This week's blog is brought to you by: Jo-Anne Jones, RDH

Tell Me and I Forget; Teach Me and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn…the signature of rdhu and why you keep coming back for more! And why as a presenter, my ‘happy place’ is rdhu and why I keep coming back!

I’m excited to announce that we will be offering another experiential oral and oropharyngeal cancer screening workshop upon request. Space is limited for the Saturday, April 1st workshop so register early!

First, let’s test your knowledge as so much has changed in the world of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Please find answers below!

1. Over 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by a very common virus that almost every adult will experience in their lifetime. True or False

2. The 1st subtle sign of oropharyngeal cancer is a sore throat. True or False

3. The risk for cancers of the oral cavity is 30x higher for those who combine heavy use of alcohol and tobacco. True or False

4. The increase in smoking has attributed to higher incidence of oral cavity cancers. True or False

5. Over 90% of all future HPV-attributable cancers can be prevented by the HPV vaccination. True or False

The morning session leaves an indelible mark on both your mind and your heart. You will experience first-hand through a visual journey of oral/oropharyngeal cancer survivors. Every ‘story’ will be connected with a translation to clinical practice….essentially what did we learn.

The afternoon will be putting theory into practice with hands-on experiential learning. This will include anatomical landmarking and palpation techniques, documentation exercises, viewing live exam through use of AirPlay with screening devices plus a number of other surprises in store to support you in your clinical practice.

I’m pumped for this as I know this information saves lives! Thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and commitment to offering the best possible opportunities to your clients to discover oral abnormalities in the earliest stages. See you April 1.

What your colleagues are saying about this workshop;

Informative, genuine, great speaker. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. ~ Melissa

Engaging, informative and interactive. ~ Lori

A lifesaving course! Thank you Jo-Anne! rdhu never disappoints! ~ Jenn

Really appreciated the hands-on learning. Thank you Jo-Anne for letting me feel your thyroid. I often get discouraged with the extra oral exam as I feel I’m missing things – thank you! I will not get discouraged. ~ Anna

Educational, entertaining and most of all relevant to what is held deep to my heart and practice of dental hygiene and oral health. 100% recommend to all health care providers. ~ Heather

It was a day of great awareness & learning. Jo-Anne really is a great presenter. ~ Nicole

Quiz Answers

5.T 4.F 3.T 2.F 1.T

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I had a great meeting this morning with the Chief Flossing Officers and Founders of Morning Floss, Dr. Bruce Freeman and Elliot Pobjoy, JD.

It was one of those collaborative moments where, as like minded individuals, we got to share our passion and vision for our profession.

Don't you just love when you meet people who have the same drive and excitement for the dental profession as you? This is why networking is so important and I hope you find the opportunities to do so! The RDH View is one opportunity to be with like-minded individuals. Our live streaming or in-person courses through rdhu, dental conferences and Morning Floss, are more examples on how you can stay connected.

Morning Floss is an online weekly newsletter that gets sent out every Saturday morning to help keep us dental professionals current with dental news in a fun manner. In just one fast and fun email per week, Morning Floss keeps you up to speed on, and laughing about, dental news, business, tech, clinical developments and politics (including Canada's new dental care program).

Click here to sign up and stay on top of everything going on in the fast-changing world of Canadian dentistry!

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

I hope that you are enjoying this gorgeous day!

We are deep into our February courses where we invite you to bring a friend to your online learning, for FREE!

There are a couple of courses that have started and it's not too late to join in (see below).

Here is a note from Lorraine Gambacourt, who is presenting at the end of this month!

A Note from Lorraine Gambacourt!

rdhu is offering an INCREDIBLE TWO FOR ONE value when you register for a February course, and I am super excited to be presenting my 6 hour course again! It came together as a result of my passion for designing a comprehensive perio program with a focus on reducing our client’s systemic risk, especially Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, so it is very fitting that February is Heart Health Month… I will also be providing an in-depth look at Oral Probiotics. Read the full course outline and learning objectives by clicking here!

Learning is so much more rewarding when you can share it with a friend and colleague! Gift my course to a friend, or split the cost! Once you register, simply email info@rdhu.ca your friend's name and email and rdhu will send them a nice email from you and rdhu!

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We will be taking a pause from The RDH View over the next couple of months because the cast members will be presenting at various conferences in Canada and the US!

For our western members, be sure to join us at the Pacific Dental Conference March 8 and 9th! Beth and I will be presenting 'These are a few of our Favourite Things'! Our instrumentation workshops are both SOLD OUT, but stay tuned for TODS 2023! If you are curious about Lasers in the BC Dental Hygiene Practice/Department, be sure to join Beth for ''The 10 Reasons Why: Implementing Lasers into your Dental Hygiene Practice' to get a better understanding on why you need to add lasers to your armamentarium!

We are also excited to be a part of the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists Association Conference on March 24-25! We will be presenting 'These are a few of our Favourite Things' lecture together and then I am presenting Sleep Apnea: a NOT so Silent Killer!

Also, be sure to look out for our booth at the SDHA conference, with Lorraine Gambacourt minding the booth and sharing her Oral Probiotics knowledge!

The next 1-hour show of The RDH View will be on Friday, May 5th at 12pm EST with Amanda Zubricki, RDH, BS, the founder of That Deaf RDH Foundation. See more details below!

It sure is great being back to in-person events. We hope to see you at an upcoming conference or at rdhu!

Be sure to see below for your chance to WIN one of five LM 8-Instrument Cassettes PLUS an Ambience Face Shield from Curion Dental!

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

It's been an incredible 7 days. with the purchase of our facility in Burlington, ON, and some wonderful visits from friends and colleagues, who are in our industry. The collaboration and possibilities are endless at this point!

Our facility is like a blank canvas! There is so much to create and plan to help transform the dental hygiene experience for you, your clients and your practice!

I had my friend Robyn Shields from Crest & Oral B stop by for a visit on Friday. She delivered some Genius Power Brushes for giveaways and she brought an inspirational dentist, Dr. Sonya Arora with her. Sonya is a breath of fresh air, has a love for dental hygienists and is on a mission to help close the gap (that exists with many) between dentists and dental hygienists. If you are on Instagram you can follow her @doctor.singer Her Instagram is made up of her singing dental jingles. I love that she can take her hobby of singing and blend it with her passion of dentistry.

Jodie Cantarelli from dentalcorp also came by for a visit and we look forward to doing more with dentalcorp as well.

Today, we had a very dental hygiene kind of day where there were wonderful plans being made with Christine Crawford, Beth Parkes and myself.

To say that I have had an incredible 7 days, which include well wishes from colleagues and friends, is an understatement.

It is times like these where I am so thankful that I chose the field of dental hygiene many moons ago, and still feel charged (almost) every day! :)

If you feel like you are alone in your practice and working in a silo, I encourage you to reach out to some dental friends who are a positive influence and connect.

Alternatively, we would love to have you here for an in-person course where this is your safe place to share and learn ! If you are ever in the area, stop by and say hello!

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

As a dental hygienist, it’s essential to keep up with the latest advances in dental care and technology. Not only will this help you stay abreast of the most effective treatment options available, but it can also help you stay ahead of the competition by demonstrating to employers that you are committed to providing quality care. In this blog, we discuss why continuing education is so important for dental hygienists, and how rdhu can help you take your career to the next level.

You Stay Ahead of the Curve

The field of dental hygiene is constantly evolving—new techniques and treatments are being developed all the time. This means dental hygiene practice is essential to continuing to provide excellent patient care. You can ensure that you’re always at the forefront of these changes by taking advantage of continuing education opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve will allow you to provide your patients with cutting edge treatment options, ensuring they get the best possible care.

Learning new techniques and staying up-to-date on best practices will ensure that your patients receive the highest quality care possible. As a dental hygienist, it is your responsibility to provide your patients with well-informed advice and treatments that are tailored specifically for their individual needs. With rdhu’s comprehensive course offerings, you’ll be able to gain valuable knowledge which can be applied directly in your work setting—ensuring that you always deliver top-notch service.

You Advance Your Career

Continuing your education as a dental hygienist also provides an incredible opportunity to advance your career. Depending on what type of continuing education course or program you choose, you may be able to gain additional certifications and knowledge that will open up new pathways within your field. Taking courses in areas such as nutrition counseling, periodontal therapy, or orthodontics could give you valuable skills that would be beneficial to any practice.

You Show Commitment to Your Profession

By continuing to learn and develop new skills as a dental hygienist, you demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent service and care for your patients. Keeping yourself up-to-date on new developments in the field shows that you are dedicated to staying current in order to provide them with the best possible results. This dedication is sure to be appreciated and respected by those who utilize your services.

You Increase Your Knowledge and Confidence

Last but not least, taking continuing education courses provides an opportunity for personal growth within your profession as well. You can increase your knowledge and confidence by learning about different topics related to dentistry which will help make you better equipped when it comes time to treat patients or answer their questions. It also allows room for self-reflection as well—you can identify weaknesses in yourself as a dental hygienist that need improvement so that you can become even more successful down the line!

You gain a competitive edge

Dental hygienists who pursue continuing education will have an advantage in a competitive job market. By taking courses from rdhu, a leading online and in-person dental hygiene Professional Development centre, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you are constantly striving to improve your skill set and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. This will make you more attractive as a potential hire or promotion candidate.

Additionally, continuing education can open up opportunities to specialize in certain areas such as orthodontics or perio. Specializing in one or two specific areas may even lead to better pay over time.

Get in touch with rdhu for expert dental hygiene practice!

Continuing education is essential for any dental hygienist who wishes to remain competitive in today’s job market. At rdhu, our online and in person classes offer comprehensive coverage of all topics related to dentistry and hygiene – giving our members access to the best knowledge available within the industry.

At rdhu, we strive to equip our members with not only technical knowledge but also practical experience which they can use immediately upon completing one our programs! So don’t wait any longer – join us today and start discovering all the benefits that come with improving yourself as a professional!

Wow! We are into the last day of January already!

I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time, as tomorrow, February 1st, we are the official owners of our facility in Burlington!

We have been renting and sharing the facility with two other companies but have now outgrown our space!

rdhu is growing! It is such a proud and exciting moment for all of us and our rdhu community.

We are so thankful for the support and commitment of our members and our industry partners.

This all started 14 years ago this month with an idea of creating a place, where dental hygienists feel safe to share, grow and take their learning to a new level, rather than just attending a course or program, but not making change happen.

Team training and more hands-on programs are in our plans to help transform the dental hygiene experience for you, your practice and your clients!

rdhu is for you...rdh (Registered Dental Hygienist) and u (you! Continuing your education and expanding your growth).

Have an open mind. There are endless possibilities around the things you can do with or at rdhu!

rdhu will be available to teams for getaways and for training. If you would like to have one of our presenters, you can customize your day, or bring your own trainer.

What would you like to do at rdhu?

Thank you for your loyalty over the years. It is simple. We love what we do!

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We wanted to share some of the rdhu behind-the-scenes opportunities that you might not be aware of!

Did you know that we have a Partners Page that gets updated monthly with specials, resources and promotions from our Industry Partners? Some of the specials are created for rdhu members only!

Did you know that we have a section toward the bottom of our On-Track Tuesday that highlights job postings and even have dental hygiene practices for sale at times?

Did you know that we offer a monthly free 1 hour CE show called The RDH View that, if you can't make it live, you can register and we will send you the recording along with your certificate? We also have past recordings if you are interested you can request them!

Like us, many practices have hidden gems that should be shared! Many of your clients and patients aren't aware of all that you offer and this is an opportunity for you to share in all that you do and offer!

• Do you offer laser whitening? Why not share this with your clients through email or social media
• Do you offer Laser Therapy for non-surgical periodontal treatment?
• Can you help your clients when they feel a cold sore coming on?
• Are you completing a comprehensive Oral Cancer Screening to help save lives?
• Do you offer a recycling program for old, used oral health aids?
• Do you offer a Professional Discount that you would love to share with your clients to save them 50% off retail?
• Do you offer treatments to help alleviate sensitivity?
• Do you perform frequent water testing? Why not post or have a certificate showing when the water was last checked to give that extra piece of mind to your clients?
• Do you offer bacterial testing? Share this with your clients so that they are aware when the time comes that they may benefit from bacterial testing or they may ask you for it!
• Do you offer treatment to help with their halitosis?
• The list of possibilities goes on....

A great way to get these messages out, is to share through your email communication, post through your Instagram and Facebook page, and/or create a Welcome Package/Folder for all new clients (or give at their next COE). Here you can highlight the products available and what treatment services you offer!

It could be a lovely marketing piece for your practice that would bring awareness! You could even include your policies (what to expect from your practice and what you expect from them!).

By highlighting the treatments and services that you offer, you will bring the service to the forefront for when you recommend this service to your client in need, or, when your client in need reaches out for it themselves after seeing it highlighted!

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

With the New Year upon us, it's a great time to recognize the things (or people) that perhaps were bothering you in 2022 and look for ways to resolve the situation(s), so that you can let go of these things (or people) that no longer serve you in 2023.

It is not healthy to continue to live in an environment or around someone who is bothering you.

And sometimes, by having a much needed difficult conversation, the issue can be resolved.

It won't be easy, but it is necessary.

Many of us keep quiet when things are bothering us. We let things go. We may bring home our frustrations. We may share our complaints with others and in the end, the stress just gets to us.

If something is bothering you at your office, it is important to recognize the feelings and take action.

Having these negative feelings is an energy drainer. If we don't act on figuring out a resolution, these negative feelings become energy vampires and need to be addressed.

To have a difficult conversation:

1. Before going into the conversation ask yourself: What is your purpose for having the conversation? What do you hope to accomplish? What would be an ideal outcome?
2. Be prepared. Be clear on the situation that is upsetting you.
3. Schedule a meeting or time to talk.
4. Make notes to bring to the conversation.
5. Be open to listening to their side. Look at their perspective.
6. Be prepared with a suggestion for a resolution.

You can also start with a 'love ~ hate' kind of message in the opening sentence.

For example, Pat, I love/like you on our team, but I hate or use "don't like" (as my mam always taught me to never use the word hate!) the way that you do this (ie. gossip, never show up for the morning huddle, late coming in, complain about tasks, taking accolades for tasks that they didn't do, not pulling his/her weight etc.). After stating the situation, ask them their thoughts. Let them speak while you listen.

This way, you are starting the difficult conversation with a positive, but then letting this person know that what they are doing isn't ok.

Making people aware that they are doing things that are affecting the morale or culture of the office is a difficult conversation, but one that should be rewarding after.

If the person doesn't change even after they have been made aware that their behaviour isn't ok, perhaps it is time that they move on, or if you can't take that negative energy any longer and cannot make change happen, perhaps you are the one that needs to move on (depending on the situation).

We spend a third of our lives at work, it's important to be happy! Here is to a positive, thriving 2023!

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

As we are in the second week of a New Year, many of us are working on our goals. We are self-reflecting and self-assessing where we are at currently, and then committing to making this year really count!

There is something about this year that feels amazing and fresh and I get the feeling that many feel the same way.

I have been visualizing myself on December 31st, 2023. I am imagining it like it is true today.

I am then working on my goals looking backward. This is where I want to be. These are the things I want to have accomplished. So now what?

Instead of creating a large goal, I am looking at all the steps that I have to achieve and then making these my goals. They are more attainable and if I accomplish these goals, I will ultimately reach the end goal!

The idea is to start with your ultimate objective, your end goal, and then work backward from there to develop your plan.

If you imagine and visualize yourself on December 31st, 2023, what does that look like? Are you feeling strong and healthy? Have you developed meaningful relationships or perhaps have spent more time with loved ones? Have you read more? Have you grown professionally and acquired new skills? Are you happy and fulfilled in your workplace? Close your eyes and imagine this. Feels good, right?

What do you have to do to get there? Break it down working backwards and create your smaller goals and then your plan.

Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

In the digital age, there’s an abundance of options when it comes to education. While the typical in-person route still has its benefits, there are a myriad of online courses that have emerged with their own set of unique advantages. However, as with any major life decision you should thinking through your options and do some research before making a choice. That’s precisely why we’re here!

The registered dental hygienist university (rdhu) is a dental hygienist teaching institution that offers a variety of courses for those looking to enter the profession. When it comes to choosing between taking an online or in-person course, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to consider. Let's look at the benefits of both online and in-person courses offered by RDHU.

Online Courses

Online courses offer several advantages over in-person classes. For one, they are often more convenient than traditional classes as they can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that students who live far away from their desired school or have conflicting work schedules no longer have to worry about making the commute or missing class due to other commitments.

Additionally, online courses are often more cost-effective as they require fewer materials and typically involve less overhead costs than their in-person counterparts. Finally, online courses give students more freedom when it comes to learning as they can access course material whenever and wherever they want, giving them the ability to go at their own pace without worrying about deadlines or exams.

In-Person Courses

In-person courses offer some distinct advantages that can't be found with online courses. For one, students get to interact directly with instructors, which can help them gain a better understanding of the material being taught—something that can't be replicated through an online course platform.

Additionally, in-person classes provide an opportunity for students to collaborate and learn from each other through group discussions and activities—something that is not possible with an online course format. Finally, attending class in person allows students to develop relationships with their peers and instructors—relationships that may prove beneficial when seeking out professional advice down the road.

Why work with rdhu?

When beginning your journey as a dental hygienist (or continuing your career), it’s vital to work with an upstanding institution that can provide you all the tools necessary to become a fantastic dental hygienist. With rdhu online courses, you can elevate your skills as a dental hygienist or acquire new ones! But why rdhu? Well, since its inception in 2009, rdhu continues to be the benchmark for providing an innovative way of learning at the beautiful boutique educational facility in Burlington, Ontario and the online capabilities that can reach dental hygienists across the country.

rdhu was created by dental hygienists for dental hygienists and has emerged as a leader in dental hygiene education throughout Canada, and around the globe—with over 16,000 members. rdhu is proud of being the first hands-on professional development center for dental hygienists, we did it first and best. If you’re in need of comprehensive dental hygienist training, look no further than the dedicated team at rdhu.

Get in touch to learn about rdhu online courses and other tools for dental hygienists!

At rdhu, we understand how important it is for our prospective dental hygienists to receive comprehensive training before entering the world of dentistry. We offer both online and onsite courses, so you can choose which format best suits your needs and lifestyle. Our experienced faculty will guide you every step of the way, so you can become a successful dental hygienist who is well respected by both patients and colleagues alike. So why wait? Contact us today, or visit our website for more information on how rdhu can help you reach your career goals.

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a great Holiday and enjoyed family time and some rest and relaxation!

I get excited this time of year where we reflect on the last year and create goals for the next! It is a fresh start and a new beginning!

There are many different types of goals to consider. There could be Spiritual, Marital, Vocational, Avocational, Financial, Health, and Professional, just to name a few!

What Professional Goals do you have planned for this year? If you would like some ideas, I have a few suggestions...

1. Myofunctional Therapy: Is this the year that you would like to become a Myofunctional Therapist? Or if you are at the stage where you would like to explore what a Myofunctional Therapist does, we have Joe Siegfried on our first show of the year The RDH View next Friday, January 13th at 12pm EST. It is FREE to join in and if you cannot make it live, please register and we will send everyone who is registered the recording. Here is the link: Are you considering adding Myofunctional Therapy in your practice?

2. Did you always want to add Orthodontics to your skillset? We offer a 2-Day hands-on Orthodontic course at rdhu! Take a weekend for you and perhaps sign-up with a friend!

3. Do you have a Laser sitting in a drawer in your office collecting dust? Why not dive in and get trained in lasers and get one op up and running! Providing laser treatment can be so rewarding for you, your client and your practice! We offer laser training in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec!

4. Did you want to look at providing home care tools that are essential in making a positive change for your client's oral health. Perhaps you would like to start offering the Oral Health Essentials program to your clients!

5. Perhaps you are looking at improving the tools in your hands by assessing your hand instrumentation and ultrasonic inserts. I am in the process of writing an e-book on Streamlining Instrumentation. I will share once it is ready. It includes Worksheets to help you with your planning and offers tips on how to sustain an instrumentation program.

If you know me, you know that I could go on and on with ideas for goals! I am adding a goal planning workbook in my Quality Assurance course that will be offered this month. This course is for Ontario RDH's as it is based around the CDHO QA Program and is a Records Management Course. If you are from a different province and think that you would enjoy a mini course on planning and setting Professional goals, I would be happy to offer the workbook in a mini course. Please reply back that you would be interested and if we have enough interest, I will set it up!

In the meantime, please take a look below for what is coming up! We have added some course times to accommodate our Western members. Thank you and have a great week ahead!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We celebrated our 2022 Holiday Party last week! It was so great to be together in person! A few of us met for the first time as much of our communication had been through Zoom!

I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by authentic industry leaders who continue to push the envelope to make change happen to elevate client and patient care and who continue to share their knowledge and skills with us.

We missed some of our presenters who live in other provinces! Ramona Bains from British Columbia, Chrissy Ford from Alberta, Lina Dawli from Quebec! And then Dani Botbyl, Liisa Moore and Anna Louise Tolan, who are from Ontario but couldn't join us. You were missed!

We are really excited for what is in store for 2023! AND rdhu is celebrating 14 Years next month! There is lots to celebrate!

We are so grateful for you! Thank you for being on this journey with us.

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season with your family and friends. Stay safe, relax and enjoy!

Until our Next On-Track Tuesday will be on Tuesday, January 3rd!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up so you can start planning your 2023!

*Until Dec. 31 ~ Buy 2 courses that are being offered in January and receive the QA Online Workshop with me, for FREE! Just email us after you register and we will send you the link for the QA workshop.

If you are a QA Coach Member, you will have access with no additional charge. Please email us to register!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

As a dental hygienist, continuing education is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and techniques, as well as to ensure you’re providing your patients with the best possible care. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why rdhu has put together this guide to help you find the right PACE recognized continuing education courses for your needs.

At rdhu we specialize in offering innovative approaches to modern dental hygiene training and practice—and a core part of our curriculums are PACE recognized courses. Our team at rdhu is created by dental hygienists for dental hygienists, and has emerged as a leader in dental hygiene education in Canada, and around the globe, with over 19,000 members. rdhu is proud of being the first hands-on professional development centre for dental hygienists. Now, without further ado, here is a quick guide to finding PACE recognized continuing education courses for dental hygienists.

What Are PACE Recognized Courses?

PACE stands for Professional Advancement Continuing Education and is offered by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is an online program that provides dental professionals with access to quality, interactive continuing education courses from accredited providers all over the country. All of these courses have been approved by the ADA and must meet their high standards for quality, relevance, and accuracy. Thus, when you’re working on your career as a dental hygienist, it’s important to be on the look out for PACE recognized courses to ensure that you’re receiving the highest quality education you can possibly get.

Where Can you Find PACE Recognized Courses?

The best place to find PACE recognized courses is through rdhu’s Online Boutique. On our website, you can easily browse through our extensive list of PACE recognized courses and quickly find one that fits your needs. We offer a wide range of topics such as infection control, oral health care technology, patient care management, and more. You can also read reviews from other dental hygienists who have taken our courses in order to get an idea of which course might best suit your needs.

How Do you Get Started?

The first step is to select a course that’s right for you. Look through PACE recognized courses offered by our team and select some that feel relevant to you and your career. Once you’ve found a course that interests you in our Boutique, simply click on the “Add to Cart” button and follow the instructions provided. After completing your registration process, we will send you an email confirmation with a link to access your course materials. Once you complete all of the required modules in our course material, you will receive digital certification indicating that you have successfully completed our PACE recognized continuing education course.

Get in touch with rhdu for more information on PACE recognized courses!

Maintaining your skills as a dental hygienist (or beginning your career) requires a lot of work but it doesn’t have to be painful. Finding PACE recognized continuing education courses doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—especially when you work with rdhu! Our comprehensive list of courses covers a variety of topics so that every dental hygienist can find something that meets their unique needs and interests. With an easy sign-up process and convenient access options like email confirmations and hard copy certificates upon request, there’s no reason not to take advantage of this opportunity today! So what are you waiting for? Check out rdhu's selection of PACE recognized courses today!

This week's Blog is from Liisa Moore, our Ortho Presenter and QA Coach! Liisa is also a Canfitpro Instructor who focuses on health and fitness.

December is here, where did 2022 go? Just because the holiday season is here does not mean all the stress that comes with it has to arrive too. Talking with Kathleen inspired me yet again to put my fingers to the keyboard and share my tips for a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday.

Now, we are all busy and we know that this often means; poor choices for food, no time for exercise, late nights, and early mornings. All of this puts us at greater risk for illness. No one wants to be sick, especially around the holidays. I am hoping the following tips for gift giving ideas can help you with either your own health and wellness (who says you can’t give yourself a gift) or someone in your circle of family and friends. So, before you reach for that bottle of wine or box of chocolates, why not consider trying one of the following?

For the host/hostess of the holiday party:

Offer to bring a healthy option. Veggies and dip are always a hit. You can get creative here by making your own hummus, or arranging the veggies in the shape of a Christmas tree. You could even google a recipe for an easy to transport winter salad. Homemade soup is also easy to prepare. Butter nut squash or roasted red pepper are the perfect starter course for any holiday meal. Another bonus of soup is that it can be prepared ahead of time and frozen until party day. Simply bring it in a container and heat it up at the event. No time to make it yourself? Order a pre-made fruit bouquet for a little something sweet after the meal. Are you in charge of beverages? No problem, bring ingredients for a “mocktail.” How about some sparkling water and cranberry juice? The nice part about this is that those who choose to can easily add a little shot of “Christmas cheer” if they want, but those who are looking to abstain from alcohol can still enjoy.

Friend/family member/neighbour:

Let’s start off with the obvious here; being dental hygienists, why not give the gift of an electric toothbrush or water flosser? How about a gift certificate for a whitening done by a local dentist or dental hygienist? Or perhaps you have a friend that has been considering orthodontic treatment? Contact your local orthodontist office and offer to pay the consultation fee for them so they can explore treatment options. Outside the realm of dental hygiene there are a lot of other great gifts that can promote health and wellness. Research local yoga studios, fitness centers, or pools in your area as they often offer gift certificates or punch cards for classes. While you are there, get one for yourself! You are more likely to hold yourself accountable when you have a friend with you. Don’t feel like leaving your house? No problem! There are a ton of online fitness, meditation, and yoga apps that you can do right from your own home and most come with a free trial. Sign yourself and a friend up and commit to logging in together. No time to meal prep? Meal subscription boxes have come a long way and these are a great gift idea for the busy family.

Kids:

As a mom of younger kids, I can speak from experience that they do not need any more chocolate or toys. Try one of these instead. I love when my kids get “experiences” rather than things. How about gift certificates to the local indoor playground or trampoline park. Get outdoors and enjoy passes to the cross-country ski trails or downhill if that’s what they are into. A low-cost option would be to print the schedule for the local arenas for public skating dates and offer to take them (double gift here kids and parents). Boardgames, puzzles, and books are also great options.

Support local:

I try to buy from local shops as much as I can. I love the quality and customer service you get from local retailers.

• House plant: My guilty pleasure is browsing our local greenhouses. I love houseplants, especially in the winter as they green up the house and also act as air purifiers.
• Coffee: visit your favourite local coffee shop and purchase some high-quality coffee beans or tea.
• Cleaning service: Ask for recommendations in your neighbourhood online group and find someone close to you. How about talking to a local garage and see if they do car detailing?
• Local soap: Search online marketplace for someone that makes their own soaps. Create a gift basket with soaps and bath bombs. Some even make their own personal care products like face creams, sunscreen, lip balms, and deodorants.
• Custom health basket: Check out your local health food store and if you aren’t familiar with vitamins and supplements, ask a staff member to help you put together a basket to help with immune support, skin care, or general wellness.
• Self-care: Not enough people take time for self-care. Gift certificates for massage, physiotherapy or a chiropractor are great options.
• 2nd hand stores: Aside from being sustainable, 2nd hand stores are usually locally owned and operated. I have a wonderful locally owned used bookstore where I live. Try to find one in your area and get a gift certificate. You get more bang for your buck as new books can be expensive. Consignment shops are also great. You can get name brand clothes for bargain prices. Make a date of it and go together. You never know what treasures you will find!

I hope this inspires you to give a healthy option this holiday season and that by reading these tips some gift giving stress has been relieved. Be sure to take time for yourself so that you and everyone around you stays healthy.

Merry Christmas to all and wishing you health and happiness in 2023! From Liisa Moore!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up so you can start planning your 2023!

Thank you for reading! Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Wow! My heart and mind were full over the weekend!

I attended Jo-Anne Jones' experiential workshop at rdhu on Friday (The Ultimate Experiential Oral and Oropharangeal Cancer Workshop) and then again with Joe Siegfried on Saturday for Day 1 of the practical part of his full Myofunctional Therapy Program. I wish I could have stayed on the Sunday but I had been away for a while and needed to get home. Some of the questions that came up on Saturday, Joe would say, "We are going over that tomorrow". I was itchin' to stay because I need to know! I was a guest for the day so I may dive in deeper during his next program, which will begin in April 2023.

It truly is one of those situations where we don't know what we don't know.

What we do is so important. We can change people's lives. We can improve the quality of their life. We can save their life with early detection. We all know this but it's one of those things that once you dive in deeper with a topic, you automatically want to reach out to your friends, family and clients who you think about during the program and share your information with the "You should" "I want you to go see..." "Let's get you set up with..."

I had to stop myself from reaching out to everyone and I know many dental hygienists there on those days felt the same. They said their heads were exploding with amazing new knowledge!

So, I will pace myself for the right time to have these discussions with those I was thinking about.

If you can ever join us for some of our experiential learning at rdhu, we would love to have you. The sense of community that not only I felt, but the attendees and the rdhu team as well was so rewarding. These were events we will all cherish.

Many travel for Professional Development and make a weekend out of it.

It is worth the travel to invest in yourself and your career.

Until then, we have lots of transformational programs online set and ready for you.

Thank you for reading! Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

If you joined me on Friday for the webinar on 'Entering 2022 into your Learning Portfolio', thank you! If you registered on Zoom you will receive the follow-up email shortly.

We had over 200 attend this webinar and I just love talking about everything QA! I am a big believer in documenting learning in order to make change happen. We have all taken many courses that we have found interesting, but once we leave we continued doing the same old same old! If we don't document and make a plan to change, nothing will change!

It is all about shifting your mindset from one of resentment toward the QA process to acceptance. See it as an opportunity to get charged up and excited in creating a goal, a learning path and then implementing to make change happen to improve and enhance your client care and practice!

The current QA program is still in place while under review. Professional Development will still be at the forefront of however the program will look in the future. We are healthcare professionals and as a part of the RHPA Act, we need to participate in Continuous Quality Improvement Activities. What will change is the how and who gets audited each year.

I am designing a course for January on QA and would love to have you join me. It is a 4-hour program as this is what the CDHO recommends for remediation for learning the Quality Assurance Management of Records.

We have also created some really great worksheets to help you set your year up for success. I can't wait to send it to you and work alongside you! Click here to access registration to this course.

We have had many dental hygienists reach out in need of guidance on the QA program and planning next year, so this would be a great way to start your year on the right foot!

For those who haven't renewed your CDHO registration, this is a gentle reminder that you need to register by December 1st.

The Self-Assessment is now available and you have until January 31st to complete. If you fail to complete, you will automatically be audited for next year.

If you need some QA hours or just feel the need to dive into some new learning to finish the year strong, we have a few great courses lined up over the next month before the year ends!

Jo-Anne Jones THIS Friday at rdhu for an in-person special event ~ The Ultimate Experiential Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Workshop Use Promo Code: SAVEALIFE

Joe Siegfried ~ HIV: Take the Stigma out of the Dental Practice

Lorraine Gambacourt ~ Influencing Biofilm Balance with Oral Probiotics

Kerry Lepicek ~ Red Flags: What You Should NEVER Ignore!

Thank you for reading!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

To continue on the topic of being 'Indispensable in the Dental Practice'...

Another key concept is to view situations from multiple perspectives.

We all perceive things differently and it is an important thing to recognize and appreciate the differences and the perspectives.

To be open to new ideas and concepts from someone else's view.

We are going to see things differently than a team member or a client based on our own beliefs or experiences. We all have different upbringings and beliefs which will impact our perception of a situation or person. It comes from a personal point of view and is shaped by life experiences, values, current state of mind and the assumptions that are made!

There is great value in recognizing different perspectives in conversations or situations because these enable us to hear and react to things very differently.

My perception doesn't make it right or a reality.

It is just the way that I perceive something.

Try looking at other team members' or clients' perspectives from their points of view. Close your eyes and imagine you are them. As if you were them...."What do I want? What do I fear?"

A perspective is not right or wrong by default. It is the point of view of a single person based on their life experiences and values, among other things. We each have one and sometimes we share it with others, and sometimes we do not.

Allowing yourself to see a situation or conversation from someone else's eyes will help you as a leader in your practice and will become another reason why ...YOU are indispensable!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Two weeks ago I started to share some of the 8 Simple Secrets to Being Indispensable in the Dental Practice and promised more would follow.

Last week, my dear friend Jo-Anne Jones, wrote a blog about her important message and upcoming hands-on event at rdhu The Ultimate Experiential Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Workshop.

Today, I continue on the Indispensable train!

Everyone wants to feel needed and wanted and essentially indispensable in the workplace. Heck, there are books on this topic! If you don't feel appreciated or feel that you wouldn't be missed if you left, that is not a good feeling and it is time to make a change.

Being indispensable can help your morale because you are going to enjoy your work more knowing how valuable you are to the practice. It not only makes you feel that you are contributing to something greater than yourself, but it also provides you with validation of what you do and who you are professionally.

So, we looked at being Innovative in the dental practice and I shared some ideas on innovation in the Oct. 25 On-Track Tuesday. Being innovative at work means that you contribute ideas and solutions to workplace challenges or problems. Innovators recognize when there is a need for improvement, and they use logic, reason and creativity to come up with ways to meet those needs.

If you have thought about a program or solution that you are planning, I would love to hear!

So, what is another way to be indispensable in the workplace besides being innovative? Being an implementer! We can have great ideas and share with our team but unless you are taking action to plan and launch this innovative program, it is nothing but an idea and will not become a reality.

If you are not the one to implement, perhaps partnering up with a team member who is great at implementing can be part of your strategic plan when proposing this program or solution to your team.

Unless you Assess the current state, Document, Plan, Implement and Evaluate (sounds like ADPIE?) the idea will always remain just an idea.

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

A career as a dental hygienist in Canada offers a wide range of benefits including a comfortable salary, meaningful work, and flexibility to take time off when necessary. It is no surprise then, that every year high school graduates and individuals looking for a career change are setting their sights on this profession.

Like many positions in the healthcare sector, there are a number of strict requirements that ensure dental hygienists receive the training they need to adequately serve the public. If you are thinking about entering this field, it is important to know the steps that you need to take in order to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

At RDHU, our mission is to transform the field of dentistry by empowering dental hygienists with specialized programs in Ontario. Below we have listed the basic dental hygienist requirements in Canada.

Post-secondary education

After graduating from high school, those looking to pursue a career in this field must apply to a post-secondary institution and enroll in a dental hygiene program. These programs are available both in the form of a bachelor’s degree or a diploma. In Canada, the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators is the governing body that maintains a list of Entry-To-Practice Competencies and Standards. For a Canadian post-secondary institution to obtain approval for a dental hygienist program, these strict guidelines must be met. Over the course of their post-secondary studies, aspiring dental hygienists will become well-versed in oral health sciences, learning how to communicate with patients, and how to prevent potential health issues. 

Pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam

Dental hygienists must obtain a license to practice on both a provincial and federal level. In Canada, the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam is the standardized test which confirms the individual’s competency as a healthcare professional. The test consists of multiple choice questions divided into categories such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and more. A portion of the test focuses on professional scenarios, while the majority is based on independent, scientific facts. While the pass rate for this test is over 90% in Canada, it is important to prepare well in advance using resources provided during your post-secondary studies, along with outside sources. 

Comply with the CDHO’s Quality Assurance Program

Once you have passed your National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam and are ready to start practicing as a dental hygienist, the work is far from over. In Canada, measures are taken to ensure dental hygienists are upholding the standards that they learn during their studies. These efforts differ from province to province, however in Ontario, we operate based on the College of Dental Hygienists Ontario’s Quality Assurance Program. Under this provincial regulatory body, dental hygienists are expected to continue practicing in compliance with the corresponding rules and regulations throughout their careers. While this is a self-monitored system, reports of non-compliance could cause professionals to lose their license. At RDHU, we offer Quality Assurance coaching to ensure your practice is in compliance.

Specialized education

After entering the field, many dental hygienists feel the urge to hone in on their skills by pursuing further training and education. Areas of specialization such as laser training enables dental hygienists to further contribute to public health, earn a higher income, and explore new areas of interest. At RDHU, we offer both online and on-site courses at our facility in Burlington, Ontario.

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a dental hygienist? This exciting career is full of fascinating opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you are currently practicing as a dental hygienist, contact us today to learn more about how our courses compliment the basic dental hygienist requirements in Canada.

Will This Be the Year You Save a Life?

This week's blog brought to you by: Jo-Anne Jones, RDH

As I took my seat amidst my family, the chapel began to fill up very quickly. There was a faint playing of favourite songs accompanied by a slide show of treasured family times playing across a large screen. The balcony began to fill and eventually there were more chairs being brought into this setting that had witnessed much happier times. This was the day of the funeral for my cousin, Bonnie, who lost her life to HPV (Human papillomavirus) -related oropharyngeal cancer. This was not supposed to happen.

Several things have changed in the oral and oropharyngeal cancer world; the fastest growing profile of oral, and in particular oropharyngeal cancer, is caused by the Human papillomavirus. How common is the virus? The CDC states that almost every sexually adult will have one or more infections in their lifetime and most will be totally unaware. This has fueled a dramatic increase in HPV-related cancers in the head and neck. This has also prompted a strong ‘call to action’ from the Chief Dental Officer of Canada to the oral healthcare professional community to raise awareness, educate and promote evidence-based preventive and diagnostic interventions.

We are not powerless in our efforts! The CDC also states that 92% of future HPV-attributable cancers can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Can you imagine a world where we have made this significant an inroad on a cancer that is spiraling out of control? In April of this year in Canada, the indication for the HPV vaccine has been expanded to include prevention of head and neck cancers. We need to educate each, and every patient seated in our treatment room of this ability to prevent one of the deadliest cancers in the body. Here's the disconnect...the vast majority of the public perceive the HPV vaccine primarily as a preventive measure to combat cervical cancer. And in fact, the public is partly correct. Due to screening and the vaccine, Canada enjoys one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world. However, did you know that HPV-related head and neck cancers have surpassed the rate of cervical cancers over a decade ago and is 4.5X more common in men than women?

For the first time, I have combined my most sought-after lecture of oral/oropharyngeal cancer survivor stories with a hands-on, ‘direct to clinical practice’ educational experience. I’m excited to offer this! I have always been a fan of rdhu both as an educator and as a colleague. The unique signature of rdhu in providing a hands-on experience, was the perfect choice to host this program. This is a memorable day...one you will never forget. The graphic images of the journey of oral/oropharyngeal cancer survivors and the families who have graciously shared the stories of loved ones they have lost to this disease, will make an indelible imprint on your mind. I seriously can never present these stories without feeling overcome by emotion. It is deeply humbling to be entrusted with sharing a time in someone’s life where they lived their darkest days and wondered if they would be able to pull through.

The historic etiologic pathways of smoking and alcohol consumption are represented in stories, however most stories I will be sharing were younger, vibrant people in the prime of their lives that were stricken with a life-altering cancer. This has caught both the medical and dental communities’ totally off guard. Being alive is a risk factor!

So, what will our day together look like if you choose to join me on Friday, November 25th? The morning will focus on visual stories of oral/oropharyngeal cancer patients. Each story will be linked with a different aspect of either the extraoral or intraoral examination with a strong clinical ‘takeaway’. This is where knowledge translation happens! The afternoon together will focus on best practices for earliest discovery. You will be introduced to all the adjunctive screening devices including the market leader, VELscope Vx as well as Identafi, Oral ID and BioScreen. We will also explore the unmistakable benefit of using magnification and illumination.

As your colleague, I truly understand the demands of clinical practice and the time constraints we are under. The extraoral/intraoral examination needs to be streamlined being both efficient and effective to reasonably incorporate into our appointment times. We will explore all aspects of the head and neck examination including oral cancer screening in the comfortable, collegial environment of rdhu.

Do you recall how to document an oral finding? We don’t find abnormalities every day and it is challenging to remember all the descriptive terminology and the components of recording an abnormal finding. Many tips will be shared to accomplish this, and breakout sessions will elevate confidence in this aspect of recordkeeping. Clinical resources will be provided to you to guide you each step of the way so you will never struggle again with documentation and/or referral management pathways. A number of client educational resources will be provided to assist you in elevating awareness.

We can make a difference! With earlier discovery through improved examination techniques, we can impact treatment outcome, survival rates, and quality of life. If you have ever made an oral/oropharyngeal cancer discovery on a client, you know full well that it is a gratification that cannot be compared to anything else we do in our clinical day. People are indebted to you for the rest of their life. Because you cared enough to assess effectively, sought education to keep you up to date and never missed an opportunity to screen, you found something that otherwise may have continued to go unnoticed.

So many of us take for granted that we will see our children graduate from high school, go on that first date, get dressed for their first prom, get that first coveted kiss from a grandchild...others will not have that joy. Our profession is strategically positioned to paly an integral role in earlier discovery of both oral and oropharyngeal cancer. I am confident that you will emerge from this day of education and will look harder, will palpate further, and prioritize this simple screening exam impacting many lives through your acquired knowledge.

Will this be the year you save a life?

Join us for this VERY Special Day on Friday, November 25th with Jo-Anne Jones at rdhu! You will be in for a treat!

Click here to learn more and to register! For the First 30 people who Register, Use the PROMO CODE: SAVEALIFE to receive $100 off! Thanks to Orascoptic and VELscope for sponsoring this session!

Thank you Jo-Anne for this moving and important message. We look forward to seeing you at rdhu on Friday, November 25th!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I am here finishing preparing for my presentation that is happening this Friday in Toronto with Spectrum. We will also have an exhibit there and are happy to support this event!

One of the opportunities I am excited to share in my presentation is the Ambience Face Shield. I know many of you are familiar with this product as they have won 4 Product of the Year awards!

This is a story of innovation at its best!

Dr. Yamaoak is a practicing dentist in Vancouver and after returning to work and needing a face shield, he couldn't find one that fit over his loupes. His son, Zach is a Dyson Engineer. So together they created, after 58 prototypes, the Ambience Face Shield. They saw a need and they were innovative and came up with this!

This past Saturday, I presented for a group from Dental Corp on 'The 8 Simple Secrets on Being Indispensable in the Dental Practice'! This is a program that I love to share, which I have also turned into a series of articles for the Oral Hygiene publication. Part 1 of the series will be out shortly. If you would like to subscribe to this publication, it is free and always provides great content.

One of the 8 Secrets that I share is how you can become innovative!

Over the years, whether practicing clinically or running my dental instrument business (which I have now sold) or rdhu for the last 13 years, I always look at what is missing. What is the need and how can I improve this and fill the void? How can we improve X to deliver Y?

It doesn't mean that you have to come up with creating a revolutionary anti-glare visor which uses Nanotechnology for 10x less reflection than standard face shield visors and that with proper care, will last you 1 year or more before needing to replace the visor alone.

But it could mean that you are being innovative by taking the lead in a program and creating the program to implement into your practice. It is about taking stock of what's in front of you and making changes for the better!

It could be an Instrument Maintenance Program where you streamline each op with the kits that you need in a typical day. How many healthy or gingivitis clients do you see? How many perio clients based on your Staging and Grading assessment do you see in a day? By switching up your kits so that they aren't all alike, you will not only feel more engaged in your day, as you will be using different instruments; but it will help with costs (as we don't need so many instruments in every kit), and it will ensure that you have the instrument you need to provide the best care. I have attached a sample of the Decision Tree for Instrument Selection (in both Sharpen-Free and Stainless option) and a Worksheet fo you as a download below. If you would like to go over this more with me, I am getting together with a small group of dental hygienists (virtually with cameras on) on Sunday, November 6th. I would love for you to join me!

Another example of being innovative, could you lead a Laser Program for the dental hygiene op? Start with one op. Join us and get educated and trained on lasers. Implement the laser in the one op successfully, then go to the next op and do the same!

There are many ways that we can be innovative! Stay tuned for more secrets to being innovative next week!

To learn more about the Ambience Face Shield, please visit the Curion website!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I was away on a Happy Retreat Girls Weekend this past weekend at my friend's cottage. It was a weekend full of gratitude, story sharing, forest bathing and yoga! It was so lovely. They also arranged for a couple of massage therapists to come in and treat us. I couldn't attend the full four days so only had the Saturday to Sunday with them and volunteered to take the last massage time available on Sunday as I wasn't in a hurry to get home.

My one girlfriend, Monica, tried to warn me that the female therapist was a little aggressive and to speak up, because she didn't.

The massage therapists were a couple and we each went in with another friend as the massage was set up in the bunkie. It was lovely overlooking the water; however, the pressure was WAY too much.

At first, while she was working on my legs, I was thinking, oh this is amazing! It is just what I needed! But when she started with the top half, the pressure increased substantially. I was super uncomfortable and tried to politely tell her 3 or 4 times that the pressure was too much. I didn't want to wreck it for my girlfriend that was beside me so I was kind and tried to blame the sensitivity on myself as to not insult her (Like what are you thinking applying this much pressure on a human body?). When my face was down I could hide the pain and all the faces that went with it; however, once I flipped over there was no hiding the expressions so I wiggled every which way in pain!

So yesterday, I had a day of, oh my goodness, uncomfortable pain. My neck, my temples, my whole upper body actually. Before we got started we were given cards with their info because they want to grow their mobile business and I was saying, oh perfect, we will have you up at our house for my sisters, etc. But after being treated, I will definitely not be putting my sisters' bodies in her hands. I can take a lot more than them! It is a shame and I did try to tell her and I obviously needed deep tissue therapy, which some of my friends were fine with it, so not sure what more I could have done. I just wasn't up for it that day and wished she could have understood my unique needs.

So, as I sit here, like I do every Tuesday and think of something to share, this comes to mind.

Read your client's body action. If they are squirming and eyes opening wide, chances are they are uncomfortable. Stop and assess. What is going on? Is it that your instruments are dull, and you are applying too much lateral pressure? Are your ultrasonic inserts worn? Are you using the correct instrument or insert for that application? Could you use Oraqix or a local?

Is there something going on with your client emotionally and today, feelings are a little heightened? Are there ways we could make things more comfortable today or perhaps we need to reschedule to a more optimal time?

Do you think most clients would quietly leave and not complain because they don't want to create a scene or hurt someone's feelings? Typically, this is the case! People in general would rather not say anything and leave and just won't return.

If we are lucky though, they may say something at the front desk and request another dental hygienist next time!

Most often than not, it isn't the dental hygienist who is inflicting pain. The majority of the time, the tools in his or her hands aren't in optimal condition and are responsible for the discomfort. Or, the ultrasonic tips have been worn out beyond the Active Tip.

This is why I feel so passionate about sharing instrument maintenance tips (and selection) to help you achieve the sharpest cutting edge and longevity of your ultrasonic tips.

I have a couple of courses that I present on instrument maintenance, 'Maintain Your Edge' and 'Sharpen Your Skills', that we offer virtually.

If you feel that perhaps you are hurting your clients with improper sharpening and damaging instruments or using worn out tips, or if you feel that you would just like to learn a quick and easy method to sharpen instruments, I would love for you to join me for my next program:

Sharpen Your Skills: Online Date: Sunday, November 6th (4 hours with a start time at 11am EST).

You will receive an rdhu Sharpening Kit and the Post-it pad Sharpening Guide that I created many years ago and is a 'must have' when sharpening, and also an Ultrasonic Wear Card prior to the course date.

I would love for you to join me. Videos will be on so it can be very interactive and we can work together.

I will also be in person at PDC along with Beth Parkes for this program, if you are planning on being at PDC in Vancouver in March!

Thanks for reading and off to the Epson Bath I go!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Why Dental Hygienists Can Benefit From Participating in Myofunctional Therapy Training

Are you seeing patients with abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue positions during rest, swallowing, or speech? Are these same patients complaining of snoring or apnea? Perhaps they thumb or finger-sucked far into childhood. Perhaps they have a genetic predisposition to abnormal or restricted growth patterns in their jaw. Whatever the cause, preventing and treating these craniomandibular dysfunctions can be life-changing for patients.

Depending on your Scope of Practice, some Canadian Registered Dental Hygienists can learn the crucial skills needed to significantly improve their patients’ lives by taking myofunctional therapy courses. This knowledge is invaluable to helping patients achieve proper oral postures and functions, and promoting healthy dental development, breathing, and speech.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Like so many other “physical” therapies, myofunctional therapy is a carefully curated set of exercises done with the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. These exercises help to tone, relax, stretch, and strengthen the facial and oral muscles associated with facial posture, talking, eating, and breathing.

The importance of the appropriate coordination and strengthening of these muscles cannot be overstated. Myofunctional therapy can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, whether their craniomandibular dysfunction causes a speech disorder, swallowing difficulty, or even sleep apnea and snoring. In fact, myofunctional therapy is so effective, it is an excellent alternative to treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, or surgery!

How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?

Myofunctional therapy is a therapeutic “diet” of exercises designed to fix abnormal movement patterns of the mouth and face. These abnormal movement patterns can be caused by the following:

• blocked nasal passages
• a misplaced tongue position caused by environmental or genetic factors
• sucking and chewing habits past the age of 3

Myofunctional therapy uses neuromuscular re-training to bring facial and oral structures functionality back into the range of what is considered “typical”. These exercises teach your muscles, nerves, and brain how to work together to learn and maintain optimal movement. Specifically, they aim to improve the following:

• tongue position
• lip seal
• nasal breathing

Dental patients benefit significantly from treatment by hygienists with the knowledge to identify and treat these disorders. Hygienists who are interested in augmenting their education can take courses regarding the diagnosis and treatment of myofunctional disorders and integrate these therapies into the scope of their work.

Where Can Dental Hygienists Find

Myofunctional Therapy Courses?

There are many ways to access myofunctional therapy courses, both online and in-person. The most effective courses are a combination of the two. Rather than taking precious time off of work, registered dental hygienists can access myofunctional therapy courses online that are led by the industry's leading oral care professionals. Once online coursework is completed, a small number of in-person training days are required to solidify students’ understanding of the physicality of myofunctional therapy.

rdhu Offers Comprehensive

Myofunctional Therapy Courses

rdhu’s program is specifically designed for dental hygienists, and gives practitioners the confidence to incorporate myofunctional therapy at an entry level in their practice.

The program offered by rdhu consists of seven weeks of online training (one evening per week) to total 30-hours online. Thereafter, registrants will attend two days of in-person, hands-on training at our rdhu facility in Burlington, ON.

This comprehensive program is led by current myofunctional therapy experts for the benefit of providers seeking to practice myofunctional therapy safely and effectively. Our members are empowered with the understanding that new research in the field of myofunctional therapy is constantly growing, and that their own knowledge of myofunctional therapy should grow with the field.

Oral health and airway health are closely related. Dental hygienists can uncover and treat dental, breathing, and speech-related myofunctional disorders by attending myofunctional therapy courses. While these courses are not universally standard in oral hygiene programs, you can get this life-changing education now by contacting rdhu today.

We are in full swing here at rdhu, with our onsite experiential learning at our facility, our online live streaming courses, Dental Hygiene Quarterly (Fall edition just launched) and many off-site events and programs being delivered. It sure feels great to be back to learning!

Our Myofunctional Therapy and Ortho 101 for the Dental Hygienist both start this week.

If you are looking at expanding your skillset, we encourage you to join in! We have dental hygienists from different provinces join in on these specialty programs.

One of the great things about our profession are the opportunities that are available to us to expand our skill-set! For instance, even if you aren't offering Ortho in your practice, it is a great feather in your cap to have this new skill-set in your repertoire. You never know when you may made need ortho. Perhaps a new associate joins, or a new position in a different practice becomes available! Knowing the ortho fundamentals will help you feel confident that yes, you have some ortho training!

Our laser programs are filling up quickly. The Alberta date is full and we have started a wait list. We should have a date for you shortly! The Ottawa date has filled up. We just opened up a new date and are offering the night before as a hybrid program (Oct. 20)! The theory portion will be online and then join in on the Thursday night for the hands-on. If you are on the wait list for Ottawa, we have emailed you. Please let us know ASAP before we open it up to others!

If you would like laser training in your practice, be sure to reach out and we can make arrangements for you. Or...if you would like to bring your team to rdhu for a special day, we would love to have you on a day designed for you!

We have our rdhu presenters, Beth Parkes, Dani Botbyl, Anna Louise Tolan and Jo-Anne Jones presenting at TODS in Kelowna, BC. TODS runs from Thursday October 20 to Saturday October 22, 2022 . There will be hands-on workshops and lectures designed for you. Please click here to learn more and to register!

We have our rdhu presenters including myself, Beth Parkes and Kerry Lepicek speaking at Spectrum, in Toronto, on Friday October 28th. Click here to learn more and to register!

All of this learning and growing brings on such satisfaction and growth within our profession. Thank you for being a part of rdhu!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I am really fired up this morning! It is a gorgeous sunny fall day here on Kawagama Lake and I started my morning with some yoga. After being away from home for a few weeks, I can already feel the difference in my step.

We took a trip out to Halifax to drive my daughter's car to her as she drove out with a friend and is in 4th year of Chemical Engineering at Dalhousie.

We were there just in time for Hurricane Fiona! We were fine but it was scary to be a part of that and to be facing the unknown once again.

We then came back and I stayed in the city to spend time at rdhu in Burlington and also to prepare for our event that was last Friday, September 30th with the ODHA, Crest & Oral B at the beautiful Dentsply Sirona Academy. It was so great to be with 40 dental hygienists for the day for some experiential learning! Dani Botbyl, myself and Beth Parkes all presented for the day. Our hearts were full.

It was definitely a highlight for us to be presenting in such a gorgeous state-of-the-art facility. If you ever get the chance or are planning a trip to Toronto, perhaps take a look at their CE schedule to see if there is something going on for you to participate in.

I am happy to be back to my routine and back to Designing my Day! As you know, when we don't design our day, someone else will take control of our day for us!

We are now into the last quarter of 2022. This year has seemed to fly by faster than most!

I love starting a new quarter. I have my new 3-month journal that I cracked open on the weekend and took some time to evaluate where I am with my goals for this year and what I need to do to really end 2022 strong!

Where are you with your goals?

My fitness goals are behind as I started my summer with my other ankle breaking, had a super busy summer with running my first fundraiser, hosting many guests and September was go-go-go. I now have 3 months to make myself a priority. Every day is a new day and we can reset the button whenever we want. No one is perfect. We all fall off our plans and thats okay. We can re-evaluate, reset and recreate SMART Goals.

• S - Specific
• M - Measurable
• A - Attainable or Achievable
• R - Realistic or Relevant
• T - Timely

This is a great time of year to assess goals in these areas:

- Health and Fitness - are you on track? (vitamins, walking, breathing, strength training, eating healthy).

- In your Workplace - are you happy? What can you do to either tweak your current situation just a bit to bring re-engagement to your practice or is it time to expand and see what else is out there? Or are you content? If you are content, we never stay the status quo. We keep learning and growing!

- Family - are you connecting with family members? Sometimes it takes an effort and some planning to ensure that you are paying attention to or connecting with a family member.

- Friends - have you set time aside to be with some of your besties to have a good laugh and reconnect?

- Spiritual - perhaps you meditate or belong to an organization or a church.

- Rest - Do you look for ways that you can rest? Perhaps a monthly spa day, meditation or set time aside to read with a nice cup of tea. Resting is so important and if we don't plan for some rest time, chances are we won't get rest!

- Hobbies - perhaps you are looking at adding some creativity to your life.

We have some exciting things set for this last quarter!

A FREE webinar tonight with Dr. Hyland and Kerry Lepicek, discussing all things Halitosis.

Have you considered becoming a Myofunctional Therapist? I am undergoing Myofunctional Therapy at the moment and can't believe the strength in the back of my palate and tongue.

Our FREE CE show The RDH View has a very engaging and inspirational guest joining us THIS Friday. We will be discussing Mouth Taping! We have over 200 registrants already! Click here or see details below.

Have you always wanted to expand your skillset to the field of Orthodontics?

We are thrilled to have Jo-Anne Jones (my bestie, besides Beth :)) join us for a hands-on experiential day sharing stories and expanding our skill on early detection for Oral Cancer Screening ~ The Ultimate Experiential Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Workshop.

We have had sold out laser programs as lasers are becoming a must-have adjunct tool and skillset to be educated and trained on. Click on the link to access future dates.

We have a full line of Live Streaming Courses to help transform the dental hygiene experience! We hope you will join us and continue to push forward and elevate our profession.

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We are really excited to announce that we are now carrying Oral Probiotics at wholesale pricing for the dental profession! BLIS Oral Probiotics from New Zealand!

Lorraine Gambacourt, presenter and laser trainer at rdhu, is super passionate about Oral Probiotics and has been pushing to make this happen!

Oral Probiotics is a great adjunct that we can add to our treatment plans for those clients who present with gingivitis, periodontal disease, xerostomia, yeast, caries and/or halitosis (and so much more…)!

Here is a blog about Oral Probiotics brought to you this week by Lorraine Gambacourt:

Oral Probiotics ~ Trending now in Oral Health!

Many of you know how passionate I am about Oral Probiotics!

What if…

· we could improve the quality of saliva, and reduce the potential for oral Candida to become opportunistic in the mouth?

· we could reduce the risk of dental decay and Candida in someone who suffers from xerostomia?

· we could help reduce the incidence of ear and throat infections, and help ward off the common cold?

· we could help to reduce the incidence of decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and halitosis?

· we could positively influence and sustain a healthier biofilm, by “repopulating” the oral cavity with healthy bacteria after conventional periodontal therapies?

Most people understand the benefits of gut probiotics, but few individuals and oral health professionals are aware of the preventive and/or supportive benefits to oral health that Oral Probiotics can provide.

In the fall of 2016, I attended a lecture and learned that Oral Probiotics would be an emerging trend in oral health in the following10 years. I found this fascinating so began researching the science behind the many beneficial oral probiotic strains as well as the products available! I began teaching what I learned, followed by writing two articles this year, as well as a full chapter on the topic, which was included in the book “Get Your Spit Together” which launched in January this year.

Oral Probiotics are specific strains of healthy bacteria that can improve oral health. They encourage the growth of good bacteria while stopping or interfering with the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Many things upset the balance in the oral microbiome, creating a “dysbiosis”, allowing pathogenic bacteria to thrive leading to the many conditions and oral diseases we frequently see.

Numerous studies have shown that Oral Probiotics can be extremely useful in the prevention or treatment of oral diseases such as tooth decay, halitosis, and periodontal disease. Some have also been shown to boost the immune system and reduce the potential for ear and throat infections.

While Oral Probiotics can undoubtedly provide significant benefits to oral health, it is important to point out that the timing of the recommendation is critical for optimal results. If an individual has significant oral infection, it must be addressed first followed by the introduction of Oral Probiotics in the maintenance phase of treatment.

Adding this adjunct to our treatment therapies can most definitely lower risk, help prevent disease, boost our immune defenses, and improve treatment outcomes.

So, six years after my initial introduction, I believe the time is NOW for us to recommend this oral health supplement! Join the many who see the addition of Oral Probiotics as an exciting and promising oral health strategy and decide for yourself whether Oral Probiotics could be the “missing link” to help sustain improved oral health outcomes!

rdhu is NOW offering BLIS K12 ™ FRESHBREATH, and BLIS M18™ (TEETH&GUMS) at wholesale pricing so you can have readily available to your clients!

BLIS K12™ is the world’s first probiotic specifically developed for oral health. The benefits extend far beyond fresh breath to include: Inhibition of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia; reduction/prevention of ear and throat infections; protection against Candida; anti-viral properties; reduction of periodontal pathogen-induced inflammation.

BLIS M18 ™ inhibits key periodontal pathogens including Aa, Pg, Pi, and Fn, and reduce periodontal pathogen-induced inflammation. BLIS M18™ can also reduce caries risk by breaking down plaque, neutralizing pH and inhibiting the growth of S. mutans.

Thank you Lorraine for sharing this transformational information!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

In Canada, professionals need to understand the dental hygiene continuing education requirements. This is because dental hygienists need to document their professional learning activities to meet continuing competence requirements. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of your professional permit.

Of course, all dental hygienists graduate from dental hygiene programs and pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) exam. In most provinces, dental hygienists have to maintain a portfolio of continuing education courses and meet certain requirements for competency and course hours within a three-year timeframe.

Details of dental hygiene continuing education

In Ontario, for example, dental hygienists must engage in 75 hours of continuing education every three years. 80% of these hours must focus on direct learning and practice, while 20% can come from conferences and meetings. As a dental hygienist, you are responsible for ensuring your classes meet the continuing education requirements for your province.

This process can sometimes be confusing. You will be spending an average of 25 hours per year on continuing education, so you certainly do not want to waste time on courses that will not fulfill the requirements.

How to ensure you meet the requirements

Specialized institutions provide professional development courses that help busy professionals meet their continuing education needs while growing their skill set. For example, at RDHU, we offer both online and onsite courses that qualify for your continuing education portfolio. In addition, we offer training programs that show you how to use new technology. Currently, you can access soft tissue diode laser training through RDHU.

Here is a closer look at the options RDHU can give you to meet your continuing education needs.

How RDHU streamlines dental hygiene continuing education

At RDHU, we offer subscriptions, packages, and stand-alone courses. With these options, we make it easy to track your continuing education portfolio and break the professional development efforts down into manageable portions. 75 hours seems like a lot, but if you divide it evenly, it is only 2 or 3 hours per month. At RDHU, we make this type of ongoing education straightforward.

Here's how:

• Dental Hygiene Quarterly (DHQ). Our DHQ program is a subscription service that automatically provides 3 hours of continuing education each quarter. These courses focus on daily practice skills and knowledge and are available via DVD or online video. We send them directly to you, and you can watch them at your convenience.
• Individual online and onsite courses. If you need additional hours or would like to perfect specific skills, you can take stand-alone onsite classes at our Burlington, Ontario facility. We also offer live stream classes that you can attend from the comfort of your home. These include specialty courses like soft tissue diode laser therapy and myofunctional therapy.
• Packages. We also offer packages designed to help you quickly complete your continuing education requirements without extensive planning or the stress of tabulating your class hours every three years. All packages include the 12-hour DHQ program and additional courses of your choice. We also have a subscription for a quality assurance program to help you prepare to meet your QA requirements for Ontario.

The advantages of dental hygiene continuing education with RDHU

RDHU was started by dental hygienists, so we understand the unique needs of our students. This is why we make it easy to manage your continuing education through packages and offer both online and in-person courses while also offering useful training that will help you grow your skills and further your career.

Contact us today to learn more.

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What a great start to the new 'school' year! We are so excited for all the things that are happening at rdhu!

We just had a phenomenal CE show, The RDH View with Ondina Love, CEO of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, on Friday. If you missed it and didn't register, feel free to email us and we will set you up to receive the recording. If you did register but didn't join us live, stay tuned, you will be receiving the recording shortly!

Ondina was so passionate about all the initiatives that are coming up across the country.

We discussed, The Federal Dental Plan, Seniors, and we discussed the workplace landscape.

We received really great messages during and following the session. You will want to see it!

The workplace landscape! I love talking about and hearing about opportunities that are available to us as dental hygienists. There are so many different positions we can take part in.

If you are feeling stuck, September is a great month to get un-stuck. It is time for a clean slate. Just like the kids starting school with their nice fresh workbooks, let's open up a new journal and get started ourselves! Write out what your dream job looks like and then make a plan on how you are going to get there. Whether it be looking at elevating or enhancing your current workplace or looking at other opportunities, it is a great exercise to go through to make change happen!

Would you like to add some new skills to your repertoire? Perhaps Myofunctional Therapy, Lasers, Ortho, Ultrasonics? Let's create something to start this 'new year'/ new beginnings!

We spend a third of our life at work. Isn't it time to make a change if you are one of the dental hygienists who isn't happy or feeling 100% satisfied in the workplace? Or if you are feeling a little stagnant, let's get you re-energized!

Happy September!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

This week’s blog is brought to you by Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH.

Become A Trailblazer!

In a blog that I wrote last year, I talked about how curiosity lights the fire within you, which can lead to great things! I have also blogged about the fact that we can all experience times where we feel unmotivated, uninspired, and lack the drive to work on professional or personal goals and dreams, particularly during the summer months! I want to remind you, that this is a normal part of the ebb and flow of life, the yin and yang of energy, and that when we take the time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, rest more, nap more, and simply “be”, and DROP THE GUILT attached, we will come out on the other side feeling energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the world!

For me, I have had a few months of inaction and lacking drive ( although I have been putting much of my energy into helping my son get his home move in ready—which I think counts as being productive!) Last week I felt a huge shift in my energy level and motivation! I felt like my mojo returned! I started working on my professional projects and interests, and finally fell like my creative juices are flowing again… YAY! I also thought about what I have achieved during this past year, (after a kind reminder from a friend) and noticed that the seeds of desire/interest and time I invested in certain efforts last year have led to some amazing accomplishments.

Think about the things you have been curious or interested in last year, and where that has led you. Have you made some changes? Implemented something new? Educated yourself about topics you are passionate about and can pass on to your clients? Are there some causes or goals you are passionate about that seem daunting, yet you want to see them realized?

I want to encourage you to be a trailblazer--to take that next step when something lights your fire and to be an advocate for the things you are most passionate about. What do you believe will make a difference in the world, or in the health outcomes for your clients? Trust your instincts. No matter how big the goal, it can be achieved!

We serve no one by playing small! We were all born to make a difference in some way. Think about what you are being called to explore, educate yourself on the topic, and implement change. One of my BHAG’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goals per Robin Sharma) is to see medical-dental collaboration become a common effort in every practice, so that physicians sit up and take notice of our efforts and begin to play a more active role in helping our mutual patients achieve optimal oral AND systemic health. Is this a goal of yours too? Imagine if we all took some steps in the same direction, how much quicker it could be realized…

In my upcoming 6 hour course, Influencing Oral and Systemic Health - A 4-Stage Approach, I will be sharing ideas and resources to help you in your collaborative efforts. I will also dive deep into four stages that can help you design the ultimate periodontal therapy program that will help your clients achieve and maintain optimal oral and systemic health outcomes.

I will also be sharing about two new and exciting Certificate programs that just launched in Canada which:

1) Support collaborative care and your recognition as an Oral-Systemic Educator.

2) Help you become a dental professional certified in dementia prevention and reversal.

And… if you have been wondering where Oral Probiotics fits into the puzzle, Part 3 will be devoted to this topic! Join me on Sept 8th !

- Lorraine

Thank you Lorraine for this week’s blog!

Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 31st is the last day of our Summer Learn and Save with Dental Hygiene Quarterly!

In case you missed it, we would love to have you join us!

Everyone who registers for the Summer Special will have their name entered into a draw. I will be going live on Facebook to announce the winner on Thursday, September 1st at 2:30pm EST.

All who have purchased the Summer Special will have a chance to win:

1. A rdhu Sharpening Kit

2. A Bamboo Beanie

3. An iPad!

Dental Hygiene Quarterly is rdhu's annual subscription. We no longer offer single on-demand courses. All courses are either LIVE online, in-person OR through Dental Hygiene Quarterly (online or in DVD Format). Past editions are available for those who need to catch up!

What's included and what is Dental Hygiene Quarterly all about?

- 12 Hours of CE every year (3 hours uploaded into your portal every season)

- An Activity Page to document learning and implementation into your practice

- Your own personal portal that stores the courses and your certificates (after a short post-course quiz)

- 10 hours of The RDH View also gets automatically uploaded into your personal portal

- Go live with myself and Beth Parkes to re-cap the Edition where we share our take-aways for the learning and discuss implementing into our practice.

- Have the option to join live on certain DHQ courses (when applicable) or wait and watch the recording (ie Kerry Lepicek's upcoming course on What's New in Caries Management? will be FREE for Dental Hygiene Quarterly Subscribers to watch live or wait and watch in their portal - just email info@rdhu.ca and we will send you the Zoom link to register).

Annual Subscription: $199 ($149 for CDHA members)

Summer Special: 3 Years for $333 (CDHA members) $433 non-CDHA

Upon Registration, you will receive the Summer 2022 Edition right away:

• Periodontitis, Dysbiosis and Inflammation: What’s The Connection? Presented by: Dr. Salme Lavigne PhD, MSDH, RDH
• The Dental Hygienist’s Role in Diagnosis and Treatment of Erosive Tooth Wear and Bruxism Presented by: Dr. Warden Noble, DDS, MS, MSEd

The Fall Edition will be launched mid-September:

• Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Client Presented by: Dr. Sanjukta Mohanta, DDS
• Protecting our Children: Keeping Them Safe With Early Detection Presented by: Doris Waite, RDH, Certified Myofunctional Therapist, Buteyko Breathing Educator

Click here to learn more about the Summer Special and register for the online version!

Use Promo Code: SSCDHA

DVD option ~ Click here!

Thank you for your support, and for being a part of rdhu!

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with many of you over these summer months. I appreciate your kind words and feedback and excited for what is to come!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

This summer has flown by! Can you believe we only have one week left of August?!

We are busy wrapping up the Summer Learn and Save with Dental Hygiene Quarterly. There is only one week left to register!

Everyone who registers for the Summer Special will have their name entered into a draw. I will be going live on Facebook to announce the winner on August 31 at 2pm EST. You do not have to be present to win.

All who have purchased the Summer Special will have a chance to win

1. A rdhu Sharpening Kit

2. A Bamboo Beanie

3. An iPad

Dental Hygiene Quarterly is rdhu's annual subscription. We no longer offer single on-demand courses. All courses are either LIVE online, in-person OR through Dental Hygiene Quarterly (online or in DVD Format). Past editions are available for those who need to catch up!

What's included and what is Dental Hygiene Quarterly all about:

- 12 Hours of CE every year (3 hours uploaded into your portal every season)

- An Activity Page to document learning and implementation into your practice

- Your own personal portal that stores the courses and your certificates (after a short post-test quiz)

- 10 hours of The RDH View also gets automatically uploaded into your personal portal

- Go live with myself and Beth Parkes to re-cap the Edition where we share our take-aways for the learning and discuss implementing into your practice.

- Have the option to join live on certain DHQ courses (when applicable) or wait and watch the recording (i.e. Kerry Lepicek's upcoming course on What's New in Caries Management will be FREE for Dental Hygiene Quarterly Subscribers to watch live or wait and watch in their portal)

Essentially, giving you 20 - 22 hours every year. 12 Hours of CE through the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and The RDH View is an extra bonus. You can use The RDH View as CE or just watch for awareness, fun, engagement and stay connected with like-minded RDH's!

$199 per year (CDHA members $149) Regular Annual Subscription.

Online Version: Summer Special $333 (36 hours of CE plus The RDH View): Use the CDHA Promo Code: SSCDHA to receive $100 off.

Click here to learn more and register for the online version!

DVD option ~ Click here!

Thank you for your support, for being a part of rdhu and for reading! Have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

First, my apologies for not sending out the On-Track Tuesday email yesterday! It has been a busy week, I took Monday off and thought perhaps we could skip a week. That said, I received emails and Facebook messages from some members asking if they missed it as they didn't receive it!

Hence, here we are today! The sun is shining and it feels like a much fresher day!

I love to hear that people enjoy the On-Track Tuesdays! Sometimes people enjoy things but don't actively engage in dialogue with us about it. Others will reach out and say they enjoyed that particular On-Track blog. So, thank you for sharing and reaching out.

This also reminded me of a concept that I continuously speak of, which is 'Consistency is Key'!

When you don't do something that is expected by a client, they notice. Perhaps you skipped the Oral Cancer Screening or didn't floss after the prophy. Client's notice. Perhaps you didn't send them a reminder about their appointment or send them home with their essential tools. Clients notice.

It is an important thing to think about and a good reminder to myself as well!

Consistency is Key :)

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

This week's blog is brought to you by Liisa Moore, RDH, QA Coach and Ortho Presenter!

We all know that no two dental hygienists are the same. Yes we all went to school, and have a governing body, but with all the different specialties within the field of dentistry there is no such thing as a 'know it all' when it comes to dental hygiene.

I have worked the majority of my career in an orthodontic office and am very confident in stating that I have extensive knowledge in the field of orthodontics. That being said I would never enter a perio clinic and start questioning or trying to give advice to the dental hygienist there about what treatment plan or instruments they should be using. We are all in this profession together, and I never had a problem sharing my knowledge as we are always learning and trying to advance our skills. With that, here is a short list of confessions I have from working in specialty offices.

If you don’t know….ask!

Is there a client in your chair that has an orthodontic appliance you have never seen before? A client you sent for a graft but yet still has not been done yet? Ask the client first but be aware of your wording. “I see you started treatment with Dr. Ortho since the last time we saw you, how are you liking your new appliance? OR “I see the referral we sent to Dr. Perio has been received by their office, do you have an appointment booked with them for your graft procedure? If the client gives a vague or unsure answer, call the referring office and ask to speak to a dental hygienist or other staff member for clarification. Try to avoid verbiage like “I’ve never seen this appliance before”, “it looks a little too big/too small”, “have you asked Dr. Ortho why he used this appliance and not the more traditional one?” We are all partners in client care and using this type of language around the client can leave them questioning their trust in their other provider.

Handle with Care

When treating clients in orthodontic treatment please be careful as some orthodontic appliances are very delicate. If there is an area that you are unable to treat properly due to an orthodontic appliance, contact the ortho office and ask to have it removed if the treatment is urgent or if it is a treatment that can wait, ask when the appliance will be removed and make note to complete the treatment once the appliance is out. Same rules apply when treating areas that have fresh sutures, packing, or surgical sites. Be mindful and try not to unintentionally tug or pull on them as you do not want to remove them earlier than what the referring doctor wishes.

Own it

If you do happen to break an orthodontic appliance while scaling or damage a surgical site, inform your client and recommend that they return to their specialist's office to have it repaired and or examined. Leaving an orthodontic appliance damaged can result in extending time in treatment, and disturbing surgical sites can lead to unwanted infection. “You had a moderate amount of calculus around your bonded lingual retainer this appointment. While I was completing your treatment plan some of the orthodontic cement attached to your wire came loose. I was able to treat the area and remove the calculus build up however you will need to see your orthodontist to have the cement replaced. Since you are prone to develop moderate calculus in that area perhaps while you are at your orthodontist office you could inquire about other retention options.”

Your clients might be annoyed that they need to make another appointment, at another office, however if you choose your language properly your client will see that you only have their best interest in mind and want them to get quality care from the proper professional.

Want to learn more about working in a specialty office? Call the office and ask to shadow the hygienist working in ortho, perio, surgical or a restorative hygienist to see what their days are like. Or join me for my next course Orthodontics 101 for the Dental Hygienist to learn more about all things ortho! See below for both theory only and experiential (hands-on) learning options!

Thank you Liisa for this week's blog!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH President

This week's blog is brought to you by Liisa Moore, RDH, QA Coach and Ortho Presenter!

Staying “on track”

Summer is in full swing and many of us are taking holidays; which include, back yard BBQ’s, pool parties, beach days, and all the food and drinks that go along with them.

Not only as a health care professional but also a personal trainer, I get asked all the time “how do you stay on track?” Here are some of my tips for staying on-track during holidays:

Keep your sleep routine

Yep, even on holidays I get to bed at the same time at night and wake up early each morning. I admit I do not set an alarm clock when I do not need to work the next day, but more often than not I wake up within 30 min of the time that my alarm would usually go off. There is a big difference between getting up early in the morning because you have to (because you have to get to work) versus being well rested and wanting to. Use that extra time in the morning to read a book, listen to a podcast, go for a walk, or just sit and have your coffee in peace. This is my favourite time of day to enjoy, since mornings are usually go-go-go, at least in my house!

Move your body

Stay with your workouts! The best part about summer, in my opinion, is having the extra daylight hours. Go for a bike ride early in the morning before work, or take a nice walk with your spouse and family after dinner. Grab your best friend and have a stretch session in a back yard or park. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Stay productive

Clean out the junk drawer, organize the pantry, watch that webinar, read the article. Do something productive each day even if it’s only 15 minutes. You will be surprised how much better you feel when relaxing after you have done that small task that you have been struggling to find the time to do during your busy work schedule!

Veggies veggies and more veggies!

Who wants to cook when its summer and scorching hot outside? Nothing beats a big salad or just having washed cut up veggies in the fridge. Have them with a healthy home-made dip or my personal favourite hummus. Get creative on how to incorporate more veggies into your diet. No burger buns? No problem! Use a broad leaf lettuce like romaine or iceberg to wrap your patty instead. Want a sandwich? How about portobello mushrooms, eggplant, or a bell pepper cut in half as your bread? Need to cool off? Blend some of your favourite fresh or frozen fruit with some frozen cauliflower for a refreshing smoothie and bonus if there are leftovers, freeze them in a popsicle mold (available at most dollar stores) for the perfect guilt-free treat!

Limit alcohol

There are many pre-mixed cocktails available now, and many of them now have nutritional labels…take the time to READ THEM! Look for cocktails with little to no sugar and also be mindful of artificial sweaters. My favourite “hack” is to make myself a 50/50 drink (this works with non-alcoholic drinks as well). I use my 32oz stainless steel tumbler and fill it with ice. I then pour in ½ of a pre-mixed low sugar cocktail and then fill my cup with sparkling water. For my kids I do the same with a store bought ice tea, lemonade or, sports drink such as Gatorade. The stainless steel cups keep your drink colder and you are getting ½ the sugar and calories with all the satisfaction of enjoying a drink. If beer is your beverage of choice look for light or low calorie/carb options. Again READ LABELS! My final rule is always drink 1 to 1. So after you finish your alcoholic drink have a non-alcoholic one to balance it out such as a sparkling water, or water with lemon, cucumber, mint or any other add it you would like. Get creative!

Most importantly limit stress. You are on holidays! Slow down, appreciate and enjoy them, so you can return to work refreshed and rejuvenated.

Thank you to Liisa Moore for her blog today! These are great tips and reminders as well!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

This week's blog is brought to you by: Beth Parkes, RDH, BSc ~ Vice President of rdhu

How is your summer going? Time is flying by and I am determined to soak in and enjoy every moment of it!

Kathleen is on a well-deserved vacation this week, so I am here in her place until she returns.

Like many of you, I created a list of summer reading material that is providing me a reason to simply sit and take in the sunshine. I tried to create a mixture of fiction, dental hygiene research, and motivational or self-improvement readings. What is on your list, Pearl?

My current book “The Happiest Man on Earth” is a memoir of a holocaust survivor, Eddie Jaku, as he shares his story and the wisdom he gained through surviving unfathomable torture, pain, and sorrow. Something he said resonated with me today. Eddie was forced to endure terrible affliction and had his body pushed to its absolute limit being frozen, beaten and starved. This left him with a tremendous sense of respect and gratitude for what the human body is capable of. He said this of the human body “…it turns fuel into life, can repair itself, can do anything you need it to. That is why today it breaks my heart to see the way some people treat their bodies, ruining this wonderful machine we are all gifted…demolishing the best machine ever put on the Earth.”

Oh boy, did this one hit home. How many times have I been frustrated by the perceived limitations of my body. The unwanted pounds, the wrinkles, the need to rest before I am ready to. How about the neck tension after long clinical days, the inconvenient muscle aches following quadrant therapy. An inability to remove all calculus in an 8 mm pocket with exudate, furcation involvement and profuse bleeding like I would like to. (I realize this last example was oddly specific). What an astounding relief it might be to instead focus on the wonders that we are. How incredible to acknowledge instead that we can acquire such high levels of manual dexterity that we can work blindly below the gumline in the smallest of areas. How fabulous that our hands can help our clients heal and return to periodontal health. How incredible is it that we can teach our clients’ hands to promote healing and change in their oral health at home!

I have been inspired to recognize the strength and resilience of my body, rather than focusing on its flaws. I would love to invite you to do the same.

Let’s try to be more kind to the unbelievable gift we have each been given.

Here are 5 ways we can start to show our bodies kindness today:

1) Embrace the imperfections. See the stretch marks, the cellulite the wrinkles or the extra 10 pounds and thank your body for the story these pieces tell of strength, adventure, and fun.

2) Sleep: your body works hard. Rest and recover as a way to thank and acknowledge the efforts of your body.

3) Walk outside: Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise around. Just 30-60 minutes of walking a day can boost immunity, lower cortisol levels, ease joint pain, and counteract the effects of weight promoting genes. It is also an incredible way to acknowledge the beauty surrounding us every day and fill our lungs with fresh air.

4) Focus on whole foods: By focusing on eating whole foods, we provide our bodies with fuel in its natural state with all its vitamins and minerals intact. This avoids forcing our bodies to search for them through what remains within the processed version of the food.

5) Practice daily affirmations: By not only accepting yourself, but relishing in the wonder that you are, you signal to others and to yourself that despite imperfections, real or perceived, you are more than enough, just as you are, at this very moment.

I hope today you can be kind to yourself. You are incredible, and I think you are a wonder, just as you are.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Beth

If you’re wondering where to go next in your dental hygienist career, you don’t need to look far. Opting for dental laser training can be a great way to get ahead and learn new skills. Plus, it will provide you with more opportunities and new treatments that can benefit your patients.

We’ll explain what laser dentistry is, how you can get training, and its benefits to patients.

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a non-invasive, innovative approach to dentistry. It’s been used in many dental clinics since 1989 for various procedures. Laser dentistry can be a more affordable treatment option for patients who need to undergo hard and soft tissue dental procedures.

Hard tissue lasers

Hard tissue lasers treat teeth issues. The wavelength of hard tissue lasers can cut through enamel and is highly accurate. In fact, the lasers can remove small amounts of a tooth for shaping or in preparation for other procedures.

Some procedures hard tissue lasers are suitable for include:

• Cavity detection and removal
• Treating tooth sensitivity
• Preparing teeth for dental fillings and crowns

Soft tissue lasers

Soft tissue lasers use a light wavelength and are easily absorbed by hemoglobin and water. These lasers are typically used for soft tissue procedures dealing with the gums and help reduce bleeding, promoting a faster recovery time post-surgery and for specific cosmetic procedures.

Soft tissue lasers are mainly used for:

• Crown lengthening
• Reshaping gummy smiles
• Repairing soft tissue
• Removing soft tissue for treating sleep apnea

How can you get laser dentistry training?

If you’re looking to advance your dental hygienist career, getting a certificate in laser dentistry may be what you are looking for. Several places like rdhu offer online and in-person courses and training for a laser dentistry certification.

Training typically consists of a multi-part process that includes a mix of education courses and hands-on training. To get your laser dentistry certificate, you will likely need to complete an online exam for successful standard-level course completion.

Laser Dentistry Patient Benefits

Suppose you undergo all this training and are wondering what to do now. Well, you can apply the techniques you were taught and put them into daily practice. This will not only help you continue to gain new skills and advance your career but open up new treatment opportunities for patients.

Here are a few ideas on how you could apply your laser training to procedures.

Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy

Lasers can be a great way to target and treat diseased tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets following therapy. The laser’s precision will allow you to remove diseased tissue without cutting away healthy gums or into the bone.

It provides patients with a more comfortable experience through a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates or greatly minimizes instances of pain.

Bacterial Reduction

Using a laser before cleaning or during a patient’s regular cleaning can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in gum pockets. This can typically be done in a manner of minutes.

The benefits of bacterial reduction include:

• Improved oral health
• A stronger immune system
• Greater resistance to infection and gum disease

Oral Lesion Treatment

Lasers can also be used to treat herpes lesions and aphthous ulcers. Since patients should not be treated when they have cold sores, lasers can speed along their treatment, so they are ready for their rescheduled appointment.

Are you a dental hygienist looking to learn more about laser dentistry? Contact rdhu today to learn about our on-demand educational courses.

Have you ever wondered if you have a scarcity mindset rather than an abundance mindset?

Are you aware of the difference?

A scarcity mindset is a fixed mindset and is defined by feelings of competition and lack.

To have an abundance mindset is to believe there are enough resources to go around! There is enough for everyone!

Being in the position that we are, at rdhu, we see all types of mindsets with our members, our clients/practices and companies, to name a few!

If you're operating from a place of scarcity, you might believe that other's achievements mean you've somehow lost something.

People are often surprised to see us sharing free CE through different avenues. Free CE often compliments our CE courses as well. Why wouldn't we share? We will get asked, isn't that website your competitor, or aren't the associations your competitor?

The answer is no! They are not competitors! If we had a scarcity mindset they would be but we believe in abundance. Give as much as you can. Be the resource our members need and it will come back to us 10-fold in the positive. This is the way I have always operated. I always try to live a life of abundance as I feel there are enough resources out there for everyone. It is never a One-Size-Fits-All and we are happy to offer other resources to help our members. There's enough room for us all to play in the sandbox :)

When I owned my dental instrument company, and I presented instrumentation and maintenance, I shared the different types of instruments available. I truly believe you go with what works for you! What is comfortable in your hand? Do you like plastic, stainless steel or silicone? What meets your price point and still ensures that the quality is not compromised. And of course, it must be backed by studies! It wasn't about buy my instruments!

As an example, for the dental practice, many operate with a scarcity mindset and are afraid to refer out to a specialist even when it may be best for the client/patient. They try to offer all services to all clients and patients. When you operate from an abundance mindset you refer to the appropriate specialist having the confidence that your patient will return. Having an abundance mindset, giving and referring doesn't go unnoticed by your client base or by the specialist you are referring to. Chances are, they are not looking to steal your client but in fact will be referring patients back to you! I spoke once to a group of periodontists and this was definitely a concern for them. I shared strategies that they can implement into their practice and with possible referring offices around them. The fight is real!

Another example, many offices do not wish to carry the power brush and tools to help their clients maintain optimal oral health at home. Having an abundance mindset would be the office who has these tools on hand, includes it in ortho, implant or perio treatment, or offers their professional pricing to help that client succeed at home! We know what our clients do the other 8756 hours of the year when they aren't with us matters!

Another example could be with co-workers. We will have some co-workers who have an abundance mindset and help other co-workers thrive and succeed, while others live in fear, keep as a silo and live with the scarcity mindset.

When we all work together and believe there is enough to go around, believe that you will succeed when you help others succeed, and are open to collaborating with others and sharing, it is amazing how good it feels and how satisfying and successful your life becomes!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

I hope you are enjoying your summer so far!

Our Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Learn and Save is well underway!

For those who have registered for the 3-Year Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Special, your name will also be put into a draw for a chance to win some pretty cool prizes (including an iPad)!

You know why I love the Dental Hygiene Quarterly? Because it is essentially the easy button for you to receive approximately half of your yearly Quality Assurance requirements without having to think about it. We deliver 3 hours of CE into your portal every season and it all gets stored there! Along with other resources you need to help achieve your requirements.

I like things that are automated because it is the Easy Button! My skin care line is even automated. My smoothie subscription. My vitamins. This way, I don't ever run out of things that I know I am going to need. I save so much time, money and never run out! It keeps me organized!

Dental Hygiene Quarterly is just that. An automated subscription to high quality CE that is evidence-based and designed for dental hygienists!

What can you do in your practice to be the easy button for your clients and even for your practice?

I love when I discover something that I can contribute to an office that takes away any extra work or planning. Whether it be for a particular person or the overall practice.

Scheduling your clients ahead so they never have to miss their timing when they are due for their re-care appointment, is one example.

Scheduling and systemizing an instrument management and replacement system is another example.

How about creating a perio program where if someone commits to such a program, you have their little gift bag waiting for them which includes a complimentary power brush head or interproximal aids, or whatever special home tool you have recommended?

Same for your whitening clients. Perhaps you offer a 'commit to your re-care visit and receive a take-home whitening syringe'. That is the easy button for these clients.

Think about ways that you can be the Easy Button for your practice and clients! I would love to hear what you come up with! For more information on the Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Learn and Save, click here or see below!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

Every summer our team has an off-site 3-day strategy meeting where we get to step back and work 'on' the business, rather than 'in' the business.

It is our time where we look at the past year and celebrate our wins and also a time to reflect on what we can do to improve and grow.

We go through a variety of exercises to identify possible areas that we can expand on.

We also review our mission. Our purpose. I really feel that this mission drives us so that we are all working on the same page. We aren't just showing up for work to do our daily tasks. It is a driving force. Our reason. Our why.

Our mission is to engage and motivate dental hygienists, not only in Canada, but globally. We strive to inspire. To educate. To remind dental hygienists to continue to learn and grow in a profession we all love so much.

What we do as dental hygienists is so important. We are the foundation to facilitating overall health and can help transform so many people's lives.

Will you be taking some time with your team this summer to reflect on your practice? Do you have a mission in your practice that drives you? If you don't, perhaps now is the time to look at your why and the overall bigger picture.

You provide care and help so many.

You provide treatment and educate the public on oral health and essentially change lives globally.

What you do in your practice has a ripple effect on not only the clients within your care, but think of all your clients and the lives they touch and so on.

As dental professionals, we aren't about fixing a tooth or coming in for a 'cleaning'.

We are about improving and saving people's lives. We educate, motivate and elevate oral and overall health.

Where's that cape again?

I challenge you to have this discussion with your team and get everyone on the same page with a mission that drives you. That gives you that little extra step in your morning. You will see how much your practice will transform right from the front team all the way to the clinical team.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

We had a Soft-Tissue Diode Laser program over the weekend and received the nicest email from our trainer, Lorraine Gambacourt yesterday.

This is in response to an email that Pearl sent Lorraine:

Great, thank you so much Pearl!

I know that I have told you this before, (and that Beth and Kath are aware of this) but it is always such a pleasure to work with you. You are AMAZING! So professional, so organized, and so efficient.. It's always a joy to work with you at rdhu!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!

I hope you have a wonderful week off!

Lorraine

I wanted to share this with you because this is an example of sharing gratitude toward a colleague.

We have a full-time staff of 5 at rdhu who keep the engine running and then our core presenters and contractors.

One of the things that our team strives for is to not only provide a dream-come-true experience for our members who attend our webinars, courses and events, but also a dream-come-true experience for our presenters and corporate partners as well.

A great exercise for your business/practice is to go through the experience through that client profile/person's eyes.

So for us, what would that dream-come-true experience look like through our members' eyes? Through our presenters' eyes? Through our corporate partners' eyes?

We have gone through the exercise for each of these categories and are always discovering ways to improve and exceed expectations!

What is a dream-come-true-experience for your practice? Where can you exceed expectations?

- for your adult client (and you can break it down from there: active perio treatment, completing perio treatment, whitening client, surgical (pre and post) as an example)

- your teenage client (and again you can break it down into categories of teenage needs, interests, points of discussion)

- your child client...

- a parent of your client child...

- a vendor or supplier...

- a colleague...

- your DDS...

- a specialist who visits your office once a month...

- a temp dental hygienist...

It really is quite an interesting concept to explore.

Perhaps you will have some time over the summer to think about the different types of contacts you have and how you might be that person who helps create a dream-come-true experience.

Explore this as a team! Talk about it together and then go off and complete the exercise on your own. Come back as a team and share your findings!

This will elevate your practice (within your team and with your clients/patients)!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

Laser dentistry is used today for a variety of sensitive, painful dental procedures. A dental hygienist can use a soft tissue laser to provide a minimally invasive, and more comfortable treatment option for their clinic's patients.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a non-invasive, innovative approach to dentistry. Used since 1989, dental clinics have used lasers for a variety of procedures. Laser dentistry may offer a more comfortable treatment option for both hard and soft tissue dental procedures compared to drills and other dental tools, making laser dentistry a growing request from patients. Especially patients who experienced higher levels of dental anxiety.

Hard Tissue Lasers

Hard tissue lasers are used for treating teeth issues. The wavelength of hard tissue lasers can effectively cut through enamel and is highly accurate. These lasers are able to remove small amounts of a tooth for shaping, or in preparation for other procedures.

Hard tissue lasers can be used for:

• Cavity detection and removal
• Treating tooth sensitivity (to seal the roots of the tooth)
• Preparing teeth for dental fillings and crowns
• Teeth whitening

Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue lasers use a lighter wavelength than hard tissue lasers. This wavelength can easily be absorbed by both hemoglobin and by water. Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells.

As their name applies, soft tissue lasers are used for soft tissue procedures dealing with the gums and are especially helpful for reducing bleeding, promoting a faster recovery time post-surgery, and performing certain cosmetic procedures.

Soft tissue lasers are used for:

• Crown lengthening
• Reshaping gummy smiles
• Treatment of cold sores
• Repairing soft tissue
• Removing soft tissue for treating sleep apnea

Benefits of Using Lasers in Clinics

Compared to traditional dentistry treatments, laser dentistry offers faster healing times, less pain for patients, and less post-surgical bleeding. For dental hygienists, lasers can be a great tool for improving the quality of treatment provided.

Here’s how a laser can be used for a variety of procedures, and how lasers may benefit these procedures. Always check with your regulatory body to determine what is in your scope of practice.

Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)

Following periodontal therapy such as root cleaning or scaling, lasers can be used to target and treat diseased tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets. The laser’s precision allows a dental hygienist to remove only diseased tissue without needing to cut away healthy gums or into bone.

Laser-assisted periodontal therapy provides patients with a more comfortable experience through a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates or greatly minimizes instances of pain.

Bacterial Reduction (LBR)

Using a laser before cleaning or in addition to a patient’s regular cleaning can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in gum pockets. This procedure only takes around four to five minutes to complete.

The benefits of LBR include:

• Improved oral health
• A fortified immune system
• Greater resistance to infection and gum disease
• Reduced risk of cross-contamination between healthy and diseased teeth and gums

Oral Lesion Treatment

Lasers can be used to treat herpes lesions and aphthous ulcers. Since patients should not be treated when they have a cold sore, lasers can help speed along their treatment so they are ready for a rescheduled appointment. Oral lesions can be treated in approximately two minutes with a laser or used to comfort a particularly painful lesion.

Desensitization

Tooth sensitivity is a concern for numerous patients. Sensitive teeth make it difficult to drink or eat foods at certain temperatures, and can even discourage patients from regularly maintaining their oral health. Using a laser, dental hygienists can help treat sensitive teeth through laser therapy.

Are you a dental hygienist looking to learn more about laser dentistry? Contact rdhu today to learn about our on-demand educational courses.

As the summer approaches, we are ready to enjoy some down time to reset and recharge.

What do you like to do during the summer months, but haven't done in awhile?

I think for me, I want to make a conscious effort to go out on the water more. If you know me, you know that I suffered from a terrible accident a couple of years ago, where I slid down our cottage ramp one icy morning, dislocated my foot, broke my leg, and shattered my ankle.

I haven't been as adventurous (physically) or active as I used to be, as I now have some limitations. But I am going to make the effort this year and get a little bit of the ol' me back! Carefully, of course!

I am also holding my first fundraiser on Saturday, July 23 for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, and for Mooreland's Camp. This is a kids camp for the underprivileged and is on our lake.

It is a lot of work but I have learned patience over these last couple of years, not to stress and have faith that it will all work out in the end.

My good friend, Beth Parkes, and Vice President of rdhu, said the nicest thing to me a couple of weeks ago. She said, Kath, even if you don't reach your fundraising goal, what you are doing has created a ripple effect. There have been friends and family who have mentioned that since we started this fundraiser, it has led others to do something as well. So that is pretty cool to think. We can all give back in some way. Whether it is volunteering for an event, or delivering food to those who need it, there are many ways to give back.

The Huntsville Doppler, a local newspaper, shared the story today. Click here to read it.

One more weekend of hands-on courses at rdhu in Ontario and at Sinclair in British Columbia, then the summer months are here!

We have a few things in the making for the summer: The Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Special and our Beanie Special and Contest. See below :)

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

We are close to wrapping up the first half of the year for our hands-on programs at rdhu! This past weekend we had Ortho 101 for the Dental Hygienists with Liisa Moore and assisting Liisa, Linda Leclair-Seguin.

The weekend before, we completed our Myofunctional Therapy program, with Joe Siegfried.

There is one last hands-on program at our facility for Laser Certification with Lorraine Gambacourt on June 25th (see below).

It just feels so good to be back to in person full day experiential programs at our beautiful facility in Burlington, Ontario.

rdhu has become a destination where we have dental hygienists flying in from other provinces for their Professional Development!

We take a lot of pride, as a team, in rolling out a World Class Experience and are super thrilled to receive great feedback about the day(s).

Our Tell, Show, Do motto is something we strive to provide and intertwine with all of our programs, including online.

Tell me and I will forget...

Show me and I may remember...

Include me and I will learn and truly understand...

We strive to make sure that when you leave a course with us that you have clear next steps ready to implement into your practice and that you feel energized and excited to get back to practice!

The summer is just around the corner where we will not be offering courses and will be gearing up for the fall programs!

We still have a few courses remaining that you can register for. Please see below.

During the summer months we are offering our special Summer Learn and Save for Dental Hygiene Quarterly. This is for both formats offered, online and/or DVD. More information is found below!

Be sure to check out what is coming in the fall so you can prepare and end 2022 feeling strong!

As a team, our heart is full with gratitude as we wrap up the first half of the year.

Much thanks to you for being an integral part of rdhu.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

If you missed our CE show 'The RDH View' with Dr. Kristin Yont on Friday, you may want to watch the recording!

It is on Mind-body Medicine, and it was received so well!

Here are some of the comments from those who watched it live with us:

• You grow the brain you want to use!
• This is very inspiring!
• I think most people are not aware of the stress they have in mind and body. Great conversation.
• Stop, Breathe, Reflect, Choose :)
• Awesome experience!!! Thank you
• Just breathe....literally! Thank you! :)
• Thank you for an amazing presentation and the meditation exercise was excellent!
• How can we take Dr. Yont's course? She is such a powerful speaker.
• Grateful for these presentations Kathleen and the entire team & for The RDH View! Thank You Dr. Yont! l love that tip of thinking of three things before bed. I'm going to start doing this with each of my kids when I put them to bed each night.
• Robyn and Oral-B rules!
• Thanks Dr. Yont! You're amazing!

This was one of the CE shows, I couldn’t help not to share! It was scientific, but at the same time intriguing and fun.

If you would like to watch and receive a 1 Hour CE Certificate (it's free!), click here to access your personal portal. If you don't have a personal portal set up with us, please email info@rdhu.ca and we can help you! This will also include the follow-up email that is discussed during the show.

If you would like to just watch it and not receive a certificate click here to access the general portal or our YouTube channel.

I think you will feel inspired and will have a few takeaways to implement into your practice and your life!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

For dental professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and expertise, acquainting yourself with the latest innovations is crucial, like dental laser procedures and technology. However, knowing what dental laser training courses you need isn’t easy. Fortunately, at rdhu, we are the leading dental professional education resource throughout Canada and across the globe. With over 16,000 members worldwide, we proudly provide the first hands-on professional development service through innovative and interactive education solutions.

Here are the dental laser training courses you need:

An introduction to lasers

One of the first dental laser training courses you have to take in Canada is a laser certification course.

Ensure the course you take is accepted. Otherwise, you risk having to retake it from an accredited and approved provider. In Canada, Laser certification in the provinces that allow it within dental hygiene practice, require a course that is a combination of theory and hands-on learning.

During this course, you receive practical, hands-on training on operating a laser in a dental office environment.

This part of the course provides an opportunity to apply what you learned in the introduction to laser courses in a real-world environment using actual laser equipment. The course content also cover basic scientific principles and clinical applications of laser procedures.

This supplies students with knowledge and experience needed to pass the standard certification exam.

The laser certification course involves clinical training, and a certification exam. Ultimately, by the end of the course, you should gain a foundational understanding of:

• How lasers work and impact human tissue
• How to calibrate laser properties to achieve desired results
• Safety procedures when using dental laser equipment
• The principles of light and laser technology
• How lasers interact with human tissue
• How to safely operate lasers in clinical environments

Sign up now for a dental laser training course!

If you are interested in advancing your skills and boosting your confidence as a dental professional, at rdhu, we are the premier dental professional development centre in Canada. Created by hygienists for hygienists, we boast an approachable and supportive environment that helps hygienists worldwide revive their passion for the dental hygiene profession. Sign up now to get started!

To continue on with last week's topic of engaging clients, let's take a look at our messaging.

Whether we are communicating with the client in our chair, at the front desk, or through email, we are all competing in a world of distraction. We are not only competing within our industry, but also with friends, family and social media. We are all trying to get someone's attention for them to take action.

How we communicate will determine how successful the outcome will be.

We first need to understand the 5 Stages of Awareness and determine what stage your client is in in order for them to proceed with the care we are recommending. Otherwise, our recommendations may get lost in the distractions they are facing.

1st Stage: Unaware. Your client is not aware that they have a problem.

2nd Stage: Problem aware. Your client is aware that they have a problem but unaware that there are solutions available to help.

3rd Stage: Solution aware. Your client knows they have a problem and aware that there is a solution but is unsure of which one to choose.

4th Stage: Product aware. Your client is aware that there is a product or service you offer that can help them but they aren't convinced that your solution is best.

5th Stage: Aware. They know you have a solution to their problem. They understand their problem but haven't moved forward to making the appointment or the purchase of the product or service (treatment). They are very close but need you to make the offer and book their appointment.

When you go through these stages a couple of things come to mind for me. One is the time gap between our client's visits.

As an example, we can help our client become aware that they need a crown. They went through the unaware phase, to the aware phase all the way to you informing them of the best treatment option for them. You have shared the outcomes of what they will experience by getting the crown and also what they are potentially preventing (cracked tooth, loss of tooth, etc).

They are close to scheduling the appointment, but something happens along the way and the appointment doesn't get scheduled. No one follows up with them and 6 months passes. They come back to see you and they look at you and say "Crown? What crown?" and you have to start all over again!

What system do you have in your practice to make sure these things don't happen?

Can you ensure that something gets scheduled that day, even if to secure a spot for them? Or if they didn't book an appointment or cancelled, can someone from your practice send them a picture of their tooth that needs the crown and remind them of the outcomes that you have shared?

Does your front team understand that cancelling an appointment shouldn't be okay? It is much more than cancelling and "no problem we can "just" rebook that when you are ready!"

We see this all the time in practice where we experience the same cycle every time they come in and we are repeating what they need in order to achieve optimal oral health.

Think about the things you can implement in your practice to help close the gap between appointments so that you find yourself in Stage 5 most of the time.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

Beth and I spent 3 days in an intensive virtual Business Master Class last week. We selected a lovely location of Niagara-on-the-lake so when we were able to get out for some fresh air, we were surrounded by blossoming trees and spring flowers!

I always believe in investing in yourself and in your practice with your team as it will offer you rewards beyond anything you would ever expect.

I love learning and looking for ways to share strategies that come to mind with our members. Whether you are an entrepreneur and own your own practice or an intrepreneur, where you are working in a practice, but treat and care for it like your own, you can share these with your team!

We do have other members who are on this email group who work in the industry and not in a clinical setting. These blogs pertain to all of us! It's all about people.

Let's start with how we view our practice!

Are you in the dental business, Pearl? If you are thinking, yes, I am in the dental profession, perhaps you start with one small shift to thinking, I am in the people business! At the end of the day, no matter what business we are in, it all comes down to the people we serve!

Dental practices often struggle to attract new clients or patients to their practice. One of the areas you can really focus on is with your existing clientele. What can you do to attract some of these clients to either come back to see you, if they haven't been to see you in a while, or follow-up with those who have yet to return for recommended treatment or maintenance appointments. We all have these clients who are sitting there waiting for you to reach out and remind them that they need to come in and see you! If you already have a process in place, kudos to you! But if you don't, perhaps run a list to discover:

- Who is your top 20% of clientele? These are typically the clients who bring in 80% of your revenue.

- Who hasn't been in since the pandemic? Perhaps send them a note, We miss you! Or an email. You can create a mass email and send through your system and make it look like it is one person from your practice emailing them. It would be great if it was from the DDS or you, the dental hygienist. Here's an example:

Hi ~Name~,

Have you switched dental practices?

Your name

This strategy works really well. It is simple and will have a high response rate. It isn't a lengthy email about all reasons why they need to come and see you. It is like you are having a conversation with them. Just like you would speak with them if you saw them in a coffee shop.

I will continue on with some gems that might help you in your practice next week. Until then, thank you for reading and have a great week ahead!

Please take a look below for what is coming up!

We appreciate your support.

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

It was great seeing many of you over the last couple of weeks at the Women in Dentistry Conference and the ODA ASM!

We had members from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast come visit us!

We truly appreciated you stopping by to say hello and share your experience and appreciation of rdhu. It means a lot to myself and our entire team.

Beth and I are at an off-site conference this week and looking forward to it. It is a Business Master Class and I can't wait to see what transpires from this!

Do you and your team ever participate in an off-site professional development venture together to look at ways to grow your practice or put systems in place?

Do you feel you are growing together and that each of your team members play a vital role in the success of your practice?

One of the words I heard many times last week was the word "just". "I am "just" an admin or front office or dental assistant or dental hygienist. I don't make decisions and can't get what I want or need".

Firstly, we all know that the word "just" shouldn't be used when you refer to yourself or anyone for that matter. When we "just" something or someone we minimize the importance of the role or who we are.

Secondly, if you don't feel that you are an intricate part of your team, how can you fix this? Can you start to make a plan so that you feel heard? Can you meet with the owner of the practice and share your thoughts? Everyone needs to feel heard. If you are squashed down by someone every day and can't make progress, make a change in your employment. It is never too late to find happiness in a new practice or role. I saw and spoke with many really happy dental hygienists this past week who absolutely love the dentist they work with. They are still out there! These dental hygienists are working in a practice where they can get what they want or need, they are heard and have major job satisfaction.

This is where we should all be. Happy with the people we work with and feel part of the practice success!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President of rdhu

I wanted to give a shout out to Liisa Moore, RDH, who practices in an Orthodontic office in Sudbury, ON and is our Orthodontic course presenter and QA Coach!

Liisa is the type of dental hygienist who has stepped out of her comfort zone and is excited to do more, learn more and give more.

After watching a webinar over the weekend that I presented (and is recorded), with Beth Parkes, on 'The 8 Simple Secrets to Implementing Lasers into Your Dental Hygiene Practice/Department', Liisa was inspired when I spoke about delivering the 'wow factor' and making the best experience possible for your client.

Liisa emailed me this week's blog even before asking me if she can write for us this week. I just love when I see someone taking initiative and being proactive! This is truly the Easy Button experience for me!

Pearl, is there something that you can do in your practice to step out of your comfort zone, be proactive and be the Easy Button for your practice?

This week's blog is brought to you by Liisa Moore, RDH:

Let’s set the scene, you have your client in your chair about to start their appointment, when they mention they have been considering orthodontics for themselves or their child. If your office does not offer orthodontic treatment the place to start is with a referral to the orthodontist.

Let’s look at how to make the referral process as smooth as possible for your office, the orthodontic office, and your client.

The most important thing to include in your referral is of course, the client’s information, so please make sure address, phone number, date of birth and spelling of client’s name is correct. If your client is a child also highlighting or stating the preferred phone number such as “Mom’s Cell”, or “Dad’s work” is important. Having this information current and easily accessible ensures a quick response from the orthodontic office and the client getting an appointment booked in a timely manner.

If the client prefers to be called by a short form for example Bob instead of Robert, or if the client has a name that could be pronounced in different ways such as Mia, include a phonetic spelling beside the name on the referral; M-eye-a or Me-a. This will make life much easier for the receptionist making the first contact call and also show the client the respect of being addressed as they prefer to be.

Include any radiographs with the date they were taken. It does not matter how old the radiographs are, it is still important to include the most recent ones with your referral. Perhaps your client does not want radiographs taken or they may only have insurance coverage for them to be taken every few years. Having some radiographs is always better than none.

Ask the client what their chief concern is; spacing, crowding, pain while chewing etc. Also list what concerns you and or the dentist have regarding that client; malocclusion, impacted teeth etc. Having this information prepares the orthodontist to not only address the referring parties concerns but, the clients reasons for seeking treatment as well.

What type of treatment is the client interested in? Traditional braces? Clear aligner therapy? Having this information included on the referral can help the orthodontic team plan for the client’s appointment by not wasting time discussing treatment options that the client is not interested in.

Finally take the time to research the orthodontic office that you are referring to. Know the location, name of the doctor, and what kind of technology the office is using. Giving this information to your client gives them the opportunity to do their own research on the office by checking out their website and social media pages. Inter-professional collaboration is an important part of our profession to ensure the client has the most information possible and can make an informed choice regarding their oral health care.

To learn more on Orthodontics such as when to refer, orthodontic treatment options, how brackets and bands are placed, and much more join me for our next course Orthodontics 101 for the Dental Hygienist.

Thank you for contributing to the On-Track Tuesday blog, Liisa!

If you would like to send us a blog to share, please email to kathleen@rdhu.ca :)

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead! Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We have an exciting and busy 3 weeks ahead of us here at rdhu! Not only do we have our live streaming courses being offered and laser training starting in Alberta and Ontario; but also, we have some in-person events happening that we are participating in!

For our courses and laser info, please find below.

Tonight, to wrap up Oral Health Month, Beth Parkes and myself are presenting for Dentsply Sirona. These are a Few of our Favourite Things! We will be discussing new technology (ie Lasers, Power) and will be sharing some strategies on how to streamline your instrumentation. It is from 8pm - 9pm EST and is free registration. Please find the flyer below (as a download) for more information!

Women in Dentistry are holding an in-person event this Friday! We will have a booth there, so please stop by and say 'Hi!" if you will be in attendance. Beth Parkes and Anna Louise Tolan are both presenting at this event also.

Next week, we are back to the in-person ASM with the ODA. You will find myself, Beth and Kerry Lepicek at the Curion booth! Please be sure to stop by and say hello. We will be sending out another email about ODA early next week.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead!

Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

The technology used for dental treatment is continuously evolving, allowing treatment providers to cover more complex needs more efficiently. Keeping up with these technological advancements and best practices for using them is essential when it comes to making sure you’re able to continue offering high-quality care to patients. The soft tissue diode laser is one such technological resource that you can benefit from learning to use.

The soft tissue diode laser is an effective tool for providing non-surgical periodontal therapy to patients and supporting improved dental hygiene in an improved manner. It allows for better treatment outcomes and has become a tool of choice for many care providers as a complement to debridement. But to use it to the greatest effect, it’s important to educate yourself as comprehensively as possible in the functions and relevant applications of the laser.

That’s where a diode laser certification course may help. This type of course covers a variety of subjects that allow you to better understand how the laser is to be used in patient care, the evidence to support its application in various treatment settings and methodologies, how you should bill patients for the work performed using a laser, and more. The course can also be completed in as little as a day. We’ll be covering all of this information in this blog post.

Why should you consider getting certified?

Improvements in the technology used to care for patients’ dental hygiene needs allows for improved treatment outcomes in general. By understanding the cutting-edge tools used to create these outcomes in a comprehensive manner, you’ll be better equipped to offer higher-quality patient care. This, in turn, makes you a more well-rounded dental hygienist and a more competitive candidate for work opportunities.

The soft tissue laser in particular is useful to learn for a few different specific applications, particularly non-surgical periodontal therapy and bacterial reduction. Using a laser opens additional options for patients to receive the treatment they need without having to resort to a surgical solution. By taking a certification course, you can learn what you need to know to offer these options and follow appropriate safety regulations and billing codes.

It’s also important to note that getting certified doesn’t cost much in terms of your time. A certification course can be completed in just a day, allowing you to quickly learn what you need and be able to offer cutting-edge treatments to patients. For the value that it can offer to both the care you offer and your career, it’s well worth the time required.

What’s required to receive diode laser certification?

Courses are scheduled for specific days and may take place over the course of a full day, in some cases from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You’ll receive handouts, detailed instructions on setting up laser equipment and observing safety precautions, and get time practicing hands-on with a laser. At the end of the course, you’ll have to take an exam to receive your official certificate of completion, allowing you to provide soft tissue diode laser treatment to patients.

To take a certification course, you’ll need to find a continuing education organization for dental hygienists that can offer a setting for hands-on practice with a laser. From there, you’ll need to pay a fee for the course and create a goal statement establishing how you intend to integrate laser treatments into your practice.

Take a certification course with rdhu now!

Are you looking for resources for diode laser certification? You can sign up for a course with rdhu and get the experiential learning you need to offer top-quality dental care to your patients. Find our next available course here or contact us for more information.

This week's blog is written by:

Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH; Presenter, Coach, Author and Laser Trainer

Finding Order Amidst Chaos

Lately I have been feeling like the chaos in the world is spilling over into my home life…

It is hard to watch the news daily and not feel strong emotions about what is happening in Ukraine. Adding to that the emotions of other challenges we may be facing in our daily life, it can feel overwhelming and chaotic.

The last few days I was beating myself up a little, that I had no drive, no motivation—my creative juices weren’t flowing! Making dinner for two was about the only thing I could manage! But then, (after talking to a wonderful friend who reminded me that its ok to sometimes do nothing), I reminded myself that this is part of the natural ebb and flow of life. That in order for there to be “order”, there must also at times be chaos. Both have to exist in order to create balance. We can’t control everything in our lives, so we have to accept and manage, and realize that chaos, is part of the “natural order” of things…

I gave some thought to what started to pull me out of this state:

· Taking a nap! Several in fact over the weekend!

· Gratitude

· Sending love out to the world

· Doing an abundance meditation (Bob Proctor has a great one you can find on You-Tube)

· Focus on one task at a time, instead of multi-tasking

· Thinking about ways that I make a difference

As an RDH, you give so much of your energy and effort daily as you try to make a difference in your client's oral and overall health, so it is important to be sure you give yourself the time you need to refill your cup.

“Order provides the stabilities that we crave, but chaos creates the opportunities for change that we need.”

Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH

Thank you Lorraine for sharing this week's On-Track Tuesday blog with us!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Many of you registered and participated in the Pacific Dental Conference (PDC) Virtual Conference. We were all set to be back to an in-person event, since the PDC March 2020 was the last conference we were together.

Due to the numbers rising, the PDC live event was cancelled and some of the presenters recorded for the virtual platform.

Beth and I did a virtual recording 'These are a Few of our Favourite Things' and we have received so many really nice and thoughtful emails from people who have watched it. They went out of their way and some, through our website, to share how much they enjoyed it. This is truly so appreciated as when you are virtual, especially recorded, unless you hear feedback, you really don't know how well your program was accepted. Thank you for taking the time to share!

Beth also recorded one for Lasers and for that too, we have had many inquiries about our laser program that we offer through rdhu. Implementing a laser into your practice offers so many benefits. My question for you now, if laser use is in your scope of practice, what are you waiting for? If you would like to learn the why behind implementing laser therapy, we offer a few free webinars on lasers. Just type in Lasers in the search bar. There is one in particular that is called 'The 10 Reasons Why (to implementing Lasers)'.

Today is the last day to watch the PDC virtual conference, and I just finished watching what to me was probably one of the most amazing, emotional and impactful presentations I have ever seen, and was presented by one of my very best friends, Jo-Anne Jones. Hindsight is 20/20: Missing the Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer Diagnosis. Jo-Anne shared the science and the research, but what she did, which I think was so brilliant, is share real-life stories of cancer patients. Not all survived. After each story (Pino, Jennifer, Miles, and Bonnie to name a few ~ with permission to share their story), Jo-Anne shared Knowledge Translation into Practice. It was amazing and so practical.

This is yet another reminder that what we do (and don't do) has a direct impact on our clients’ lives.

For those of you who missed it, Jo-Anne will be sharing this program at rdhu in the fall. If you would like to join us, we invite you to. It will be available on our site shortly. I know many of our members travel to our area and sometimes schedule their family visit or a holiday around a course. If you cannot join us live in person at rdhu, we have other plans in the making! Perhaps on-the-road or live streaming. Please stay tuned :)

Speaking of live streaming, we receive many requests to cater to the western timezone. By the time our 7pm live courses start, it is only 4pm in British Columbia, so guess what? rdhu West is starting to come together! Not only are we on Pacific Time (with many more courses coming), but our material is tailored to the specific needs of our members, from coast to coast. rdhu West will be available for everyone as we know many of you would prefer the later time as well.

We love what we do. Thank you for being a part of rdhu and for those of you who are new to us (we have had many this month), welcome! We would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

April is an important month in our profession and one that we should all feel very proud of being a part of!

Not only is April Oral Health Month, but it is also Oral Cancer Awareness month. We kicked off the month on Friday, April 1st by inviting Jo-Anne Jones, RDH as our guest for The RDH View. Jo-Anne is an advocate for oral cancer screening. She has her own personal story and loss of a dear family member who passed away due to Oral Cancer at a very young age leaving behind a loving husband and two young children. Jo-Anne invited Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, who is a dentist practicing in Long Island, New York and who's brother, Manu, also a dentist from Calgary, Alberta, passed away from Oral Cancer at the very young age of 34.

Jo-Anne has offered a very resourceful handout along with extra resources to help your practice implement an Oral Cancer Screening Protocol. This is something you can fully implement and share with your clients and patients and feel very proud for being 'that' office that is very thorough with their screening and early detection. We own this area and must share the importance of at least an annual Oral Cancer Screening (in office) as well as provide tips on how clients can self-assess at home. Early detection is key.

If you weren't able to join us live on Friday, please click here to access the general rdhu portal. If you have your own personal portal, please email us and we will upload into your portal. If you are a Dental Hygiene Quarterly annual subscriber, you will find this session automatically uploaded in your portal along with a short quiz and certificate.

Yesterday, April 4th, was the start of National Dental Hygienists Week(TM) and we are seeing many shades of purple being shared through social media and across the country in celebration!

We are so fortunate to be in a profession that has such a direct impact on the health of not only our clients in our practice, but global health overall. We can share the importance of regular check-ups, dental hygiene visits and the oral systemic connection to essentially save lives.

Kudos to all of you for being a dental hygienist and for being a part of rdhu where we continue to strive to learn and grow in a profession we all love so much.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up! Check out the new Career Opportunity Section toward the bottom!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

A career as a dental hygienist is an excellent option for those looking for a fulfilling, patient-forward position in the healthcare industry. However, once new graduates enter the field, it is not long before they start contemplating strategies to advance their skills. Some of the greatest benefits of working in dental hygiene are the myriad opportunities that clinicians have to further their education and specialize in key areas of interest.

A dental hygiene laser certification is one of the many exciting pathways that dental hygienists can take when looking to broaden their medical knowledge and seek out new opportunities in the field. If you are a dental hygienist, a course of this kind could open doors for you as a healthcare worker and ultimately transform your career.

At RDHU, we offer a variety of top-rated courses for dental hygienists who are interested in expanding their repertoire or exploring a new area of dentistry. One of our most well-regarded programs is the dental hygiene laser certification course. Below we have listed a few of the ways in which this certification will transform your career as a dental hygenist.

Higher pay

It often surprises new graduates entering the field that there is a fairly significant salary range that is paid out to dental hygienists in Canada. Depending on the region, the specific practice, the applicant’s educational background, and the scope of the role, a dental hygienist may earn anywhere between $60,000 to upwards of $90,000 per year. Typically, the more qualified you are to perform specialized dental services such as gingival curettage or periodontal therapy, the more opportunities you will have to apply for higher paying positions. Therefore, the dental hygiene laser certification course fee is a small investment which could help you earn a significantly higher income for the remainder of your career.

More opportunities

Dental practices offer patients a variety of specialized services to address both cosmetic and health-related concerns. Certain regions however, require a special certification for dental hygienists to perform laser treatments and examinations. While some provinces allow dental hygienists to operate lasers after some basic training, they are still limited in the number of services they are allowed to perform. Therefore, no matter where you are located, a dental hygiene laser certification is guaranteed to provide more clinical opportunities that will enhance and diversify your day-to-day experience as a healthcare worker.

Deeper understanding of dentistry

If you have dedicated your studies to the field of dentistry, chances are you have a serious interest in the science behind medical treatments that take place in your clinic. Obtaining a laser certification not only helps dental hygienists advance professionally, but this fascinating learning opportunity can also serve as a way to reignite one’s passion for the profession. Gaining a deeper understanding of oral health may inform the way in which you care for patients and inspire you to pursue further learning opportunities.

Gain trust from patients

It is not uncommon for patients to feel uneasy when they visit the dentist’s office. As one of the first healthcare professionals to interact with patients when they arrive at the clinic, it is important for dental hygienists to display a high level of knowledge, along with various credentials. Having a special certification is an effective way to put the minds of patients at ease during appointments. Patients will likely feel far more comfortable asking questions and discussing treatments with you, which will lead to greater work satisfaction and improved rapport.

Are you ready to transform your career with a dental hygiene laser certification? Contact our team today to learn more about our exciting course opportunities.

I am away on holiday this week in beautiful Arizona and staying with my sister and her husband! It is the first time being away since March 2020, when I was presenting at the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver. It sure felt great to be at the airport again, even though my luggage was lost for a while prior to flying. I had to go to a 'special' area while they searched for my luggage. Thankfully they found it as I had a lot of my favourite and personal items in the suitcase. Still, it felt good to be back at Pearson Airport! This incident would have had me stressed pre March 2020; however, again, just going with the ebbs and flows of life.

It is weird to think of 'time' over the last couple of years. 2 years have passed since flying somewhere. From January to March 2020, I had already taken 4 trips and now 2 years have passed and it is the first time flying! I saw a post from an old friend who went back to work and on her desk was her calendar flipped to March 2020. So strange, right? It doesn't feel like 2 years ago and at the same time feels like ages ago. It is time to get back to being with the land of the living. I was ready just to stay home. "I like my home and have no need to go anywhere", is what I told my friend who was visiting a couple of weeks ago. My friend said "Kath, you have to go and get back to exploring and living"! I know many people who feel the same as me and not ready to take the leap.

She was right! It feels so good to be out travelling again. I am still careful with wearing a mask and social distancing, etc. It just feels good to be back to some kind of normalcy.

Where will your next trip be? What adventure will you be embarking on?!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up! Check out the new Career Opportunity Section toward the bottom!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

With so much negativity and uncertainty in the world, it is difficult to stay positive all of the time.

I don't know about you, but I have felt decision fatigue since before Christmas with so many decisions to be made...do we stay or do we go? Should they stay or should they come? It was non-stop. I started to get over it a month ago when things seemed to be improving (minus the situation in Ukraine that will keep all of us worried and concerned for humanity) and then this week happened. We had a special event planned for Friday and something happened and we had to decide do we move forward or not. The decision fatigue started to creep back in. We once again had a big decision to make and another event cancelled. Gifts are packed, presentation is ready, clothes are ironed.

What can we do in a world of uncertainty to stay positive? We have to go with the ebbs and flows of life. The mask mandate is being lifted but yet people we love are still contracting the virus. There are many things we can't control but here are some things that we do have control over:

1. Self-Care - Take care of you. If you aren't, it is time for a re-set. Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier tomorrow morning and do some stretching, meditation, go for a walk or a short HIIT workout. It will do wonders for your well-being all day.

2. Gratitude - With so much worry and anxiety that creeps into our thoughts, a good way to combat that worry is to lean into gratitude for the people we have in our lives and the environment we live in.

3. Think of the positive - Try to focus on the positive. When having negative thoughts, take a deep breath and change your thoughts to the positive side. Do a power stance, breathe and smile. You will be amazed at how quickly you can change the trajectory of your day.

4. The Power of Kindness - With the mask mandate being lifted there are many mixed emotions. Remember that it isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. Everyone has their own story and we all need to respect each other's views.

5. Recognize if you are feeling stuck - If you are feeling stuck the best way to get unstuck is self-assess where you are and make change happen. If it is in your workplace, find ways to get motivated and put a plan in action to make it happen. The power is within you to make change happen. I always get a charge out of learning and growing. Look for ways that you can grow in your profession and implement a change in your practice. We have lots of great courses and programs to help you grow as a dental hygienist. Become a Myofunctional Therapist, Expand your Skill to Orthodontics, get Laser Certified, become more knowledgeable with the Oral-Systemic connection, just to name a few! Look for ways to get engaged in a topic and watch the magic unfold.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up! Check out the new Career Opportunity Section toward the bottom!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

The word 'appreciation' came up during two of my meetings yesterday. One was during our daily morning team virtual huddle and the other was during a meeting with our June guest for The RDH View, Dr. Kristin Yont, DDS (SMART Program Certified).

Appreciation comes in many forms and is something that you can easily schedule in your day as a reminder to take the time and appreciate those around you and the environment we live in. You can decide to show appreciation or love for others throughout your day. You can even make a conscious effort and decide to show appreciation to 3 people today (as an example). You can journal in the morning or evening and list a few things that you appreciate daily. Whether it was a good night sleep in your comfy bed or the access we have to food or restaurants. It can be for the feeling of the sun on your face during your nature walk or the sound of the snow crunching under your feet.

Dr. Yont mentioned that in her practice, during their morning huddle, they all take the time to show their appreciation. What a great way to start their day!

During our team morning huddle, we all watch a daily leadership video and have a discussion following the video. The last few sessions have been on appreciation and how we all need to feel appreciated. Some are better at showing their appreciation than others. I like to show appreciation to our team when I see all the hard work that they do to make rdhu run so smoothly.

Showing appreciation to others is a great way to create a culture of kindness and is contagious! When you show appreciation, it sets the stage for positivity and can really boost moral within an organization or practice.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association was formed in 1963 as an effort to protect public health with a set of standardized practices that help reduce the spread of infection. Dental practices and postsecondary institutions across Canada are now required to adhere to this comprehensive list of guidelines detailed by the CDHA.

Since the creation of these guidelines, public health in Canada has improved in myriad ways. At RDHU, our team is committed to advising dental hygienists on how to follow CDHA infection control practice guidelines appropriately.

Continue reading to learn how the Canadian public has benefitted in the past several decades as a result of the CDHA’s efforts.

Use of protective equipment

During appointments, dental hygienists are required to wear multiple forms of protective equipment including gowns, surgical masks, gloves, and eyewear. Additionally, Patients must be provided with eyewear and a dental bib during both regular cleanings and more invasive procedures such as a wisdom tooth removal surgery. These requirements have drastically reduced the spread of bacteria in the treatment room, protecting the health of both patients and dental hygienists.

Infection control knowledge assessment

Effective health and safety protocols start with the education of relevant personnel. The CDHA’s infection control efforts include exams on the subject for those who are completing their postsecondary education with the intention of practicing as dental hygienists. Patients can rest assured, knowing that every dental hygienist entering the field is well-versed in infection control, and understands the precautions that should be taken to protect public health in their place of work. Expanding the breadth of knowledge among healthcare workers ensures that no step is overlooked while preparing a treatment room or servicing patients.

Thorough sterilization

One of the biggest concerns in maintaining a sanitary dental practice is making sure that all equipment is sterilized properly. Otherwise, bacteria from saliva or blood may be passed between patients, potentially causing serious health complications. The CDHA infection control practice guidelines focus largely on sterilization practices within dental clinics. Steam autoclaves have become the gold standard for sterilization, and are now used in dental facilities across Canada. Dental hygienists must place used dental instruments into a chamber, which then kills all bacteria by raising the temperature to approximately 130°C. Healthcare workers are then required to test the equipment using a series of chemical indicators that reveal whether or not there is any remaining bacteria.

Screening for symptoms

As a part of the CDHA’s infection control guidelines, dental clinics are required to screen patients for symptoms before allowing entry into their facility. This has become especially important in the age of COVID-19, where we have seen how rapidly viruses can spread if the right precautions are not taken. To ensure the safety of fellow patients, as well as healthcare workers, patients are required to answer a series of questions regarding their current health status. This practice has effectively reduced the spread of common ailments such as a cold or flu.

Providing sanitary supplies

A major element of public health is having access to the right tools to protect oneself in a clinical setting. As part of the CDHA infection control practice guidelines, dental clinics must provide basic sanitary supplies such as a hand wash station and hand sanitizer. This has provided an extra layer of protection by encouraging patients to tend to their personal hygiene before, during, and after appointments.

The past few decades have proven that one of the best ways to stop the spread of infection in dental clinics is to ensure all dental hygienists adhere to the aforementioned guidelines. Contact RDHU today to find out how we can help improve public health together.

What charges you?

Are you feeling a little stuck? Feeling like you need a change? Feeling like you are on a hamster wheel? Love what you do, but want more?

Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate and look for something new to add to your practice!

Have you considered becoming an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist so that you can add this treatment to your practice and truly change people's lives? I have been going through Myofunctional Therapy (as a client) with Doris Waite, RDH, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, Buteyko Breathing Educator and it is incredible to not only see the changes that I am experiencing; but also, the awareness is heightened for the things I do every day (with respect to tongue placement, breathing, posture, etc). Speaking of Doris, she is presenting with us tonight (see below)!

Have you thought about learning Orthodontics to broaden your scope?

How about Laser Therapy (if applies to your province)? Picking up the laser and offering a new adjunct to treatment is empowering.

There are so many things that we can do to enhance our skills and allow us to bring more to the op!

These just may be the thing(s) to re-charge you! We offer all of these programs. Take a look below and feel free to reach out to us with any questions!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We wanted to share some changes that we are implementing here at rdhu, effective today!

We had re-branded our 'Dental Hygiene Quarterly' a couple of years ago to rdhq and have decided to go back to 'Dental Hygiene Quarterly'.

'Dental Hygiene Quarterly' is a well-known brand and has been around for 16 years providing CE to dental hygienists not only across Canada but around the world!

The change didn't go as we expected and has stirred up some confusion! People are still looking for and searching for the Quarterly!

We tried it. It's not sticking, so we are going back!

So, for those of you who are with, or have been with 'Dental Hygiene Quarterly', we are back!

It doesn't hurt to try things out and if it doesn't work, that's okay! We all learn as we go through Trial and Error!

The worst thing one can do is be stuck and afraid to try something. We have all been there but how do you know you will or won't succeed unless you try?

What sort of program are you thinking of launching, Pearl, but have a fear to pull the trigger and implement? Could it be an instrumentation program? An ultrasonic insert and hand instrument maintenance program? The Oral Health Essentials program? Establish a Sleep Apnea Protocol?

Jump in with both feet and if it doesn't work, re-evaluate, make some changes and relaunch!

For those of you who are interested in returning to us or trying us out, click on the Dental Hygiene Quarterly image below and it will take you to more info.

If you are a CDHA Member, there is $50 waiting for you in your account. Just use the Promo Code provided once you click on through. 12 hours of CE every year. Designed by Dental Hygienists for Dental Hygienists. My son, Aiden, does the editing so it is pretty cool that we get to work together on this as well.

This is a program that we put our heart and soul into and we hope you love it as much as we love creating it for you!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We hope you had a great Family Day Long Weekend! It was nice to unwind, play some games and chill with my family!

The last couple of On-Track Tuesday emails we shared some strategies on how one can bring more value to a practice and essentially, become indispensable in the dental practice. This in turn, can put you in a position where you feel you are heard and can make change happen in your favour (including financially!).

So, to continue on and to finish off this topic, let's take a look at a few other things we can self-assess to ensure we are bringing our value.

Just a quick summary and re-cap (self-assess): If you missed reading the last couple On-Track Tuesdays (OTT), or if you are new to rdhu, please feel free to email and we can forward these to you.

1. Are you proactively bringing solutions? (Feb. 8 OTT)

Are you a problem solver or a problem bringer? We shared a couple of suggestions and resources.

2. Are you speaking up? Could you contribute more? (Feb 15 OTT)

A positive mindset and attitude will get you far. Don't convince. Compel. Believe in yourself and fight for your ideas and suggestions. Play full out!

3. Volunteer more. Are you volunteering?

Could you step up and lead a program? Could you be the one who researches and finds solutions?

And to continue on this week for the conclusion of this topic...

4. Take Ownership. If you have stepped up and are leading a program or doing your research and planning on implementing a system or program in your practice, be sure to keep everyone updated on the status of where you are. Whether it be good or bad, share your findings so that no one has to wonder, second guess or follow-up with you. Be the one to share the status. Shine bright like a diamond!

5. Deliver excellence in all that you do. Don't compromise. Not for one client, one day or one week. Deliver excellence in all you do. You will feel the confidence (and your team will notice) in all you do!

6. Have an ambitious positive mindset. A can-do attitude. Be an engine not an anchor and come with all the reasons this will work! Stand tall, take a deep breath in, smile and exhale. It can literally change your mindset and mood in seconds.

I would like to share an email that I received from a member regarding February 8th On-Track Tuesday! (Re. Are you proactively bringing solutions?)

I enjoyed reading your emails the last couple weeks about bringing value to your practice.

A way this has been explained to me in the past, about bringing value as an employee, has been to have a net-positive contribution.

Meaning that everything the employee contributes is greater than everything the organization invests in them.

One of the ways I’ve been taught to assess this is by comparing my talent vs trouble.

Talent = all the contributions I make, the way I make others and the practice better and the resources I bring to the practice.

Trouble = all the trouble I cause, the investment I require, compensation and resources I use.

Everyone has talent and trouble, and the trick is over the course of one's career, to have more talent than trouble!

I've found over the years that self-assessing my talent and trouble has led me to deeper engagement at work and meaningful work. I hope others will find the same after reading and reflecting on your recent On Track emails :)

Thanks for all you do, Kathleen!

Kristy Winslow, RDH

Thank you for sharing these pearls of wisdom, Kristy!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up! Check out the new Career Opportunity Section toward the bottom!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Last week we started to take a look at how one can bring more value to a practice and essentially, become indispensable in the dental practice. This in turn, can put you in a position where you feel you are heard and can make change happen in your favour (financially included!). We received a lot of positive response and I would like to thank those of you who reached out. And please know, we know many of you are already doing these things, but sometimes, we could use a little reminder or can share this message with someone who needs it!

Just a quick re-cap (self-assess):

1. Are you proactively bringing solutions? Are you a problem solver or a problem bringer? We shared a couple of suggestions and resources. If you missed reading last week's email, you may want to check it out or if you are new to rdhu this week, please feel free to email and we can forward it to you.

To continue on:

2. Are you speaking up? Could you contribute more?

Essentially to me, this means, are you showing up? Are you playing forward? If you aren't, find your voice and share your thoughts. Do it with conviction and a smile. A positive mindset and attitude will get you far. Don't convince. Compel. Believe in yourself and fight for your ideas and suggestions. Play full out!

3. Volunteer more. Are you volunteering?

Could you step up and lead a program? Could you be the one who researches and finds solutions?

Sometimes we need to show that we are a team player and can add more value by taking the lead in something. Have the guts to volunteer and perhaps step out of your comfort zone and not worry whether you succeed or fail.

These are another few examples of assessing the value you bring to your practice.

Stay tuned for next week, where we continue on this topic!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We have been hearing from our members and seeing (in Dental Hygiene Facebook Groups) a lot of discussion about wages recently and how many dental hygienists would like an increase in wage.

I have a program that I created and have presented at a few different dental conferences, that has been well received, called ‘The 8 Simple Secrets to Being Indispensable in the Dental Practice’ and would love to offer some insight on this topic, if I might!

Understand the practice owner first. There is a huge expense to run a business/practice. Some of you own your own practice, and many of you are tapped into the operations of the practice and aware of the expenses. There is the expense of equipment, and the overhead; which includes, rent, software, supplies, insurance, and staff, just to name a few! There is a financial risk, as the owner invests their own money, takes on loans, has many sleepless nights and doesn’t take pay for quite some time.

Many of you know that I have a couple of mentors who I follow, and am connected with, to help with my personal and professional growth and I am fortunate to have picked up a few gems along the way, that I would love to share with you.

This is a big topic, so I am going to break it down over the next few weeks in the On-Track Tuesday emails.

First thing to do is self-assess your position in your practice.

Do you bring value to the practice?

We know, and you know, that yes, you do! Of course you do, you are a dental hygienist who is working very hard and worth every bit of your wage. But if you take a pro-active approach, self-assess, know how to communicate and share your findings and your worth, you may be surprised on the positive outcome!

1. Are you proactively bringing solutions?

We know that every practice has problems. Are you the problem solver or the problem bringer?

Be a problem solver. Business owners/DDS' have to constantly think, plan and make decisions. There is a cognitive load on the owner. How can you lighten the cognitive load to those you work for/with?

Don’t show up with problems. Come with solutions. Don’t even come with questions. Come with 3 answers. Reduce the cognitive load.

Don’t be a problem bringer. Be a solution maker. Don’t add to the decision fatigue.

As an example: (and trust me, I have been in this profession for MANY years and have spoken with thousands of dental hygienists over the years):

The instruments that you are using, you have had for years. It seems like forever since you replaced your instruments with new ones and you don't have the confidence to even know if you can recognize what a new tip would look like at this point.

Don't go to the manager or dentist/owner with a complaint about your instruments.

Go with a plan. Collect your info prior to you arranging a meeting with the dentist.

Create a case presentation for the DDS.

a) Show the current situation on paper (be prepared):

ie. This is where I am currently with my instruments, this is what I am experiencing and my clients are experiencing.

I haven't had new instruments since (the date).

Our budget for our instruments (wait, what? a budget?). Okay we don't have a yearly budget for instruments. I would like to suggest a budget of $--- for 18 months (as an example).

Document how many kits you currently have and what is in the kit.

If you have ultrasonic inserts that are part of this discussion, show the wear indicator card and where your inserts measure up.

Document the pros and cons of your current situation: ie client discomfort, ineffective and inefficient debridement, longer time in the chair, clinician pain, more instruments in each cassette than you currently need, etc.

b) Then have a plan written down.

Show how many kits you need. What will be in these kits. Scaling down the kits (using hybrid instruments, or creating instruments based on regular re-care clients and then some specialty kits); the cost. (Look for programs where you can trade in or show that you have contacted the company and receiving a discount, etc.); how long you expect these kits to last; and what this equates to cost per client.

This is one example of assessing the value you bring to your practice. Are you proactively bringing solutions?

Stay tuned for next week, where we continue on this topic!

On a side note, we had a great guest, and good friend of ours, Jennifer Turner, on The RDH View in September. If you haven't seen it I encourage you to view it as part of your preparation (and you can claim a 1-hour CE credit, and it's free!).

I also wrote an article for Oral Health in November 2020 about Streamlining your Instrumentation. See below for access to the article if you are looking for more info on making change happen with your instrumentation).

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Many dental hygienists, who's Registration # ends in a 3 or 8, received an email yesterday from the CDHO, as this was to be their year for audit selection. The email was to let those of you know that at this time you are not being selected for audit until further notice.

There are changes coming and we will all find out in the next Milestones and monthly E-Brief.

The Committee is reviewing the consultant’s report from the Program Evaluation and will determine whether and what changes may be made to the Quality Assurance Program. This will include a review of the selection criteria and whether selection will continue based on registration ID number.

What we do know is that regardless of who is being selected next, we are still required to maintain our QA Records.

"All registrants are expected to maintain their QA records on an annual basis, whether they have been selected to submit records for assessment or not. Additionally, you may yet be asked to submit these records in a future assessment period." (From yesterday's email.).

My recommendation to you, as it has been since we started back in 2009 helping people with their QA Records, is to do what is required of us (and what we sign off every year when renewing our registration) and maintain our QA Records regardless if you are being selected for audit or not.

Here's the thing...

As an example...

Select 2 topics every year. You can do this by looking at the goals created for you after completing your self-assessment or look at topics and courses provided by us at rdhu, CDHA or ODHA.

What topics interest you? How can you improve and enhance your client care and practice?

What are you interested in? How can you grow as a healthcare professional?

I recommend this to all RDH's whether you just hit submit last month or not or if you did the QA Test.

How does this help you?

After someone submits, we often hear, "That's it for me! I am not looking at this for another 5 years!"

What happens when one would do this? Stress, catch-up and anxiety set in!

Quality Assurance becomes an Event rather than a Habit.

Imagine if you chose 2 topics every year. For instance through rdhu. We plump up every course to essentially give you 10 hours for that topic.

1 Goal - 10 hours

2nd Goal - 10 hours

There is your 20 hours of goal related CQI Activities.

5 hours of Non-Goal related activities (The RDH View is great to watch, learn and be connected to like-minded dental hygienists AND easy to enter into the SMILE portal rather than entering a journal with every article you read, who wrote it and the page number).

You would be set for the year.

If we are going back to random selection, you would always Be Audit Ready and not feel the anxiety.

What happens when we don't keep up with our QA Records? We lose the skill that we just acquired during selection. The skill of assessing our practice. The skill of documenting our learning and making changes to practice.

I keep up with my learning portfolio and I feel zero anxiety when I hit submit.

It can be that way for everyone.

We don't know what is coming down the pipe for Quality Assurance. But it is recommended that we continue to follow the Requirements of the Quality Assurance Program and Guidelines for Continuing Competency

We have seen many posts about people being upset that they have their hours ready from last year and have their plan ready for this year and "What a waste!" Is it a waste?

My advice to you, if you fit into this category is keep going. Keep learning. Keep growing.

Quality Assurance is a Habit Not an Event.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Attracting new patients to a dental practice is highly competitive. One of the best ways to stand out in your market is by offering the latest technology and procedures for exceptional client care and comfort. Many prospective clients ask for laser treatments without fully understanding the range of benefits that lasers provide. When you’re considering incorporating laser treatments into your practice, you might wonder, can dental hygienists use lasers in Ontario? Find out more about what’s required to operate lasers for oral health treatments.

What can dental hygienists use lasers for in their practice?

After getting certified, dental hygienists can use lasers for all practical applications. Hygienists can provide patients with better outcomes for everything from oral lesions to whitening. The use of lasers can reduce inflammation, bleeding, and recovery times for all kinds of dental procedures.

Dental lasers are an innovative technology that have become commonplace in practices striving to compete in their market. Ontario dental hygienists can use lasers to provide their clients with innovative procedures.

What professional requirements do you have to meet?

Ongoing professional development is essential for dental hygienists who want to operate at the forefront of their industry and attract a growing patient base. When you get continuing education from an organization passionate about dentistry, you also get the opportunity to fall back in love with your profession.

Dental hygienists’ only professional requirement to use lasers in Ontario is completing a certification course. Most courses take just a month, with training that is easy to schedule around work.

Is laser training worth it for dental hygienists?

Laser treatments keep dental practices competitive in their market. When hygienists are certified to use lasers, you expand the procedures you can offer to your clients. Transitioning to lasers also increases the level of care and comfort you deliver for the operations you already offer.

Laser training is worth it for dental hygienists' practices and ongoing professional development.

What’s involved with laser certification for dental hygienists?

RDHU offers frequent soft tissue diode laser certification courses for continuing education. Our member hygienists can offer their patients the full range of benefits of lasers for oral health. Certification involves both theory and practical hands-on training, spread over four days. The first three are 2-hour sessions that take place virtually. The fourth session is hands-on training at our boutique training center in Burlington.

Our instructors ensure hygienists understand the physics behind lasers, so they’re able to choose the most effective application of laser technology for every treatment. Lasers provide patients with the ultimate in care and comfort for:

• Non-surgical periodontal therapy
• Bacterial reduction
• Treatment of oral lesions
• Whitening
• Desensitization

Get a comprehensive understanding of how laser technology works and its practical applications during our certification course.

RDHU members who take the soft tissue diode certification all receive:

• Thorough handouts covering the course materials for personal study and reference
• Laser safety guidelines, set-up instructions, and operational settings
• Documentation requirements for laser use
• Layered learning and opportunities for continued growth

We empower students in every course to continue incorporating the latest professional developments into their practice.

RDHU provides continuing education in Ontario for dental hygienists who want to use lasers and advance their skill set.

Dental hygienists created RDHU to provide their colleagues with continuing education in a boutique educational facility in Burlington, Ontario, and across the nation via virtual learning. Since 2009 we’ve grown to over 16,000 members and are now a leader in Canada for professional development for dental hygienists. RDHU strives to be the premier resource for hygienists, whether you’re interested in professional development, networking, or staying current with quality assurance requirements. Increase your confidence, renew your love of the profession, and advance your skills by joining thousands of hygienists across Ontario and Canada.

When you sign up for a subscription, you can explore our on-demand and livestream continuing education courses, including learning to use lasers as an Ontario dental hygienist.

During these unprecedented times, have you found that customer service has met an all time low?

With almost every engagement I have had over the last while (with many different situations and services provided), I have left disappointed in the way I felt during the whole experience.

Sure, there are many industries who are suffering because of the lack of supplies and staff; however, even if you have to cut back a service or product because of the lack of supplies or staff, they can always make up for this by the way they treat their clients or customers and essentially how they can make one feel when they leave.

For instance, yesterday I went to a store to look at eye glasses. The experience started off rocky. There was a sign on the door that said for me to wait to be let in. Which is fine. I waited. But then I was greeted by someone who wasn't welcoming. Who spritzed hand sanitizer in my hand and greeted me with "We don't sell glasses like we have in the past. You come in, you can only take 6 glasses and do not touch a thing unless you put it in your tray." One last spritz, door opens and in I went.

She should have said, Welcome to ____! We are happy to have you come visit our store. Things have changed since you were last here....and continue on.

The examples could go on an on, and I am sure you have experienced it and have stories of your own! When I met with some friends in early November, one of the topics of discussion around the dinner table was on how the experience and customer service has declined.

Today, I went for a crown prep with my dentist at Credit River Dental Centre and I was so impressed with the way I felt before, during and after the experience. I was feeling quite anxious about the appointment as I haven't had dental work done in a long time and my last appointment many years ago, with a former dentist, didn't go so well.

This morning, the receptionist greeted me with a smile (smiley eyes behind the mask). She said my name, which personalizes the experience and showed me they expected my visit (rather than Your Name Please?), asked me the Screening Questions and took my temperature. She instructed me where to sit and let me know that the room was ready for me and I would be going in shortly. Dr. Lee took the time to talk and let me know what to expect. As a distraction, they set up the TV for me and made sure that I was comfortable throughout the appointment, offering me breaks every minute. They told me what to expect every step of the way. When I was dismissed the receptionist explained the breakdown of costs and scheduled my next visit. They shared what I can expect over the next couple of hours and what to do and not do over the next week.

I left feeling relieved and actually enjoyed the experience! The anxiety that I thought I was going to have throughout the entire appointment quickly disappeared once I entered their doors.

As I am typing this Dr. Lee just called to check in on me. This is the After Experience :)

Now is the time where we can really Wow our clients because they aren't currently getting wow'd in other places!

You are creating loyal and lifelong fans who will remember you for the way you cared and will share their experience with their friends and family around the dinner table.

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Yes, it is Wednesday; however, we didn't want to miss sending this week's On-Track Tuesday email.

Consider this to be Off-Track Tuesday!

January is almost over and for those of you who know us, we are deep in Portfolio Reviews for those submitting this month.

Hence the Off-Track Tuesday!

I would like to thank Lorraine Gambacourt for offering to do this week's Blog!

By Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH:

“Out with the old and in with the new!” as they say…

I always think of January as a time of renewal. A time to reflect on the previous year. A time to think about what went well, and what I would like to change. I think about what I learned from experiences and what I would like to learn and experience… And a time to purge and DECLUTTER. Simplicity itself is therapeutic and brings with it renewed energy!

I think about my relationships—how I could be a better mother, wife, sister and friend. I make decisions about how I am going to nurture these relationships THIS year. Maybe reach out and call someone, instead of just sending a text. Maybe I could compliment people more and tell them how much they mean to me. Maybe I could tell people more that I appreciate them and am glad they are in my life…

This year I pulled one of my favourite books from my library of many books. It was given to me in my early thirties, at a time when I felt lost. I cried a lot. Even though I had much to be grateful for, which I was, I felt sad—like something was missing from my life but I couldn’t put my finger on it. This book transformed me….

The book is called, “Simple Abundance—A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. The title itself brings relief don’t you think?! Every day you read one passage, and as you read, it awakens and stirs your soul...it invokes thought, new ideas, awareness, passion, gratitude. It shows you how to experience JOY in the mundane, to revel at the simple pleasures that surround us every day. It brings a sense of peace and contentment yet inspires you to become more. No matter where you are in your life this book is transforming!

o What aspirations do you have for yourself?

o What do you want to experience in your life this year?

o What do you want to accomplish?

o What do you want to learn?

o Who do you want to become?

o How do you want to give back in the world?

o How do you want to inspire others or make a difference in other peoples' lives?

o What new habit or habits will you commit to starting?

I decided I was going to make a few simple changes and set some goals. I want to become more focused, more productive, more energetic, less reactive, and nurture the relationships in my life. New habits don’t have to be complicated. It’s a matter of deciding to make a small change. Carve out this time for yourself. I remember when my kids were little, I would get up an hour early, just so I could have an hour to myself, enjoy my coffee, sit in the dark, or just read without interruption!

So Jan 1st, I decided I was going to start each day (at least 5 days a week) with a short meditation, read the passage from Simple Abundance, and write out my “to do” list for the day, that I would follow and check off as I accomplished each item. It feels great to start these simple new habits!

So here is my challenge to you…

o What one thing do you want to accomplish this year? Write it down and put it where you can see it! Read it EVERY day!

o Who can you share your goal with? Someone you trust completely who is your “raving fan” who will support you and be your accountability partner? (We all need this!)

o Who do you need to become, in order to accomplish your goal?

o What 2 or 3 things need to happen in order to achieve your goal? What people do you need to connect with? Gertrude Stein says, “What you need, you will attract like a lover.”

o Write a “to do” list each day of small tasks that will help you work toward your goal or dream!

Whether this is a personal or professional goal, just begin it! There is no time like the present. A dream, a want, or a wish is only that, until you own it and take action!

I will finish by sharing a quote from Simple Abundance…

“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth, and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Thank you for reading!

Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Hi friends!

Kathleen here :)

As I write to you, we are deep into Portfolio season here at rdhu with many submitting their Quality Assurance Records this month. I have been working away with reviews since sunrise, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to say hello to all of our wonderful members and share what is coming up!

I hope you are all having a great week. We have hit the ground running this year and have so many exciting courses lined up for you.

Take a look and we hope to see you there!

Kathleen

Happy New Year!

I hope your holiday season was one filled with peace, love, and joy!

For most of us, our holiday season wasn't what we expected. Everything seemed to change so drastically, leading right up to Christmas morning.

Last holiday season was expected and we planned to not be with family; however, this holiday season we had hopes and plans.

Things happened and for many, our plans changed.

And now, many of you are young parents and some have children going back to online learning, or for many provinces, extended winter breaks. We are back to social limitations.

We all have learned over the last couple of years to be resilient and adapt to change as our 'norm' is no longer.

What can we do for ourselves when we are faced with so many challenges and uncertainty?

There are many things that we do not have control over; however, there are many things that we DO have control over, so let's focus on this!

What can we control?

1. Our minds. Be sure to feed your mind with positivity. Don't watch too much of the news. Sure, it is important to stay informed with what is going on in our country and globally but take note of how much news you are watching.

Listen to some uplifting personal development podcasts, funny podcasts or TV programs. Pick up the phone and call someone who lifts your spirits!

2. Exercise. Implement daily exercise if you aren't already or perhaps you fell out of your routine. Exercising daily can improve your state-of-mind. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Diet. The Holidays are over and we have to put down the Egg Nog! This is a great time to assess your eating habits. What we put in our mouth has a direct impact on our overall mental health as well as our physical health.

4. Sleep. Be sure to get a good 7 - 8 hours of sleep every night. Assess your bedroom. Is it dark? Is it time to get new pillows and comfy sheets? We spend a lot of time in our beds, this is an area that is worth investing in.

5. Plan. Plan your 2022! What goals have you set out for yourself professionally and personally? Setting goals is an energy charger. It gets you planning and assessing your daily actions. It helps keep you on the positive to look forward to brighter days. Who will you become this year? A better version of yourself?

I have set my learning goals for this year and I am charged! We would love to help you set up your learning goals for this year. Just reach out and we can help.

I have set my personal goals for this year and although we are only on the 4th day of the new year, I am tracking and following and seeing progress already.

6. Control your Reactions. With so much change happening in our dental offices, with patients cancelling and team members getting sick and unable to go to work, we have to manage our reactions. You may not have control over a situation but you do have control over how you react to the situation.

When life seems difficult, remember what you can control and have the confidence and hope for an amazing 2022!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

No matter how technologically savvy you are, there will always be a learning curve when familiarizing yourself with new computer programs. At rdhu, we understand if you’re having a hard time finding your way around the CDHO System for Managing Individual Learning (SMILE Portal). To help ensure that you’re keeping up to date on your continuing education credits and associated learning assessments, our team of coaches can help. If you’re having trouble, continue reading to learn how our coaches can assist you with the CDHO SMILE Portal.

Set up your account

The first and most important part of working in the CDHO SMILE Portal is setting up your account upon your initial login. Creating login information involves more than simply submitting your name, phone number, and address. You also need to verify your employment status and practice address as a way to ensure that you’re able to take advantage of what the system has to offer.

Should you need to make any changes in employment or personal information, see that these changes are made within 14 days. Our team can help with address changes, employment, or your name if you need it.

Log CE credits

Completing the required continuing education credits for your certification period is an essential part of maintaining your license to work as a dental hygienist. CE credits are required because the world of health care is always changing, and it’s important that you stay current on the latest technology, techniques, and practices to provide the best possible care for your patients. The CDHO Smile Portal is a one-stop shop for logging all your CE credits and submitting them to verify that you’ve completed the necessary courses. Our team of coaches can help you properly log and submit your CE credits to ensure that they’re verified.

Organize quality assurance records

Your personal quality assurance records are a way to ensure that you’re completing the necessary training to continue performing your job at a high level. The CDHO SMILE Portal is designed to organize your quality assurance records, so you have them readily available should they be requested as a part of your licensure verification. We provide coaches who can help you organize your records so that you can easily navigate upon receiving a request.

Set up learning goals

Part of growing in your field is understanding where you might be lacking in knowledge or would like to gain further understanding in the future. The CDHO SMILE Portal makes it easy to establish a baseline of your skills and knowledge with self-assessments. After you’ve completed self-assessments, you’ll be able to set up learning goals to improve your areas where you might not be as strong.

It’s not uncommon to have a hard time setting learning goals, so our coaches can help you to identify those areas where you might not be as strong by looking through your self-assessment with you. We’ll work with you to set your learning goals based on your results.

Navigate learning assessments

The CDHO SMILE Portal is designed to consolidate much of your learning and documentation into a single location. In addition to self-assessments, you can also find your dental hygiene certification test in the portal. We can help you navigate your way throughout the portal to find the appropriate tests you need to take for certification and continuing education.

Get in touch for more

You can learn more about using the CDHO SMILE Portal with help from our coaches at rdhu. Reach out to our team to get started by calling 289-337-5277 or toll-free at 1-855-295-7348. You can also send a message with your questions using our online contact form.