The top 5 Modern Hygienist articles of 2018

With a new year quickly approaching, here at Modern Hygienist, we thought it was a great time to take a look back at 2018.

Trending article: The 5 patients on Santa's naughty list this year

Dozens of articles were published on Modern Hygienist this year, but these five articles were the ones that garnered the most attention. Our readers were interested in the worst states for dental hygienists, top injection techniques to mater, how to navigate the new periodontal classification system, the top pediatric dental trends, and ergonomics tips and tricks.

Click through the slides read the most popular Modern Hygienist articles this year.

The 10 worst states for dental hygienists

By Robert Elsenpeter

The United States of America covers 3.8 million square miles, and dental hygienists are responsible for caring and educating all 323 million people within those boundaries. Some places are, of course, better locations than others for those hygienists to work. Some pay more, while others have a better professional community. Some are safer, and some really need the skills of qualifi ed dental hygienists. We compiled data from numerous sources to evaluate the states for such metrics as wages, healthcare, finance, crime rates and employment data to get stats on how each state ranks for hygienist employment. Here, we present the 10 worst states for dental hygienists, but that’s not necessarily a pejorative. In a lot of cases, it just means that those skills - and that care - are especially in demand.

To read the full article, click here.

5 injection techniques you need to master

By Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF

Anesthesia failure, or the unsuccessful ability to achieve total and profound anesthesia, is a common occurrence in the provision of local anesthesia delivery. The frustrations experienced due to the excessive time, additional techniques and questionable looks from our patients often diminishes our confi dence in the delivery of traditional anesthetic techniques. However, there are several alternative techniques available for the dental provider that utilize minimal anatomical considerations, demonstrate greater success, or simply require easier technique modifi cations. Here are the top five alternative injection techniques you need to review or master for your anesthesia delivery.

Read the full story here.

How to navigate the new periodontal classification system

By Lynne H. Slim, RDH, MS

The proceedings of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions was published in June 2018 and it’s a revision of a 1999 World Workshop Classifi cation. The new proceedings are a bit of a maze to navigate because they contain multiple case definition papers and consensus reports. The papers and consensus reports are a joint effort by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology. The intent of the workshop was to base classifi cation on strongest scientifi c evidence when available; otherwise, lower levels of evidence and expert opinion were used. The new proceedings may appear confusing, but becoming familiar with them will lead to skillful dental hygiene decision-making. Here’s what you need to know.

To read the full article, click here.

The top 5 pediatric dental trends of 2018

By Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF

Let’s face it: Our pediatric patients are simply the best! After all, who doesn’t enjoy switching the TV to catch the end of “Paw Patrol,” listing off polish fl avors like “birthday cake blast” or “gator grape” and talking about the sugar bugs that Mr. Thirsty will help you attack? In my humble opinion, there’s no greater reward than winning the trust of a sassy 4-year-old with a sparkly purse, jelly shoes (those are back, by the way!) and a vocabulary that only includes the word “no.” Despite the joys of working with pediatric patients, they certainly have their challenges. Here’s a refresher on products, techniques and protocols you need to know.

Read the full story here.

7 MORE ergonomics tips that can save your career

By Kristen Mott

It’s no secret that working in a dental offi ce can take a physical toll on your body. From cramped hands and painful wrists from holding dental instruments all day to back pain from leaning over patient after patient in the chair, hygienists feel the physical effects of their career choice almost every day. Practicing proper workplace ergonomics can go a long way toward enjoying a long and healthy career. To make sure you’re well-informed when it comes to ergonomics, we compiled a list of seven ergonomics tips that we feel all dental professionals should read.

To read the full article, click here.