Jamie Collins, RDH, is a clinical practicing hygienist in Idaho and Washington state. She has been in the dental field for 20 years, both as an assistant and hygienist. With a passion for patient care, especially those with higher risk factors, she enjoys sharing the tips and tricks of the dental profession through speaking and writing for multiple publications. In addition to clinical practice, Collins is also an educator, has contributed to multiple textbooks, curriculum development, and creation, and contributes as a key opinion leader with multiple companies.

Jamie Collins, RDH-EA, BS

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Technique Touch-Ups

Articles

Experts from across the industry share their favorite tips, tricks, and solutions to make dental care better for patients and easier for you. 

Technique Touch-Ups 2023

Dentistry can be a lonely profession, leaving you feeling pressure to be everything to everyone. Whether you feel internal or external pressure, it can challenge your mental health and wellness. The topic of mental health awareness and self-care has been quietly brushed under the rug for generations, leaving those who struggle afraid to seek help. Mental health and wellness are gaining more attention due to world events and the effects of isolation in recent years. “No man is an island” has never been a truer sentiment; as individuals, we were separated from loved ones and the human touch by necessity rather than choice. The importance of staying connected to others was quickly realized, and depression took hold for many.

Increased awareness, acceptance, and strategies have lessened the stigma of seeking help when things become unbearable, or when addiction takes hold. We witnessed Olympians and professional athletes publicly recognizing the need to step aside to address their mental wellness when the pressure was overwhelming. Society applauded their awareness and the normalizing of the importance of self-care. Even with the evolution of acceptance and the decreased stigma regarding mental wellness and self-care, it remains difficult to seek help from a stranger. Know you are not alone; it is a common struggle experienced by many.

According to the Dental Avengers, a group of mental health advocates in the dental industry, 7 in 10 dentists deal with anxiety and 6 in 10 suffer from depression.

Most notably, 25% of young adults thought about suicide in the past year.

 Dentists often feel guilty for experiencing mental health challenges when, on the surface, they “have it all”—a great career, family, financial stability, yet their mental well-being still faces challenges. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are not restricted by demographics, career paths, or financial status.

Patients’ complaints about dental treatment recommendations, staff conflict, and the stress of operating a business while continuing to provide excellent care can be daunting. Many patients openly express their dislike of the dentist, when often it stems from their fear of treatment and pain. Sometimes the dentist finds it difficult to establish a rapport with patients due to patient anxiety. Most dentists are not taught business acumen in dental school and are thrown into the role of boss, manager, or owner soon after graduation. With many being solo practice owners, they are left to figure it out themselves or rely on the advice of others. Dentists often cite the unexpected challenges of business when they got into dentistry to care for others. The growth of the dental service organization market has given dentists the opportunity to choose a variety of career paths, whether associate dentist or business owner.

Data from the 2021 Mental Wellness Summit from the Dental Avengers

 and from an August 2020 article published by Politico.

The past few years have brought unexpected challenges for society as a whole and dentists everywhere. Stressors include lack of staffing, increased supply costs, and patients who are reluctant to return to care, all of which equate to less earnings. A recent study by the American Dental Association (ADA) demonstrates the continued exit of hygienists from the job market, leaving dentists to balance patient needs while losing production.

 The responsibility of keeping the staff you retain happy while managing an understaffed business will weigh on nearly everyone. The stressors of being everything to everyone can lead to depression or the expression of other conditions that can include anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Sue Jeffries of the Dental Mental Network, based in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, says the biggest issue dental providers face regarding mental wellness involves the stigma of seeking help and fear of repercussions. Fear of judgment, losing their practice, patients leaving, and losing family and livelihood are all common deterrents to seeking professional care. In her experience, dental workers feel they are an island and must try to find a strategy to secretly deal with problems on their own.

The past few years have seen an increase in substance use disorders, with dental professionals self-medicating in an attempt to cope with daily stressors. According to the data, the substance of choice is alcohol (37%) followed by opioids (31%), street drugs (10%), and nitrous oxide (5%).

 The accessibility of opioids and nitrous oxide within a dental practice makes them a common substance of choice. Dental communities across the country have mourned colleagues who felt isolated and faced addiction alone until they were beyond help.

Constant workplace stress that is not well managed is the leading cause of burnout. Many dental professionals are self-proclaimed perfectionists and strive to succeed in all they do. Pressure to earn more, work more, and be present with family or have a social life is often self-imposed. In caring for others’ needs, dentists often put themselves last. The balance of work, family, and business often teeters. This stress flows into every aspect of daily life, affecting work and relationships and becoming exhausting. It often manifests in the dental practice and negativity flows throughout the team; an individual may appear closed off and unapproachable, ultimately leading to decreased quality of care or unhappy staff members. Take time to assess your practice and envision what career you want and what it will take to make that ideal happen. Consider hiring a consultant whose focus is on the type of practice you want to lead, finding the balance between work and life. The investments in a consultant may be worth your overall happiness in return.

Data from a 2011 study on drug abuse/dependence among dentists.

We are in the field of caring for others and putting ourselves, our feelings, and self-care on the back burner until the flame burns too hot, leading to destructive behaviors or worse. Jeffries often asks, “If you do not seek help, how do you imagine your life in 6 months? If you do seek professional guidance and strategies, what do your professional and personal life look like in 6 months?” Self-honesty, acceptance, and the desire to make a change are sometimes the most difficult first steps. The stigma surrounding mental wellness continues to be present in the minds of dental professionals and fear of the unknown is a valid concern. There are resources to guide you to improved mental wellness and happiness so that you can find the right balance in life.

The ADA recognizes the stress dentists feel and has developed resources and support to focus on the importance of work-life balance.3 A happier work environment can bring more productivity to your team and enhance your family life as well. Patients recognize when a dental practice’s morale is fractured and when the staff acts as a team. Many struggle with mental wellness at some point. No one solution works for everyone; the key is to find what works for you or your loved ones. Recognize that it will take time and that some strategies or therapies will need to be revisited occasionally to maintain your well-being.

 Those you can confide in and who can provide the life raft from the island of solitude. This can be as simple as joining a social function, dental education group, or volunteering within your community. Mommy Dentists in Business created a network of nearly 9000 members who come together to support, learn from, and empower one another through life.

You can find support and help from those within the dental community who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges and who are willing to connect and discuss strategies that work well for others. Connect with organizations such as the Dental Mental Network, Dental Yogis, Dental Avengers, or others and realize that depression and anxiety are common challenges.

The solitude of dentistry is beginning to give way to collaboration, networking, and like-minded professionals finding each other for support.

 We have become a society always on the go, rarely slowing down to recognize the importance of self-care. Constantly comparing your career, family, and material items to those of your peers and striving to be the best weighs heavily on your physical and mental health.

Do not judge yourself or your business success by what you see on social media; it is often not a clear reflection of reality. It takes practice to be self-aware and to cope with negative feelings. Treat yourself with kindness and respect; celebrate your wins and those of your team and family. Be present in the moment and embrace positive occurrences around you.

 There is no shame in finding strategies to help improve your mental well-being. Whether seeking help for depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, there are available resources that will offer you as much or as little help as desired. If you recognize the traits of mental illness or depression in others, provide support and encouragement while they recognize it within themselves.

It is difficult to ask for help, and some may be ready before others to address the reasons. Many mental disorders have hereditary or chemical imbalance as a contributing cause. Just as a diabetic would seek professional help to control the disease process, mental illness may require medical or psychological intervention for a happier, healthier life.

Just as our profession incorporated teledentistry technology for the convenience of staying connected to patients, consider teletherapy options to acquire the help needed. Companies such as Talkspace offer convenient, discreet, online therapy solutions connecting you with a licensed therapist based upon your needs at almost any time of the day.

Do not underestimate the importance of movement:

 Dentistry is associated with long periods of sitting, often while contorted into awkward positions to access the distal of a maxillary molar. Many dental practitioners will develop a musculoskeletal disorder, leading to pain or injury. When your body hurts, your mood is also affected. Chronic neck, back, hip, or wrist pain can keep you from doing things you enjoy.

Studies demonstrate the positive effects of exercise on mental well-being. Not only does exercise reduce risk of long-term chronic disease, it helps reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.

 Combined with a healthy diet, exercise can not only help improve mental health, but it can also help ensure career longevity with the body being healthy and strong.

 We often rob from our sleep schedules to achieve all we did not get done during the day. Quality sleep improves mood, health, and brain performance. The National Institutes of Health recommends avoiding caffeine from 6 to 8 hours before bedtime. Establish a routine. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime because they can disrupt a deep sleep cycle. Our bodies need time to heal and prepare for the following day, which is accomplished with quality sleep.

Practice self-care and get back to doing things you enjoy:

 Slow down and assess what your key motivators in happiness look like. Take a walk, read a book, or enjoy a cup of coffee and a sunrise. Whatever your ideal “me” time looks like, get back to it. As caretakers of others, moms, dads, partners, and bosses, we often forget about our own happiness. The more stable our own well-being, the better we can be for those around us.

The importance of mental health and emotional well-being are becoming more prominent in society. The stress of daily life combined with a pandemic has brought to light the importance of self-care in overall health. Social acceptance has reduced stigma attached to advocating for one’s personal health and recognizing when a break or professional help are needed. Implementing daily strategies to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to a better work-life balance outside the operatory. 

Mental Wellness Summit 2021. Dental Avengers. Accessed March 7, 2022.

Ehley B. One quarter of young adults contemplated suicide during pandemic. Politico. August 13, 2020. Accessed March 7, 2022. 

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/13/cdc-mental-health-pandemic-394832

Health and wellness. American Dental Association. Accessed March 7, 2022. 

https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/health-and-wellness

Fung EYK, Lange BM. Impact of drug abuse/dependence on dentists. Gen Dent. 2011;59(5):356-359; quiz 360-361.

Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. 

Dentists—even those who seemingly have it all—often feel guilty or fear stigma when facing mental health challenges. 


Coming Together  for Support:Dentists  Do Not Need  to Feel Alone

Science has unlocked many questions about the oral microbiome, which has led to solutions that target bacterial strains and are designed to combat the damaging effect to oral tissues. The oral cavity is home to the most diverse and largest microbiota in humans second only to the gut. It harbors an array of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The term “microbiome” was introduced by Joshua Lederberg to describe “the ecological community of symbiotic, commensal, and pathogenic microorganisms.”1 Although the terminology has changed over the years, plaque, materia alba, and biofilm are common words for many of us. Regardless of the naming, individuals face many challenges regarding the prevention and treatment of dental diseases; meanwhile, there are new products and emerging technologies that can help alter the microbiome as we know it.

The oral cavity has 2 main surfaces that bacteria colonize, the hard and soft tissue. The makeup of bacteria differs in relation to their location in the oral cavity; for example, those found in the gingival sulcus are different from those in the tonsils, which differ from those on the surface of the teeth. Whereas the core microbiome is similar in most people, there are variations based on the individual. Consider the diversity among siblings you may see in your practice, ranging from 1 who hardly ever brushes and never has cavities to another who is diligent about home care yet usually has 1 or 2 cavities at each recall. Same diet, same parents, but 2 very different oral conditions and outcomes. Some patients may express frustration as to why they are the one with decay versus their sibling who seemingly rarely picks up a toothbrush let alone uses it. What most patients do not understand is that differences in oral pH and bacterial microorganism balance can make someone more prone to the oral disease process. Diet, interactions among bacteria, and gene mutations can all affect the delicate bacterial balance and, more importantly, what can be done to combat the damaging effects of oral disease.

Fortunately, with each passing year we learn more about the oral-systemic health link and therefore, as dental professionals, continue to invest in our patient education efforts. However, many patients (and even some medical providers) still believe the mouth is separate from the rest of the body. What they may not realize is that oftentimes, signs of systemic disease will be on display in the oral cavity well before other outward signs present themselves. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic brought to light the role of inflammation and the correlation between health and severity of disease. As a result, many individuals are taking an active role to minimize risk factors. This may be especially important, as many dental offices are seeing only a fraction of the patients they were seeing a year ago. A large number of patients are electing to postpone preventive care, putting them at greater risk of oral diseases.

In recent study results published by the University of Buffalo, investigators aimed to better understand how 

 colonizes in the mouth, when it is unable to produce its own growth molecules without being largely established in the oral microbiome. 

 is a common culprit in causing periodontal disease; in a patient with a healthy mouth it is present in smaller numbers and unable to replicate, compared with the mouth of a patient who has active periodontal disease. The study authors concluded that 

 is opportunistic and “borrows growth molecules from 

, a common yet harmless bacteria in the mouth whose growth is not population dependent.”

 Patricia I. Diaz, DDS, PhD, lead investigator on the study and professor of Empire Innovation at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and her team established that “if dental plaque is allowed to grow unchecked due to poor oral hygiene, 

 will multiply and eventually produce enough growth molecules to also spur the reproduction of

.” The delicate balance of the oral environment can be altered by adequate home care or lack thereof.


Periodontist Sam Low, DDS, MS, an associate dean at the University of Florida, chief dental officer at BIOLASE, Inc, and consultant to various dental products companies, discussed how probiotics have come into general daily use for gut health. However, we are now beginning to see the incorporation of probiotics for oral health. The evolution of probiotics has included research to introduce specific strains that essentially force out the less desired pathogens. Low is also an advisor to ProBiora Health™, an oral health probiotic company, whose formulation is targeted to combat destructive oral pathogens including 

, deemed the “ringleader” by Dr Low. The benefit of specific formulations of probiotics such as ProBiora’s oral products is that they selectively crowd out particular pathogens in contrast tothe “kill them all” formulas that can also destroy beneficial bacteria. By targeting the undesirable bacteria, the beneficial bacteria can flourish, resulting in an alteration of the oral microbiome. As with anything in life, we look for balance, and maintaining the oral microbiome is imperative to oral and overall health.

One challenge dental professionals face is patient adherence, and it is important not to make a routine so difficult that it becomes a burden. ProBiora oral probiotics are as simple as a once-a-day dissolvable mint, leaving patients with no excuse for lack of adherence. Dr Low predicts that in 5 years, orally beneficial probiotics will be where gut probiotics are today in terms of public acceptance.


As with any home care routine, oral health ones must be kept simple to increase patient adherence. Mouth rinses have been a standard of oral care for decades. Chlorhexidine is an effective staple product used post periodontal treatment and oral surgery, although it is not meant for long-term use. Oral rinses may be an easy solution for some individuals, but the strong alcohol-based rinses take a “kill them all” approach to bacterial reduction. For individuals with xerostomia, alcohol-based products used regularly exacerbate the condition’s effect. Xerostomia can become a life-altering condition that causes discomfort and greatly increases the caries risk. Instead, patients can opt for an alcohol-free rinse such as Oxyfresh’s line of oral rinses, which contain chlorine dioxide to oxidize and “kill” bacteria causing bad breath. Formulated with xylitol, essential oils, and a balanced pH, Oxyfresh oral care products provide an alternative to alcohol-based rinses and chlorhexidine.


Patients who seem to be doing everything right yet continue to battle oral disease, such as periodontal disease and caries, may have an imbalance of oral flora. Salivary testing may provide the key to unlocking the mystery for those individuals. Using salivary testing in clinical practice enables the identification of the pathogens that are contributing to the disease process. The dental provider can then plan treatment accordingly, and identify the risk assessment and solutions moving forward. Saliva testing allows the provider to take into account other contributing risk factors, including smoking, xerostomia, poor oral hygiene, health conditions, and medication side effects. Although these factors contribute to the disease process, salivary testing provides the hard data that give oral health care professionals a more complete picture. For example, patients with gingivitis and certain high-risk bacteria likely will be at higher risk for development of periodontal disease, especially if they have or develop medical risk factors in the future.

Oxyfresh products provide an alternative to alcohol-based rinses.

Salivary testing can produce a wide variety of results, from buffering capacity to identifying prominent bacterial strains. Analyzing the saliva gives dental providers a powerful tool with which to educate and engage patients in their own oral health plan. The results of the screening may also help providers to determine and recommend professional and home care treatment to alter or maintain oral health conditions. Chairside saliva testing can be done in 5 minutes or less and be incorporated into almost any dental appointment. Saliva composition, flow, and buffering capacity play a critical role in the health of oral structures and are especially beneficial in caries risk assessment. Saliva-Check BUFFER by GC America is a quick chairside assessment that evaluates salivary consistency, resting and stimulated pH, resting and stimulated salivary flow, and buffering capacity. Xerostomia is often a slow process and many patients don’t complain until it has reached advanced stages when it begins to affect everyday life. Therefore, being able to identify at-risk individuals early can be vital for more effective treatment and prevention.

ARKRAY USA’s SillHa Oral Wellness System tests saliva using “dual wavelength reflectance technology to measure the reaction of saliva with the test pad to indicate the presence of 7 analytes. [These] can be used to assess oral health and the risk for caries and gum disease,” according to company president Bob Guest. The system uses a test strip that is analyzed by the machine and provides a visual report in only 5 minutes. SillHa uses proprietary software that creates a PDF report for the dentist’s chart and can be printed and sent home with the patient. The innovative test analyzes measurements of cariogenic bacteria, buffering capacity, ammonia, blood, leukocytes, and protein within the saliva. “These 7 biomarkers can be used to indicate or confirm a measure of oral wellness that cannot be seen without a microscope,” says Guest.


Advances in technology and the availability of chairside testing have enabled us to better prevent, diagnose, and treat oral disease. Steven Bloembergen, PhD, founder and CEO of GreenMark Biomedical Inc, states that his company’s goal, “Preserving Teeth for a Lifetime™,” represents a vision of ongoing product development to help patients keep their teeth as they age. Almost all dental professionals can agree with the sentiment, as we focus on disease prevention and the preservation of oral health in daily practice. GreenMark Biomedical, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, is the creator of LumiCare™ Caries Detection Rinse, which brings a fully bioresorbable nanoparticle technology to everyday dentistry in the form of a water-based oral rinse. The 2020 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards recognized LumiCare as a Best of Class winner. The science behind the innovative rinse relies on positively charged starch-based nanoparticles that are attracted to the negative-charged carious lesions. 

GreenMark Biomedical’s LumiCare is a new caries detection rinse.

The luminescent agent becomes visible by illuminating the porous subsurface of carious lesions under the blue curing light, viewed through orange glasses or an orange shield. Bloembergen is no stranger to nanotechnology and has brought his knowledge to the benefit of dentistry. Through targeted luminescence technology, the LumiCare rinse enables the dentist to identify the earliest carious lesions and provide treatment before they progress and become a larger problem. The ease of use and single-dose packaging makes the rinse, currently pending FDA clearance as a 510(k) Class II device, a simple and easy addition to any dental evaluation workflow. GreenMark is creating additions to the innovative line of products using nanotechnology and is developing a targeted, noninvasive treatment that can change how early carious lesions are arrested by delivering minerals to the enamel subsurface and restoring lesions in a more natural way.


When decay goes beyond incipient caries and restorative treatment is necessary, the dentist preps the restoration and places the filling. However, it is not possible to remove all bacteria prior to the filling replacement and the risk of recurrent caries lurks. FiteBac Antimicrobial Cavity Cleanser, created by FiteBac Dental, LLC, is dentistry’s first FDA-approved antimicrobial cavity cleanser. Looking at an x-ray, the dentist may often debate the black line under an existing restoration, pondering whether it is recurrent decay. Applying the FiteBac cleanser with a microbrush in the cavity prep inhibits the microbial presence prior to the restoration placement, reducing the risk of restoration failure in the future. An added benefit is the product’s ability to cleanse the exposed dentinal tubules, thus allowing a stronger restoration bond. FiteBac has their sights set on FDA approval in 2021 for an antimicrobial bonding agent and an antimicrobial ortho sealant. One of the biggest challenges for orthodontistry patients is effectively cleaning around orthodontic brackets, and often, decalcification and decay are exposed when the brackets are removed. It is encouraging that there is a product on the horizon to counteract the effect of the oral microbiome and poor oral care associated with orthodontic treatment.

The antibacterial properties of Infinix can be a great benefit when treating children with advanced stage caries or at-risk elderly patients with root caries.


Ervin Weiss, cofounder of Nobio Ltd, is a dentist and microbiologist who spent decades studying the complex oral environment. We know that biofilm is considered a multicellular organism and the daily mission of hygienists is to disrupt it one dentition at a time, though it is never fully eliminated. Weiss says, “Each time we brush, we injure the biofilm to help the immune system and to inhibit it from flourishing. Our oral microbiome is challenged by saliva, food, and friction on a daily basis.” Most people have active decay, restorations, periodontal disease, or a combination of risk factors making them susceptible to adverse effects. Restorations generally do not last a lifetime and whether caused by breakdown or recurrent decay, they typically must be replaced. Nobio set out with a goal not to change the whole oral microbiome, but rather to add an antimicrobial property to the localized surface. Weiss has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the oral environment and comments, “The only way to control the disease is to fight the biofilm from the side that is protected,” which means the first few layers where it adheres to the oral structure. Biofilm is laid down in layers and mechanical means remove the newest outer layers first; damage generally happens within the deeper layers adhered to the structure or tooth.

Nobio has spent many years creating a restorative composite material known as Infinix. It has the ability to kill bacteria through its own antibacterial properties, killing the first few layers of biofilm formation it comes in contact with. Another 2020 Cellerant Award recipient, Nobio aims to change the long-term outcome of composite restorations. This could be a game changer for Class II and Class V restorations, which are generally at a higher risk of failure. For dentists, the antibacterial properties of Infinix can make all the difference when treating children with advanced stage caries or at-risk elderly patients with root caries. Infinix has received FDA clearance for “stopping demineralization” with its antibacterial properties. According to Weiss, the filler particles themselves within the composite material contain the antibacterial effect and are insoluble. Whether dentists are looking for a flowable or regular composite material in a variety of shades, Infinix by Nobio is worth considering, especially for high-risk patients.

The oral microbiome is a challenging environment, often with a mysterious makeup that can alter and vary depending on a variety of factors. Aging, dietary changes, or medications can make it difficult for the body to combat caries and periodontal disease. With innovations in technology and advancement in knowledge, we can help our patients maintain oral health, leading to improved oral health outcomes. Although 2020 brought challenges to dentistry, it also rewarded us with an array of promising products to enhance our practice.

1. Deo PN, Deshmukh R. Oral microbiome: unveiling the fundamentals. 

. 2019;23(1):122-128. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_304_18

2. Robinson M. Microbiome study: gum disease-causing bacteria borrow growth molecules from neighbors to thrive. News release. University of Buffalo News Center. December 29, 2020. Accessed January 18, 2021. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2020/12/026.html

Technological innovations and increased knowledge of the oral microbiome can help our patients maintain oral health and improve oral health outcomes.

Working With a Mastery of the Oral Microbiome

Where do you turn when looking for accurate information? To an expert of course! The definition of an expert according to the Websters Dictionary is “one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject”.

How does an individual become an expert in their field or particular subject? I reached out to individuals in very different aspects of the dental field to discuss their paths to success in becoming experts in a particular subject, and what advice they give to others.

Debbie Durako began her career in dental as a dental assistant and is now the director at StellaLife, an oral care company. She credits one of her first employers for helping inspire her to keep learning and involved the team in continuing education. Debbie fell in love with her experiences and continual learning which led her to strive for more in her career. She used that passion to create her own consulting business and dove into all aspects of sales, marketing and continual improvement.

Patti DiGangi had been a dental hygienist for many years and like many of us was working clinical and taking continuing education courses on a variety of subjects. Many years ago Patti had a variety of experiences that molded her into the dental coding expert she is today. Thirty years ago she was a part of a medical malpractice jury that prompted Patti to delve deeply into the details of accurate billing and recordkeeping. Another experience that led Patti to build her extraordinary career was while sitting in a CE course and listening to a speaker discuss dental coding. She felt she knew more about the subject and could present the topic in a more engaging way. Patti is the creator of Dental Codeology and Beyond Oral Health brands, and is recognized as one the leading experts in dental coding and billing.

Alice Lemkakeng, the CEO of SleepArchiTx, is unlike Debbie and Patti in that she did not begin her career in dental. She has worked with many different companies throughout her career and upon taking a position at SleepArchiTx jumped feet first into gaining all the knowledge necessary regarding dental sleep medicine. When asked how she quickly adapted to the new dental environment she states, “dive in, talk to everyone and start learning”.

One doesn’t become an expert in a subject just because they want to. It’s up to hard work and learning and time—one doesn’t become recognized as an expert overnight. When you decided to become a dental hygienist and expert in oral care prevention you didn’t just purchase a license to practice. You put in years of hard work and education learning and honing your craft. In fact, when Patti DiGangi set her sights on presenting her first CE course, it only had only ONE paying attendee, the rest were friends and family members she invited.

DiGangi and Durako have one thing in common, they both had the experience of working with a progressive and forward-thinking dental practice early on. Thinking to the future and how to continue to make an impact requires planning and time. You need to create a plan of action and a timeline to implement that plan. The point is like-minded professionals often will find each other in the industry and strive to move forward.

Creating a plan and putting into writing or a vision board what you hope to accomplish can be eye-opening. Establishing the steps and how to achieve your goals will make the steps to success less daunting. Set timelines for achieving your goals and brainstorm the possibilities. Don’t be afraid to dream big and shoot for the stars!

Any expert will tell you the most import element is to find your passion. DiGangi says when asked that she never saw herself as a dental coding expert, however it became an interest and it fulfilled a need in the dental industry. With a keen business plan she then turned her expertise into a line of Dental Codeology books and rebranded to Beyond Oral Health. Her business provides CE opportunities and a platform for hygienists to volunteer on the Dental Coding Consortium and to network and support one another. Lumkakeng adds, “focus on something you have a true interest and connection with. It will help you become successful with lots of work and time”.

I couldn’t agree more with the women interviewed. As a mother of an Autistic child my passion lies with the special needs community and I often write and present on the subject helping other dental professionals gain an understanding of the challenges within the special needs community. I have been asked to write or present on specific subjects in the past and find that if it is not an interest it can be more of a burden than a task.

SleepArchiTx’s Lumkakeng states she often has conversations with dental hygienists who are becoming the sleep medicine expert within their practices. In fact, many are becoming a real leader and subject matter expert within their practice becoming the go-to person for answers. Many practices choose to have the hygienist become a specialized resource on the team especially since the hygienist may the first line in screening patients.

The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” can be relatable when it takes a network to establish an expert. Trying to navigate the waters completely on your own rather than learning from others will not only delay your plan, it may also prohibit you from learning from others. This is something I have learned personally. Many years ago I had a little dream of writing but wasn’t sure how to go about it. A chance meeting after a CE course presented by DiGangi led to trying something that made me vulnerable and trying something new, writing. Networking and learning from an expert helped me gain the confidence to put my voice out there for others to read and listen to. As a result, today my career has expanded into more than I could have imaged just 6 short years ago.

The human connection, even from the distances brought on by the pandemic, provides an opportunity to learn. Open your mind and make yourself vulnerable to learn from others—even the experts are continually learning. If there is one thing the pandemic has given us it is time to slow down and learn something new. Some dental offices specialize in implants and others in periodontal treatment. You may even become an expert in alternative treatment methods to be used clinically.The availability and opportunity to take a wide assortment of CE courses online offers the ability to explore new and exciting avenues.

“Do your research and learn from experts in that arena”, Durako states as one key to establishing yourself as the voice of a topic. Lumkakeng adds to the sentiment with “you need to know enough about a topic to be a credible expert.” You must learn from many experts and educators on a particular subject and pull bits and pieces together to create your own theories and ideas. It is important to not follow just one expert’s opinion, but to branch out and follow as many as possible. Find research and studies and delve deeply into the topics while compiling research and a plan. Many times we all have access to the same research thanks to the abilities of the internet, but how we interpret and express it varies among individuals.

Network with like-minded professionals. The dental hygiene profession is often represented as a solo career and many of us feel we do and learn all on our own. In reality the experts within the dental field are often so passionate about their topics and are often happy to discuss and share with others.Many of the best-known experts are willing and open to guide you and in turn open doors and make introductions to other experts. 

For the time being we are not able to network at dental conferences in person like years past, however we can still connect through social media, video conferencing and email. Get involved in your local network and study clubs and stay up to date on the topics of conversation. You will meet others who share your passion.

Meet a mentor. As part of networking you may meet an expert who you just click with. They have achieved and succeeded in their profession. A mentor relationship has to be a good fit for both the mentee and mentor. The best mentors share the tips and tricks they learned on the way to success and are not afraid to challenge you, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Growth comes from being uncomfortable.

How long does it take to establish yourself as an expert? The muddy answer is: who knows! While we are an instant gratification society and would like to see it happen in weeks to months, it is generally not reality. We see the speaker in their great shoes prancing about the stage to lend their expertise and knowledge making it look flawless. The behind-the-scenes reveals there are many long nights of research, building and staring blankly at a computer screen trying to come up with the right words for a presentation or article. Consultants often find themselves looking for avenues to help practices improve processes and the bottom line. Dedicating the time behind the scenes and the effort is an ingredient in the recipe of success.

Learning, research and making connections likely will take a year or years to establish yourself as an expert. You must learn not only to establish your point of view and expertise, but you must also learn how to be a good listener and ask questions. Learn what your audience barriers may be and the best way to present your knowledge. If you experience hesitancy on your topic learn how to better present your information and practice your craft. It is of utmost importance to not only understand your topic, but to also be able to communicate well and be engaging. If you are proposing a change in the way procedures are done the process must be easy to implement.

Whether you are trying to establish yourself as an expert on a topic, create a company, or strive to bring something new to your office or the profession, it will take time. Expertise is in the eye of the beholder. You will need to learn and adapt to know what works and what can be different. The process that works for one expert or business may not be the best choice for another.

To invest or not to invest. Some choose to invest in a business coach or join a business networking group such as the Breakthrough to Excellence group founded by Jasmin Haley. Jasmin has established herself as a strong voice within the dental hygiene community and created a business in helping others grow their own business successfully. The choice to financially invest in help or grow at your own pace is deeply personal and dependent on many factors. There is no one right answer.

What we choose everyday is what we become, and becoming an expert is a lifelong journey. You must remember we all start as young and fresh-faced graduates and many had mentors along the journey, no matter what path we took in career and life. Lumkakeng may have said it best: “Think broadly about your topics. Don’t think of an expert in a narrow subject matter; it may be deep and broad”.

DiGangi, my mentor, will often tell me when we talk about a struggle or when I have questions, “all you have to do is ask”. Ask for advice, ask for a listening ear and don’t be afraid to ask what questions you need answered to find your niche. Becoming an expert is not a solo journey. There are many who are willing to lend a hand and help guide you along the way. Connect and surround yourself with those who also strive for excellence. The road to establishing yourself as an expert and career is never a straight line. Instead it is full or twists, turns and sometimes even a few detours. 

With hard work, a good plan and a strong mentor, you can find the right path to make an impact in the dental industry.