Top 10 Modern Hygienist Articles of 2023

This episode of Floss & Flip Flops, starring the Sanders sisters and pharmacist Tom Viola, goes into detail on all sorts of supplements, vitamins, and more, discussing the different kinds of reactions that they may have with each other.

To celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month back in October, the Sanders sisters welcomed Dr Anna Kay Thompson tolearn about the burning questions the medical community is not asking about oral health. Dr Thompson provided valuable insight, and this fun and upbeat episode could be a great boon for both dental and medical professionals alike.

The article from clinicians Suzanne Newkirk, RDH and Lynne H. Slim, RDH, MS, reflects on the historical evolution of dental hygiene education, initially emphasizing rigorous training and competency exams. It highlights a pivotal moment in 1998 when Kansas passed HB 2724, allowing dental assistants to perform coronal scaling, leading to concerns about the erosion of dental hygiene professionalism.

The article discusses the conviction of Dr Larry Rudolph, a dentist in Denver, Colorado, for murdering his wife in Zambia. Author and licensed independent social work supervisor Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, emphasizes the domestic violence aspect of the crime, expressing concern about the overshadowing of the victim, Bianca Rudolph, and the violation of public trust in the dental profession. Newburger encourages those facing abuse to seek help and discusses the broader impact of such incidents on the dental community.

The article from Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, discusses a patient, Serena, who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic dental implant procedure. Despite the professionals' efforts, the patient endured significant pain and trauma during the surgery, leading to lasting psychological impact. Newburger emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing such incidents in the dental office, suggesting follow-up calls, gentle probing questions, and potential referrals for counseling to minimize patient trauma.

The article from contributor Sami Jo Strickland highlights the significant advancements in dental technology over the past decade, emphasizing the positive impact on hygienists' day-to-day operations, patient experience, and overall efficiency. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools, such as digital dental assistants and voice-activated periodontal charting, has streamlined administrative tasks, reduced manual data entry, and enhanced the accuracy of patient recordkeeping. The article also discusses how intraoral scanning technology has improved patient education, acceptance of treatment plans, and overall engagement, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of the latest technologies in the dental field.

Teledentistry integrates dental care with telecommunication tools, enabling remote assessment, diagnosis, and guidance on oral health. This approach addresses geographical barriers, promotes proactive care, and offers convenience, accessibility, and timely interventions, marking a paradigm shift towards personalized, efficient, and inclusive dental practices. The article explores how hygienists can leverage teledentistry to meet modern patient demands, featuring insights from Eden Ivie, Director of Customer Success at MouthWatch.

To promote career longevity and reduce the risk of injury, dental hygienists can prioritize ergonomic practices and tools, according to this article’s author and ergonomic expert, Caitlin Parsons, RDH, CEAS, C-IAYT. This includes using ergonomic loupes that support a neutral posture, saddle stools designed for dental practitioners to maintain proper posture, cordless handpieces to enhance mobility and comfort, ergonomic dental instruments with sharpen-free technology, and intraoral cameras for improved visibility without compromising posture. These ergonomic tools contribute to practitioner well-being and support long, successful careers in dental hygiene.

Dental hygienists, despite feeling underappreciated for their role as educators, can find renewed purpose and passion by identifying areas of prevention to focus on, according to author Lynne Slim, RDH,MS. By tailoring recommendations based on individual needs, hygienists can make a meaningful impact and experience greater job satisfaction. Exploring areas such as substance abuse, diabetes prevention, biofilm management, or CAMBRA can provide hygienists with a niche in disease prevention that aligns with their values and interests.