Kristen Mott is the associate editor for Dental Products Report and Digital Esthetics.

Kristen Mott

As a dentist who conducts a lot of beta testing, Isaac Tawil, DDS, MS, has about 7 intraoral scanners in his office. After receiving the Medit i700 in February, Dr Tawil says his preference now is to always pick up this scanner when working on a patient case.

Building off the success of the Medit i500, the i700 intraoral scanner is packed with powerful hardware and intelligent software designed to allow clinicians to unleash their practice’s full potential.

This intraoral scanner will allow practices to stand out with its integration of new, upgraded software from the Medit i500 scanner. Featuring a remote-control button, the Medit i700 makes accessibility and efficiency easy for clinicians, and a smart stitching feature can offer a full view of the arch. It is ergonomic and lightweight while still containing the full technological array of features for daily use.

“I was quite surprised with the new software itself. It’s much more intuitive, and it has some really advanced features that work for both the i500 and i700,” says Dr Tawil, who practices out of Tawil Dental in Brooklyn, New York.

One of the most impressive features of the i700 is the remote-control button, according to Dr Tawil. Being able to scan a patient’s mouth without frequently having to touch the computer is a big time-saver for the clinician.

“Sometimes I’m in the exam room alone without an assistant at the computer, and I can’t keep recovering the computer or changing gloves after touching the computer,” he says.

“If there’s no one else in the room, with this scanner in remote mode you can scroll around and scan, zoom in and zoom out, pan, even go from 1 step to the next,” Dr Tawil continues. “I just hold down the button and it takes me to the next scan. Medit made the entire feature kind of hands-free from the computer.”

The smart stitching feature allows Dr Tawil to stitch various scans together to create a complete view of the arch, an aspect of the scanner he found extremely impressive.

“I couldn’t believe they were actually able to do that. I was worried about the accuracy, but I found it was exactly the same as if I did it the more traditional way of scanning. I was blown away by that,” he notes.

At only 245 g, the Medit i700 is designed to be featherlight. Plus, scanner tips that are reversible and can be rotated 180º allow dentists to better capture areas for scanning.

“The i700 is much more ergonomic, especially compared with the i500. It’s a much sleeker design,” Dr Tawil says. “There’s also a much wider tip at the end. I feel the view is increased, so I can capture more of the arch.”

The upgraded Medit i700 is engineered to support a scan speed that is 2 times faster than that of the Medit i500. Thanks to software improvements, scan processing times are said to be 4½ times faster.

“One of the biggest things I tell people is try to save time,” he says. “Whatever you can do to be more efficient, whatever you can do to eliminate downtime between procedures, it adds up.

“A half hour at the end of the day equals another patient you can see and treat. The speed of the scanning is vastly improved from the old model, which was already really good to begin with.”

In addition to the scanner’s next-generation features, Medit’s customer support is unsurpassed, Dr Tawil remarks. This is especially helpful for dentists who may be just entering the world of intraoral scanning and are nervous about the learning curve involved.

“No matter what, Medit is always there to help you,” he says. “If you make a post on Facebook, one of their lead technicians will respond. I can wait an hour and a half on the phone with some other companies just to get someone on the other line to speak to. If you have a patient who you need to scan and you have an issue, just click that support button and there’s someone on the other end waiting to help you.”

Between the ease of use in scanning and the unique integrated technology, Dr Tawil notes that there is no reason for dentists not to purchase the Medit i700.

“There’s no question that you should buy this,” he says. “This is 5 to 10 years in the future right now in your hands. It’s easy to buy, it’s easy to use, it’s comfortable, and you have all the support in the world.”

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This scanner offers the advanced technology and customer service experience that will allow practices to serve patients better.

An Intraoral Scanner to Serve Patients

When Bloom Dental Group in San Mateo, California, made the switch to become a paperless office, they knew it was time to start implementing a new process for referrals, too.

“We were using paper referrals previously, and it could be an unorganized, tedious process, especially for a busy practice,” says Patti Bolander, director of operations at Bloom Dental Group. “What you would have to do is rifle through a bunch of papers to find the right specialist you’re looking for, and then handwrite a copy, give that copy to the patient, scan and email a copy to the referral office, and email an x-ray.”

Patti Bolander, director of operations at Bloom Dental Group.

Looking to streamline the process and keep everything organized, Bloom Dental Group starting using Refera, a paperless referral management system. The online platform allows dentists to refer patients to any other practice via a system that is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Rather than having to place a paper referral in a patient’s chart, Bolander says, she can easily use Refera to refer a patient to any specialist.

“Whether it’s perio-, endo-, or orthodontics, or oral surgery, it’s all organized there for you. They list all your old referrals, too. It makes things really easy and organized and much more streamlined,” she says.

The easy-to-use system allows dentists to refer a patient with just a few clicks. Refera provides a list of specialists currently available. After the doctor selects a patient to refer, the system automatically populates the referralwith the individual’s information.

Refera is an online platform that allows practices to refer patients to any other practice. It also enables practices to receive referrals from other practices via a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant system that includes attachments and the ability to track referred patients. This helps ensure that patients receive prescribed care and that no potential patients slip through the cracks.

“All I need to do is click a button and send the x-ray. It’s fantastic,” she says.

Refera also keeps things organized on the patient’s end. Rather than having to keep track of the paper referral or find the right phone number to contact the specialist’s office, the patient receives a text message, email, or both after the digital referral has been created. The message contains all the specialist’s information as well as the appointment time and date. Any updates or notifications are also sent to the patient digitally.

Bolander says patient feedback has been very positive.

“It’s just so much easier for the patient, and they appreciate it,” she says. “I think it’s extremely helpful for the patient in the sense that they don’t have a paper referral they need to make sure gets to the office. It’s also easy for them to refer back to since the information is right in their pocket.”

Once a referral has been sent, the system tracks the progress so the dentist knows when the patient has scheduled an appointment with the specialist and whether treatment has been completed. Checking back with the patient and tracking the referral’s status from beginning to end is simple, according to Bolander.

“If we’re trying to follow up with a patient who had treatment in another office and we need to bring them back in, I can easily go into Refera and see what they had done. It shows me when and where the appointment was so that I can coordinate treatment on our end once they’re done,” she says.

Although the free version of Refera allows dentists to send and receive referrals, transfer documents, view referral status, and more, the premium version takes things a step further by integrating with practice management software. This helps to ensure that all the patient information is complete, which streamlines the workflow and makes scheduling a lot easier.

“A lot of times there’s human error. You may not get a copy of that referral, or the referral doesn’t make it to the office with the patient. It’s nice to have everything organized online and just be able to refer to 1 place and know all the information is there,” she says.

The premium version also provides actionable insights. Dentists can create plans for practice growth and find new revenue opportunities with weekly reporting and intelligent dashboard features provided by Refera.

“Refera has absolutely changed things for our practice,” Bolander says. “It’s really just a win-win for everyone. This was much needed in the industry.”

This paperless referral management solution from Refera makes it easier to follow patient care from specialists and ensure patients return to your practice for follow-up care.

Closer Look: Easy, HIPAA-Compliant Referrals

For Rick Mars, DDS, 1 key advantage of Align Technology is that its platform is constantly improving. He has used iTero scanners since they first came out on the market, so it’s no surprise that he also invested in the iTero Element 5D imaging system, featuring the latest scanner software technology.

“Every time Align Technology comes out with a new scanner, it has better features, whether it’s the touchscreen, better graphics, or improved speed. The versatility of it is amazing,” Dr Mars says.

In addition to offering all the features included with the iTero Element 2, the iTero Element 5D is the first intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging (NIRI) technology. This technology is designed to aid in the detection and monitoring of interproximal caries by scanning the internal structure of a tooth in real time without using harmful radiation.

“The NIRI technology allows you to have a similar view of the tooth as if you’re taking a radiographic scan,” says Dr Mars, who is president of Dental Care Group in Florida. “It doesn’t replace radiographs, but it’s another tool to help diagnose cavities. There are amazing diagnostic tools available with the Element 5D.”

The system is equipped with TimeLapse technology, a helpful feature for patient communication. Using TimeLapse, dentists can help patients visualize diagnostic, restorative, or orthodontic comparisons.

Offering enhanced processing speeds and improved visualizations, the iTero Element 5D Plus is the latest update to Align Technology’s iTero line of intraoral scanners. It features an integrated intraoral camera and a brighter screen to display images more clearly. The improved image processing reduces wait time by 20%. The series is available in 2 versions, the iTero Element 5D Plus cart and iTero Element 5D Plus mobile.

“If I scanned you 6 months ago and you’re not exactly ready to jump into clear aligners just yet, I can rescan you and show you the changes to your mouth over those 6 months. It could be gum recession or wear on a tooth. When patients see the changes that took place in a short period of time, it really opens up their eyes and makes them realize they need to take care of the problem,” he says.

Designed for a variety of applications, Dr Mars says the iTero Element 5D really blows away the competition when it comes to Invisalign.

The Invisalign Outcome Simulator is a feature he uses about a dozen times a day with patients in his office. The 3D computer application can be used to create, view, and edit orthodontic treatment plan simulations. After taking a scan of a patient’s mouth, Dr Mars can provide a simulation of what that individual’s teeth and smile will look like once treatment is complete.

“I’ve done more Invisalign in the last 6 months than in any 6-month period,” he says. “It’s allowed me to close more cases due to educating my patients.”

In the days when there was only the option of analog impressions, an assistant could spend 15 to 20 minutes taking an impression, and that was if they were good and lucky enough to get it right on the first try, he notes. Besides being time-consuming, the process was also unpleasant for the patient.

With the latest iTero technology, the time it takes to scan a patient has been cut down to only 2 to 3 minutes. Plus, the patient can see their teeth on a screen right away.

“It’s just putting you out there in your patient’s eyes and mind as being a cutting-edge dentist and someone who really cares about them as a patient. This is dentistry in 2021, not dentistry in the 1990s anymore,” Dr Mars says.

From 3D digital impressions and crisp intraoral scanning to treatment simulation, the technology makes this the best scanner on the market, according to Dr Mars. The system not only helps him educate his patients, it also allows him to inspire them.

“You’re going to do the best dentistry possible because you’re going to be able to see every angle of the tooth,” he says. “If you purchase an iTero scanner, you’ll watch your Invisalign cases skyrocket to a whole new level because you’re now educating and inspiring your patients.”

iTero Element 5D is the first intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging technology to aid in the detection and monitoring of interproximal caries.

Closer Look: iTero Element 5D Scanners Provide More Than Just 3D Digital Impressions

After 41 years of practice, Jeffrey Hoos, DMD, has learned that success is achieved when dentists find the balance in the art, science, and business of dentistry. Products from Kuraray Noritake Dental, such as CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal, help Dr Hoos reach that goal.

“We want to do beautiful restorations, that’s the art, and we want it based on great science. We can always count on Kuraray Noritake [to provide] the best science for our patients,” he says.

CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal, the latest addition to Kuraray Noritake’s Majesty ES-2 series, is a light-cure, radiopaque restorative material designed to provide accurate color matching, high polishability, and excellent physical properties. Created to be easy to use, it’s a simplified system with a single shade designed to cover all posterior restorations.

Dr Hoos, who practices at the Brush & Floss Dental Center in Stratford, Connecticut, was one of the first dentists in the country to use CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal. The material’s handling capabilities immediately stood out to him when using the composite for the first time.

“All companies have specific properties and features they’d like to promote with composite resin. One of the things I can say about Kuraray Noritake products is their handleability is just paramount,” Dr Hoos says.

As a material that is compatible with all the shades in the VITA classical A1-C3 shade guide, Dr Hoos says this composite can help boost a dental practice’s bottom line.

“When you’re trying to do esthetic dentistry and provide the highest quality care for patients and you can minimize your inventory by having a universal composite, those savings go right to your bottom line,” he says.

CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal is a universal composite designed to be a 1-shade solution for all posterior restorations. Light Diffusion Technology distorts light in a similar way to dental tissue, allowing the composite to integrate easily and smoothly into the surrounding tooth structure. No blocker or opaquer is needed, resulting in efficient and comfortable procedures.

Unlike other composites on the market, a blocker or opaquer is not required when using CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal. This achievement is due to the material’s level of translucency and the integration of Kuraray Noritake’s Light Diffusion Technology, which is engineered to make restorations diffuse light in a similar way to the natural tooth structure. This improved light diffusion provides superior blending capabilities and color adaptation.

These benefits, coupled with the fact that Kuraray Noritake extensively tests its products before bringing them to market, made Dr Hoos feel confident recommending CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal to his fellow dentists.

“You’ll be able to finish cases faster. You’ll be able to get a better polish. In teaming up this product with Kuraray Noritake’s bonding agents, your patients won’t experience any postop sensitivity. The features within this product allow you to gain a range of benefits,” he says.

As part of his philosophy of finding the art, science, and business in dentistry, Dr Hoos believes in working with companies he trusts. For him, Kuraray Noritake has helped him keep this balance in his practice.

“For me, it’s about partnering with the right company to provide me with the right products so that I can maintain my balance,” he says. “Success is assured when you find this balance, and Kuraray Noritake is the best partner I’ve found to do that for me.”

Being a dentist in private practice since 1979, Dr Hoos has come across countless composites during his career. He feels strongly that the benefits of CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal make it stand out from the pack.

“I’ve had the opportunity to use many, many different materials. I think CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES-2 Universal may be a game-changer,” he says.

Why one clinician turns to CLEARFIL MAJESTY™ ES-2 Universal to achieve harmony between art, science, and business.

Finding the Right Balance

Have you noticed a certain workflow within your dental practice can be improved to increase efficiency, but you’re afraid to speak up? Perhaps you’ve recently discovered a passion for graphic design, but you aren’t sure how to utilize this skill at the office. 

For dental hygienists who are looking to take on the role of a leader but unsure how to assert their voice, these situations are all too common. The good news is you’re not alone. About half of employees across all industries regularly don’t speak their minds at work whether to colleagues or mangers, according to research from the Society for Human Resource Management.

“In dentistry, we’re taught to tell patients they have gum disease, but we’re rarely taught to sit down with the doctor or practice owner and have difficult conversations,” says Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed., RF.

There are numerous reasons as to why hygienists are afraid to voice their opinions at the office, including being shy, averse to conflict, worried about having their ideas shot down, or unsure how to start a conversation with the doctor. However, learning to speak up is critical not only when it comes to being a clinical leader but also advancing your hygiene career.

“We need to be our own voice and advocate for ourselves,” says Kelly Tanner, RDH, Ph.D. “Know what you bring to the table and lean into that.”

Here are 9 ways dental hygienists can learn to assert their voices and take on leadership roles within their practices. 

Whether a hygienist is shy or extroverted, it’s critical to understand why past decisions were made when voicing an opinion in a dental practice, Tanner says.  

“If it’s purchasing new instruments or changing a protocol that has always been the same, I always recommend to people to try to understand the office and context at the time those decisions were made,” Tanner says.

For instance, during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, many instruments were on backorder. As a result, dental offices couldn’t necessarily purchase name-brand tools and were using different instruments than what they would normally order. Using context can help hygienists understand why certain decisions were made at the time and what went into the thought process for the doctor or practice owner.

When approaching a dentist with a new idea or a proposed change to an established process, Tanner says it’s helpful to tie the decision back to the patients. For example, instead of telling a doctor that you’d like to order better instruments, a hygienist can phrase it as, “I feel if we had better instruments or sharper instruments, it would help our patients and increase our efficiency.”

“Seek understanding first, and then make recommendations based on evidence with respect to the doctor,” Tanner says. “If you make it about the patients and the reason why we’re all here, you can usually get to a ‘yes.’”

Before sitting down with the doctor or practice owner to discuss your role in the practice, it’s important to first try to put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspective. Sanders notes most dentists don’t receive a lot of business training while in dental school. Additionally, their working knowledge of what a hygienist does isn’t very strong in many cases.

“Often doctors don’t understand skill sets and talents of hygienists and what a true specialist can bring to their practice,” Sanders says. “Keep that in mind when approaching the dentist from that mindset. They might not necessarily understand what you can bring to the practice.”

For individuals who are hesitant to meet with a dentist and assert their opinions, Tina Clarke RDH, M.Ed., recommends thinking about the impact on patients and future hygienists when deciding to speak up. 

“You have to ask yourself, ‘If I don’t say anything and I leave the practice and it never gets addressed, then will the problem continue on for someone else, or do I have an opportunity to make a difference for someone else?’ If you can think about it as what you’re doing is helping someone else who may be in that future position, it kind of helps to relieve some of that pressure,” Clarke says.

Besides meeting with the doctor to discuss additional leadership roles that may be available within the practice, use this time as an educational opportunity. Be mindful of the verbiage you use when speaking to the dentist or practice owner as well.

“Remind yourself that these aren’t just the doctor’s patients; they’re your patients, too,” Sanders says. “I’ll say things like, ‘Our mutual patient,” or ‘This is our patient that we’re working on together.’ Take ownership over the role that you play as not only a clinician but as a patient advocate. Your voice becomes the voice for your patient.”

If the doctor just spent the last two hours completing a complex root canal for a difficult patient, it’s probably not the best time to approach him about implementing new infection control processes in the office. Instead, schedule a specific time to meet that works for both of you. 

“In private practices especially, people are typically just busy the whole day,” says Alyssa Aberle, RDH, BSDH, MBA. “Find time to sit down and talk because it doesn’t always happen naturally. Set that time aside so you know it can happen.”

Giving the doctor or practice owner an idea of what the conversation will be about ahead of time is also helpful. 

“Give them some context about what you want to discuss. If they know what the meeting is about, they’ll be more receptive to what you have to say. Let them know you’re respecting their time.” Tanner says.

During the meeting, find out the doctor’s or practice owner’s concerns or opinions on the topic. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of the starting point and how to move forward. Be sure to also schedule a follow-up conversation. 

“You can say the meeting was really productive and let’s circle back in two weeks. That way, you know there’s a follow-up that’s going to happen.” Aberle says.

Coming in with a working knowledge of the topic you’re presenting to the doctor or practice owner can pay off in a big way. Whether you’re wanting to purchase a new instrument, introduce a new procedure, or request more time per patient, having all of the pertinent information ready to go at your fingertips will help the conversation flow more smoothly.

“The more you have a working knowledge of the topic, the more confidence you’ll have behind yourself when you’re explaining it to the doctor.” Sanders says.

Aberle notes having confidence in a certain topic or area also makes people more willing to speak up. She recommends hygienists research the topic they’re interested in presenting and join social media groups to connect and engage in dialogue with like-minded people.

Trying out a skill on a smaller scale can also prove to be beneficial. For instance, if a hygienist is interested in infection control, Aberle recommends taking a course on infection control guidelines or connecting with someone who’s in charge of infection control procedures at their office. 

“The more you learn about the different options out there, the more confident you’ll be to speak up and step into some of these roles. And when you approach the office manager or dentist, you’ll be more confident in your capabilities.” Aberle says.

Clarke agrees, adding that when hygienists take the opportunity to increase their knowledge and reinforce it through educational courses, it allows them to have more confidence when engaging in conversations with colleagues, patients and doctors.

“There are a lot of infection control changes going on right now. Throughout the pandemic, a lot of hygienists have been staying on top of the changes with the CDC and OSHA and sharing that with their office. What a great opportunity to become the point person on a piece of knowledge or skill set that the office needs to have.” Clarke says.

When presenting a new idea or proposed change, the doctor or practice owner will likely have follow-up questions. If you’ve already done your homework and planned for those potential questions, Sanders notes you’ll feel much more prepared to address any concerns. 

While some doctors may be immediately open to receiving feedback on processes or modifying hygienists’ existing roles, others may be less receptive to these ideas. If you find that the dentist is pushing back against what you’re proposing, Aberle recommends sitting down and having a conversation about what their reservations are. 

“Have a clear idea going in what you want to come out of the conversation,” she says. “Whether it’s to talk about roles that could be created or if you want to be in a specific role, have a clear idea of what your ideal outcome would be.”

Sanders stresses the importance of approaching any conversation from a level-headed, pragmatic standpoint. A lot of times there will be a rationale behind the doctor’s or practice owner’s views.

“Always listen to understand. Don’t fight to win,” she says. 

Doctors and practice owners are all human beings, and Sanders notes many of them often feel isolated with all of the day-to-day business happenings falling on their shoulders. Asking a dentist to help you understand their rationale can often shed some light on why they have a certain perspective or immediate reaction to change.

“With a difficult doctor, they’ve likely become hardened over the years because they haven’t been able to trust other people,” Sanders says. “It’s a hard thing to do to trust other people and delegate tasks to others. Remind the doctor that you’re in this with them. Listen to understand first, and then ask questions.”

Unfortunately, there are still situations in which a difficult doctor refuses to budge. When it reaches that point, it’s up to the hygienist to decide what the best course of action is going to be moving forward professionally.

“If you’ve had conversations about changes that need to happen in the office or roles of different team members and it’s not going to go anywhere, that’s your point when you have to decide what’s worth it to you,” Aberle says. “If it’s something you’re really passionate about and you don’t feel like the place you’re at is going to give you that opportunity, then you have to consider if you look for another office to meet your needs for what you want to get out of your career.”

Before speaking with the doctor or practice owner about taking on new responsibilities within the practice, it’s critical to first do some self-reflection and discover where your passions lie. Do you have strong graphic design skills? If so, you may want to discuss taking on a marketing role within the office. Are you interested in managing people? In that case, you may want to attend a leadership or business course.

“A leadership role as a dental hygienist is going to look different for each person,” Sanders says. “For some people, it’s more of a clinical leadership role. For others, it’s in training or leadership within the practice. Use your own self-reflection and self-assessment to help guide what you’d like to see for your own career from a leadership standpoint, and then create a plan to present to the doctor and how they can be a part of it.”

Tanner says being self-aware can help hygienists develop a better understanding of why they’re looking to make a change. She also stresses the importance of understanding the skills that are required when taking on a new role or position. For instance, if a hygienist is interested in becoming a myofunctional therapist, reach out to individuals who are popular in that field to get a better grasp of the day-to-day requirements. Online courses and industry conferences can also prove to be beneficial.

“Know who you are and what your shortcomings are and what you need to work on,” Tanner says. “As you grow and build and move into your next position, there may be a different set of leadership skills that are required of you.”

Identifying where issues currently exist within your practice can also be helpful, Aberle says. Maybe the office can improve its perio therapy, or perhaps some infection control protocols need to be reworked. Most likely, other people in the practice have noticed the same issues, but they either haven’t spoken up or don’t want to deal with the extra work. Aberle notes this is a great opportunity to present a solution to the doctor or practice owner and offer to take on the responsibility.

“When you go to anybody and say, ‘We have a problem,’ there’s going to be resistance. If you say, ‘There’s a problem, here’s a solution I found and I’m willing to take on the work,’ they’re more likely to listen,” she says.

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions. In a professional setting, harnessing the power of your emotional intelligence can help you to better understand and connect with your supervisor. Not only will you be able to express and control your personal emotions, but you’ll also have the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others. 

Tanner, who is certified in the science of emotional intelligence, says a majority of communication issues and people issues have to deal with emotional intelligence. 

“Be aware of how you’re being perceived, how the other person communicates with you and how you communicate with them. They may not want to get bogged down in the details of what you’re proposing. Some people are detail-oriented, while others care more about the overall picture,” she says.

Be in a curious mode whenever you’re meeting with the doctor or practice owner, Tanner says. Include them in the conversation, ask questions and seek understanding. 

“When you’re curious, I think that’s when it opens up more room for exploration within the conversation,” she says. “Be open to what you’re going to hear.”

Within the office, be the person who listens more than they talk, Clarke says. For hygienists interested in taking on a leadership position, start by trying to be a helper to everyone on the team. Listen to their needs and see what you can do to support them.

“A truly great leader is going to hear the information, listen, and then be able to act accordingly and work with the individuals on the team and come to a solution that will work for everyone,” she says.

Some dental hygienists work solely in a private practice. For others, they might work on opposite days from a fellow hygienist. This can sometimes create a silo and prevent the open exchange of ideas and communication. To counteract this, networking is critical. 

“You can connect with people and have that community to share ideas with,” Aberle says.

Thanks to the digital age we live in, unlimited information is available to hygienists online. Aberle suggests sorting through various channels to find helpful information. For example, if your practice does a lot of cosmetic dentistry and you’re interested in learning more about silver diamine fluoride, you can find groups of people online or discover podcasts that will be useful.

“You never know when opportunities will present themselves,” Aberle says. “Everything is at your fingertips in 2021. Find groups of people to connect with or make your own group if there’s not one out there.”

In conjunction with networking, coaching can be a viable option as well. Coaching is an investment in you, Sanders says, and it can come in many different forms.

“If you’re someone who struggles with leadership, communication, people hearing you the right way, or starting a dialogue, know that there are endless resources when it comes to coaching, whether that is self-coaching through guided journal and podcasts or true coaches where you can meet one-on-one with someone who can help you to build the skills that are necessary to communicate in the right way,” she says. 

As owner of Next Level Dental Hygiene Leadership, Tanner helps supports dental hygienists by providing personalized support, coaching and educational tools to help strengthen and develop leadership. For her, creating a shared system of learning and helping transition hygienists into different roles is key.

“Your network is your net worth,” Tanner says. “Link up with people who are like-minded and be open to learning more. Reach out to who you know and always look for those growth opportunities.”

When you know you have specific skills or talents that you want to share with the community, but you don’t foresee them being a viable option at your current practice, share them anyways, Sanders says. She recalls discovering her writing talent and starting to share articles with her community, and her employer at the time began to notice and pay attention.

“Often we think the current situation is one in which the doctor or practice owner won’t appreciate those skills. Once they see it in action, it’s different. That’s important to understand,” she says. 

For some hygienists, though, getting their skills noticed is an uphill battle. If you find yourself in a situation where your skills or talents aren’t being appreciated or utilized, it’s time to evaluate whether you’re being met with the level of challenge that you need on a daily basis. 

“If you’ve brought something up to the doctor or practice owner enough times and it’s not in alignment with where they are, you have to be comfortable enough and believe in yourself and your future to say goodbye and find something else,” Sanders says. 

Leaving an office can prove useful, Aberle says, because it gives hygienists a better sense of what they’re looking for in a practice. She also stresses the importance of asking questions during a job interview. For instance, ask the interviewer if you can view a copy of the office’s infection control procedure manual, or inquire about how the doctor treatment plans for a perio patient. By asking the right questions, hygienists can determine if a practice is a good fit for them.

“We’re used to the job interviewing us, but we’re also interviewing them,” Aberle says. “You want to know if they’re a good fit for you, and they want to know that, too. Every practice has different workflows.”

While it may seem difficult — and even scary — at times to speak up within your practice, doing so is key to advancing your professional career. By surrounding yourself with a strong support system, investing in yourself professionally, building confidence and acquiring skills that will help propel you forward, you’ll be able to take on more responsibilities and new leadership roles.

“You are your own limiting factor,” Sanders says. “The opportunities truly are endless now more than ever in dentistry.”

It can be hard to find a voice in the busy workflow of a dental practice, but there are a variety of things that can help boost confidence in bringing new ideas forward.  

 

9 Tips for Hygienists to Speak Up and Take on Leadership Roles  

	Infection control is one of the most important aspects of any dental practice. OSHA violations can have a detrimental effect on your reputation in the community as well as your bottom line. Fortunately, there are myriad products on the market today to help keep your practice, your staff and your patients healthy and safe.

Today’s products are changing the game when it comes to infection control. Surface disinfectant wipes are engineered to kill viruses and bacteria in as little as one minute. Ultrasonic cleaners feature user-friendly touchscreens and data files that can be downloaded and stored for documentation. Personal protective equipment, such as face masks and lab jackets, are being made with lightweight, breathable material for maximum comfort.

Read more: Lighting a path to infection control best practices

	Is it time for you to reevaluate your infection control efforts? Take a look at the products and resources we’ve compiled on the next several pages to ensure your practice is in compliance with today’s standards.

	Click through the slides to see the products.

• Innovative, alcohol-free quat solution versatile enough to use on common dental surfaces with the assurance of broad-spectrum disinfection
	• EPA-registered to kill 44 pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, in reportedly two minutes or less
	• Low-odor, low-residue formula features patented technology that enhances quat activity on surfaces to deliver broader efficacy and faster kill times without co-actives

	• The UC150 is a quiet, compact, 1.5-gallon ultrasonic cleaner that can be placed on a countertop or recessed
	• Equipped with a multilingual, user-friendly touchscreen
	• It offers customizable settings, a degas function, optional heating, quick and easy draining, and an exclusive USB interface for easy downloading of cleaning data

• Quick and easy, low-cost instrument sterilization using state-of-the-art “Hi-Velocity Hot Air” technology
	• It’s engineered to use 85 percent less energy than steam sterilizers
	• With “start-to-finish” 20-minute wrapped instrument cycles and four large trays, the Pro11 Sterilizer has a greater effective capacity

ConFirm™ Mail-in Sterilizer Indicators Monitoring Service

	• Third-party documentation of testing and test results provides a tangible online record when proof of testing and subsequent results must be provided
	• Results in 24 hours for steam, 72 hours for chemical vapor, and seven days for dry heat and EtO from start of incubation period at processing laboratory
	• Choice of immediate test failure notification by fax or email with a courtesy call the next day from a clinical adviser

• Designed to clean and disinfect dental surfaces while working extremely fast and effectively killing a broad spectrum of disease-causing microorganisms
	• Compatible with a wide range of surfaces, including acrylic, aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, chrome, plastics and more
	• Helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria with no harsh fragrance

	CaviWipes™ and CaviCide™ surface disinfectants

• Clean, disinfect and decontaminate hard, nonporous surfaces with speed and confidence
	• With reportedly one of the fastest kill times in the industry at three minutes, CaviWipes and CaviCide get the job done from the start to give every office a clinical clean
	• As a cleaner and disinfectant in one convenient, ready-to-use product, with no dilution or mixing required, CaviWipes and CaviCide save dental professionals time and inventory

• An “intelligent” sterilizer with advanced data management features and an easy-to-use interface that allows full traceability of every sterilization cycle
	• The 28-liter model features a full-color touchscreen LCD display with clear, easy-to-understand icons
	• Steam generator and high-performance double-head vacuum pump are designed to ensure extremely fast cycle execution

	Cefla Medical Equipment | Mocom
	704-598-0020  |  

	• In just 60 seconds, DisCide Ultra reportedly is effective against TB, viruses (HBV, HCV, RSV, HIV-1), bacteria (MRSA, VRE, E. coli) and fungi (C. albicans)
	• Specifically formulated to resist evaporation, the intermediate-level surface disinfectant is noncorrosive and nonstaining, and it leaves no residue
	• Available in identical formulations in both spray and towelette formats

• Made of a lightweight, breathable, latex-free material for maximum comfort
	• Non-sterile lab jackets are designed to protect health professionals and patients from cross-contamination, airborne splatter and debris
	• Single-use and disposable, they’re made of high-quality, soft, SMS fluid-resistant material

	• A fixed rack cassette that holds up to seven instruments
	• Made using USA medical-grade stainless steel, it’s designed to allow for proper sterilization while still protecting against accidental instrument pokes
	• A convenient single latch featuring a latch guard provides easier opening and closing of the cassette while preventing instrument tips from becoming stuck in the latch

	Paradise Dental Technologies
	800-240-9895  |  

• With a one-minute broad-spectrum contact time, OPT

 1 is reportedly one of the fastest and most effective cleaner and intermediate-level disinfectants
	• It provides the confidence that clinicians are compliant and mindful of patients, staff, equipment and the environment without compromise
	• It’s listed as a category IV, the EPA’s lowest toxicity category

	• Elara 11 pre/post vacuum sterilizer and EZPlus gravity series fully automatic sterilizers have closed-door drying systems
	• The units meet the most current sterilization standards ANSI/AAMI ST55
	• Tuttnauer is committed to better dentistry, helping dentists meet today’s challenging workloads and regulatory requirements by offering products that deliver optimal results without sacrificing convenience

• Regulate infection control through instrument cassettes, trays and Safe-Lok® Covers
	• Contaminated instruments are organized and secured within a cassette, which stays enclosed on a tray with a locking cover to create a safe handling practice
	• Contaminated instruments will remain covered until you’re ready for reprocessing

	Zirc Dental Products
	800-328-3899  |  

	• A compact, high-performance cleaning unit that’s designed to automatically clean dentures, orthodontic appliances and splints quietly and in a time-saving, efficient manner
	• Reportedly provides up to 80 percent time savings compared to conventional methods, ensuring a fast and efficient prophylaxis service with minimal effort
	• Optimal and fast cleaning performance is due to an inclined bowl set at a 35-degree angle as well as a rotary magnetic field that sets the cleaning needles

• Monarch wipes are said to work fast and offer a broad-spectrum efficacy, ethanol-based, bleach-free formula that kills TB, viruses, bacteria and fungi in just one minute without hurting equipment
	• The wipes have a low toxicity rating and are fragrance-free and compatible with most surfaces in the dental office
	• A cleaning and disinfecting product all in one step, saving clinicians time and money

	• Ready-to-use cleaner and broad-spectrum dental office disinfectant said to be effective against TB in two minutes and sanitizing hard, nonporous surfaces in 10 seconds
	• With broad pathogen kill claims, they’re virucidal, bactericidal, fungicidal and tuberculocidal
	• Made from a woven, surgical-grade, nonlinting material, the wipes are designed to retain solution for more effective cleaning and disinfection

• Featuring an innovative, contoured design that’s said to enhance airflow space and provide complete coverage and fit with extra breathing room that allows for a more comfortable, extended wear
	• Fluid-resistant and fiberglass-free
	• Also features an adjustable, full-width nosepiece

Rounding up the top infection control products on the market. 

Keeping your practice and patients safe

Rounding up the top infection control products on the market. 


Rounding up the top restorative materials on the market.


Enhancing restorative dentistry with advanced materials

	Restorative materials have come a long way since the 1800s, when amalgam was the dental material of choice. Today’s materials can be used for a wide variety of indications to produce high-strength, esthetic results.

From universal composite and bulk fills to glass ionomers and adhesives, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options. Over the next several pages, we’ve compiled some of the top options on the market.

Trending article: Break out of your restorative rut

	Whether you’re looking to increase the longevity of your restorations or you want to start working with bioactive materials, you’re sure to discover one or two products to incorporate into your armamentarium.

• 3M™ Filtek™ Universal Restorative is a new universal composite that’s said to offer a modernized approach to anterior and posterior restorations
	• It has a simplified shading process and advanced composite technology to reportedly provide strong and esthetic results
	• The use of nanofillers is engineered to create a true nanocomposite that provides high strength and excellent wear resistance

 is a dual-cured, calcium- and fluoride-releasing, self-adhesive resin cement indicated for luting crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and all types of posts
	• The material is designed to deliver a strong bond to zirconia and most substrates and features easy clean up and high radiopacity
	• Due to its innovative chemistry, TheraCem is engineered to achieve a high degree of chemical conversion, which ensures high physical strength

• EVANESCE™ nano-enhanced universal restorative is designed to seamlessly blend into the tooth-reportedly resulting in margins that simply disappear
	• Its simple technique is said to often require only a single shade, or in more complex cases, fewer layers of composite
	• With putty-like handling, EVANESCE is engineered to easily adapt during placement and manipulation yet is absolutely slump-free

	Clinician’s Choice Dental Products
	800-372-4346  |  

 is a universal submicron hybrid composite distinguished by easy polishability, gloss retention, ideal handling and exceptional blending properties
	• Highly esthetic outcomes reportedly can be achieved using seven universal shades in COLTENE’s Duo Shade system
	• For “brilliant” anterior and posterior restorations, it’s said to be the ideal modern filling material

• The innovative SphereTEC filler technology is now available in a flowable version
	• Clinicians are said to profit particularly from the flow-on-demand effect, which reportedly ensures the composite reliably adapts to the cavity walls and the flow behavior can be precisely controlled
	• Beside the five universal shades of the TPH Spectra

 ST line, two dentin shades, one enamel shade and a bleach white shade are available

	• Ecosite Bulk Fill is a posterior restorative composite that’s said to deliver superior esthetics with a single, quick 20-second light cure
	• Its ability to flow smoothly under pressure reportedly ensures high packability without sticking to instruments
	• The material is engineered to reliably cure in a single-layer application to the depth of 5 mm while providing unmatched handling, polishability and superb adaptation

• Unlike other “dowl” fiber posts, EZ-Fit has a second tier that reportedly prevents “bottom cutting,” which will eliminate the high apical stresses under function common to other passive posts
	• The translucent aspect of EZ-Fit is said to allow the post to be seen extremely clear on a radiograph, allowing the dentist to see his or her work clearly
	• The strength, retention and stability of the EZ-Fit Translucent post is reportedly unlike any other passive fiber post on the market

	Essential Dental Systems
	201-487-9090  |  

	• Designed to help dentists achieve high-quality esthetic restorations, this product combination reportedly reduces working steps by up to 58 percent without compromising restoration durability
	• Products include the Tetric

 Evo-Line family of composites, Adhese® Universal, Bluephase® Style LED curing light, and OptraGate

 lip and cheek retractor
	• When used in combination, simplicity meets esthetics for isolating, bonding, restoring and curing direct restorative procedures

• This new, light-cure, universal flowable composite is designed to be used for all direct restorations for all cavity classes; as a cavity base/liner; for repair of tooth erosion and wear; and for intraoral repair of fractured restorations
	• It’s said to be exceptionally easy to polish by wiping the cured resin with an ethanol-soaked gauze or cotton roll
	• The material contains special submicron fillers that are treated with a proprietary silane coupling agent, reportedly giving the product superior mechanical properties

	Kuraray Noritake Dental
	800-879-1676  |  

	• Predicta™ Bioactive Bulk is a dual-cure, bulk fill resin composite that’s said to be easy to place and combines excellent strength, exceptional durability and optimal characteristics close to those of natural teeth
	• The material is bioactive and releases fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions to stimulate mineral apatite formation and remineralization at the material-tooth interface
	• It’s suitable for direct or indirect restorations

• CompCore™ AF is a dual-cure composite core buildup material with fluoride release, high radiopacity and Hyperbranched Technology™ for increased strength
	• When CompCore AF is fully cured, the material is said to exhibit superior compressive strength, but it also can be cut smoothly and precisely with high-speed rotary burs
	• It’s designed for easy handling, exceptional performance and superior durability

Rounding up the top restorative materials on the market.