end the conversation at that, keep the conversation open. Ask questions, get feedback, treat everyone in your office like a human.
Now- I’m the first to admit that communication is not my strongest skill (just ask my husband). However, now more than ever, communicating thoughts, feelings and plans will help prevent future fears and heartaches. Let’s work together as a team to be on the same page, do what’s best for our teams and our patients, and stick together for what’s right for our communities. We’re scared. Let’s be scared and help each other together.
One other thing to think about. A way to increase communication through your team is working on a project together. One great project to take on right now is thinking and focusing and creating content for your office’s social media. We all need some positive content right now. Why not have your office be the one making it? We have lots of ideas on social media for your office and will be sharing some of them soon on a new video. Stay tuned for that!
How has your office and team been communicating over the last few weeks? How are you feeling with everything? We’d love to chat.
What's the Difference between N95 and K95 Masks?
Well- the time has come. Many of us have word that we’re heading back into our practices. We’re jumping back in to help patients and prevent oral and overall health issues. But, it won’t be the same, mainly due to PPE changes. Many states have changed their PPE requirements and increased what we’ll be wearing each day. But- what does the mask recommendations mean when it comes to N95 and K95 masks?
Basically, they are the same thing. They have the same purpose and are required to filter out the same size of particles (0.1 to 0.3 microns) and be 95% effective in their filtration. N95 us the name for the masks in the US, K95 is what they’re called in China.
One key aspect of either of the masks is the fit. They should fit tight on the face, and OSHA says they should be fit tests to the wearer. If there is any gap or opening, they become ineffective for any filtration.
Looking for more info? This is a great resource comparing masks.
Organization Tips for the Dental Hygienist
We all know that it’s weird right now. And we have lots of time on our hands. And we’re missing our offices and patients. However, with all this time, it could definitely be a positive! We can accomplish things that we never have time for, especially within your office. One thing that I find there is never enough time for is cleaning and organizing. Why not utilize these days without patients, head into your office, and take on the large challenge of cleaning out your drawers and getting organized? Then, when we’re back and able to see patients again, your office will be set for the rush of people wanting to get in.
But, cleaning and organizing an entire office can be very overwhelming, especially if it has been a few years. Well, lucky for us in the dental field, Zirc Dental Products is here to help. They offer so many great products, like tubs and trays with locking covers to help make your office streamlined, organized, and safe. Plus, Zirc would love to connect with you virtually, answer any questions you may have, and give you some specific pointers to help you. Feel free to reach out to their product and efficiency consultants with clinical experience to help guide you in your organizational journey. They’ve been there before and are happy to help!
But, here are a few tips just to get you started in the meantime:
Focus on 1 room. It can be overwhelming to look at the project as a whole. Instead, break it up into smaller pieces by picking 1 room at a time to clean out.
In each room, look at all the products and if they’re expired, get rid of them. Don’t let something that shouldn’t be used on a patient take up any precious space. Lots of times we get samples from conventions and forget to use them. Go through your sample stash and throw out anything that’s expired or outdated.
As a rule of thumb – if you haven’t used it in a year, it should go. No need to hang onto something that really has no purpose in your office.
Pick the least intimidating room first. Starting your organization journey in your lab might be a bit overwhelming. Try starting in an opertory or the sterilization area first and completely finish it before moving onto the next room.
We’re excited for you to tackle this project of office organization! If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, that’s ok! It is definitely a large (but rewarding) project to take on. Plus, think about how great it will be to come back to a busy schedule with a completely clean and organized operatory?
Have you taken on a project like this before at your office? What helped you get everything in place? What didn’t work so well?
A huge thank you to Zirc for helping us make this post about organization! They would love to help you with your office and answer any of your questions. Plus, if you haven’t checked out their products that include instrument trays, cassettes, tubs, locking covers, and more, you’re definitely missing out. The colors are to swoon over! Not only for looks, but functionality. Color code to keep everyone in your office on the same page of where things belong based on different procedures. Looking for that extra help? Sign up for their Virtual Practice Clean Out here!
Connecting with Patients during #COVID19
We all know we have too much time on our hands right now. We’re missing work, our kid’s homeschool work is a bit overwhelming, and we are inside out houses all day. With that, we have the thoughts of what our offices and schedules will look like after being able to leave this social distancing phase. But, this could be a positive time as well! What’s one thing your office has wanted to do but seems to never have the time? Most people will answer starting their social media channels for their practice and creating content for them. This is a perfect time to take over the creation, do something creative, and help your patients from a distance.
Now that you’ve decided to start working on your office’s social media, what do you post? We’ve compiled a few content ideas for you to take a run with right now to upload now, but create and save for the entire year.
Create a short video for Instagram or Facebook about #DentalER. Encourage your patients to reach out to you if they have a dental emergency instead of the ER to relieve some stress from the already busy hospital, and that you’re open and ready to help whenever needed. Check out our example:
Create videos answering patient’s most asked questions. You know the ones that get asked every hour when we’re working- what’s the best toothbrush or toothpaste, how should I whiten my teeth, why is this tooth sensitive to cold, etc. Each commonly asked question could be its own video for your social media accounts. Wear your scrubs, make sure your light is good, and film with your iPhone. Keep it short and casual so patients can relate with you. The last thing people want right now is scary information, negative information, or stuffiness.
Write a few blog posts about similar topics. If you don’t feel comfortable being on film (which you shouldn’t-you’re a babe!), you could write some blog posts for your office website to use throughout the year. Make sure they are at least 500 words and the main point of your article is in the header on your website.
Take some photos of your office. Since no one is in there right now during the day, go take a bunch of pictures of your space. Download a light and bright filter for them, and use these photos to update your Google Profile and save them as stock photos to use throughout the entire year.
Does your office use social media to help connect with patients? What’s working and what isn’t when it comes to social media? We love the idea of connecting with patients through social media and meeting them where they currently are. We know that connecting them with positive, educational content right now definitely makes a difference in their lives and your practice.
A huge thank you to #CrestOralBPro for working with us to help our communities stay safe and healthy! #COVID19
A Response to the ADHA Call to Action
As soon as the Call to Action hit my newsfeed, I had it filled out and sent off before the comments even started streaming in. Then the comments started streaming in… and I was surprised at them. Here is why I was surprised, I sat in the room as the topic of clinical boards came up at the ADHA House of Delegates last summer. I sat and listened as both sides of the issue were presented. I watched the process of how we are represented as a profession and I felt proud. I walked away from that experience supporting the ADHA’s stance of “The American Dental Hygienists’ Association supports elimination of the patient procedure-based, single encounter clinical examination for candidates who are graduates of Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene programs and who are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.” I have worked in three different hygiene programs, all of which go above and beyond CODA requirements. This year is also the first year that I have been more involved in the self-study process, a process where schools show that they are meeting and often exceeding CODA standards to ensure competency in Dental Hygiene through the education process. Guys, it’s INTENSE. I am a proponent of licensure upon graduation of a CODA accredited program because of my experience. We have been graduating students above the competency requirements. Yes, I have had students who aren’t at the “top” of the scaling game upon graduation but, were they going to go willy nilly chopping people’s papilla off? No! Do I feel like those who have graduated were at a competency that was safe for the public?. Do I feel that clinical competency is only part of what makes a competent Dental Hygienist? Yes. Do I believe that Dental Hygiene is a profession of LIFE-LONG learning and progression? YYYYEEEEESSSSS!
With that being said, there are some legitimate concerns I have heard- not the “I had to do it, so you have to do it” outcries I have been hearing… we don’t eat our young. The concerns where programs may feel pressure to push students through to graduation without meeting competency. I am open to these discussions of how to address these concerns WITHOUT the “patient procedure-based, single encounter clinical examination” ONE day does not legitimize or decimate the MONTHS of growth and clinical competency already shown. It is important to listen to other’s concerns because it is through that dialogue that GENIUS is born and we can come up with a summative assessment that is ethical, practical and will show the competency of our professional future. This is why we need ALL voices as members of OUR Association, to listen, to understand and to grow. My colleague Chanci and I were up way too late texting about this very topic. Looking at it from differing sides of the issue.
Chanci Oyler, MEd, BSDH, RDH:
When I first heard about the idea of discontinuing the single-encounter clinical exam several years ago, I was taken aback. It was all I had ever known as a hygienist. Was it stressful and hard? Yes. But it wasn’t impossible and most everyone passes on the first try so what’s the problem with it? As the discussion continued I gained some valuable insight that eventually led me to a change of heart and it was more than just the questionable ethical implications the exam has on patients.
As a dental hygiene educator I have always strived to hold my students to a high standard. Most of them meet or exceed those standards and some fall short on occasion. I sometimes worried about some of their futures as dental hygienists. In the back of my mind I always thought, well if they graduate and pass boards then they must be good enough! So as an educator on the front lines of licensure, the thought of taking away that security blanket that was the clinical board exam was a little unsettling. At first I thought, well if they are going to nix the clinical exam then we need to adjust our CODA standards to compensate for that! I have been part of three dental hygiene programs and have associated with countless instructors at many more. We all do things so differently. Won’t CODA need to set a standard as far as showing competency goes? Or is it all ok if individual schools and instructors to create their own competencies within the CODA standard? Well guess what? That is already what is happening and has been happening for decades and everything has been ok!
In our discussion, I also brought up the point that students can pass clinic and not get a passing score on any of their Type 3 quads, and then they can just go get licensed? The horror! To which Jessica replied “is being able to scale the only thing that makes a dental hygienist competent?”. Ok, good point, I probably didn’t pass my fair share of Type 3 quads in school. Being able to scale does not a competent hygienist make (hello not wanting dental assistants to be able to scale with just on the job training), it is our in-depth education that sets us apart. Are new graduates the best they will ever be? No, not even close. We have to remember that the goal is NOT to graduate perfect dental hygienists (that’s not even possible), the goal is to graduate dental hygienists that are competent at the entry level. Now, think about that for a moment. I have told my students many times, when you are done with school your dental hygiene education is not over, not even close! We have the opportunity to learn so much more out in the real world. We should always be evaluating ourselves, our techniques, our knowledge, our patient rapport. What can we improve and how can we improve it? There shouldn’t be a dental hygienist out there that feels like the peak of their career was when they passed the clinical dental hygiene exam right? Right! So why do we put so much importance on that one-time clinical exam? Again, as an educator I have seen many students pass that I didn’t think would and many fail that I was surprised about. Did the outcome of that one exam negate everything I had seen them struggle with or accomplish as students? No. So it’s not that unrealistic to think that maybe we should stop putting so much importance on that one clinical experience and instead focus our energy on making sure that programs are graduating competent hygienists who will be able to continue assessing and improving themselves throughout their entire career!
I think the most important realization I had last night was this- the ADHA is not asking for an exception to be made for the students this year just because of everything going on right now. Students still have to successfully finish school requirements and successfully pass the NBDHE. ADHA members, your voting delegates from your local components and states, already voted to discontinue the clinical portion of the exam last year. The ADHA is just using this circumstance as a catalyst to begin this process of change. This isn’t an exception, this will be a long lasting and far reaching change that I believe will be beneficial to our beloved profession in the long run.
Do we have more questions than answers right now? Yep, and that’s ok. Will this be a learning and growing process where mistakes will probably be made? Yep, and that’s ok too. It’s going to be a process and that process is going to go a lot smoother and benefit our profession more if we are all willing to work together and support each other.
We’d love to hear YOUR thoughts on this new Call to Action effecting students right now. What do you think?
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.
