Steven John Cumper, BAppSc (Osteo.), MOst, is a businessman with a strong background in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine. He founded 

 while studying at RMIT University in Australia, expanding its reach to markets in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In September 2021, the Bunzl Group acquired a majority stake in Medshop, but Cumper remains involved as the Managing Director (Medshop Group). His journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and Australia reflects his dedication to academia and entrepreneurship, combining diverse knowledge and experience.

Steven Cumper

How New Tools are Helping Dental Hygienists Offer Better Care. Image credit: © santypan - stock.adobe.com

As a dental hygienist, you spend more time with your patients than anyone else in the office. You want what’s best for your patients, which means sometimes you may have to update your practices to optimize the patient experience. When was the last time you inventoried your supplies and verified that you were using the best products available? Your supplies might be due for an overhaul, but first, you’ll need to know what’s out there.

As with all patient care, the products you use have an impact on how well you can do your job. Technological advancements and high-powered research frequently result in new and exciting options for the tools you use every day. The American Dental Association (ADA) has minimum requirements for the equipment and supplies you need to use, but who wants to settle for the minimum?

If you’re looking to update your supply closet and provide your patients with the best possible care, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find details on the latest in dental technology to help you give your patients the very best.

Impact of Innovative Dental Supplies on Patient Care

You’ve probably walked into an outdated medical or dental office a time or 2 in your lifetime. The dingy, decades-old equipment and worn carpets probably didn’t fill you with confidence that your provider could provide you with best-in-class care.

The supplies you use make a lasting impression on your patients. And as new technologies lead to innovations in dental supplies, your patients will expect you to keep up. From the comfort of your dental chair to the abrasiveness of your scaler, everything contributes to the overall experience. Even 

 can influence your patients’ overall experience and impressions.

Key Challenges in Dental Hygienist Practice

One of the most obvious challenges that dental hygienists face is the fact that very few people enjoy visiting the dentist. No one likes having their teeth scraped and gums prodded or being asked about their flossing habits. For some, visiting the dentist (even for a regular cleaning) is a panic-inducing activity.

For many dental offices, rising costs are a concern. Inflation over the past couple of years has caused the prices of basic dental supplies to increase, making it difficult for businesses to justify investing in new, innovative equipment and products.

Your comfort as a dental hygienist also matters, and it can be hard to maintain when you’re on your feet most of the day, working in unnatural positions. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders are common among dental hygienists because of the physical challenges of the job.

You’re well aware of the difficulties of your profession. But luckily, there are solutions in the form of advanced products you can use to make your job easier. Some of the most exciting dental hygiene products on the market today include:

These mirrors out-perform the classics, making it easier than ever to see what you’re doing while working on a patient.

Jaw supports can clip to your suction tool, keeping it firmly in the patient’s mouth, so you can focus on the job at hand. These are great for hygienists who are working without assistance.

Comfort makes a big difference in the overall dental experience, and since your patients are lying down for the majority of their appointment, the dental chair should be high-quality. Choosing an ergonomic dental chair ensures that your patients are as relaxed as possible.

For many patients, dental work – even cleanings – can be painful. Dental desensitizers are revolutionary and allow hygienists to work without inflicting too much discomfort on the patient.

It can be awkward having another person brush your teeth for you, but using the right tools can improve the experience. Ditch your bulky powered scalers for thin, lightweight options that take it easy on the patient’s mouth.

Future Trends: The Ongoing Revolution in Dental Hygiene Products

The overall hope is that people start taking preventative dental care more seriously, preventing larger issues that need major interventions. With technological advancements in dentistry, this is possible as more patients find preventative care more affordable and accessible.

With the advent of products like desensitizers and other items that make the overall experience less invasive, more patients are likely to keep up with regular dental visits as their fears are addressed.

Technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing will likely start appearing more frequently in dental hygiene practices, both in the design and creation of new products and in the development of methods for improving hygiene processes.

Empowering Dental Hygienists for Improved Patient Outcomes

Since you’re the person that your patients spend most of their time in the office with, you need to be prepared to do what you can to improve their experiences – and by extension, their outcomes.

Using the best, most advanced products to treat your patients is the best way to let them know you prioritize their comfort and dental health. You have the power to make visiting the dentist less intimidating – use it!

Dental Products. American Dental Association. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://www.ada.org/topic/dental-products#sort=%40topicsortdate%20descending&f:@contenttag=[Dental%20Products]

Cumper C. Top Nursing Scrubs for All Healthcare Professionals – 2024. Published December 15, 2023. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/top-nursing-scrubs-for-all-healthcare-professionals

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Saccucci M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P, et al. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. 

. 2022;20(3):571-579. doi:10.1111/idh.12596

Articles

Innovations in dental health care enable hygienists to not only provide better care for patients, but to also sharpen their own skillsets. 

How New Tools are Helping Dental Hygienists Offer Better Care

Image Credit: New Africa / stock.adobe.com

Dentistry often doesn’t get recognized for the sometimes messy, often labor-intensive industry it is, but as a dental professional, you know the realities of your job. Like any other tool at your disposal, your scrubs are an important part of keeping you hygienic and comfortable.

You read that right - modern scrubs are valuable tools, and they provide functions beyond those of a simple work uniform. Take a look at how scrubs evolved over the decades and what modern selections can do that can add value to your shift.

Evolution of Scrubs: From Traditional to Modern Designs

The first recorded use of the medical uniforms that eventually became scrubs dates back to the Bubonic Plague, but scrubs as we know them now became popular by the early 20th century during the Spanish flu pandemic.

 In addition to the physical benefits they provide, scrubs have long made medical and dental professionals easily recognizable.

Scrubs were aptly named to refer to the rigorous hand-cleaning process that surgeons perform prior to surgery.

 Early scrubs were bright white, but eventually these were phased out due to causing eye strain in surgeons as they operated. White scrubs were replaced by darker colors that would hide stains and reduce eye strain.

As the 1970s rolled around, scrubs as we know them today emerged in healthcare settings. While most modern scrubs still resemble the plain options available then, there have been huge advancements in the science behind creating these necessary medical garments.

Today, scrubs are often color-coded to represent the hospital, department, or role held by the wearer. In a dental office, hygienists and nurses may wear different colors than dentists and anesthesiologists to help a patient differentiate between the members of their team.

No matter your preference or your employer’s requirements, you can find scrubs made in attractive and flattering shapes, cuts, colors, and patterns. They are no longer one-size-fits-all, and they often have features that make them more comfortable and even safer than traditional scrubs.

Early scrubs were generally made from simple cotton or polyester blends and their job was simply to replace regular clothes to protect them from stains. These days, scrubs are made from many 

, and there are options available that any healthcare professional would be happy with.

Polyester, spandex, twill, poplin, cotton, viscose, and blends…the world of scrub fabric options can get overwhelming, but you don’t need to stress. There is a great, comfortable pair of scrubs that will work for you.

You might find that a polyester set is a great fit for you because that offers moisture-wicking properties that could come in handy when you’re dealing with dental patients. These also tend to stay relatively wrinkle-free. Polyester-cotton blends combine the moisture-wicking qualities of polyester with the softness and comfort of cotton.

Spandex blends offer a more flexible fit, while twill is a strong choice that stands up to the demands of frequent use. Viscose is a silkier-feeling choice that also wicks away moisture and offers enhanced comfort.

Depending on the climate you’re working within, you may want a warmer or cooler option, and you can choose your fabric based on how comfortable it’ll be in different temperatures.

Hygiene & Comfort Benefits of Modern Dental Scrubs

You already know that scrubs are more than just an outfit. They offer benefits beyond esthetics, still, many have features that might surprise you. Some high-performance scrubs even have silver alloy embedded into the fabric, which offers antimicrobial benefits that can prevent the spread of germs.

During your shifts, your comfort is a priority. That’s why finding the right scrubs is so important. If your dental office runs warm, you might like scrubs that are lightweight and roomy like ones made from viscose or poplin. If your environment is on the cooler side, twill or a cotton blend might be a good choice for you.

Hygiene is also an important factor in your job. Without good hygiene practices, you’re susceptible to infection and illness. Luckily, technological advances in modern scrubs have resulted in innovations that can keep you feeling clean.

For the first time, dental professionals have options that include antimicrobial scrubs that can prevent your clothing from carrying bacteria, moisture-wicking scrubs that can keep bodily fluids from making contact with your skin, and scrubs made specifically to be easy to clean so you can keep them refreshed and ready to go.

Future Trends in Scrub Technology: What to Expect Next

Scientists are constantly working on ways to improve medical technology, and that includes scrubs. The clothing you wear on the job matters, and keeping up with the latest trends is important.

Keep an eye out for new developments in scrubs, such as fabrics designed to help you stay cool, repel fluids, kill bacteria, and prevent odors. These exciting updates will make your job easier, safer, and more comfortable.

With the many innovative scrubs on today’s market, there’s no reason you have to settle for mediocre workwear. Finding comfortable, hygienic, dynamic scrubs is easier than ever.

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Medshop Editor. Types Of Fabric For Scrubs. Scrubs IQ. Published: October 31, 2023. Accessed: February 7, 2024. 

https://www.scrubsiq.com.au/blogs/news/types-of-fabric-for-scrubs

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Scrubs are a key part of working in a medical setting, and the technologies and designs behind these protective clothes continue to improve.