National Inspirational Role Models Month- Pamela Briese, RDH, MSDH
November is National Inspirational Role Models Month. This is a month to appreciate the educators in our lives who set positive examples we aspire to emulate. Role models perform vital functions through their character, accomplishments, and behavior. They show us what’s possible in life. Below is a nominated educator that we are very excited to recognize for her dedication.
Pamela Briese, RDH, MSDH
Her nominator stated: Pam is the type of person that teaches with her whole heart and makes each student feel so loved and supported. She always gives 100% to everything she does and creates such a wonderful environment to learn and work. She has created a clinical environment that inspires the students to give back to our community and always put the patient first. Pam is retiring in 2023 and deserves to know just how much she is appreciated and means to all of us.
Pamela Briese, RDH, MSDH
Inspirational Role Model Month- Amanda Mitchell, RDH, BAS, MA
Amanda Mitchell, RDH, BAS, MA
November is National Inspirational Role Models Month. This is a month to appreciate the educators in our lives who set positive examples we aspire to emulate. Role models perform vital functions through their character, accomplishments, and behavior. They show us what’s possible in life. Below is a nominated educator that we are very excited to recognize for her dedication.
Amanda Mitchell, RDH, BAS, MA
Her nominator stated: Mrs. Mitchell from South College was, and continues to be one of the most helpful and encouraging instructors I had. She did everything to help us throughout the program, even in other classes. She has done so much in helping us prepare and study for boards. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to have her as an instructor through the dental hygiene program!
What do you do if your patient reports halitosis-with ToKii's 2 in 1 Brush and Tongue Cleaner
Tokki All in 1 Tongue Cleaner
What do you do if your patient reports halitosis? As you know, there are a number of potential causes for this condition, such as food, tobacco use, dry mouth, medications, and more. Lucky for us in the dental profession, we can be a safe space for patients to chat with you about their concerns and help improve their quality of life. Let’s break down a few of the causes of bad breath, what we can do as professionals to help, and how patients can manage their symptoms at home.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease (NPD formerly known as NUG/NUP) is a condition that can be very painful, life altering, and can greatly affect halitosis. In this condition, the tissue is dying and decaying which creates a malodor in the mouth. Luckily with therapy of improved home care and stress reduction protocols, full mouth bacteria reduction through full mouth debridement or periodontal therapy, and proper tongue cleaning at home, we can help the patient with their condition which will improve their halitosis.
Another possible cause of halitosis is a digestive issue such as GERD, acid reflux, peptic ulcers etc. Consider a referral to their physician and a registered dietitian if the halitosis continues and all dental issues have been resolved; as well as their tongue, teeth and gingival care at home are being done well.
With any of causes of bad breath the first place to start is usually to have the patient start cleaning their tongue. We all know that the tongue can trap high levels of bacteria, and maintaining the flora of the tongue is key to decreasing halitosis. Making tongue cleaning easy for your patient is critical to make sure they actually follow through with your recommendation. Enter Tokii- an all in 1 system to help your patients keep their teeth, gingiva, and tongue clean at home.
Have you been educating your patients about bad breath and tongue health? What has worked/hasn’t worked for you?
Learn more about proper tongue cleaning techniques to teach your patients in our latest video that features the Tokii 2 in 1 toothbrush and tongue cleaner.
Things to Look at with Buying Loupes
With the new school year, and the changes in seasons, a lot of times we are looking into buying new dental loupes. This is such a huge part of practicing hygiene now, but also such a huge expense. Especially if you’re a new student, and never worn them before, it can be overwhelming to choose the best option for you without any other knowledge. Sometimes it’s hard to because your instructors have only tried out one brand, and there are hundreds on the market now. Is it worth it to splurge and get the most expensive ergonomically loops? Or should you just order them off Amazon and hope for the best? You’ll definitely have to do some digging to figure out what best for you And go from there. Here are a few questions and things to try out before nailing down your purchase.
1. Try them on. I know that seems silly, but super important to try on the frames. Sometimes the cutest ones don’t fit your face. Definitely go with something that fits the width of your face doesn’t pinching on the back of your your ears and feels light. When you try on the actual glasses they might feel great but the actual loop part you look through parentheses the magnification part parentheses can add a lot of weight. So make sure you’re trying on and feeling super comfortable because when you get them they will make feel slightly different and slightly heavier. Sometimes the cutest ones aren’t the best for your face.
2. Check out the warranty. Each brand has a different warranty of what they will return, what they will cover, and for how long. Some have no warranty, some only cover the actual magnification part, some will cover the frames and light. It totally just depends. Sometimes having a great warranty is a huge perk to not have to pay later.
3. What’s the vibe of your local sales rep? Do they answer your emails and answer your question, or are they MIA after you buy your loupes? You might wanna ask around to you to your friends Or coworkers to see who they’ve used and if they’ve loved the customer service/sales rep that they worked with. Sometimes having a really bad customer service is a huge problem when you want things adjusted or you have questions.
4. Figure out what is most important to you. Is it how you clean or disinfect them? Is it the price? Is it the turnaround? Is it how fast repairs happen? Where are the repairs made? These are all great questions to ask the sales reps before purchasing just to know what you’re getting into.
What else do you wish you looked into before purchasing loupes? Any advice for the new dental loupes purchaser?
Let's talk about Hygiene Elevated-A New Company
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Hygiene Elevated. Joffree Bunleang, RDH, is one of my colleagues here in Utah, and I just love supporting dental hygienists starting businesses. Learn more about what she is up to and how she can help your office be more successful.
Haven't heard of us yet? That's ok, we are new!
Hygiene Elevated is a dental consulting firm est. 2021.
Our mission is to inspire and educate dental professions. Elevating the level of care they provide to the community they serve, while simultaneously increasing production for the dental practice.
Our vision for Hygiene Elevated is to become a must have for dentists who want to see their level of patient care grow and production increase.
Hygiene Elevated is determined to continue earning a credible reputation within the dental industry. We strive to provide incredible results for each of our clients by creating a customized coaching plan that fits within the culture of their office.
Just a few company gems:
Data driven company. We love reports!
With our modern and creative approach we are dedicated to getting our clients results.
No two offices are alike. We customize our coaching to meet the needs of our clients.
Our follow up sessions set us apart from other consultants in the industry.
We coach with an incremental training approach, starting with highest priority.
We price out our service based on how many areas the office can improve in and how many providers need coaching.
Educating dental practices how to increase the level of patient care resulting in increased production.
Doctors will produce more for the rest of their careers after working with Hygiene Elevated.
We are growing! Our team currently consists of two consultants (one hygiene focused and one front office focused), a social media manager, and a software engineer.
How did you come up with the idea?
My passion for dental hygiene continues to grow year after year, it's practically an obsession!
I reached a point in my career where I wanted to do more for the community, more for the profession outside of my op. I realized my niche is coaching other dental professionals. It's very rewarding to share my passion for hygiene and improve the level of care being provided in other dental offices.
-Joffree bunleang, RDH
How does this benefit hygienists?
Let us ask the hygienists just a few questions.
Looking for personal growth?
Wishing your patients said yes more often to your recommendations?
Interested in learning something new?
Curious to know where your office can improve?
Want to gain more knowledge on products?
Running double hygiene and frustrated with your assistant?
Would you like to get your team on the same page?
Need guidance on how to stage and grade patients?
Want to see a boost in office morale?
Would you like to see an increase in office production?
What about a bonus structure implemented in the office?
Reduce your cancellation rate?
Want some recognition for all your hard work?
I am sure you said yes to at least one of these!
The skills you will gain from Hygiene Elevated will last you your entire career. We know you are already a great provider. We also know there is always room for improvement. Let us come to your office and highlight all your strengths and help the clinic improve in other areas.
See what other hygienists are saying:
Joffree has been amazing to work with! The hygiene department at Almond Dental runs smooth and is very organized. She has worked with me on communicating professionally with patients on ways to improve their oral health. With her tips and tricks I have found that my patient acceptance rate has increased and I feel more confident offering products to help my patients. Overall, she helped me become a better dental hygienist.
Brittan Kennedy, RDH
Joffree is amazing! She is always making everyone's needs a priority in her life. She cares deeply for her patients, always helps out the team (hygienists and assistants alike) and is motivated to help the doctors shine as bright as the sun. She is always looking for innovative ways to improve everyone's life. When I met Joffree I was unsure of myself as a recent COVID graduate. Joffree was always there to encourage me and support me as a fellow hygienist. She is always available if I have any questions or just need a second opinion. She has been looking out for me even when we're not directly working together. She is an inspiration to me and never makes me feel inadequate with my questions. She is an excellent mentor, clinician and friend. Anything she gets involved in is set to improve and grow with her care and charming smile.
-Cherise McAlister, RDH
Curious to see what we can do for your office?
Call us to schedule an initial consultation.
801-252-6890
Follow us on instagram @hygiene.elevated
Check out our website HygieneElevated.com
Email us anytime! LevelUp@HygieneElevated.com
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.