Strictly DENTALPRO

Dental polishing has always been one of those satisfying moments in a dental hygiene visit. From the patient perspective it's that finishing touch that leaves patients running their tongue across that "just saw my dental hygienist" feeling. As our profession continues to evolve, so does our understanding of what polishing truly brings to patient care. It’s no longer about whether we polish or not, it’s about how , why , and when we polish. As dental hygienists, we’ve learned that polishing is both an art and a science, and that every patient deserves an approach tailored to their unique needs. The Shifting View of Polishing There was a time when every patient received a full-mouth polish, every visit. Then came the movement toward selective polishing,  the idea that only teeth with visible stain should be polished to prevent unnecessary enamel wear. That was decades ago, based on early research that has since been questioned. Today, the focus is less about limiting ...

As dental practices strive for growth, strong leadership is essential and it starts with a new way of thinking and connecting with your team. While leadership plays a role in every area of the dental practice, one aspect that deserves special focus is the commitment to integrating and leveraging technology. This isn’t just about facilitating growth, it’s about fostering a team that is dedicated to creating patient experiences that have a direct impact on oral health outcomes.  One of the most exciting advancements in dentistry is the ability to engage patients through visual technology, particularly with the introduction of 3D scanning. Beyond streamlining clinical processes, this technology creates powerful new opportunities for education, engagement, and truly patient-centered care. Who at your practice is championing the team's commitment to technology? Leadership doesn't stop with the decision to bring new technology into the practice, or ensure the team is trained, it’s ab...

Strong leadership has never been more important to the success of a dental practice. This includes leadership within the dental hygiene department.  In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving dental practices having key team members who can support effective, efficient workflows and foster positive team dynamics is essential. Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to lead by example, influence patient care, and contribute to the overall success of the dental practice. When leadership is missing within the dental hygiene team or across the practice it creates disconnects, and leads to a lack of shared purpose around patient care. This breakdown affects team culture, patient experience, and ultimately the success of the entire practice.  That’s why identifying and addressing leadership gaps must be a top priority for every dental practice committed to long-term success. It’s important to recognize that effective leadership doesn’t happen overnight. Nor is it the responsibility of a...