When I started as full-time faculty at a new school, I was going to be teaching the didactic portion of Pain Management and leading the “stab lab” for the first time. I was gifted a shelf and drawer full of information, help, and resources from the educators that came before me. In the drawer was a box of Safe-D-Needles. These needles changed the first-time injection stress for my students and frankly for me.
The students were able to practice landmarking, recapping, and positioning without the initial stress of the needle going where they didn’t want it to. This increased their confidence and in turn increased their efficacy when it came time for the real deal. As an instructor, I was able to focus on the students' position and understanding of the mechanics of the injection without the hyper focus on the needle. Using the Safe-D-Needle prepares the students to then approach the uncapped needle with better muscle memory for successful injections.
I have found that you have to jump in the pool and do the real thing, but it is helpful to know how to swim in the deep end before going in head first. The Safe-D-Needle has allowed my students to learn how to swim so they are safe in those deep waters of intraoral injections. To see this product in action, check out our latest video.
To learn more about the Safe-D-Needle and how to get some for yourself, visit http://www.safe-d-needle.com/
-Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH
Do You Know Your Embrasure Space Classifications?
Honestly I didn’t remember that there were classifications of the embrasure space until I was teaching information about assessments. I thought others may like a review of this important space as well.
That interdental papilla is meant to deflect food and reduce the forces placed on the periodontium during chewing. It also provides a self-cleaning area so that food doesn’t get stuck between the teeth as well. When this space is not full of that important tissue it can lead to other issues with the periodontium and with caries.
Reasons why patients get embrasure spaces are multifaceted. It could be their homecare habits, ortho, bruxism, or periodontal infections and diseases. Be sure to ask those follow up questions to determine how to prevent it from progressing.
Encourage your patients to care for them with interproximal brushes, waterpiks, floss and electric toothbrushes, depending on your patients needs and severity.
Consider documenting those embrasure classifications along with the oral hygiene education you provided.
What I Wish I Would’ve Known Before Dental Hygiene School
Welcome to the new class of dental hygiene students!! You’re about to embark on a new word of science, education, friendship, relationships, patients, all the things. It definitely is a journey, but so worth it! Looking back after years of being out of dental hygiene school, and now being an instructor to many students, there are so many things I wish I could tell myself on that very first day of school. I had no idea what I was getting into! However, you’ll learn quickly and start to get the flow of classwork, tests and clinic, all happening at the same time. Here is a bit of advice I wish I could’ve told myself on that day in 2007.
Follow the dress code. I know that seems silly. However, I was no fan of the boxy scrubs we were required to wear, the all white clunky shoes, and the hair completely slicked back. However, it is such a visual representation of you. Show your dedication to the profession by following along with the guidelines. Your instructors will definitely notice when you’re trying to push the dress code envelope, so don’t make them notice something negative about you! Think of it as your work uniform and as soon as you graduate, you can have a bit more freedom with what you wear.
Don’t stress about boards yet. Everything you’re going to be learning in these semesters will be on boards. However, it ends to build on each other as you get into more advanced courses in your dental hygiene program. Just focus on what’s happening right now, and worry about boards in your last semester. You’ll have time between now and then to figure out your own study habits, what board review book or course you want to purchase, and will make study groups that will make boards so much better.
Your instructors are there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for clarification, or reach out with whatever! Obviously look at the syllabus for helpful timeline questions and requirements, but if something is confusing, definitely reach out. They want you to succeed. In a few short years, you’ll be a colleague and not a student.
Get a great planner/way to organize your life. There will be several deadlines throughout each semester. And when I say several, I mean way too many to keep in your mind. Having some sort of organizer, either online or either a book, makes such a difference to not miss deadlines, have enough time to prepare for exams, and know when clinic requirements need to be met.
Last but not least, you can definitely do it! The first few weeks are overwhelming getting all the books, requirements, notes, and rules down. However, you’ll get the hang of it quicker than you think. Plus, you have a classroom full of new friends that are going through the exact same thing as you. Use them as a resource to learn from and grow with.
There are so many more!! Make sure you’re following along to our TikTok @hygieneedge where we’ve been posting all of our new dental hygiene student advice!
xo, Melia
To learn more about being a dental hygiene student, check out:
Tips For Placing Simulated Calculus on a Dental Hygiene Model
This is a much watch video for any dental hygiene educator who is trying to navigate the world of manikin exams for your dental hygiene students.
Melia shares some tips on placing mock calculus on a dental model in our latest video. Taking boards on a simulated model is becoming more common and will probably be sticking around for years to come, so navigating how create high quality simulations for your dental hygiene and dental students is vital. These models are not only great for students, but in calibrating instructors and even calibrating hygienists in your office.
What have you experienced placing this simulated calculus on a dental manikin or typodont? Any lessons you’d share?
Extra and Intraoral Assessments
We have the extra and intraoral assessment videos finally completed for you. They have been on our to-do list for a long time. The interesting thing is when I was compiling the information that should be in them I noticed that there is no one set way to do them. So this is what we came up with, but we hope that you take it back to your team and implement what works best for your practice or educational setting.
The videos shows palpation and, because it is a video, you can use your powers of observation to see the tissues. However in a live setting, you also have to use your sense of hearing (auscultation) and smelling (olfaction).
Auscultation examples are the noises of the TMJ, hoarseness, patient breathing, etc.
Intra oral assessment
Olfaction examples are: smelling drugs, alcohol, smoke, vape, halitosis, periodontitis, and ketosis in diabetes. So reminder that you are utilizing ALL of your senses to find abnormal conditions.
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!