How to Network at Dental Hygiene Conferences
One of my favorite things about in person conferences is in person conversations and the creating potential of those conversations. That creating potential is also called networking and I love to network in person. I asked some friends advice on how to network at conferences and here is what they had to say:
“This is my tip to network, bring business cards and get business cards. Everyone that you get a business card from, when you get home, follow up with and email them. This will bring you together!” Amanda Hill, RDH
“My tip for networking is to always say “yes”... saying yes to opportunities and talking to people.” Amber Lovatos , RDH
“My tip for networking is to always give more than you take. So, when you are trying to network, you are actually trying to build a relationship with people and not just use them. So, it’s important to become friends with people and smile.” Kari Carter-Cherelus, RDH
“Go to all of the events. Introduce yourself to people. Get in a mix of people you don’t know and say “hi”. An Chih Do, RDH
“Just say “yes”. Just say “hi” to everybody. Maybe stalk them a little bit on Facebook beforehand and congratulate them for whatever roles that they just got put into.” Jeanette Lalli, RDH
A recurring theme I found in talking with people about networking was the power of the word “yes.” Saying “yes” to attending an in person conference to begin with and then saying yes to opportunities to network. Remember networking is just meeting people with the potential of creating something AMAZING with them. We are better together and when we collaborate, all of us win. Say “YES” to your dreams and go out there and meet the people that will help you achieve them.
Clinical Attachment Levels (CAL) in Dental Hygiene
So, I’m sure you’ve heard about or read a little bit about the newish American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification system. Or maybe even taken a somewhat confusing class! In this new system, AAP classifications ask us to measure and document interdental clinical attachment loss (CAL). https://www.perio.org/for-members/2017-classification-of-periodontal-and-peri-implant-diseases-and-conditions/
Well I learned how to measure CAL on the buccal and lingual surfaces, but I was unsure about “INTERPROXIMALLY" or what interdentally even meant.
Why they are recommending this? Simply put, interproximal clinical attachment loss (CAL) is more accurate than a probe depth because it is measured from the FIXED CEJ versus a changing gingival margin.
Here are a few definitions you’ll need to know when it comes to CAL:
Probe Depth: Measurement from Margin to Junctional Epithelium
Clinical Attachment Level: Measurement from CEJ to Junctional epithelium
So how does one measure interproximal CAL? Check out our VIDEO. If you need a refresher on how to measure clinical attachment loss on the buccal and linguals of teeth, definitely check out this VIDEO.
Am I measuring and documenting CAL in my practice? I am currently sticking to my trusty probe depths, but I do keep in mind how much gingiva is above the CEJ when determining my AAP classifications. If I have a 5mm pocket with no recession, that patient still may only have 1-2m interproximal CAL as there may be 3 mm of gingiva above the CEJ (5-3=2) and therefore is an AAP classification I.
A special note to consider: as technology improves , we may see a change from measuring probe depths to interproximal CAL. Hopefully these changes will make it a bit easier!
Review Your Medical Emergency Protcol
Prevention of a medical emergency is key in a dental office. Be sure you are taking blood pressure and reviewing each patient's medical history. Below are some tips for your office to be medical emergency ready:
Assign a team member to check your kit often.
Practice emergency drills in staff meetings.
Know the numbers of the police, fire department and hospital.
Check your state requirements for your medical emergency kit; some states require certain items in a medical emergency kit.
Review what things in your medical kit are used for in our video below.
Ready to Get Out of Dental Hygiene?
This is why I’m still a dental hygienist.
Ever jump on any online dental hygiene message boards? What do you see? Honestly, so many people asking what’s next in their careers, how to get out of dental hygiene, and ultimately feeling very stuck in their current situations. And to be honest, I’ve been there! I remember being in dental hygiene school in my very last semester, working on one of my last requirements. It was a pretty tricky patient for me as a student, and I was sitting in the very back corner operatory that was a little bit away from everyone else. This was the patient’s third appointment since his calculus was the type you needed a diamond bur to remove, and it was honestly just a discouraging time. I specifically remember thinking, “What am I doing? I’m picking this career for the rest of my life?”
And yet, here I am, 13 years of dental hygiene later, and still in the field. Probably more involved than I ever thought I’d be. When people ask me what I like to do for fun, I can honestly say I love to work. How pathetic is that? How did I go from regretting every decision I had made up to dental hygiene school, to now. Well, it wasn’t a perfect road. It’s been rocky, and I’ve seriously contemplated leaving several times. But, overall, I’m so grateful for what this profession has done for me. If you’re thinking about leaving or wondering what’s next, try out these few tips:
Don’t go into education if you’re looking for an out. I know that seems crazy, but I kind of thought that the only option for me outside of clinical hygiene was being a teacher. However, being a teacher means you're immersed in all things hygiene every single day, as well as trying to help motivate and inspire new dental hygienists as they start out in their career. If you’re feeling over the profession, it might not be the next best move.
Switch it up. Having changes make such a big difference in the longevity of your career. I personally have really loved having a few days working clinically, a few working as a clinical instructor, a few with Hygiene Edge, etc. Having changes each day has made my life less monotonous.
Have dental hygiene friends. I love having dental hygiene friends. They know exactly what I’m going through each day, know what to say, and can totally swap stories. Even if we’re just keeping touch through a quick text message, it’s great to have that professional/personal relationship to bounce off of. I’ve met some of my best dental hygiene friends through both work and through being a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association/Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association. Being a volunteer has been great to connect with other RDHs from all over my state, and having a large network has been very beneficial for both my personal and professional life.
Watch the latest Hu Friedy Round Table. I’m excited to be part of this event with so many other great dental hygienists in all different aspects of their careers. From clinicians to educators to business owners to speakers, you’ll get insights of so many different walks of life. Sign up today to save your seat, since seating is limited. https://www.hufriedygroup.com/roundtable-career-opportunities-for-hygienists
What did you do if you were ready to throw in the dental hygiene towel?
xo, Melia
Ukraine Support from Hygiene Edge
We just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped us with our Spring Fundraiser! When hardship broke out in Ukraine, we knew we wanted to help support both dental professionals and all citizens there. But, being so far aways, we didn’t know what to do. So, in the month of April, we decided to donate all of the proceeds from our Hygiene Edge Shop to the Red Cross to help with efforts overseas. With your support, we were able to donate almost $1000 from the month! Thank you so much for your help, especially with this small 3 women show of Hygiene Edge.
We’re excited to do this again in other months!
Why I Attend Dental Hygiene Conferences
In the beginning of 2010, I was a Dental Hygiene student just starting the last half of my first year. I had entered Dental Hygiene school six months earlier to become a dental hygienist. I however, did NOT know what a dental hygienist actually was, despite having worked in a dental office for years.
Six months into school, my eyes were opened, and the passion for the profession of Dental Hygiene was lit. Gratefully, I had an incredible mentor Erika Hammond, who saw how much I wanted to learn, change and become. She encouraged me to apply to be the ADHA District X student delegate. I took that nudge and got my application in, barely, at the finish line of the deadline. The application asked what qualities a student delegate should possess. I wrote: “A Student Delegate who possesses leadership, responsibility for the profession, and the desire to serve, will be a valuable Student Delegate.” What I didn’t know at that time was that I would be chosen as the Student Delegate and that attending the ADHA Annual Conference was going to uniquely change my life. I didn’t know that attending would enrich my understanding of what leadership meant. I didn’t know that I would walk away forever changed by what it means to take responsibility for my profession, nor was I prepared for how the service of others would change the trajectory of my professional life.
Watching fellow hygienists lead through engaging in opportunities for education, collaboration and advocacy gave me a broader view of what a Dental Hygienist is, and can be, when we work together. I remember being led by Dr. Esther Wilkins down the hall to my next class (because I couldn’t catch up with her, she was fast!). She then showed leadership, by taking time to speak with me about my dental hygiene student experience, and offered me support and encouragement.
It can be easy to get tunnel vision in our journey as a dental hygienist, in 2010 I certainly had student tunnel vision. Matthew McConaughey in that characteristic accent said “The best education I’ve had in my life is to travel.” Going to ADHA Annual Conference is an opportunity to travel to many places at once, all in one spot. Annual Session gave me a WIDE view of what other dental hygienists were doing in the profession and blew my tunnel vision to bits. In my application I wrote ““A student delegate needs to have the desire to use their education and skills to help their fellow hygienists, students and the community. As you share with others the service is reciprocated creating a better student, clinician, and person.” Seeing other hygienists taking responsibility for their profession by supporting it, advocating for it and using it to better the lives of their patients, the dental community and each other proved to be evidence of that. I became a better student, I am a better clinician and person for attending National meetings.
I can confidently say that my role as a clinician, educator, entrepreneur and learner was propelled by my first attendance to ADHA Annual Conference and has been continually enriched and molded by continual opportunities to travel to many places at once through other national conferences. When we come together and share from our varied backgrounds and experiences, our tunnel vision is removed and we leave inspired to be valuable and valued as Dental Hygienists.
Hearing Protection for Dental Hygienists
Our profession is all about prevention of oral disease right. So are we considering prevention for issues we may be developing while at work like musculoskeletal disorders and HEARING loss.
The American Dental Association (ADA) states: Although the 90-99 decibel level of noise that is produced from some pieces of dental equipment may pose a relatively minimal risk to hearing, the daily exposure to that level, over years, may contribute to damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. In general, exposure for eight hours or longer to noise levels between 85-90 decibels is harmful.
To prevent hearing loss the ADA recommends: When using dental equipment, wear ear plugs or noise-canceling (over-the- ear) headphones. (CHECK OUT THESE FROM ZOUND)
In selecting dental equipment, consider its noise level as a factor in your purchasing decision
Have your hearing tested to establish a baseline of the status
Monitor your hearing acuity on a regular basis to have any problems correctly diagnosed and to benefit from early intervention
Source: https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/health-and-wellness/safety-tips-to-prevent-hearing-loss
Thanks to Zound for sending me earplugs to try
Here’s is what I found:
-They fit in your ears like regular earplugs
-They help to reduce noise, but you can still hear through them
-If a patient was soft spoken they were harder to hear
-At first I talked a bit louder with them in and had to adjust
-They clean easy with water
-I would say I am “sound sensitive” so I feel like having reduced noises in the office helped me to have a smoother day.
-If you are very serious about hearing protection (like if you use the ultrasonic all day for 40 hours per week) Consider chatting with your audiologist for possible creation of custom hearing protection.
Also, let’s play a game; can you NAME THAT DENTAL SOUND?
Nitrous Oxide Administration
Once I was assisting on a patient using nitrous who started to barf mid procedure. I quickly grabbed the garbage and placed it right between my legs, tore off the nitrous nose and rolled the patient over from the dental chair to finish barfing into the can.
One of the signs of nitrous overdose is vomiting which was a likely cause in this case. It is important to know how to set up, administer and monitor nitrous oxide for our patients. Have a team meeting about it and check out our video all the set up and titration of nitrous oxide.
If you need a little nitrous oxide calculation quick reference guide we have one for you in the shop. https://www.hygieneedge.com/shop/nitrous-oxide-percent-calculations-quick-reference-guide
Helpful Probing Help with Kilgore International
We all know that with probing, it was one of the first skills we learned in school. However, because of that, we tend to rush through it to get to the more exciting part of the appointment, the satisfying removal of subgingival black calculus rushing out the periodontal pocket. However, an accurate assessment of the periodontal health is critical to make sure we’re properly removing that sub black calculus, and having great baselines for when the patients comes back to see you.
Enter in the 500 PRO Calibration and Probing Model. This is a perfect model to not only learn on, but refresh your probing skills. We loved working with this model in our latest video.
So, hows your probing going?
A big thank you to Kilgore for supporting us at Hygiene Edge, and understanding the importance of great education and solid building blocks when you’re learning! To learn more, check out their website: https://kilgoreinternational.com/
What a Laser can do for Dental Hygiene with Biolase
We’ve heard of lasers before and know a bit about them, but did you know how much they can actually do for your patient population? They aren’t just used for periodontal therapy, but can be used for any of your patients you see in the office. With more and more professionals using a laser every single day, it’s definitely time to learn a bit more about them, see how they can help your practice, and make your life a little easier in your op. Check out this latest video to see what the Biolase Epic Hygiene Diode laser can do!
Thank you to Biolase for supporting us at Hygiene Edge! We love this laser, and using a laser for patients. To learn more about the Biolase Epic Hygiene, check out their website and request a demo or a training.