STRICTLY DENTAL PRO

Over the last 4.5 years in my coaching role, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dental teams at many different stages, from practices that feel well-oiled to teams that are newly formed and still getting to know one another. What I’ve seen time and time again is this: when challenges arise, they are rarely rooted in a lack of skill, effort, or care. In fact, the opposite is usually true. Most gaps emerge when priorities differ, roles aren’t clearly understood, and communication begins to break down between departments. This gap isn’t a failure. It’s a signal. Collapsing it doesn’t require working longer days or pushing harder. It requires intentional alignment, by  helping every team member see how their role connects to the bigger, how everyone has the capacity to contribute to the overall sucess of the practice, team culture, and patient experience.  Here’s what I’ve seen and experienced first hand when this signal is addressed.  1. Start With Shared Awareness ...

As this year comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on what I believe it truly means to be a Registered Dental Hygienist right now. We are practicing in a time of rapid change, due to innovations that are creating influence both clinically and professionally. Expectations are higher. Patients are more informed. Practices are navigating staffing challenges and evolving models of care. And yet, in the middle of all of this, RDHs continue to show up, leading conversations, delivering care, and advocating for what is best for patients in ways that often go unseen. I don’t believe we are at a breaking point as a profession. I believe we are at a pivot point . A moment where we get to decide how we continue to show up, how we articulate our value, and how we shape the future of dental hygiene. Here are three key takeaways I believe define the current state of our profession and the direction I feel we are heading.  1. The Role of the RDH Is Evolving, from “Provider” as wel...

Every so often, it’s important to pause. Not to plan the next goal. Not to chase the next certification or seek the next job opportunity. But to reflect, on our journey within the profession and what continues to keep us inspired. Recently, I found myself doing exactly that while preparing a submission for the Heart to Hands Awards , an initiative that celebrates excellence in dental hygiene by recognizing dental hygienists who go above and beyond in their careers and communities. The simple question at the heart of the award,  “What makes you love dental hygiene?” s parked something deeper than I expected. It reminded me that my love for this profession has grown and evolved over time, and that intentionally looking back can be a powerful way to propel ourselves forward. My Journey: What makes me love dental hygiene is simple, but powerful: the ability to make a difference, one person at a time… and eventually, many at once. I began my career in general practice, where I saw ...

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting more than half of the adult population. Yet in many dental practices, the diagnostic process can feel fragmented, rushed, or inconsistent. Here’s a common scenario: The dental hygienist completes the assessment, shares their suggested condition, also known as a dental hygiene diagnosis with the dentist that reflects their clinical findings. They then collaborate with the dentist, who is ultimately responsible for making the formal periodontal diagnosis. But somewhere along the way… the pieces don’t always connect. Something to consider: The diagnosis of periodontal disease only reaches its full potential when hygienists and dentists work together, deliberately, confidently, and consistently. This blog explores why shared diagnosis matters, the key contributions, and how collaboration transforms both patient outcomes and practice culture. The Hygienist’s Role: Leading the Assessment With Precision Denta...

You know the moment: You begin a conversation with a patient about their current oral health needs, rooted in their history, habits, and risk factors, and just as you start to make specific recommendations, you hear: “Can you just clean my teeth?” “I don’t want you to do the probing today.” “You don’t need to go into all that… I’m fine.” The wall goes up. The energy shifts. And suddenly, what should be a meaningful and motivating discussion becomes a very delicate interaction. But here’s the good news: These moments don’t need to stop you in your tracks or prevent you from delivering best-practice care. With a pause, a breath, and a coaching mindset, you can approach these situations with curiosity instead of pressure, and continue the conversation with confidence and compassion. Below are three simple strategies , paired with easy actions you can start using immediately. 1. Lead With Curiosity, Not Correction When patients push back, whether about information, charting, or treatm...

Vaping has exploded in popularity over the past decade especially among youth. In Canada alone, 30% of teens aged 15–19 have tried vaping , and the numbers continue to rise. While marketed as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, e-cigarettes carry a hidden set of dangers that reach far beyond the lungs. As oral health professionals, we’re on the frontline of this conversation. Dental Hygienists see patients more frequently than most other health providers, making us uniquely positioned to identify early signs of harm and support behaviour change. Why Is Vaping So Appealing? If you’ve ever wondered what drives young people toward vaping, one word stands out: Flavour. More than 99% of e-cigarettes contain flavouring chemicals , and they come in options like bubble gum, cotton candy, cherry, birthday cake, and fruit punch. These products are engineered to be enticing, especially to younger users. The concern? These flavouring chemicals don’t just taste sweet. They: Encourage grow...

Through the ongoing delivery of my Embracing Visual Technology to Elevate Patient Care webinars and in-person support sessions with teams, I continue to see incredible opportunities unfold. When dental hygienists consistently integrate visual tools like intraoral cameras and before-and-after images, the impact on patient understanding and motivation is immediate and lasting. The Power of a Visual Moment Many of us have experienced that patient who’s overdue for their hygiene visit. You pick up the intraoral camera and capture those first few images, heavy biofilm, plaque, calculus, and stain. Then, after the visit, you show them the difference. That’s the moment awareness turns into action. From Awareness to Action Before-and-after images don’t just tell a story they create a partnership. These visuals help patients make personally informed decisions about their oral health. When patients see their own condition clearly, conversations shift to a place of curiosity and ownership...