Top 10 Modern Hygienist Articles of 2020
These articles generated the most views over the past year. To make sure you never miss a great piece, subscribe to the Modern Hygienist e-newsletter at dentalproductsreport.com/hygiene.
When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first hit and the severity of the virus became well known last spring, there were plenty of concerns and reports on just how risky the profession of dental hygiene is. Top topics when dental practices were shut down for several weeks earlier this year included just how risky it is for hygienists to perform their jobs during a pandemic and what steps should be taken to protect all dental care providers post COVID-19.
It’s no surprise that hygienists wanted to get as much information as possible about how the virus spreads, how to see patients going forward, how to use and acquire the much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE), and anything and everything that dealt with advice and protocols during a pandemic.
The 10 Best (and 5 Worst) Cities for Dental Hygienists in 2020
by Robert Elsenpeter
Identifying the best cities for this type of article is, of course, somewhat of a subjective matter. The most important factor for one person may be least important for another. As such, we had to look at a number of variables that would be widely appealing, including annual wage, community health, education, economy, public safety, stress, oral health, and life expectancy.
Using publicly reported data from a range of sources, we’ve identified the best locations for dental hygienists to live and work, as well as some of the most challenging locales.
Mental Health Concerns During a Pandemic
by Lisa Newburger, LISW-S
Are you struggling? Do you feel overwhelmed, depressed, and pessimistic about the future? You’re not alone. Many of us are struggling with the same stressors—financial, emotional, and spiritual. Talking about them and writing about them can help you work through these emotions, whereas keeping them to yourself can overwhelm even the most grounded person.
At the time of this original publication in August, this article reports the United States had lost 30 million jobs since the pandemic began. We included a list of Mental Health Resources with this article.
The Risky Business of Clinical Dental Hygiene: What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID
by Lynne H. Slim, RDH, MS
What steps should be taken if a hygienist tests positive for COVID-19? The author is repeatedly made aware of the threat of viral contamination whenever she reads articles that delineate the occupations that are at greatest risk from COVID-19 transmission.
What You Should Do If You Are Unable To Order Disinfectant Wipes
by Alyssa Aberle RDH, BSDH, MBA
Over the last few months the industry has experienced shortages of supplies including masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE shortages have garnered national attention as hospitals and medical/dental facilities are competing for the short supply, as well as the public. But now, we have another problem—a shortage of disinfectant wipes.
How COVID 19 Will Change Dentistry
by Lynne H. Slim, RDH, MS
Dental practices tend to focus on the economic realities of the practice. However, post pandemic, practices might also begin to focus on patient-centered outcomes like consistency of care, interaction with staff, and infection control. The author addresses Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19, along with evidence-based dentistry.
Go to bit.ly/COVIDDentistry
Demystifying the New Academy of Periodontology Classifications
by Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
There seems to be a lot of confusion about the updated classifications for periodontitis.
Could this be that people resist change? Afterall, the last time the American Academy of Periodontology reclassified periodontal disease was 1999. The author explains that it’s time to embrace these changes.
Go to bit.ly/PerioGuidelines
The ADHA Issues Reopening Guidelines for Hygienists
In an effort to outline safety measures for dental hygienists returning to work the first week in May, the ADHA published interim guidelines on returning to their offices. These guidelines are based on recommendations and regulations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; OSHA; the American Dental Association;, and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention.
Go to bit.ly/ADHAGuidelines
Periodontitis and Flossing: Not a Match Made for Each Other
by Lynne H. Slim, RDH, MS
Don’t overlook the benefits of oral irrigation with medicaments in the water bath like essential oil mouth rinse, a diluted bleach, or povidone iodine solution. The author adds: Get back to disclosing patients, too, and choose a combination of interdental aids that fit snugly in the embrasures where mature biofilm communities reside.
Go to bit.ly/PerioFlossingFeb
Coping With Reopening Anxiety
by Lisa Newburger, LISW-S
As the industry returned to work after the mandated spring shutdowns, everything looked different. It was a scary time to head back into our practices. That fear is only heightened by the scarcity of much-needed PPE. “What if we get sick? Will I be asked to work if we do not have the proper PPE?” It will be difficult to balance the need to work with the fear of getting COVID-19.
Dental Hygienists During the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Conversation With Katrina Sanders, RDH
In this video, Modern Hygienist editorial advisory board member Katrina Sanders, RDH, joins Editorial Director Noah Levine via video call to discuss the impacts dental hygienists are feeling during the current pandemic.
Go to bit.ly/HygienistsCOVID
Download Issue: Dental Products Report December 2020
