National Fresh Breath Day and the history of halitosis
Aug. 6 is National Fresh Breath Day. Dentists all over would rejoice if this holiday was celebrated every day and not just once a year. Breath smells are something we are all too familiar with, and its remedies are routine parts of our oral hygiene instructions to patients. Unlike the rest of society, we are in a unique position to tell someone their breath smells bad without it being instantly embarrassing. After all, it is our job. Therefore, celebrating this holiday as a dental student is a no-brainer. I’m not sure who came up with the idea for National Fresh Breath Day, but it provides a good reason to share the history of bad breath and, in particular, the word “halitosis.” Halitosis is a sum of the Latin “halitus,” for breath, and the Greek suffix “-osis,” for disease. Coined in 1874 by Dr. Joseph William Howe in his book “The Breath, and the Diseases Which Give It a Fetid Odor,” the word existed as an obscure medical term confined to the pages of medical dictionaries and known by only the small subset of the population who read them. In 1879, Listerine was invented by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert as an antiseptic that could be used as a surgical disinfectant, floor cleaner, deodorant, etc., according to the National Museum of American History. It wasn’t until around the 1920s that it began to take on the more familiar form of a mouthwash. This was when Gerard Lambert, son of one of the inventors of Listerine, decided to use the medical connotation of the word halitosis to his advantage and created one of the most influential advertising campaigns of the century. Lambert and the advertising agency he founded aggressively marketed print campaigns about the detriments of having bad breath. Some ads went as far as quoting statistics from hairdressers that one-third of women visiting salons had “halitoxic” breath. Some ads portrayed young singles looking for love, only to be held back from finding a partner by their terrible, toxic breath. The tame phrase “bad breath” became the medical diagnosis “halitosis” in the public lexicon. Consumers who saw these ads pushed Listerine sales astronomically high in the 1920s. Listerine had advertised the need for a product rather than the product itself and generated a demand where none had previously existed. Halitosis became a household word. Bad breath continues to carry the same social implications as it did a century ago, but, thankfully, doctors can recommend solutions to the problem. Maybe the next time you tell a patient, a friend or a total stranger that their breath smells bad, you can mask any potential awkwardness with the distracting historical tidbit on the origin of the word halitosis. Whether you celebrate by raising a toast with a tiny cup of mouthwash or by popping a mint, happy National Fresh Breath Day! ~Harish Balasubramani, Pittsburgh ’22, ASDA Electronic Editor Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/08/national-fresh-breath-day-and-history.html August 05, 2021 at 12:10AM
0 Comments
Tips to Keep Your Dental Patients Happy and Loyal
Keeping your dental patients happy is important because it is one way of letting them know that you care for and prioritize them. Once they feel how special they are to you, they will quickly turn to loyal patients. Happy and loyal patients are satisfied clients who will encourage their family and friends to try your services. Also, happy and loyal patients always bring in positive reviews. Finding ways to keep your patients happy and loyal may seem like a challenge, but it really is not. All it takes is a little extra effort from you and your team. You’ll also have to allot some time into doing this, even during your off-clinic hours. It’s a worthwhile sacrifice, though, as you’re guaranteed to provide your patients the satisfaction they are looking for. Whether they’re visiting your clinic for a regular checkup or a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you have to ensure that you’ll give them the best experience. If you do not know where or how to start, here are some simple tips to help you out. 1. Make an effort to connect with them.Let your patients know that they are not just a face and a name to you. Find time to talk to them. Before starting the dental procedure, ask how they are feeling or if they have questions. Listen intently to what they say and interact with them. Once you establish a connection with your patients, they will feel more comfortable and confident. They will also feel important. 2. Call your patients by name.“Hi, Ms. Laurel” may sound professional, but it can also create a wall between you and your patients. Addressing your patients by their first name will make them feel appreciated, like they were a part of your dental family—like you know them personally. This is another effective way of establishing a connection with your patients. 3. Don’t forget to say thank you.Just because you’re the dentist doesn’t mean you should forget to be grateful. Thank your patients every time they commend you, or when they give you referrals, when they’ve been loyal to you and your practice, and even when you get to the clinic late. Simple acts like this show how much you appreciate them. Anything that makes them feel good makes them happy. When they’re happy, they’re loyal to you. 4. Make your waiting area pleasing to the senses.Give your patients a waiting area where they will feel comfortable and welcome. Aside from a couch and some chairs, add simple but aesthetic details such as décor, magazines and other reading materials, a TV and maybe even toys for kiddie patients. Offer free water, tea or coffee as well. You can also add Wi-Fi connectivity to the room’s features, so patients can browse through their social media while waiting for their turn. Your patients’ comfort and convenience should be your priority. 5. Bring your scheduling and payment services online.Many of your patients will appreciate it if you create an online scheduling or appointment system for your practice. This will allow them to book their appointments when they’re in the comfort of their home or when they’re on the road. It’s convenient and time efficient. They don’t have to rush to your clinic or call just to finalize their schedule. Also, a digital payment option is a practical idea. There are several electronic payment and smartphone app options that are proven safe and efficient. This will provide a world of convenience to patients who do not like carrying around too much cash and prefer to pay via online portals. 6. Establish a regular appointment confirmation, reminders and follow-up system.Many dental clinics now send scheduled text messages to patients to remind them of their dental appointments. You should do this as well, in addition to appointment confirmation and sending out a follow-up message after a procedure or treatment. It doesn’t have to be via SMS only; you can also send emails if it’s easier for you. You can even automate the email messages, so they are sent right on schedule. You and your assistant do not have to run to the computer or laptop to make sure the emails are sent on time. 7. Create a social media account.Being active in social media is vital. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms are ideal venues for connecting with your patients and promoting your brand. If you post on your page every day, you can reach thousands of audiences in a matter of minutes. All you need to do is share interesting and relevant content that will help make people more aware of your clinic. You can also come up with social media contests from time to time, such as the best dental adventure photo contest or the best dental clinic experience. Being on social media is a good way of keeping your patients updated and involved in your practice. It’s also a platform for collecting patients’ feedback. 8. Hold special activities for patients.Come up with patient-centered activities like a patient appreciation day (or week). You don’t have to close the clinic to do this; it can be an ongoing activity. Just arrange and decorate your clinic according to the theme you chose (ex. hanging a banner sign that reads “Thank you, patients!”). Then add some simple activities like free chocolates and flowers, movie viewing, or free tickets to a movie or concert. Any activity that will make your patients feel special (and part of your dental family) is a good idea. 9. Offer a loyalty program.Reward your patients by offering a loyalty program that allows them to enjoy perks like special discounts on dental services. Come up with a system for monitoring patient progress and loyalty, then use this as the basis for determining program qualifications. 10. Offer a clean, efficient, and organized dental practice.Even if you have excellent dental credentials, patients will not flock to your clinic if you do not practice your profession well. Give your patients what they expect from a dental professional: clean, organized, patient-friendly, consistent, and efficient service. The best way to keep your dental patients happy and loyal is to understand who they are, what they need, and what they want. Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/tips-to-keep-your-dental-patients-happy.html July 28, 2021 at 11:18PM
Future technologies in endodontics
As we navigate dental school, explore various specialties and consider potential residencies, we learn about the increasing complexity of cases that specialists handle. Fortunately, technology and research have also progressed to help specialists achieve these new goals and set higher standards. For example, in endodontics, there is an increasing emphasis toward minimally invasive procedures as well as a search for new irrigation devices for more complete disinfection. The 2019 president of the American Association of Endodontics (AAE), Dr. Patrick E. Taylor, predicted that advances in technology, such as improved cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) software and irrigation protocols, would help increase the success rate of endodontics treatment. Two years later, CBCT and irrigation techniques have definitely proved to be two central themes at this year’s AAE Annual Meeting. Here are some of my takeaways from the meeting in terms of future technologies in endodontics. Immunomodulation in vital pulp therapy Recently, there has been some groundbreaking research on human organ regeneration (i.e., heart valves, bladder, trachea, skin, muscle, blood, ear, digits). Could regeneration be applied to endodontics to form pulpal tissue from dental stem cells? Dr. Avina Paranjpe emphasized the importance of eliminating bacteria. Bacteria can prevent pulp regeneration since they interact with dental stem cells and activate host immune cells to kill them. Because stem cells are undifferentiated, they are more sensitive to immune cells. The current goal is to introduce factors (scaffolds, nanoparticles, growth factors, miRNA, exogenous compounds) to stem cells to encourage their differentiation, therefore desensitizing them to immune cells, prolonging their survival and, hopefully, encouraging regeneration. Non-instrumental technique Endodontics instruments could break inside the tooth, simplifying techniques could make lives easier for both dentists and patients, and the search is still ongoing for an irrigation technique that completely disinfects root canals. So, what if we could clean and shape canals without instruments? Dr. Asgeir Sigurdsson discussed GentleWave technology, which is essentially a handpiece that only enters the pulp chamber but not the root canals. The handpiece’s high-speed tip emits sound waves that help clean the whole root canal system. Although studies so far have demonstrated that GentleWave doesn’t remove all debris from the tip of the root, I think Gentlewave could still hold promise as it requires less concentrated irrigation, less invasive technique and has few adverse effects (<1 in 50,000 cases). Ozone as irrigation With its antimicrobial, immunostimulating, analgesic and biosynthetic properties, ozone has gained interest in endodontics as a potential alternative to traditional sodium hypochlorite irrigation. However, Dr. Bill Kahler discussed current limitations. In preliminary studies, ozone decreased bacteria significantly but less than sodium hypochlorite, and it was ineffective in increasing the antimicrobial effect of sodium hypochlorite when given together. Therefore, it can neither replace nor complement sodium hypochlorite. However, it still seems potentially useful for other applications, such as internal bleaching or encouraging bone regeneration for implants. Artificial intelligence For both CBCT and MRI technologies, Drs. Asma Khan, Frank Setzer and Don Nixdorf discussed developing more sophisticated software to diagnose fractures and periapical lesions. Training technology to help with diagnosis could improve efficiency and accuracy and, thus, promote improved treatment success. All in all, what does the future look like for endodontics? Based on the technology track of the AAE Annual Meeting, it seems geared toward regenerative therapy, non-instrumental techniques, and enhanced use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment planning. Like many specialties of dentistry, the future of endodontics seems exciting and bright, and something to continue keeping up to date with as we head into our residency programs and careers. ~Eileen (Zeming) Zheng, Columbia ’23, ASDA Electronic Editor Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/future-technologies-in-endodontics.html July 28, 2021 at 11:18PM
Defining ourselves as applicants
If you’re like me, you’ve decided to continue your education past dental school. Maybe an introductory course became an interest, which sparked a passion, and now you’ve decided to specialize. Perhaps you want more exposure to the wealth of complex procedures performed by general dentists. Either way, you’ve found yourself at a crossroads. So, you start sifting through programs to pick those that possess traits you believe are valuable to you: kind and experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, a supportive resident culture, etc. Now that their program has made your short list, it’s time to figure out why you should make theirs. Before you get started, decide who you are and who you want to be. Once you know that, you can start chasing specific opportunities that will reflect those interests. For example, by the start of my third year in dental school, I knew I wanted to chase three passions in my career. I want to practice, teach and advance my specialty through research. Those three passions define me and how I wanted to present myself when applying to residencies. With my passions outlined, I was able to dive right in to strengthening the three pillars that make me who I am. To be the best practitioner I could be, I began shadowing in private practices, seeking out externships and spending every free moment I had assisting the endodontic residents at my school. To pursue my passion for teaching, I sought out opportunities to help with the predoctoral endodontics course. Finally, I knew I wanted to spend my career contributing to the advancement of my specialty, specifically through research. So, I did everything I could to participate in research, both under the guidance of the residents and on my own. So, how can you transfer your unique passions onto your application? Write it down. Before starting down the road to residency, take a moment to outline what you’d like to accomplish by the time you apply. For example, if you know your ultimate goal is to pioneer the application of digital dentistry in underserved populations, you might outline a few goals for yourself. They could include becoming intimately familiar with the software employed in making digital dentures, contributing to the literature surrounding the sub-field of digital dentistry and fabricating prostheses for people who lack access to dental care. Keep these goals visible. Put them on your desk, pin them to the fridge door or write them in the front cover of your favorite notebook. From now until applications open, fill your to do list with sub-tasks aimed at helping you achieve these goals. Dig deep. Maybe you don’t have a tidy set of ultimate goals yet. My advice is to start by figuring out what brought you here. Why did you choose dentistry? For example, I grew up watching my mom work as a general dentist. Her skill, compassion and love for her profession encouraged me to follow her example. However, everyone has their own story. Maybe you’re an artist and you love how art and science come together within dentistry. Some dentists are motivated by a desire to give patients their smiles back. Maybe you’ve felt pain before and want to use dentistry to help alleviate the pain that others feel. There are so many paths and passions that can lead someone to this wonderful field. Rediscover what brought you here and decide where you want to take it. Get organized. Everyone organizes themselves differently. Some do calendars, others to-do lists. Whatever your method may be, I recommend setting aside specific time slots and deadlines for activities directly related to preparing for applications. Reach out. You don’t have to do it alone. If I could list every person who has helped me this past year, I would quickly use up the rest of my word limit. Research programs you’re interested in and try to get in contact with current residents and faculty. Talk to upperclassmen and professors at your dental school and see if they have any tips for you. By connecting with others, you can find out if your perspective and goals align well with those of a specific program or specialty. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who can help guide you on your path. If someone doesn’t respond, try not to take it personally. Just remember that everyone is busy and trying to do their best! I hope that these tips will be helpful to you as you pursue your dreams. If you begin by looking inward and figuring out what brought you here, I think you’ll be off to a great start. Past that, don’t forget to write down your goals, organize yourself and reach out to others for guidance. Wishing you all the best! ~Gabriella Blazquez, Connecticut ’22 Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/defining-ourselves-as-applicants.html July 22, 2021 at 12:11AM
7 Tips for Rebranding Your Dental Practice
Dental practices change all the time. There are always new techniques, new technology, and new methods to make your practice stand out from the rest. One of the most important things you can do for your dental practice is rebranding it. There may be a host of reasons why you’d want to rebrand, but the most common include mergers, expansions, negative publicity, and legal issues. Here are 7 tips that will help you get started on improving your dental rebranding efforts. 1. Identify Your Goals It’s time to play a game of “What if?” What if you could take your practice from the same old, boring look that it has now, and turn it into something fresh and exciting? There are many things to consider before initiating the process, such as what your goals are. Will it be more personable or professional? Do you want to update your logo and colors? You should also think carefully about the clients you want to appeal to, and co-ordinate your marketing and rebranding efforts to attract them. For example, if you want to be seen as a specialist cosmetic dental clinic, before and after photos can be very effective in demonstrating your expertise. These considerations can help determine how far you should go with rebranding, so take some time now to think about them before taking any steps towards change. 2. Consider Developmental Trends Brands often evolve over time, depending on trends that develop within certain industries or demographics. It’s important not only to keep an eye on current changes, but also projections of possible future developments. When you’re looking into rebranding your dental practice, consider the following:
3. What’s in a Name? Every brand needs a name. The name you choose has a huge impact on your patients and your ability to generate business. The name should reflect your business and values, should be easily discernible, and should differentiate you from your competitors. The brand name is important and must be easy to remember. A memorable brand name will get your foot in the door with those all-important new patients who will help to grow your practice and increase your turnover. 4. Keep Your Staff Informed About the Changes To Come It is always wise to let staff know about recommended changes before they happen. The last thing you want is for your team to feel confused, blindsided, or uncertain, especially if there could be any impact on their job performance. Consider how creative different members of your team might be—and how they might be able to contribute, too. If you are serious about rebranding, then every part of your business is part of your brand. That includes your staff. They are a huge asset and can be brand ambassadors if they are involved and understand what you are offering. Educate them, and you will have a team who are knowledgeable and active participants in the process. 5. Logo A logo is important to your company’s branding and identity. It should be recognizable, as you want potential patients or clients seeing it and immediately knowing who you are even if they can’t quite remember the name of your practice. There are all sorts of ways to design logos nowadays – with tools like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud – which means there’s no excuse not to take advantage of this opportunity. If your current logo doesn’t fit in well with your new branding style, start fresh by coming up with something completely different (or if need be, hire an expert). This way your old brand will be history when people see the updated version, and they’ll know immediately that things have changed. 6. Your Website If you have a professional website that’s outdated, it may be time for an update as well. If your site has been on the Internet since before 2010, and looks like it belongs in the early 2000s, then chances are people aren’t visiting because they won’t know what to expect when they click through. It can also be difficult to find information if there’s too much clutter or confusing navigation- which is a problem with older websites. You’ll want everything from fresh typography, updated pictures of staff members, even new pages added without sacrificing content quality, so visitors don’t get frustrated trying to navigate around the page. Make sure you use web coding best practices while you’re updating your site, including loading pages faster, making them more responsive, and ensuring you have good quality content that’s SEO friendly. 7. Use Your New Image Wherever You Can Once you have embarked on your rebranding journey, it is crucial to get your new image out there as soon as possible. You want to be visible to new and existing patients. Make sure you inform your existing patients that you are getting a new look, but reassure them they will still be receiving the same great level of care. Aside from rebranding your website and office signage, consider rebranding:
The TakeawayYou can’t underestimate the importance of branding. A brand is a person’s first impression and it reflects how your company will be perceived in the marketplace by potential customers. Do something new, and get your dental office rebranded to stand out from the crowd. Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/7-tips-for-rebranding-your-dental.html July 17, 2021 at 03:11AM
Exploring the different ways to pursue research after dental school
Residency isn’t the only way we can shape our future careers. Post-dental school plans aren’t limited to AEGD programs, GPRs and specialties; there’s also the potential to work on developing research skills. These skills become necessary if you are interested in becoming a principal investigator of a laboratory, but they are also incredibly valuable to develop for any kind of academic or dental school-based career. If working in a dental school full-time appeals to you, it may be worth it to explore research training. It’s not too late to pursue an academic or scientific career if you did not enroll in a combined-degree DMD or DDS/Ph.D. program. In fact, it’s still not too late if you haven’t participated in research before, as an undergraduate or even as a dental student. Multiple research-oriented options exist for postgraduate research development and training, such as short-term research assistant positions, postdoctoral research fellowships, Ph.D. training programs, Ph.D. training combined with a dental specialty program, as well as the research opportunities that are already incorporated into certain clinical residency programs. Pursuing these options have various benefits for future careers, from long-term development of scientific skills for a full-time academic career or earning credentials to make you competitive as a full-time dental school faculty member, to simply improving your residency application for later cycles. If you are uncertain about your own interest in or passion for research, I first recommend reaching out to your school’s research office or discussing with faculty directly what projects they are pursuing. Getting involved in a small project is a fantastic way to figure out if research excites you. If you already suspect that research may be important to your career goals, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) supports multiple programs that encourage dental students and dentists to pursue mentored research activities, either within academic institutions across the country or at the NIDCR’s laboratories in Maryland. As a current dental student, you may be eligible to apply for an NIDCR Summer Dental Student Award, Summer Internship or Medical Research Scholars Program. These are stipend-supported opportunities ranging eight weeks to a year and provide onsite mentored research training and exposure to advances in dental-related research. If you are near graduation or already have your dental degree, never fear — there are still multiple ways to engage in doctoral-level research after dental school, including (as previously mentioned) the option to pursue a Ph.D. post-dental school, as well as special programs that combine Ph.D. training with a clinical residency. A program like this should be considered if you are set on a full-time academic career, even those that incorporate teaching, clinical practice or upper-level administration. There is an enormous need for dental school faculty who engage in research and have formal research training, and spending the time after dental school to earn an extra degree will elevate your career potential in ways no residency can. There is always the option to pursue a year or more of research assistant-level work in a laboratory, which doesn’t lead to a degree, but still adds immensely to your skill set and can help you determine if more research training is your preferred path. If you are set on entering a clinical specialty residency immediately following dental school, there is still room for research, especially in programs such as periodontology, endodontology, oral pathology, etc. A clinical residency can also offer robust research opportunities, but programs vary widely in the amount of time they allow residents for research projects. Being candid at interviews in discussing protected time for research with current residents and faculty will give you the best idea of how much time you can commit to a project over the course of the residency. All programs will vary in the time allotment and rigor of the research experience and training provided to residents, so doing your due diligence to find a program with strong research well before the application deadline is to your benefit. Finally, postgraduate research experience can enhance your application for a clinical residency and prepare you for the level of scientific rigor that is expected of residents. Program directors will often value serious research obligations leading to publications in their selection of applicants. Not only does it indicate high-level achievement of the applicant, but it gives confidence that they will be a successful resident beyond clinical responsibilities. If research is of interest to you, it is a great way to improve your residency application and further explore if future research-related work is something you want to include in your career path. ~Laura Doherty, Connecticut ’23 Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/exploring-different-ways-to-pursue.html July 15, 2021 at 12:11AM
Technologies—The future of dentistry
Going to the dentist is considered as one of the traumatic childhood experiences anyone has ever had. While everyone knows it is absolutely necessary, most people would rather skip the part where they have to sit for hours with their mouths wide open. What’s even worse is the frightening sound that you hear while the dentist tinkers with your teeth. How can a dental professional change that? You have been through that. Admittedly, for at least once in your life, you can say that you dreaded going to the dentist, no matter how your mom convinced you it was necessary. The negative feeling was always there. Luckily, the kids of the future do not have to worry about any of these anymore. From the bluelight technology to what CRISPR can do, the revolutionized dental treatments will definitely change a child’s attitude towards dental care. What dental treatments should you consider investing in? Here are some of them: Bluetooth/Smart ToothbrushThis technology changed the name of the game. The smart toothbrush has encouraged more people to take better care of their dental health. And how did it change the life of the dentist? It provided them with the opportunity to preach about dental healthcare and the importance of prevention. Augmented Reality (AR)This technology is mostly used by social media apps including Snapchat. The filters that you enjoy while taking a groufie is a product of Augmented Reality. Such technology has been applied in the study of dentistry. Augmented Reality works hand-in-hand with a simulator that allows dentistry students to receive immediate feedback as they work on a mannequin as their patient. The immediate feedback allows the student to learn fast, improve their skill and perhaps provide a better way of dealing with their patients. After all, every good dentist should always have room for improvement and what better way to do it than to get immediate feedback before the worst happens. Virtual Reality (VR)While this term is often confused with Augmented Reality, they refer to two different experiences. By simply putting on a headset, aspiring dental surgeons can find themselves inside an OR while comfortably seated on their couch. With a virtual reality camera, surgeons can share their expertise with students around the globe. The same technology can make the experience at the dental chair a little more calming. This technology does not only teach dentists a new set of skills, but it builds on empathy. The simulations allow them to experience what patients and other dental practitioners experience. It humbles them and makes them into better dental professionals. TeledentistryThis is perhaps one of the best developments in the dental industry. Not only has it allowed people to gain access to the best dental practitioners, but it has allowed more people to become more aware of their dental needs. A dentist in Maidstone can easily provide cheaper preventive practices and provide the best dental care possible. CRISPRThis is a process of genome editing gifted by Mother Nature herself. It may be the ultimate weapon that will help fight cancer and all its different forms. Several researches are dedicated to the possibility of the CRISPR technology in fighting off oral cancer. Other studies show how this method can be used to alter the makeup of the bacteria responsible for giving most patients their plaque problem. Endeavors as such will help in preventing periodontal disease. Regenerative dentistryA study by Harvard University released new information about how regenerative dentistry could allow patients to heal over time. While dentists know that aging can have its negative effect on patients, regenerative dentistry is a practice that allows dentists to help their patients even more. The process can help them stimulate the growth of stem cells that grow dentin, which then enables the regrowth of what used to be just damaged teeth. Computer-assisted design and 3D printingThis technology has revolutionized the dental sector by allowing dentists to create permanent fixtures to improve the patient’s dental health. It used to take weeks before dental crowns were completed, but with the CAD/CAM and 3D printing technology, dentists can provide their much-needed assistance at the shortest time possible with a little less risk on the side of the patient. Intra-oral cameraThis technology makes it a little less uncomfortable to be at the dentist’s chair. The intra-oral cameras allow the dentist to get a full picture of the oral health status of the patient; thus, it is easier for them to make recommendations as to what can be done. The clear, well-detailed images leave no room for wondering. Not only does it provide patients with comfort, but it also puts the dentist at ease knowing what’s wrong and drawing a conclusion as to what else can be done. There is no doubt that dental visits are often the most terrifying. Every child sure looks forward to the ice cream treat that parents give them when they behave. And though it seems as if the torture is over, the dentist then comes to you and tells you to avoid eating your sweet treats and to brush your teeth regularly. With these advances in dental practice, no patient will ever have to suffer anymore. Dental professionals will be able to pursue their hearts’ desire and that means to provide nothing less than excellent service to their clientele. Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/technologiesthe-future-of-dentistry.html July 13, 2021 at 02:11AM
International Plastic Bag-Free Day: Tips to minimize waste
The public is increasingly aware of the harm that commercial single-use plastic products do to wildlife and the environment. I mean, if getting your grande iced, sugar-free, vanilla latte with soy milk at Starbucks with a paper straw doesn’t scream save the turtles to you, I don’t know what else can. As we become aware of our “plastic” footprint in our personal lives, a light is shining more on plastic waste in clinic and dental settings. I get uncomfortable seeing the amount of single-use plastic waste produced for each patient every day in clinic. Daily items we use contribute to the problem such as plastic cups, plastic barriers, plastic tips for suctions and even plastic bitewing covers seem small when you go through just one patient. The thought frightens me, though, when I think about how much waste I will personally generate throughout my professional career as a dentist. It’s a no-brainer that single-use plastics are convenient, affordable and help with cross-infection control, but we need to start practicing sustainability in the clinical setting. As green dentistry practices become more common in the professional community, let’s talk about ways we can reduce waste in the dental setting, in light of International Plastic Bag-Free Day, which took place July 3.
Encouraging these green dentistry practices gives customer satisfaction, office satisfaction and promotes long-term cost saving. Using your voice and day-to-day choices to acknowledge the problem of single-use plastic waste in clinic settings can be a small action to make a bigger difference in the world. ~Jasmin Tarakmi, Nova Southeastern ‘24 Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/07/international-plastic-bag-free-day-tips.html July 07, 2021 at 11:11PM
Advocacy for 100% Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campuses in California
Tobacco use continues to pose serious health risks to countless smokers and their bystanders. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.3 billion tobacco users all over the world and 8 million deaths every year among them. The American Lung Association reports over 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes and e-cigarettes, at least 69 of which are carcinogenic and significantly increase the comorbidity of major chronic illnesses. Since 1995, California has been a leader in implementing and enforcing smoke-free policies in public buildings. Following UCLA’s Policy 810: Smoke and Tobacco-Free Environment in 2013, all University of California (UC) campuses adopted smoke and tobacco-free policies on Jan. 1, 2014, and California Community Colleges have also slowly implemented policies for their campuses since then. But despite persistent efforts, only 60% of California Community Colleges had enforced smoke or tobacco-free policies as of June 2021, according to Campuses Organized and United for Good Health (COUGH). As a member of the policy committee within the COUGH Student Leadership Board, I collaborated with other collegiate advocates and researchers across California to support the Smoke and Tobacco-Free Community College Resolution. Adopted April 4, 2020, Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) finally accepted the challenge to create agendas for the implementation and enforcement of smoke and tobacco-free policies. This resolution was a reminder of their promise to develop policies that promote health and wellness, reduce second- and third-hand smoke, support cessation and increase awareness. After repeated meetings with SSCCC and requests for confirmations of their compliance with the resolution, we expect campuses to further adopt, implement and enforce new policies when they reopen in fall 2021. We are thrilled to see the adoption of 100% smoke and tobacco-free policies on community college campuses and beyond. Through the integration of research and advocacy on smoke-free policies, it is my goal as an aspiring dentist to help reduce one of the greatest environmental risk factors for oral diseases. Because nicotine in tobacco works as an immunosuppressant and induces an imbalance of microbiota in the oral cavity, smoking heightens the susceptibility to periodontal disease through the reduction of gingival inflammation, bleeding and redness that exhibit early signs of disease. The direct interconnection of tobacco to oral and systemic health, along with the alarming increase of youth and young adult smokers in the past decade, have motivated countless individuals like myself to urgently take small, concrete steps toward minimizing the tobacco epidemic. Various resources and opportunities are provided by COUGH to anyone who wishes to learn and advocate about smoking. By becoming a member of this leadership board, collegiate students are empowered to create public health interventions and advocate for policy change at large. Eradicating an epidemic is not easy, but each individual’s support in smoking cessation or advocacy efforts will lead to cleaner air and better health for all. ~Ga Young (Genesis) Seo, Predental, UCLA ’22 Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/06/advocacy-for-100-smoke-and-tobacco-free.html June 30, 2021 at 11:11PM
Case Presentation: Implant Impression for Contoured Soft Tissues
This is a continuation of this case – A single central incisor implant. The patient returned for the final impression after two months of healing. Since the provisional maintained the soft tissue profile, there was a lot of space around … Continue reading → Via Dental Tips http://www.rssmix.com/ via Blogger http://rickymanguson.blogspot.com/2021/06/case-presentation-implant-impression.html June 26, 2021 at 07:11AM |