Every week, On-Track Tuesday is here as a gentle nudge—a reminder to keep on top of your QA requirements and to avoid falling behind. Because let’s face it, falling behind doesn’t just impact your professional life; it causes unnecessary stress that seeps into every corner of your day.

The panic of being behind. The sleepless nights worrying about deadlines.The guilt of not keeping up. The fear of the unknown when you’re unsure where to begin.

But when you stay on track, everything changes.

You stay engaged and connected to your profession. You feel better, not just about where you are but about where you’re headed. There’s a sense of accomplishment when you implement strategies, work towards your goals, and achieve what matters most. It’s about finding joy in growth and staying inspired to move forward.

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What’s New at rdhu?

We’re always looking for ways to make your life easier, and we’re excited to share the launch of our new rdhu Payment Centre! This secure portal gives you control over managing your membership and payment details:

• Access your own receipts and invoices for taxes or employer submissions.
• View your course history and CE credits.
• Manage your credit card information in a secure environment.
• Update and manage subscriptions like Dental Hygiene Quarterly or QA Coach on your own terms.

Click here to access your Payment Centre.

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Dental Hygiene Quarterly Volume 90 is Here!

Launched yesterday, Volume 90 of Dental Hygiene Quarterly delivers another 3 hours of CE straight into your portal. It’s a powerful way to stay on track and inspired.

Every issue is carefully curated to bring you relevant, thought-provoking topics—even subjects you might not seek out on your own. It’s about staying current and engaged, with content that often opens new doors for learning. Many members tell us it sparks curiosity and motivates them to dig deeper into areas they’d never considered.

Staying on track doesn’t have to be stressful. Let rdhu support you with reminders, resources, and tools that keep you inspired and on point. We’re here to help you succeed, one Tuesday at a time.

Let’s keep moving forward—together. Click here to subscribe to the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and let us help you in 2025!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week, and stay on track!

~ Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

As we wrap up another year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan—especially when it comes to something as essential as your hand instruments. If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that having the right tools makes all the difference.

Now is the ideal time to organize your annual budget for 2025. What instruments will you need to work efficiently, effectively, and safely in the year ahead? Whether you are fortunate enough to order what you need, when you need it, or you are navigating budget constraints, having a proactive plan in place is key.

How to Get Started:

1. Assess Your Current Kits

Take an inventory of your instruments. Which ones are nearing the end of their lifespan? Which kits need to be upgraded or replaced? You can always start flagging kits:

• Green: In good shape
• Yellow: Some wear
• Red: Time to Retire and Replace!

To make this process easier, I’ve included an Instrument Inventory Log below to help you get started.

2. Anticipate Your Needs

Look ahead to the type of procedures and volume you will be handling. Do you have the right tools to match your workload? You can use the Decision Tree for Instrument Selection as a baseline to identify what you need regardless of what brand of instruments you use. These Decision Trees are based using LM Dental Instruments. You can find more information about LM instruments on the Curion Website. I have also included an Instrumentation Worksheet so you can start creating or optimizing your own instrument kits.

3. Make Your Proposal

Whether you are purchasing independently or submitting to a manager, put together a clear, justified proposal for the instruments you will need in 2025. Having a structured approach can make all the difference when seeking approval. Collect your information and set up a meeting to go through your proposal. To help, I’ve included a Proposal Worksheet that you can download and customize for your needs.

A Budget That Works Year After Year

Imagine setting up an annual budget for your instruments once and letting it happen automatically, year after year. That’s the ultimate goal—planning ahead so you are always equipped with the best tools to provide exceptional care.

Start now, take inventory, and set yourself up for success. Don’t wait until you’re struggling with dull or unsafe tools. Be proactive and set yourself—and your patients—up for success.

Let’s make 2025 the year where you work smarter, safer, and with tools that truly support you.

Downloads to Get You Started:

• Instrument Inventory Log
• Decision Tree for Instrument Selection (in both Sharpen-Free and Stainless Steel)
• Instrumentation Worksheet
• Proposal Worksheet

Let’s do this together!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

Instrument Inventory Log (Excel)
(email info@rdhu.ca for Mac file)

Decision Tree (Sharpen-free)

Decision Tree (Stainless Steel)

Instrumentation Worksheet

Instrumentation Proposal

This past weekend, we had the incredible privilege of hosting our 2nd Annual Boutique Style Conference at the stunning Dentsply Sirona Academy. To everyone who joined us, thank you for making it such a memorable day. You gave up your Saturday—a day that could have been spent relaxing or catching up on personal time—to invest in your growth, network with peers, and expand your knowledge. Your commitment to excellence in our profession is truly inspiring. We appreciate you! And a special thank you to our sponsors —Dentsply Sirona and Crest & Oral B!

Everyone brought amazing energy that day! From engaging discussions to hands-on learning and those invaluable moments connecting with colleagues, the day was a reminder of the power of coming together as a community. If you were part of this special event, I hope you left feeling energized, motivated, and ready to take your practice to the next level.

Looking Ahead

As we step into December, the final month of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your Quality Assurance (QA) goals and requirements. Have you checked off everything on your list? Whether you’ve already met your goals or feel like there’s still work to be done, there’s still time to finish the year strong!

We have some fantastic courses lined up for December that can help you:

• Increase your knowledge and enhance your skills
• Meet your QA requirements
• End the year with confidence in your professional development

Make It Count

I encourage you to ask yourself:

• Am I ending the year stronger than I started?
• Have I taken steps to elevate my practice and serve my clients better?

If the answer isn’t a resounding yes, consider joining us for one of these last opportunities to invest in yourself. You deserve to close the year on a high note, feeling accomplished and ready for whatever 2025 brings.

Here’s to finishing the year with focus, determination, and a sense of pride in all you’ve achieved. Let’s make December count!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

Have you heard about Perio Protect? It’s been creating a buzz in periodontal care, but until recently, it wasn’t the easiest treatment to access here in Canada. That’s why I’m excited to share some great news: Curion is now the exclusive distributor for Canada, making it easier than ever to integrate Perio Protect into your practice.

The Perio Protect Method™ is a true game-changer. It uses the non-invasive Perio Tray™, a patented system designed to deliver medication deep into periodontal pockets—places traditional homecare tools can’t reach. These custom trays help combat oral inflammation, extending the benefits of professional treatment right into your patients’ homes. Plus, they’re the only FDA-cleared, personalized medicament carriers for periodontal care, supported by years of research proving their effectiveness. It’s a simple and reliable way to enhance patient outcomes.

Beth Parkes, RDH, BSc, Curion’s Clinical Affairs Manager, recently wrote an insightful article about Perio Protect for the Saskatchewan Dental Hygiene Association. I’ve attached a copy just below this blog for you to download. Take a look—it’s a great resource to learn more!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

Perio Protect Article

As we near the end of November, it's natural to feel the pressure of wrapping up the year—both personally and professionally. And with Black Friday just around the corner, we're excited to offer some exclusive specials to support you in reaching your goals!

This is also the time of year when we hear from many dental hygienists who realize they need to catch up on their Quality Assurance (QA) requirements. Whether you're outside of Ontario and looking to complete CE hours or you're registered in Ontario and require specific support, we've got you covered! If you’re an Ontario registrant, click here to ensure you receive updates tailored specifically for you.

Life Happens, and We Get It!

If you've found yourself behind on your CE hours, you're not alone. Life has a way of shifting priorities, and sometimes things like QA requirements take a back seat. That’s where we can help. At rdhu, we understand your unique needs and are here to support you.

Customized CE Solutions

We can work with you to create a customized plan using some of our high-value, on-demand courses through the Dental Hygiene Quarterly. Simply send us an email with your specific needs, and we'll recommend options that align with your goals. We'll make it easy by providing quick links to register so you can focus on finishing strong before the year ends.

Let us help you check CE hours off your list, stress-free, so you can head into the holidays feeling confident and prepared.

Here’s to finishing 2024 on a high note!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

On behalf of the rdhu Team

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

As we near the end of November, it's natural to feel the pressure of wrapping up the year—both personally and professionally. With Black Friday just around the corner, we're excited to offer some exclusive specials to support you in reaching your goals! Click here to learn more.

Have you met your QA goals for this year? Or are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s required? Don’t worry—we’re here to help! We’ve even created a helpful checklist to guide you through the process:

1. Be sure to register with the CDHO by December 1st. This is a critical step to ensure your registration remains active.
2. Complete your Self-Assessment. Log into the Self-Service Portal to:
• Verify your employment.
• Complete your Self-Assessment.
• If you volunteered for next year, select your Path!
3. Celebrate your accomplishments for 2024. Reflect on the goals you’ve completed this year and take pride in your progress.
4. Plan ahead for 2025 with rdhu. Whether you’ve selected a Path or not, we’re here to help you create meaningful goals and a personalized learning plan for the upcoming year.

Your QA Journey Matters!

Staying on top of your QA is more than a requirement—it’s an opportunity to grow. Self-assessing and identifying areas for improvement is the foundation of the QA Program and the key to elevating your practice.

Let’s finish 2024 strong together!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look below for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Be sure to check out the QA Checklist as a download below!

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

On behalf of the rdhu Team

QA Annual Guide/Checklist

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, some of which can really knock us off course. These surprises, whether personal or professional, can feel overwhelming, leaving us uncertain about how to move forward. Yet, while these moments are tough, I've found that learning to shorten our recovery time is essential to moving forward with purpose and resilience.

Sometimes, a past event can linger long after we think we've moved on. We may believe we've recovered, but until we fully address it, that unresolved issue can creep back into our lives, affecting us in subtle, sometimes physiological, ways. It’s important to recognize when something from the past might be holding us back, so we can reassess and truly move on.

I have included this topic in my 'Energy Management for the Dental Hygienist' presentation that I have shared at a variety of dental conferences over the years and always enjoy sharing some personal stories and strategies that I have gleaned along the way.

When life catches us off guard, it’s natural to feel shaken. But the key is to brush yourself off, find your footing, and look forward. Instead of letting setbacks define us, we can make a conscious choice to see them as part of our journey. By focusing on our target—where we envision our future and what we want to achieve—we can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Here’s what helps me in times like these:

1. Identify the Target: Take a moment to reflect on your goals and where you want to be. Reconnecting with your long-term vision is like finding your true north—it provides direction, clarity, and a reminder of what you’re working toward.
2. Make a Plan: With your target in mind, set a plan to get back on track. Break it down into manageable steps, keeping in mind that small, consistent actions are often the most powerful. Think about what resources or support you may need and be willing to ask for help.
3. Go for It: Commit to your plan, and take action with confidence. Every small victory will give you momentum, helping you move forward with greater strength and resilience. Remember that setbacks are only temporary if we keep pushing ahead.

Life’s challenges can be unexpected, and sometimes their impact can linger, but with a clear vision, a solid plan, and the courage to take action, we can rise stronger each time. Embrace each setback as a step on your path forward, and remember—you’ve got this.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

When I recently presented on Quality Assurance at Spectrum, I emphasized the importance of peer reviews as a tool to ensure that teams maintain high standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

In a busy practice, it’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and overlook the incredible value of teamwork and open communication. Conducting a peer review can strengthen our bonds as a team and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Imagine if, instead of talking about each other behind our backs, we created a culture where we openly shared our strengths and worked together on our areas for improvement. I often encounter practices reaching out to share that a colleague might need help with sharpening, instrumentation, or other skills. They are hesitant to address it directly and hope that during our training sessions, we can support certain individuals without singling anyone out. Peer reviews provide this support by fostering open communication in a safe space. Many dental hygienists who may be struggling with specific hard or soft skills are already aware of it and would likely welcome the feedback and assistance. Too often, we work in silos, hesitant to be transparent with one another. But this shift in how we communicate isn’t just possible—it can transform the way we interact and grow together.

Step 1: Reflecting on Strengths and Areas for Growth

The first step in a meaningful peer review is self-reflection. Each team member can take a few moments to think about three things they believe they excel at and three areas where they would like to improve. These could be anything from patient/client interaction skills to clinical techniques or communication habits. Acknowledging our strengths builds confidence, while recognizing our growth areas opens up opportunities for improvement.

For example, at one of our laser courses, a dental hygienist, who was there for a refresher, shared that she wasn’t comfortable recommending laser treatment to her clients—she felt like she was selling. I encouraged her to reframe this perspective. If she genuinely believes that laser treatment can benefit her clients, it’s not about “selling” but about advocating for their health. We discussed ways to help her feel more confident and comfortable in her recommendations, transforming a challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Step 2: Calibration and Collaboration

Once each person has identified their strengths and growth areas, we can begin a structured conversation as a team. This isn’t about criticism—it’s about calibration and collaboration. By discussing these points with each other, team members gain new insights, learn from each other’s experiences, and receive constructive feedback. Working together to improve our skills reinforces trust and mutual respect within the team.

Creating a Positive Culture of Support

Too often, workplace culture can drift into judgment or gossip when concerns aren’t addressed openly. By establishing regular peer reviews, we are actively choosing to support each other in our professional journeys. This approach turns feedback into an empowering tool rather than something to be feared. Together, we can replace hesitation with openness and inspire each other to grow.

A Worksheet to Guide You

To make this process easier, I’ve created a worksheet to guide your reflections and facilitate these peer review conversations. It provides a structured way to document strengths and growth areas, ensuring that our discussions remain focused, supportive, and productive. This worksheet is a tool to help us all approach feedback with clarity and positivity and to help identify next steps for improvement.

To keep things fresh and targeted, consider creating a theme for each peer review session. For instance, one session could focus on communication, another on case acceptance (Are you effectively closing?), and others on skills like instrumentation or sharpening. By centering each review around a specific area, we can dive deeper into that topic, highlight shared challenges, and collaboratively work toward improvement.

Embracing Growth Together

As you start this process, remember that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about growing together. When we approach feedback with an open mind and the intention to help each other, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. Let’s embrace this opportunity to build each other up and work as a united, empowered team.

Try this approach with your team, and you may be surprised by how much stronger your bonds—and your practice—become.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

Peer Review Worksheets

Individual Peer Review Worksheet

What an amazing couple of weeks! First, we attended the CDHA conference in beautiful Niagara, and just this past Friday, we were at the Spectrum conference in Toronto. I had the honour of presenting on Quality Assurance at Spectrum as the final speaker of the day—something I always love and appreciate. There’s something special about closing off an event and leaving everyone with a sense of completion and inspiration.

A big shout-out to Renata Albonese and Heather Kleinberg, two incredible RDHs, for stepping into the role of moderators at Spectrum. It was wonderful to see them take on this challenge, and they did a fantastic job! I have no doubt we’ll see them moderating again soon.

If you’re like me, these kinds of events leave you energized and inspired. It’s not just about the learning; it’s also the connections. Whether it's our smaller group sessions at rdhu or our Boutique Style Conferences, I find myself reflecting on how fortunate I am to be part of this profession. In dental hygiene, it can often feel like we’re working in silos. That’s what makes these events so special. They offer a unique opportunity to step out of our everyday routines, reconnect with old friends, colleagues, and even former classmates, and share experiences that inspire growth and camaraderie.

If you haven’t attended a live event lately, you’re truly missing out. These gatherings can reignite your passion and reshape your mindset in ways you might not expect. If you’re ever feeling stuck, unsure about your next step, or just need a boost, I encourage you to attend one of these events—you’ll leave with a new sense of direction and an extra bounce in your step.

And speaking of events, I’d love to see you at our Boutique Style Conference at the Dentsply Sirona Academy on Saturday, November 30th. We’re already at 80% capacity, so don’t wait! Click here to learn more and secure your spot. It’s going to be an incredible day, and I hope you’ll join us! Thank you to Dentsply Sirona and Crest & Oral B for sponsoring this event. You are in for a treat! Click here to register for the conference!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

We recently launched our Healthcare Practitioner Referral Pad and I’m excited to finally write about it! This tool was designed to support dental hygienists in their referrals while also helping us stay mindful of key elements in our assessments.

If you’re attending our Boutique Style Conference on Saturday, November 30th, you’ll find a Referral Pad included in your gift bag! The conference theme revolves around Assessment, making it the perfect occasion to share this new resource with you.

Simplify Your Referrals and Elevate Your Care

Our Referral Pad offers a clear, professional way to recommend essential health assessments. With easy-to-check options and space for additional notes, it ensures no key details are overlooked in client/patient care.

Features Include:

• HPV Vaccination – Advocate for preventive care with ease.
• Sleep Assessment Test – Highlight the importance of sleep health.
• HbA1C Levels – Help your clients manage and monitor diabetes.
• Blood Pressure Evaluation – Stay on top of cardiovascular health risks.
• Myofunctional Assessment – Address functional concerns affecting oral health.
• Tongue-Tie Assessment/Release – Streamline referrals for restrictive lingual frenulum.
• Other – Space for additional referrals as needed.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Efficiency – Save time with a well-organized, easy-to-use format.
• Clarity – Avoid communication errors with clear, professional checkboxes.
• Professionalism – Demonstrate the depth of your assessments to other healthcare providers.

This pad isn’t just a referral tool—it’s a way to showcase the full scope of our expertise. It brings awareness to healthcare professionals about the many ways we assess and refer for better client and patient outcomes.

Order Yours Today!

Elevate your practice with our Healthcare Practitioner Referral Pad. Streamline your referral process, and enjoy the professional edge this tool brings. Visit our online store to order yours today!

Interested in our Boutique Style Conference? Click here to learn more and to register!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

As we get ready for two exciting weeks of live events—the CDHA conference this week in Niagara Falls and Spectrum next week in Toronto—I'm reminded of the incredible value of in-person networking. There's something special about coming together with peers and colleagues, especially in our world of dental hygiene, where so much of our work can feel solitary.

Whether you're attending a hands-on course at rdhu or a larger conference like CDHA or Spectrum, these events provide opportunities that go far beyond learning new techniques, updating your skills or earning CE credits. They offer a chance to build connections, share experiences, and grow in ways that can truly elevate your practice.

The Value of Networking:

1. Learning Beyond the Classroom: While we all attend courses and sessions to gain new skills and knowledge, some of the most valuable insights come from casual conversations with other attendees. Networking allows us to hear different perspectives, swap tips, and discuss challenges in a way that formal presentations might not always allow. It's those impromptu discussions that can spark new ideas for your practice or career.
2. Building Connections: The relationships we build at these events are often the ones that support us throughout our professional journeys. Whether it’s finding someone to collaborate with on a project, getting advice from a peer, or simply sharing the joys and challenges of our day-to-day work, networking helps us feel connected to a broader community.
3. Mentorship and Support: For those new to the profession or looking to expand their skill set, live events are a perfect place to find mentors and role models. And for more seasoned professionals, it’s an opportunity to offer support and guidance to the next generation of dental hygienists. This mutual exchange of knowledge and experience is what helps our community thrive.

Upcoming Opportunities to Connect:

If you're attending the CDHA Conference this week, make the most of your time by engaging with other attendees and visiting the exhibitors (including us at rdhu!). It's a wonderful chance to see what's new, ask questions, and get hands-on with the latest products and services in the industry. We can't wait to see you there!

Next week, we’ll be at Spectrum! We’ll have an exhibitor booth, and I’ll be presenting on Quality Assurance. If you’re attending, I’d love to see you at the session or at our booth. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet peers, exchange ideas, and gain new insights that might inspire you to explore a topic more deeply!

Here are some tips to make the most of the events:

• Come Prepared: Before you attend, take a moment to think about who you might want to meet or what you'd like to learn. Whether it's a specific speaker or an exhibitor, having a plan can help you make the most of your time. It sets you up to attend with purpose! Come with intention :)
• Be Open to New Connections: Sometimes the best conversations happen unexpectedly. Stay open to chatting with someone new—you never know where it could lead! Play full-out!
• Follow Up: Don’t forget to follow up after the event. Whether it’s an email, connecting on LinkedIn, or scheduling a coffee chat, nurturing these new relationships can turn a brief encounter into a lasting professional connection.

If you’re attending CDHA or Spectrum, stop by and say hello at the rdhu booth. Let’s make the most of these opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together!

Looking for more in-person courses at rdhu? Click here to explore our amazing line-up of courses.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

I had a conversation the other day with a dental hygienist who has been practicing for 27 years. She’s the only dental hygienist in a small private practice, and yet, despite working alone, she prioritizes staying connected. She shared with me how important it is for her to participate in Professional Development activities and how grateful she is to have rdhu as a place to connect, learn, and share with others in our profession.

What we both found concerning is how many dental hygienists are out there working on their own, without staying current. Many are not attending in-person events or engaging in hands-on training to keep up with evidence-based research and new technologies. This isn’t just about maintaining registrations or fulfilling requirements—it’s about the quality of care we provide to our clients and patients.

How would you feel being treated by someone who is not up to date? Worse yet, how would you feel knowing your family was being treated by someone who isn’t keeping current?

This conversation really made me think: How do we connect with those who are out there practicing in isolation? How do we reach the dental hygienists who aren’t expanding their skills or staying aware of what it means to be a true professional in this fast-changing field? These are the ones who may not even realize what they’re missing by not staying engaged with their peers and current with industry advancements.

I would love to hear your thoughts. How do you think we can reach these groups of dental hygienists who might be slipping through the cracks? Hit reply or email me directly at kathleen@rdhu.ca—I’d love to hear your ideas!

Together, we can keep the profession strong and ensure that we’re all providing the best care possible.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

With so many exciting rdhu events and opportunities coming up, I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few in this week's blog!

Our Fall Myofunctional Therapy: A Practical Program, with the wonderful Joe Siegfried, is officially SOLD OUT! If you missed out, don’t worry—we’ve already opened registration for Spring 2025. This is a great time to secure your spot and set up a payment plan if needed. Just click here to explore more details on our website.

If you're a graduate of this program, we invite you to ensure your information is listed in our Find a Myofunctional Therapist section! If you haven’t yet sent us your details, please reach out at info@rdhu.ca, and we’ll make sure you’re included. Also, we’re excited to share that we now carry the Myo Essentials Kit, containing all the tools your clients will need during therapy. Click here to check it out.

For those interested in orthodontics, we still have a few spots left for this weekend’s Ortho Fundamentals workshop! This is a two-day, hands-on experience with the brilliant Liisa Moore at rdhu. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into ortho fundamentals, so if you’re looking to learn a new skill or strengthen an existing one, click here for more information and to register.

And finally, don’t miss our FREE upcoming webinar with the inspirational Jo-Anne Jones, titled Breaking the Silence: How to Discuss HPV and Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer. The live session takes place next Wednesday, October 2nd at 7pm EST, and all registrants will receive the recording along with practical Talking Points that you can print and bring back to your practice. This will be a fantastic resource for those crucial conversations with your patients and clients, so be sure to join us! Click here to register!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President

I had a wonderful call today with Deb Jutras, a long-time rdhu member who is truly a bright light in our community. I always love seeing Deb at rdhu events or conferences, as she radiates positivity and passion for our profession.

During our conversation, Deb shared some exciting news—her dentist is registering 10 dental hygienists for our December laser training. Although Deb is already certified in lasers, she’s joining them because, as she puts it, "You can always learn something new, and a refresh is always good." I love that mindset! Deb is the definition of a lifelong learner, and I'm excited to have her with us as we introduce some updates to our laser training. Her dedication to continuously growing and implementing new skills into her practice is truly inspiring.

We also talked about something that’s been on a lot of minds lately—retirement. Deb is currently working three days a week and, after 41 years at 'Dentistry at the Lake' in Peterborough, she still loves what she does. She’s surrounded by good people and finds fulfillment in her practice. For her, there’s no rush to retire, and she’s found a beautiful balance between work and personal life. Deb rows with her Dragon Boat team twice a week after work and, while she admits to being tired afterward, it’s a “good kind of tired.”

Our conversation got me reflecting on the times I’m asked, "When are you going to retire?" In fact, just last week, my hairstylist asked me that very question. My answer was simple—I wouldn’t know what to do with myself! Her response? "Enjoy life." But here’s the thing: I amenjoying life, and I don’t need to retire to do that. Deb and I are on the same page. We both find joy in our work, which allows us to have that great work-life balance.

One of the reasons this balance works for us is energy management. I hear from so many people who leave their work feeling drained, barely able to make it through the rest of the day. This is why I’m so passionate about presenting on Energy Management, a topic I recently wrote about in Women in Dentistry. That article is coming out in October, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Deb also shared something that resonated deeply with me. She’s always treated her operatory as if she owns it—she runs it like it’s her business. I love to call this kind of mindset 'Intrepreneurship.' An Intrepreneur is someone who works for someone but takes ownership of their role as if it were their own business. This mindset is so fulfilling, not just for the individual but for the entire practice. Deb embodies this. She cares deeply for her patients, runs a productive and positive operatory, and has helped her practice thrive.

If you’re feeling drained or unheard in your current role, it might be time to ask yourself if the practice of your dreams is just around the corner. Can you shift your energy? Can you approach your day like an Intrepreneur? Maybe the change you need is already within your reach—whether that’s a refresh in skills, a new mindset, or even finding a practice where your voice is truly heard.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look on our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

As we enter the final quarter of 2024, it’s natural to feel the momentum of the year winding down, but this time can also be an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Whether you’ve been coasting along or striving toward big goals, the last few months of the year are the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set new intentions. Today, I invite you to consider what you want to accomplish before the year closes.

I like to picture myself at the end of the year, as if I’ve already accomplished my goal. Then, I work backwards: What steps did I take to get there? This exercise can help you map out the actions you need and guide you in creating smaller, actionable goals that lead to your ultimate achievement.

Reflecting on Your Goals

Take a moment to think about the goals you set at the beginning of the year—both personal and professional. Have you made the progress you hoped for? Have new priorities shifted your focus? It’s okay if things didn’t unfold exactly as planned; life has a way of surprising us! What matters is how we respond and reset.

Now is the time to ask yourself:

• What small wins can I celebrate?
• Are there any goals I still feel passionate about?
• What adjustments can I make to finish the year feeling accomplished?

By celebrating even the smallest of wins, you remind yourself that every step forward counts. This practice keeps you motivated, whether it’s successfully implementing something new in your practice, like incorporating oral probiotics into patient care, or finding a better work-life balance.

Setting New Intentions

Rather than focusing on what hasn’t been done, let’s shift the perspective to what’s still possible. Setting new intentions allows you to ground yourself in purpose, without the pressure of rigid goals. Think of your intentions as a guide to finish the year with clarity and fulfillment, rather than a checklist to conquer.

• Have you reached your personal and professional goals for 2024?
• What can you do to support your professional growth?

Maybe it’s about deepening your knowledge in a specific area or attending one last course or program before the year ends to feel more connected and confident.

Many dental hygienists I’ve spoken with feel a bit unsettled about the courses they know they need or should take but haven’t gotten around to yet. It isn’t too late! Look at what’s coming up, create a goal, and join that course. You’ll end the year feeling strong and ready for what’s next.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look on our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

This past weekend was an emotional one for me and my family. We had to say goodbye to our sweet dog, Banjo, on Friday. He was 14.5 years old and had been struggling with some health issues. With all three of our kids visiting us, we knew it was the right time to give Banjo a peaceful send-off. While it was a fitting farewell, my heart aches, and I know it will take time to heal.

In the midst of this, I felt the need to focus on something positive to help me move forward. With the arrival of a new month—coinciding with the start of rdhu's academic year—and the end of a busy summer filled with visitors, I decided it was the perfect time to return to a healthy routine. I printed out my 30-Day Tracker and committed to making some positive changes. Just the act of printing it and setting a plan has already helped ease my heartache and shift my mindset.

I thought that many of you might also benefit from a 30-Day Challenge/Tracker, especially with the kids going back to school or perhaps one leaving for university for the first time. It’s a perfect opportunity to refocus and set some goals.

Below, you'll find the 30-Day Challenge/Tracker. I’m using mine to track my daily walks (now without my Banjo), my weightlifting sessions (thank you, Liisa Moore, for the workout videos you created for me), my vitamin and supplement intake (AG1 and Fish Oil), and my professional development goals (Complete my Nail-Biting Research Paper).

For those of you who registered for our Summer Specials or have registered for some courses, I’m also including additional helpful worksheets for planning and tracking your progress! What are your intentions for taking the course? When will you review your notes and create an implementation plan? What are your next steps?

Thank you to everyone who registered for the Summer Specials! I’m excited to be on this journey with you.

And a special thank you to the group I sent the Nail-Biting Survey to. My research paper is coming along nicely, and it’s been a helpful distraction during this time.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

30-Day Tracker (Click to download)

Goal Planner

Monthly Activity Planner

Activity Worksheet

At the bookend of summer, we’re gearing up for another exciting season!

As many of you prepare for your little ones to return to school, we here at rdhu are ready to kick off our 16th Academic Calendar Year. We've been working diligently behind the scenes, refining our curriculum, and we're thrilled to launch our new offerings next week.

With 20,000 RDHs trusting their professional development to us, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you. Whether you're joining our FREE webinars, participating in our LIVE Streaming online courses, attending our HANDS-ON courses, or diving into the Dental Hygiene Quarterly, your commitment to growth is what drives us.

For those who have taken advantage of the All Access Virtual Pass—what an opportunity! Access to ALL our LIVE streaming courses, with recordings available, means endless possibilities for learning at your own pace.

Our in-person programs, such as Ortho, Myo, and our Boutique Style Conference, also offer unique opportunities to expand your knowledge in a hands-on setting.

But to those of you who are still on the fence, maybe thinking, "I should take that course" or "I should sign up for that"... I encourage you to turn those "shoulds" into action. Now is the time to leap! Invest in your growth and let us help you on your journey.

When I started rdhu, it was because I felt a passion for learning that goes beyond just checking boxes. I wanted to create a space where dental professionals could not only learn but feel inspired to implement what they’ve learned. My background in personal development and business ownership has always driven me to seek meaningful transformation, and I wanted to bring that same drive to our profession.

When you fully engage in a topic, you’ll not only see your practice transform, but you’ll also rediscover the excitement and engagement that drew you to this profession in the first place. Set your goals, dive into learning activities that support them, and create a plan to implement your new knowledge. That’s when true transformation happens.

Only 4 Days Left to register for the All Access Virtual Pass and/or Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Special!!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

As summer winds down, our Special Summer Deals will be ending on August 31st.

We've received several inquiries about the differences between the two Summer Specials we're offering, so I wanted to clarify.

Here are the differences:

1. The Dental Hygiene Quarterly (DHQ) Summer Special offers an on-demand CE option. You can receive 3 years for $469 (or $369 for CDHA Members). This includes access to 3 years of DHQ, starting with the Spring 2024 Edition and ending with Winter 2026. If you already have a subscription, we will automatically extend it on your existing account. If you need to backdate your CE to catch up, this option is available. Please email info@rdhu.ca with any special requests and we can send you past editions.

Each quarter, we deliver 3 hours of CE content directly to your personal portal. Every course includes short quizzes and a Certificate of Completion, with total savings of nearly $200.

Our courses are video-based, similar to our live streaming sessions. In addition, we provide a Goal Statement, Bibliography, and Additional Resources for those who maintain a learning portfolio.

DHQ is an excellent way to stay on track, with gentle reminders and prompts each quarter to keep you current. By subscribing to DHQ, you’ll earn 12 CE Hours per year!

Click here to view the DHQ on-demand courses we have lined up from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025. We will keep you updated with future course selections! Our DHQ Board is always vetting content to ensure it’s current and relevant for you.

2. The All Access Virtual Pass (AAVP) gives you access to all LIVE streaming courses we offer from September 2024 to June 2025. With our new one-click feature, you can easily sign up for any course you want!

If you can't attend a course live, the recording will be uploaded to your personal portal and available for 30 days. Extensions can be provided upon request. A short quiz and Certificate of Completion will also be stored in your personal portal. Click here to view the amazing courses and presenters lined-up for the next Academic Year that are included in the All Access Virtual Pass!

Only 11 days left to take advantage of these Summer Specials!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

To continue our marketing series shared over the last few weeks, let's take a look at what more you can do in the 'During' appointment phase and how you can deliver a 5-Star Experience!

Most patients and clients don't expect to hear from you after the appointment and after they've paid for services. They often view it as a transaction that is now complete. A great way to stand out is by surprising them with something after the appointment.

It could be a phone call, an email to check in, or a link to a video with more information on something you discussed. You could even send them a whitening syringe as a home treatment if it was part of their procedure. This unexpected follow-up makes people step back and think, "Wow, the appointment is over, and my office is still connecting with me."

So, let's explore the 'During' appointment phase, focusing on the period after they have left, using OralRisk™ AI Genetics Testing as an example.

You could reach out via email, sending them additional information on the OralRisk™ AI Genetics Testing. You could also send an email outlining what can be done if they discover they are at high risk for caries or periodontal disease, reassuring them that you've got them covered.

Once you and your client receive the results in the portal, after an OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing, there are several thoughtful and impactful follow-up actions you can take to ensure a 5-Star Patient Experience.

1. Personalized Test Results Overview

• Detailed Report: Both you and your client/patient will receive a personalized report that explains the results. Which includes visuals to help them understand their genetic predispositions.
• Video Explanation: Create a personalized video where you can explain the results and what they mean for the patient's oral health.

2. Customized Preventive Plan

• Preventive Care Recommendations: Create a tailored preventive care plan based on their results, including recommendations for at-home care, dietary adjustments, and professional treatments.
• Product Suggestions: Recommend specific home-care products (e.g., Stannous Fluoride toothpaste, rinses) that are suited to their genetic profile and let them know where they can get these products (or perhaps you can offer them in your practice).

3. Exclusive Access to Educational Resources

• Educational Webinar: Invite them to a webinar or workshop where they can learn more about their condition and how to manage it. This is a great opportunity to collaborate and invite other healthcare professionals from your area.
• Informational Articles: Send links to articles or blog posts related to their test results, helping them stay informed about their oral health.

4. Personalized Appointments

• Scheduled Appointments: Offer to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and adjust their treatment plan as needed. Perhaps you need to put your client on a 3 month re-care appointment versus a 6 or 9 month.

5. Custom Health Packages

• Care Package: Send them home with a care package with items like floss, or other interdental aids, an iO head, mouthwash, etc., tailored to their needs based on the test results.
• Wellness Check-Ins: Schedule routine wellness check-ins via phone or email to discuss their progress and any new concerns. They may love to hear from you if they are at high risk for perio or caries.

6. Reassurance and Ongoing Communication

• Reassuring Message: Send a personalized message reassuring them that, regardless of the results, your practice is there to support their oral health journey.
• Regular Updates: Keep in touch with updates on new treatments or advancements in genetic testing that might benefit them. A monthly newsletter is also appreciated to help keep patients up-to-date with the services you provide.

These follow-up actions not only reinforce the value of the OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing but also build long-term trust and loyalty with your patients. It also creates an opportunity to increase your referrals and boost retention rates.

I hope you enjoyed this 5-Star Experience series. If you missed the beginning of this marketing series on On-Track Tuesday, you can read it below.

If you would like more information about OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing and missed our recent webinar, watch the webinar here and contact Curion, the exclusive Canadian Distributor!

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars (coming up next month), The RDH View, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials. Be sure to check out our Summer Specials for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and All Access Virtual Pass! Only 2 Weeks Left to Sign-up for these Savings!!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

What a great long weekend that was! I hope you are enjoying the summer and taking plenty of time to relax and have some fun!

To continue our marketing series shared over the last few On-Track Tuesday Blogs, let's take a look at what happens once the client/patient visits your practice on the actual appointment day.

So far, we have identified the patient profile type and compelled them to reach out to us. We have educated them on the service they are interested in, communicated effectively, and seamlessly scheduled an appointment.

This is all part of delivering a 5-Star Patient Experience. The experience isn't just about the appointment day; it encompasses Before they become a patient/client (or before the appointment), During the actual appointment, and the After experience.

In this blog, we will delve into delivering the 5-Star Patient Experience on the appointment day! Let's continue using the OralRisk™ AI Genetics Testing as the service that has prompted our patients to reach out to us. This could be for an existing active patient, an inactive patient returning for this service, or a new patient.

Warm and Welcoming Environment

• Friendly Team: Ensure that your team is trained to greet patients warmly and make them feel comfortable. Always have a friendly face to greet your patients. The person who greets them should be happy and welcoming. Remember, patients are doing us a favour by choosing our practice.
• Personalization: Greet your patients by name and let them know how great it is to see them. Make each patient feel like they are the only person that matters. I have been in medical and dental offices where I felt like just a number, and I have been in offices and even hospitals where I felt like the only person that matters. Every person deserves a 5-Star Experience Welcome!
• Comfortable Reception Area: Provide a pleasant and comfortable reception area. Consider offering free WiFi and also provide educational material. Avoid having monitors or screens with the news playing, as it can often trigger anxiety. Instead, play educational videos, calming content like a Fish Aquarium Channel, a fun Pet Channel, or in the winter, the Fireplace Channel.

Thorough Consultation

• Personalized Consultation: During the appointment, offer a thorough consultation where you explain the OralRisk™testing process, answer questions, and address any concerns.
• Transparency: Be transparent about the costs, benefits, and what patients can expect from the results.

Efficient Testing Process

• Smooth Procedure: Ensure that the genetic testing process is quick and efficient. Always explain what you are doing so they aren't left wondering.
• Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism and care throughout the entire appointment. Ensure the entire team is aware of the services you are providing so that communication can continue seamlessly at the front desk if someone has a question.

Ensure a Smooth Check-Out Experience

• The front team/admin should inform patients that you will be in touch once the results are in. If necessary, a consult will be arranged for the next steps.

Stay tuned for next week as I continue on this marketing path and share what is next with delivering the 5-Star Patient Experience. If you missed the beginning of this marketing series on On-Track Tuesday, you can read below.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look on our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars (coming up next month), The RDH View, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials. Be sure to check out our Summer Specials for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and All Access Virtual Pass! Less than One Month Left for these Savings!!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

To continue on our marketing series that has been shared over the last few On-Track Tuesday Blogs, we will take a look at what happens after a patient or potential patient reaches out to you for more information and to book an appointment.

This is where you really want to be The Easy Button for your patient.

You have caught their attention. You have connected with them and educated them on the service that interests them. In this situation, as an example, we used OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing.

Ready to Transform Your Dental Health?

Don’t wait to take control of your dental future. Schedule your OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing appointment today and join the many who have already benefited from this cutting-edge technology.

__________________________

You would then include a link to call, book online, or provide a quick reply prompt. This makes it easy for them to connect with you and book an appointment.

If they haven't booked the appointment, you could also send them a brochure, available for download in last week's email and included below, in case you missed it. If they don't schedule a visit, you can send this as a second communication. Hopefully, you have some sort of CRM or process for communication in place!

This is where you connect with your patient or potential patient and offer them an appointment. Reach out to those who have showed interest and make it easy for your patient to book the appointment. Make sure your admin team is aware of this campaign that you are running so they know how to communicate and answer potential questions that your patients/clients may have.

Having the entire team on board with all programs and services you offer is so important. The front team should not be disconnected from the efforts going on with the clinical team.

This is why team meetings and morning huddles are so important.

Have everyone on board to deliver a 5-star patient/client experience with OralRisk™ Genetic Testing. It involves several key steps to ensure that your patients/clients feel valued, informed, and cared for throughout their entire journey.

It starts with the first communication! The first interaction they have with your practice. This is not only for new patients but for those who may not have been in to see you for some time. Consider treating these people like they are new patients!

What we have covered so far that is part of delivering the 5-Star Experience:

1. Personalized Communication

• Initial Contact: Use personalized messaging when patients first learn about OralRisk Genetic Testing. Tailor your communication to address their specific needs and concerns.
• Follow-Up: Send personalized follow-up messages to answer any questions and provide additional information.

2. Comprehensive Education

• Informative Brochures and Guides: Provide detailed brochures and guides that explain the benefits, process, and implications of the OralRisk Genetic Testing.
• Educational Content: Offer easy-to-understand educational content through emails, videos, and in-office materials that highlight the importance and benefits of genetic testing.

3. Seamless Scheduling

• Easy Booking Options: Make it simple for patients to schedule their appointment through various channels such as online booking, phone calls, or quick reply prompts.
• Timely Reminders: Send timely reminders via email or SMS to ensure patients remember their appointments.

Stay tuned for next week as I continue on this marketing path and share what is next with delivering the 5-Star Patient Experience. If you missed the beginning of this marketing series on On-Track Tuesday, you can read below.

Thank you for your support and reading! Please take a look through our website for upcoming Live Streaming Courses, Events, Free Webinars, The RDH View, Hands-on Courses, Career Postings and our Partner Specials. Be sure to check out our Summer Specials for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and All Access Virtual Pass! Only One Month Left for these Savings!!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

OralRisk™ Patient Brochure

In the last few weeks' On-Track Tuesday Blog, we explored profiling our patient/client profile types and crafting messages that compel our patients/clients or prospective patients to reach out to us.

What happens next is crucial, as this is where you deliver the information they want to know more about.

If they raised their hand and you compelled them to reach out, now you deliver!

For example, if you sent out an email to your patients, posted a Google Ad, or shared on social media, you would have them opt in to learn more.

Remember, you can use this approach for anything you are offering, such as implants, whitening, sports guards, Invisalign, or soft-tissue diode laser treatment.

Using OralRisk™ AI Genetics compelling headline for your email or post, here is an example:

"Revolutionary testing to determine whether you are predisposed to cavities and gum disease! Click here to learn more."

In this next section, you would provide an educational brochure, guide, or a series of emails. It is the compelling headline that drove them to this section. Now is the time to educate them about OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing and share all the reasons why they would want to have this test.

Here's the information series:

Welcome to Your Personalized Dental Health Journey!

Thank you for your interest in OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing. You’ve taken the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile. In this section, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing and why it’s a game-changer for your dental health.

What is OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing?

OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing is a revolutionary approach that uses a simple cheek or gum swab to determine your genetic predisposition to dental caries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease. This test helps identify whether you are at low or high risk, allowing for personalized preventive care.

Why Choose OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing?

Early Detection: Identify potential dental issues before they become serious problems.

Personalized Care: Tailor your dental treatment plans based on your genetic profile.

Preventive Measures: Take proactive steps to maintain optimal oral health.

Peace of Mind: Gain insights into your (or your child's) dental health and reduce the risk of future complications.

How Does It Work?

Easy Sample Collection: A simple cheek or gum swab is taken in the comfort of your dental clinic.

Advanced Analysis: The sample is sent to Mount Sinai in Toronto, Ontario for comprehensive genetic analysis.

Secure Results: Results are uploaded to a private personal portal accessible only by you and your dental professional.

What Happens Next?

With your genetic test results in hand, you and your dental professional can:

1. Develop a Customized Prevention Plan: Focus on areas like nutrition, fluoride treatments, and possible more frequent hygiene appointments.

2. Monitor and Adjust Treatments: Continuously optimize your care based on your genetic insights.

3. Empower Your Health Decisions: Make informed choices about your dental care and overall well-being.

Real Impact for Real People

Hear from patients who have transformed their dental health through OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing. [Share testimonials or case studies!]

Ready to Transform Your Dental Health?

Don’t wait to take control of your dental future. Schedule your OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing appointment today and join the many who have already benefited from this cutting-edge technology.

__________________________

You would then include a link to call, book online, or provide a quick reply prompt. This makes it easy for them to connect with you and book an appointment. Be the Easy Button!

You could also send them a brochure, available for download below. If they don't schedule a visit, you can send this as a second communication. Hopefully, you have some sort of CRM or process for communication in place!

Stay tuned next week as I continue on this marketing path and share what to do once they opt in to learn more. If you missed the beginning of this marketing series on On-Track Tuesday, you can read it below.

Thank you for your support and reading! Be sure to check out our Summer Specials for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and All Access Virtual Pass!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

OralRisk™ Patient Brochure

In last week's On-Track Tuesday Blog, we delved deeper into identifying Patient/Client Profile Types.

By focusing on one type of patient at a time, we can address their specific needs more effectively. Instead of offering generic messaging that doesn’t resonate with anyone in particular, we craft messages tailored to specific patient profiles. This approach ensures that each message speaks directly to the unique characteristics and concerns of a particular patient type.

Let's now explore how to create compelling headlines that speak to those specific patient/client profile types.

Using OralRisk™ Genetic Testing as an example, consider this: if your marketing simply states, "We offer Genetic Testing!" it probably wouldn't compel anyone to reach out to you.

Instead, let's consider a couple of the Patient Profile types I mentioned last week and create compelling headlines for them.

1. Compelling Headlines to attract the High Risk of Dental Issues patients. i.e. Patients with a family history of dental caries or periodontal disease.

Revolutionary testing to determine whether you are predisposed to cavities and gum disease! Click here to learn more.

Or

Do you have gum disease in your family? Get genetic testing for only $--- to discover if you carry the gene and get on your prevention plan.

2. Compelling Headlines to attract the Preventive Care Enthusiasts: Those who are proactive about their health and interested in preventive care measures.

The future is here. Take an OralRisk™ AI Genetic Test to determine if you are predisposed to cavities or gum disease.

And a few more Compelling Headlines:

~ Unlock the Secrets of Your Dental Health: Discover Your Genetic Risk Today!

~ Prevent Dental Problems Before They Start: OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing for Optimal Oral Health

~ The Future of Dentistry is Here: Personalized Care with OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing

~ From Prediction to Prevention: How OralRisk™ AI Genetic Testing Can Revolutionize Dental Care

By crafting compelling headlines for one specific client or patient profile type at a time, you are sure to attract existing patients to seek a particular treatment or service that you are providing. Additionally, this approach will attract new patients/clients to your practice!

You can use these compelling headlines in your email marketing, on your social media channels, Google Ads, and in pamphlets or brochures for take-home communication.

Stay tuned next week as I continue on this marketing path and share what to do once they opt in to learn more. If you missed the beginning of this marketing series on On-Track Tuesday, you can read them below.

Thank you for your support and reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

In last week's On-Track Tuesday Blog, we discussed identifying Patient Profile Types.

By focusing on one type of patient at a time, we can address their specific needs more effectively. Instead of offering generic messaging that doesn’t resonate with anyone in particular, we craft messages tailored to specific patient profiles. This approach ensures that each message speaks directly to the unique characteristics and concerns of a particular patient type.

I remember seeing an ad about neck pain last year. The ads message was, "Are you experiencing numbness and tingling in your arm?" So here, we have anyone who may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their arm reach up their hand and say, "Yes! Yes I am experiencing numbness and tingling in my arm(s)." Then I clicked on the next link to learn more. Instead of "We fix Constricted Necks" or "We adjust Necks!" I wouldn't have clicked through to learn more.

So, think about potential patient types for Oral Risk Genetic Testing (AI Genetics), as an example. We held a webinar a couple of weeks ago with Dr. Lou Graham and a panel to share a revolutionary genetic test that has just launched in Canada!

If we were to consider potential patient types for Oral Risk Genetic Testing it could look like this:

Potential Patient Profile Types for Oral Risk Genetic Testing:

1. High Risk of Dental Issues: Patients with a family history of dental caries or periodontal disease.

2. Preventive Care Enthusiasts: Those who are proactive about their health and interested in preventive care measures.

3. Patients with Frequent Dental Problems: Individuals who have recurrent issues with cavities or gum disease despite regular dental care. Let’s help them put their mind at ease and discover if they are predisposed to dental disease.

4. New Patients: Providing a comprehensive initial assessment to tailor their dental care plan.

5. Patients with Compromised Immune Systems: Individuals with conditions like Diabetes, Obesity or Autoimmune Diseases that could exacerbate dental issues.

6. Patients with a Family History of Systemic Disease: Individuals who have a family history of systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and more, would benefit from the test due to the well-known oral-systemic connection.

7. Parents Concerned About Their Children's Dental Health: Offering early intervention for children who might be genetically predisposed to dental problems.

8. Patients Planning Major Dental Work: Those preparing for extensive dental procedures or orthodontic work, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes.

9. Patients Interested in Holistic Health: Individuals looking to integrate their dental health with overall wellness plans.

10. Regular Dental Hygiene Patients: Encouraging those who visit for regular hygiene appointments to take the next step in personalized care.

11. Patients in High-Stress Jobs: Stress can impact oral health, making preventive measures even more critical.

12. Lifestyle Choices (i.e. smoking, vaping, alcohol, diet): Individuals who smoke, vape, or consume alcohol regularly are at a higher risk for dental caries and periodontal disease due to the negative impacts these habits have on oral health.

Once you have this list for any treatment you offer in your practice, the list will grow and your messaging will be directed to that one particular patient on a larger scale, helping them identify that you might have what they need.

Stay tuned next week as I continue on this marketing path and will share some compelling headlines that will attract specific patient profile types. If you missed last week's On-Track Tuesday, you can read it below.

If you would like to watch the one-hour webinar on Oral Risk Genetic Testing, I am happy to share, we have it on our YouTube Channel. If you would like to learn more about how you can get Oral Risk Genetic Testing in our practice, visit Curion.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

With the patient attrition rate in most dental practices ranging between 10-20%, it's crucial to have a proactive strategy to attract new patients. Relying solely on word of mouth isn't enough.

One effective approach is to focus on specific patient profiles and design targeted campaigns for each type. By investing effort upfront, these campaigns can become self-sustaining and be repeated multiple times a year.

Consider the type of campaign you would like to run. For example, if you want to promote laser treatments, identify the patient profiles that would benefit most from these treatments. Create a campaign to attract these new patients while also encouraging your existing clients to explore more laser treatment options.

Promoting your services consistently is key. When patients see that you offer treatments for various conditions through your email communications and social media postings, they are more likely to be receptive when you introduce these options during their visits. This familiarity can make a significant difference in their willingness to consider new treatments.

It's a great idea to meet with your team and discuss the patient profile types you would like to attract to your practice. This is the foundation of an effective marketing strategy. Stay tuned for more helpful tips in next week's On-Track Tuesday!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Our Dental Hygiene Quarterly (aka DHQ) Summer Special ~ Learn and Save ~ with the CDHA is underway!

Why do I love DHQ so much? DHQ has been available to dental hygienists for 22 years! We just delivered the Summer Issue and it is our 88th Volume! I did the math yesterday... 88 Volumes/4 year = 22 years! Wow!

That is something worth celebrating and something that we are so proud to be a part of.

Dental Hygiene Quarterly was created many years ago and I remember my first speaking opportunities were with DHQ. I was super nervous and not too comfortable in front of a camera! Fast forward to 2016 when DHQ came under the rdhu umbrella and I am thrilled to be the publisher and enjoy connecting online!

My son, Aiden, would do any video-taping (prior to the pandemic) and now manages the editing and production part.

With the Summer-Time upon us, as I mentioned last week, summer is a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, but it’s also a prime opportunity to invest in your future professional growth. Enjoy the peace-of-mind over the summer knowing that you are all set to stay current this Fall! Our Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Special offers an incredible chance for members to elevate their expertise and stay ahead in their field and save money!

Here are the top benefits of signing up for this exclusive offer:

1. Continuous Professional Development

Our ‘Dental Hygiene Quarterly’ program ensures that you receive approximately 3 hours of high-quality continuing education every quarter. This consistent learning schedule helps you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in dental hygiene, ensuring your skills and knowledge are always current and helps keep you On-Track with half of your QA Requirements!

2. Diverse and Relevant Topics

Each quarter, we bring you a carefully curated selection of topics and ideas that are both relevant and forward-thinking. These topics are designed to challenge your existing knowledge and introduce you to new concepts and techniques that you might not have considered. This diversity ensures a well-rounded professional development experience.

3. Convenience and Flexibility

We understand the demands of a busy professional life. That’s why our program is designed to be convenient and flexible. You can access the educational content at your own pace and on your own schedule, making it easier to fit professional development into your life without sacrificing other commitments. And a little hint...you can put it on a faster speed if you learn better this way. Rewind, recapture, the options are at your fingertips!

4. Expert-Led Sessions

Our courses are led by industry experts who bring a wealth of experience and insight to each session. Learning from these professionals ensures that you receive practical, real-world knowledge that you can apply directly to your practice.

5. Enhance Your Career Prospects

Continuous learning and professional development are key to career advancement. By participating in our quarterly program, you demonstrate a commitment to your profession and your ongoing education. This dedication can make you a more attractive candidate for promotions, new job opportunities, or specialized roles within your field. Add DHQ to your CV!

6. Stay Ahead of Industry Trends

The dental hygiene field is constantly evolving. Our quarterly updates ensure that you stay ahead of industry trends and innovations. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments allows you to provide the best possible care to your patients and positions you as a leader in your practice.

7. Boost Confidence and Competence

Regular professional development boosts your confidence and competence in your role. As you gain new knowledge and skills, you’ll feel more assured in your abilities and more prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way. If you are anything like me, I just love learning and it charges me!

8. Exclusive Summer Special Offer

Our Summer Special is an exclusive offer designed to make it even more enticing to join. Take advantage of special pricing available only during this period. This is a membership benefit with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and it's the perfect time to commit to your professional growth and reap the rewards of continuous education.

Join our Summer Special today and take the first step toward a brighter, more successful and fulfilled future!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

We held our last in-person program on Saturday and look forward to taking a break in the summer from in-person and online courses to prepare for getting back at it in September! Our summers are so short. We have always planned to block off July and August and have our Academic Year from September to June so that we can also give our members the opportunity to unplug over the summer.

The summer is a time for a well-deserved break! This seasonal pause is important for our mental and physical well-being, setting the stage for a more productive and fulfilling professional development journey when September rolls around.

Whether you are working in clinical practice for a DSO or private practice, you have your own independent practice or are in a non-traditional role as a dental hygienist, here's why unplugging in the summer is essential and how it can supercharge your professional growth in the fall.

1. Recharge Your Mental Batteries

As dental professionals our lifestyle often entails a relentless pace, with constant demands on our time and energy. Over time, this can lead to burnout, reducing our creativity, productivity, and overall happiness. Taking a mental break during the summer allows our brains to rest and rejuvenate. Just like a computer needs to reboot to function optimally, our minds need downtime to process and recover from the stress and challenges of our work life!

2. Boost Creativity and Innovation

Stepping away and taking the time to relax can foster creativity. Engaging in different activities, exploring new environments, and simply allowing your mind to wander can spark fresh ideas and perspectives. When we are not tethered to our usual routines, we can think more freely and innovatively. By the time September arrives, you might find yourself brimming with new ideas and solutions that can be applied to both your personal and professional development!

3. Strengthen Personal Relationships

Summer is an excellent time to reconnect with family and friends. Strengthening these personal bonds is vital for emotional support and overall happiness. These relationships provide a grounding influence, helping to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It takes effort to plan get togethers and weekends away. Now is the time to start making plans with your loved ones!

4. Reflect and Realign Goals

Taking a step back during the summer allows you to reflect on your career goals and achievements. Where are you at with your professional goals, Pearl? Are you happy in your practice? This time of reflection is crucial for realigning your efforts and make changes where you need. If something isn't working for you, you can plan more effectively for the future during this time.

5. Improve Physical Health

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to engage in physical activities. Whether it's hiking, swimming, biking, or simply walking in nature, these activities can improve physical health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Take time for you over the summer. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

6. Prepare for a Fresh Start

Unplugging in the summer creates a natural break in the year, offering a chance to start anew in September. I always feel like September is January. It's a frest start. A new beginning! This period of rest helps clear your mind, making it easier to absorb new information and tackle new challenges. When you return back to the 'norm' with a refreshed perspective, you are more likely to be motivated and enthusiastic about learning and growth.

7. Increase Productivity and Focus

A well-rested mind is more productive and focused. After a summer of mental relaxation, you will likely find it easier to concentrate and engage deeply with your professional development activities. This enhanced focus can lead to more effective learning and skill acquisition, ultimately benefiting your career.

Unplugging mentally during the summer is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It allows you to recharge, foster creativity, strengthen relationships, reflect on goals, improve health, and prepare for a fresh start. By taking this time to relax and rejuvenate, you set yourself up for a successful and productive return to professional development in September.

So, as the summer sun is calling, embrace the opportunity to unplug, knowing that it’s an investment in your future professional!

Stay tuned for our Summer Specials! Purchase over the summer and save time and money throughout the year. The 'All Access Virtual Pass' (get access to ALL live streaming courses with one price/one pass) and 'Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Special' (Purchase 3 years for $369). Stay tuned for separate emails on these.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

We are almost halfway into June, just before we take a little break from courses for the summer.

I wanted to share with you what we have coming up so you can feel good about the first half of your Professional Development for 2024!

We have one spot remaining for our Laser Certification course at rdhu. This is the last chance for lasers until we return in September. Click here if you would like to take that last spot!

We have an amazing opportunity to discover how you can revolutionize your practice with AI-Driven Genetic Insights. We have a FREE webinar on Thursday, June 27th from 8:15PM - 9:15PM EST. We sent out an email yesterday to our members and have a few hundred already registered. We can only take 1000 registrants, so if you are interested, please register ASAP. The email we sent to you is now connected with Zoom so you no longer have to register separately in Zoom! That said, this means that link is unique just for you. If you would like to invite your dentist and other members of your team, you will need a separate link for them. You can share this one: https://www.rdhu.ca/AIGenetics

Live Streaming this Month:

Your National Crash Course for Implementing the Classifications of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions

• Part 1: Recording Available
• Part 2: Monday, June 17th - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

What Lies Beneath: Discovering the 'Path' in Common Abnormal Oral Lesions

• Part 1: Thursday, June 13th - 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM EST
• Part 2: Thursday, June 20th - 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Our Summer Specials will be launching very shortly! All Access Virtual Pass (get access to ALL live streaming courses with one price/one pass) and Dental Hygiene Quarterly (Purchase 3 years for $369). Stay tuned for separate emails on these.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

I wanted to take a moment to share some important news regarding a significant change within our leadership team.

Beth has decided to leave rdhu to pursue an exciting new opportunity with one of our valued sponsors, Curion. Friday will be her last day! Beth, being the awesome person she is, gave us plenty of notice. She wanted to make sure that all is in place for our next Academic Calendar Year (September 2024 - June 2025). Thank you, Beth!

We both have a very special relationship with Curion and rdhu works closely with Curion, so it is a nice fit for Beth.

Beth has been an integral part of our organization for the last 6 years, contributing immensely to our growth and success! We have also had a lot of fun together along the way travelling to Finland and from coast to coast across Canada. We often kid how we are like a married couple as we are so in sync with each other and often don't even need to use words to communicate.

While we will miss her leadership and vision, we are also supportive of this new chapter in her professional journey and excited for both Curion and Beth.

Please join me in extending our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Beth as she embarks on this new endeavor. We are confident that Beth will continue to achieve great things and we will be continuing to work together in many ways so she won't be gone gone from rdhu :)

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

The JDIQ Conference in Montreal is happening right now! If you are planning on being there today, be sure to go by the Curion Booth and say Hi to Beth and check out the LM Dental Instruments.

We presented two hands-on instrumentation workshops on Friday at JDIQ and it was so nice to meet many of our members in person. Thank you to all of you who joined us! Both Beth and I absolutely love presenting on all things instrumentation. As you may know, I have a passion for ensuring that dental hygienists always use optimal hand instruments and ultrasonic inserts. If you ever get a chance to take one of our in-person programs, I encourage you to do so. You will leave feeling excited to get back to practice and sharpen all of your instruments as well as getting your kits organized and adding a few additions!

On Saturday I left Montreal and went straight to Halifax where we celebrated my daughter's graduation yesterday. She completed a 5-year Co-op Chemical Engineering program. In a long line of guys coming down the convocation aisle, there was Gillian. This is a male dominating profession for sure. I remember during her gap year she was contemplating between Chemical Engineering and Dentistry. I would have loved for her to go into dental hygiene or dentistry but she chose her dad's route, and is now a Chemical Engineer! I couldn't be more proud of her. I am sitting here in a gorgeous beach house right on the coast as I type. I just love Nova Scotia and will miss my frequent trips here. But I will be back! I would love to have a conference out here one day. If you are from the East Coast and would attend an rdhu conference, please reply to this email and say "Yes, we would love a conference out here" and we shall see what transpires!

I am dedicated to my Tuesday emails no matter where I am. I always like to take the time to reflect and connect! There was a time where these emails would take me days to write, review and redo! I would overthink all things. I have come to enjoy writing, and like anything we do consistently, it becomes easier. I have also come to accept that it doesn't have to be perfect.

Creating content and value is more important than putting out less content that you feel needs to be perfect.

Do you share content and provide value to your patients? This is a great opportunity for you to stay connected with your patients when they are not in your chair. You can connect with them via email or create short videos on helping them maintain their oral health. You can also educate them on all the treatment and services you provide.

Creating content and providing value, even if it's not perfect, is essential because it fosters connection, authenticity, and continuous improvement!

This is a great opportunity for you to engage with your patients, build trust, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to their needs.

The patient/client experience doesn't have to end when they leave your practice. By staying connected with them, it will enhance the treatment you are currently providing.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

I hope you had an amazing long weekend! It is hard to believe that we just had the first long weekend kick-off to the summer! 2024 is going by too quickly!

We have been so fortunate to have taken part in, and hosted, so many wonderful professional development activities this year.

This is a good time of year to check in with yourself and assess where you are at with your PD/CE hours.

Are you On-Track with your Quality Assurance requirements?

When checking in with yourself, if you find you are a bit behind with your hours, think of ways to make things easier to help you stay on track. I am a big believer in The Easy Button!

The Dental Hygiene Quarterly is a great example of an Easy Button to help you stay on track. Every quarter we deliver approximately 3 hours of CE into your own personal portal.

The All Access Virtual Pass is another great way to keep up with your hours and also keep you feeling inspired and engaged along the way!

We created this initiative last year for the Academic Year (September 2023 - June 2024) as a trial, as we really weren't sure if this would be something that we could continue to offer.

It is a one payment option to have access to ALL rdhu's live streaming courses available for the year.

This is now coming to a close at the end of next month!

Given the success of our All Access Virtual Pass and hearing such positive feedback from our members, we are thrilled to announce that we will be offering this again!

Registration will be open first to our existing members who have taken part in this. This will happen on June 15th.

On July 1st we will make the registration available to all members.

As you can imagine, space is limited for such a virtual program, so it will be based on a limited number available and/or by August 31st. Whichever comes first!

Be sure to check out the registration once we make it available.

In the meantime, feel free to use the worksheet below to assess your Professional Development to discover where you might be situated and make a plan to stay on-track, if needed!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Click here for a QA Check In

We had an incredible event on Friday with Jo-Anne Jones' Experiential Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer Screening Workshop.

So much has changed over the years with respect to Oral Cancer, in the research, demographics and the societal trends, that it is essential for us to stay current with the latest advancements, communications and knowledge for prevention and screening.

We need to ensure that we are consistently delivering exceptional care.

We need to ensure that we are up-to-date with the stats and are comfortable having the HPV conversation with our clients and patients.

There was a very engaged group of dental hygienists with us on Friday. Some had mentioned they wished their team would have come with them. How do you go back to practice all excited to implement a thorough intraoral and extraoral examination consistently when so many others might be missing the mark and not being as thorough or perhaps not performing such an essential service to their clients?

Consistency is so important in any business and is the cornerstone of excellence in our profession.

Consistency ensures that every patient receives the same high standard of care, regardless of when they visit your practice or which member of your team they interact with. From hygiene appointments to more complex treatments, patients expect reliability and professionalism at every touchpoint. Consistent protocols and procedures help streamline workflows, minimize errors, and deliver a seamless patient experience from start to finish.

People notice when one performs exceptional care versus another who may be in a rush or have a focus on something else that may be important to them.

This is why going through the experience with your team is so important. When you have a solid team, who all know and implement the key elements of a protocol, you stand out from the crowd. It ignites your team when you work with a vision, synergistically.

Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer Screening could be one of the topics that you bring up in your practice. Meet together as a group and work on each other. Are you consistent with your screenings? Are you making sure that your patients are thoroughly screened? Is your communication and messaging flowing from clinician to clinician? It shouldn't be a surprise when you provide a thorough oral cancer screening. We shouldn't hear "I have never had this done so thoroughly before." Or "I have not had this done before."

When patients know to expect an Oral Cancer Screening (and one that has quite changed from when most of us went to school) and don't receive it, they will notice and wonder why they aren't receiving it. They will notice that they are missing out on something and this will reflect negatively on the practice. We have all been in a situation where we have received exceptional service once, twice, maybe three times and then the next time, something has changed. We leave disappointed and perhaps never return.

Not only is consistency so important to deliver optimal care; it also serves as a powerful form of marketing that doesn't cost anything extra. When you provide consistent care, you make your patients happy. Happy patients come back and happy patients share their experience and refer!

See below for a template on the patient experience and go through this with your team. Perhaps start with your Oral Cancer Screening protocol. What does this look like? Have you updated your Intraoral and Extraoral Cancer Screening over the last 5 years? Are you referring your patients for the HPV Vaccination? Are you using an Oral Cancer Screening Device, like VelScope? Is your team comfortable having the HPV discussion with your patients? What does your protocol look like and how might you improve?

Our next Ultimate Experiential Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer Screening Workshop is happening on Friday, November 8th, 2024 at rdhu. If you would like to join us, please click here to register. If you are from out of town, we have a few amazing courses set up for the weekend so you may want to make this a Professional Development weekend for yourself and your team if they would like to come with you. On the Saturday, November 9th is our next "The Bacteria Party: Who's on Your Guest List?" from 9am - 1pm. Stay and have lunch with us and join me for a hands-on Sharpening and Instrumentation Session, Sharpen Your Skills, from 2pm - 5pm! Sounds like a great opportunity for our in-town and out-of-town members! Click here to register for all 3 with one click (and save an additional $10)!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Click the links below to download:

• Patient Assesment Worksheet
• Patient Experience Exercise

I had a phone conversation with one of our members the other day and she was sharing how she is feeling stuck in her life. She isn't really feeling heard in her practice, not loving where she is working, and has a few personal things that she is dealing with as well.

We have all been there where we feel stuck and not sure of what to do.

One of the programs that I present on is 'Energy Management for the Dental Hygienist'. This topic is near and dear to my heart as I truly believe we have more power in managing our energy than we give ourselves credit for and I love to remind dental hygienists of this. We all need to be reminded of all the positive things that bring us joy as well as to take the time to recognize the negative ones as well.

When you are feeling stuck, lack motivation, and find that you are just going through the motions, there is a great chance that you have many things in your life that are considered energy drainers.

What can we do to get unstuck? Here are a few tips (I have many more!)...

1. Taking the time to reflect and acknowledge your feelings and figure out why you are feeling stuck is the first thing to do. Recognize the things that are not serving you and are draining your energy. Write down the things that you are not happy with in your life. Evaluate and self-reflect. Recognizing the energy drainers is key to becoming unstuck.

2. Take a look at your physical environment. De-clutter the things around you. Take the time to get organized in your home. Clean out your closet, your drawers, and donate where you can. Spring is the perfect time to do this! What is your work environment like? Are you using worn dull instruments and inserts? This can play a huge part on the lack of enthusiasm you may be feeling in your practice. Have you tried wearing loupes or getting a new chair?

3. Are you happy in your workplace? Do you feel heard? Take action and either voice your concerns with your team in a positive way to see if there is a possibility of things changing or start to look for a new position. There are so many opportunities out there for us as dental hygienists. Have faith in yourself and take the leap.

4. Look at where you want to be and create a plan on how you can get there. Create small goals that will help you achieve the larger goals. This can be an exciting exercise to go through!

5. Develop a daily routine and stay consistent. Once you have established a plan, review daily to ensure that you are on track. Perhaps you are going to journal for 5 minutes every morning or night. Perhaps you are going to start your day with a good stretch session. In order for change to happen we must remain consistent.

6. Learn something new! Whether it be in your personal life or professional life (or both!), learning something new is invigorating and can give you the jump start you are looking for. Perhaps you would like to start a new hobby like knitting or photography. Or perhaps you would like to learn about lasers in the dental hygiene practice. By learning something new, you are challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone!

Getting unstuck requires taking intentional actions.

Through self-reflection, embracing and implementing small changes to make a big change, you will slowly become unstuck.

It won't happen overnight and will take some work. Recognize that it is up to you to make change happen. No one is going to come along and do it for us!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Beth and I met with an office from BC last Friday to speak with them about implementing lasers into their practice.

They had already gone through the laser training with us to ensure that they meet the BC regulatory requirements and to have the confidence to treat their clients with lasers.

Implementation is a tough thing to do in every aspect of life.

We can learn something new and get excited about it but then life gets in the way. Navigating change can be challenging and fraught with obstacles. We can find ourselves going back to doing what we previously did and not implementing our new knowledge and skill.

I was so proud of this team to recognize that they needed assistance with implementation rather than just letting it ride and let lasers disappear in their practice like so many practices do.

What can we do to ensure implementation happens?! Change is the only constant in life, and in the dynamic landscape of our profession, implementing new programs is a crucial part of staying relevant and current, while standing out from the practice across the street!

Understanding the Why

Before diving into the implementation process, it's essential to understand the why behind the new program. What problem is it solving? What opportunities does it present? For example, create a list of potential clients/patients who can benefit from lasers. Knowing that you are providing best practice in your clinic will help ensure that everyone involved understands the purpose and benefits of the program. It creates buy-in and motivation, which are two crucial factors for successful implementation.

Clear Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful change initiative. From the front administrative team to the clinical team, it's vital to keep everyone informed and engaged throughout the implementation process. Hold a team meeting and make sure everyone knows the importance of this implementation and that everyone knows their role.

Strong Leadership

Effective leadership is essential for guiding the implementation process and inspiring confidence in the team. Each practice should have one person who will lead the program. Leaders must set clear goals, allocate resources effectively, and provide support and guidance to overcome obstacles.

Tracking

It is important to monitor progress! We sent this office the 30-Day Tracker to help them track their progress. Implementing a new program is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Monitoring progress is critical for identifying any issues early on and making necessary adjustments. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly tracking them allows you to measure the program's impact and make data-driven decisions to optimize its effectiveness. We have added this tracker for you below as a download.

Make changes where necessary and celebrate success! Keep an eye on the program and make changes where you need to. Perhaps you will need some additional mentoring for a team member, or a new patient communication strategy.

Implementing a new program is a complex and challenging process, but with careful planning, clear communication, strong leadership, and ongoing engagement, it is entirely achievable and very much worth doing!

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

30-Day Tracker

We had a great few days in Toronto last week for the ODA ASM. It is always so good to see friends and meet people who perhaps we only have met through emails or webinars! Thank you to all of you who came by to say hello.

I wanted to mention a couple of things that were brought up at the conference...

I had a few people ask about the Dental Hygiene Quarterly. It is still thought of as DVD's. We no longer offer the Dental Hygiene Quarterly in the DVD format, as most people no longer have a DVD player and it was becoming problematic for production. We do have a very easy-to-use portal where all the Dental Hygiene Quarterly courses are uploaded. We upload 3 hours of CE into your portal every quarter! You will have access to these courses for 3 years (some for 5 years) and can use them when you are submitting your QA. There is a short test after each course and you will receive a certificate, which is stored in the same portal! These are essentially rdhu's on-demand option.

The Dental Hygiene Quarterly is offered as a stand alone one year purchase or as a subscription. The choice is yours. We created an auto renewal after many requests to do just that. For me personally, I get that. I like subscriptions. Today I purchased a subscription for a wash cloth that is supposed to replace my overuse of paper towels! I know I will need to replace them in 4 months, so rather than me having to look for the link and run these towels beyond their use, I would rather have the company just send me new cloths! I do the same with my skin care, and my National and Provincial Associations as well. When I can, I subscribe. It helps me stay organized. With Dental Hygiene Quarterly, you can subscribe so you don't miss a season or two or even a year and then have to catch up! It is about keeping you on track! Do the 3 hours each quarter and you are doing great! But the choice is yours to order for one year or auto renew. Click here to access both options.

The next thing....

I loved when a few dental hygienists came with their list of the LM instruments that they were going to order at the Curion booth, and shared that their employer agreed once they showed them the actual breakdown of instrument cost per patient. I had sent those worksheets last month through an On-Track Tuesday and they did the breakdown and used the proposal form and their dentist agreed! When you breakdown the cost of instruments per patient, and it comes out to under $1.75 per patient, as an example, it really puts things into perspective and can help you get that annual instrumentation budget you need. It helped with the decision making! Yahoo! This is why I love doing what I do.

Thank you for your support and for reading these On-Track Tuesdays! I am thrilled that you like these, as I enjoy thinking of ways to help where I can. Pam, from Oral Science suggested that I turn these into a book! I love it :) One day I might! In the meantime, I have been asked to have my own column in a dental hygiene journal. Please stay tuned....

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

It is the Annual ODA ASM Meeting in Toronto this week! We have many people from all over Canada attend, so I wanted to send this out to all of our members, just in case you will be there.

Please stop by the Curion Booth at #1219. Beth Parkes and myself will be with Curion demonstrating the LM Line of Instruments. We will be sharing some of the new Sharpen-Free styles that have been recently launched. These are game changers as far as instrumentation goes.

Curion will also be launching the Oral Risk DNA Testing and will have a few people from this company joining us at the booth as well. This is revolutionary innovation right here that is being launched. The DNA testing is groundbreaking development in the field of oral health in Canada. Leveraging genetic insights will give us the opportunity to tailor preventive strategies even more. Do you think you would like to incorporate genetic testing in your practice? This isn't the bacterial testing of biofilm and saliva some of us are currently utilizing. This is genetic testing to see if your patients have the genetic markers for caries and/or periodontal disease. What do you think you would do differently if you knew a patient was predisposed to dental caries or periodontal disease? We have been doing DNA/genetic testing for years for uncovering risks for diseases like cancer or heart disease. Now, it is here, we can test to see if someone is predisposed to caries or periodontal disease. Perhaps you would see a patient more often? Perhaps you would apply fluoride varnish at each hygiene appoint? Perhaps you would educate more on nutrition and prevention? Perhaps a patient who has a parent with Alzheimers or Cancer would want to know if they are predisposed to periodontal disease? It is interesting isn't it? We are on the precipice of great things and knowledge to make for a healthier world.

Come by the booth if you have any questions about the DNA testing and speak with the experts.

Also, please stop by the BioGaia Booth at #1929 to learn about Oral Probiotics, get some samples and have a visit with Kerry Lepicek, as she will be at their booth.

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

What a fantastic weekend we had! The Women in Dentistry 14th Annual Symposium was on Friday, and then we had Dr. Joy Void-Holmes with us at rdhu for two days of hands-on workshops.

If you haven't attended a networking/learning event like Women in Dentistry or participated in any hands-on in-person continuing education since school, it truly is the best gift you can give yourself.

What happens when you attend such events?

- Networking! You will meet people and leave feeling charged! Also, with networking, you never know who you are going to meet or what doors may be opened for you for future opportunities.

- Learn a new skill! Most of the attendees on Saturday and Sunday said that this was their first hands-on program that they have attended since school. Enhancing your skills doesn't end when you leave school. There is so much more to learn outside of the fundamentals you are taught in school.

- Re-engagement! After attending a networking event and hands-on program, be prepared to be re-energized! We often feel like we are doing the same ole, same ole. These events are critical for growth and continuous professional development.

Check out the Women in Dentistry March/April Edition of their Journal. The RDH View is featured on the cover along with such a great article. Thank you to Palmeri Publishing and Women in Dentistry for a lovely feature.

Looking for our next hands-on events? Click here to access!

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

With April being National Oral Health Month, I wanted to share some of the exciting things that are coming up! This is a great month to take part in networking and learning opportunities!

This Thursday, April 4th and Friday, April 5th is the 14th Annual Women in Dentistry Symposium in Toronto! The Thursday is set-up for hands-on education for the dentist, and the Friday is set-up for the entire team. You will find some of our team there on Friday at our booth as well as some of our presenters will be presenting, including myself! And exciting news! The next issue for Women in Dentistry magazine is being launched and The RDH View is on the cover! Click here to learn more and to register for Women in Dentistry.

Thursday, April 4th from 7pm - 8:30pm EST Jo-Anne Jones is presenting on Breaking the Silence - How to Discuss HPV and Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer. We are currently at 1300 registrations! If you would like to register, please click here. You need to fill out the web form and then you will receive the Zoom registration. If you plan on joining us live that night, and have not filled out the Zoom registration, you must!

This weekend, Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th we are hosting Dr. Joy Void-Holmes at rdhu for a one-day workshop, rdhu mini conference! It will be a great day of learning and enhancing your skills. Click here to learn more and to register! There will be gifts and vendors present.

Our Myofunctional Therapy: A Practical Program, with Joe Siegfried, starts this month and we are SOLD OUT! If you would like to get into the next program in October, click here to register. If you would like a payment plan, please contact us at info@rdhu.ca

Orthodontic Fundamentals for the Dental Hygienist, a 2-Day Hands-On Course, with Liisa Moore is on Saturday, April 13th & Sunday, April 14th. There are 6 spaces available, if you would like to learn a new skill in Ortho or enhance your existing Ortho skill, we would love for you to join us. Click here to view all options for ortho.

The ODA ASM is April 18th and 19th. You will find myself and Beth at the Curion Booth and Kerry Lepicek at the BioGaia Booth. Jo-Anne Jones will be presenting there as well.

Our next Laser Certification for Ontario is Saturday, April 20th. Click here to learn more and to register. If you are from Alberta or BC, please email and we will add you to a waiting list.

And of course, our Live Streaming courses that are happening this month! Please click here to view and to register.

Wow! What a great way to celebrate Oral Health Month. I am so thankful every day that I chose a profession that I love so much. Happy Oral Health Month!

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

When I was at the Pacific Dental Conference a couple of weeks ago, I bumped into Dr. Aisling Whitaker on the exhibit floor. She is a fabulous dentist, an IT guru and co-owns an app called Dental Hive. This app is designed to connect dental professionals together and to provide resources, a directory and job opportunities. Dental Hive was built by Felicia Sprague and Dr. Aisling Whitaker, two dental professionals based in Canada.

They started Dental Hive to support dental professionals on key aspects of their working life – finding jobs, building teams and connecting with other professionals. In 2022 they launched a jobs app to match professionals and clinics. They have been on both sides of the job search and know how hard it can be to find the right fit. For the employers, they wanted to be able to connect with verified professionals who are qualified for the jobs they post. For the employees, they wanted to help find a clinic that fits their personal and professional growth.

In Jan 2023, they released a business directory to connect easily with companies that support dental offices (lawyers, accountants, IT specialists, contractors, designers etc.). They also launched a resources tab which contains useful information for all team members, such as KPIs for office managers, Insurance need to knows, tips for startups etc. It is an app to a virtual community where all dental professionals can connect and support each other.

I think it is brilliant what Aisling and her partner have created. If you are interested in joining this app you can go to their website and it will take you to the download.

Dr. Aisling, in her lovely Irish accent, asked me at PDC if I was aware that she sends all of her dental hygienists to rdhu for training. She has sent them for the Full Myofunctional Program, Laser Training and Live Streaming Courses.

They all meet after their courses and programs to discuss their learning and how they are going to implement it into their practice. They do this as a team. This is a Dream Come True practice for me and is a message that we have been sharing over the years.

If you want a cohesive team, one that works well together, implements AND sustains change, it really starts with taking the programs together. Sending the whole team and then doing the After Experience as a team to discuss Next Steps.

One extra thing that I loved to hear from Aisling was how her lead dental hygienist dives into the science and research and is very careful prior to offering "the things" into their practice. They want to make sure that whatever they bring into their practice is going to provide optimal treatment to their patients. Aisling said, the Soft-Tissue Diode Laser has been the biggest surprise to them all. They call it the Magic Wand, as they have experienced amazing results with patients who they just couldn't get healthy.

All in all, I had a lovely meeting with Dr. Aisling Whitaker. The respect she has for her team, and the way they feel toward her, is an example of the cohesion we can all strive for.

Those offices are out there, where you can contribute in the best possible way. You just have to find them. It is worth the search. Be sure to download the app and stay connected.

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Have you taken part in a hands-on program since you finished dental hygiene school? Many of you will say, yes, of course! However, there are still many who will say, no. Their hands-on didactical training ended after completing a dental hygiene program.

If you fall into the category of not participating in a post-graduate hands-on training program, I really would like to encourage you to do so!

When we are in school, we are taught the basics, and the fundamentals of dental hygiene. We cannot be taught advanced skills when we are learning the basics. There are skills, tips and tricks, and hacks, so to speak, that can only be taught after you master the fundamentals.

Professional Development or Continuing Education isn't about a check box for CE. It isn't about how many CE credits you need to get for this year's Quality Assurance. No. Professional Development truly is a journey. It is about learning new techniques. It is about learning advanced techniques so that you can take your skills, your art, to a new level. These are about skills that cannot be taught in school, because again, there are fundamentals that we need to conquer prior to being taught advanced skills.

To be taught a new way to fulcrum, or a tweak in the client's head position to access an area better, or to go to the other side to instrument, or to use an instrument that is hybrid and replaces 2 instruments with 1, or a flip of a Gracey to use a horizontal instead of a vertical stroke. There are so many things that can be taught and can be an eye-opening experience for you.

If you haven't participated in a hands-on program, it is time! Many of you feel like you are doing the same thing every day. Chances are you feel that way because, you are!

Join us and feel re-energized!

I know this email goes out to 20,000 members and many of you aren't near rdhu.

We are thrilled when we get members who travel from afar for our hands-on programs, like Myofunctional Therapy, or Ortho or Instrumentation. It truly is an amazing experience and we appreciate your commitment to learning so much.

I have travelled to Western Canada, California, Nashville and other areas, for personal and professional development and have come back feeling amazing and ready to take on the world. It is worth investing in YOU!

We have some hands-on programs in our calendar for April and May and then we won't have anything until the fall. I hope you will consider one of these amazing, transformational programs:

1. Joy of Instrumentation (with Dr. Joy Void-Holmes coming up from the USA)

2. Myofunctional Therapy: A Practical Program (with Joe Siegfried. We only have 5 spots left. This is a hybrid program ~ online and hands-on application)

3. Orthodontics for the Dental Hygienists. (with Liisa Moore. We have many programs to offer depending on your skill level. There are the Fundamentals of Ortho, Advanced, Clear Aligners and Scanners).

4. Elevate your Instrumentation Skills (with Anna Louise Tolan)

5. Piezon (with Anna Louise Tolan)

6. The Ultimate Experiential Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Specialized Workshop (with Jo-Anne Jones)

7. Sharpen Your Skills: An Instrumentation and Sharpening Workshop (with me)

These programs are designed to enhance your skills. To take your professional abilities to an all new level.

We hope to see you! Click here to access the hands-on programs.

And for those of you who have attended our programs, we thank you for your support. It means the world to all of us. Together we are elevating our profession and providing exceptional care to the public for a healthier world.

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Thank you to those who went to PDC in Vancouver last week and stopped by the Curion booth to meet Beth and I, and the BioGaia booth to meet Kerry! We had a fabulous conference! It is always so nice to meet up with friends, colleagues and members at these conferences. It's a reminder of how grateful I am that I chose this profession, way back when.

The LM-Dental Instruments were a hit at the Curion Booth. We had live demonstrations and introduced the new instrument designs that have been added to the Sharpen-Free line. The M23 Slim, Nevi I and 2 in particular.

The M23 is a popular instrument in the US and in Europe and we think that it is going to be a popular one in Canada. Especially now, since we have the Slim option.

We had dental hygienists returning to the show to purchase the Sharpen-Free after last purchasing at PDC 2023. I always like to hear how long the Sharpen-Free last, so when I see people coming back one year later and ordering more, it confirms what we already know about the life of an instrument.

We always get asked, "How long will the Sharpen-Free last?"

The answer to this question is this. It depends on many things. What kind of patients are you treating? Are you using ultrasonics 80% of the time? How many kits do you have? If you only have 3-4 kits and using them twice a day, you will go through your instrument faster than those who are set up with 8 kits to last throughout the day. How many instruments are in your kit? How are your patients presenting? Are you in a practice where the majority of patients are using power versus manual? There are many factors to consider.

They should last you as long as your regular instruments would last.

But here is the thing. Most dental practices use instruments longer than their intended use. This is a problem in most practices.

In many offices, purchasing instruments is an event. It should be part of your annual budget.

I do talk a lot about instruments because I believe they are fundamental to everything we do. We can't perform high quality care without high quality tools. We can't provide safe, effective and ethical care while using worn out instruments. That is why I am passionate about educating and empowering dental hygienist to approach the decision makers and order instruments on an annual basis.

So, let's use LM-Dental as an example to set up what an annual budget could look like. You can use this concept no matter what instrument brand you purchase. Curion is the Canadian Distributor for LM-Dental and is offering a show special. 20% off instruments (With the Ergosense Handles) and with every 5 purchased, you will receive an LM ErgoSense mirror handle and a Servo 8 Cassette!

So, let's say you were purchasing 8 kits with 5 instruments (regular scalers and curettes). That is 40 instruments for $80. That is $3200 for the year. Divide that by how many weeks you work in the year. In this case, I am going to say 52 weeks as I will assume a temp is in while I am away. Then divide by how many patients per week. In this case I am going to say 35. Essentially your instruments are costing $1.75 per patient.

When you have this information, you can use this when putting together your proposed instrumentation budget. And if you get the green light to go ahead, you will only need to do this once and ensure that you now have an annual budget.

Think about the size of the blades and the use that they are going through, each and every day, and on every patient. Assuming you should get 2-3 years is not best practice. If you use the instruments that you need to sharpen, chances are they are being sharpened by a variety of people, edges are becoming bevelled, and they are being used beyond the intended use.

I have been in the dental instrument business for a very long time. I have owned my own instrument company and my own line. We were in 10 dental hygiene schools across the country and have helped thousands of offices with their instrument needs. I did sell that company but along the way I have seen what is out there. It is time to not compromise. Not for one patient. As one patient will turn into one week, one month, and one year, etc. Think of your patient's health and the experience that they receive when worn-out dull instruments are used on them. We do so much to attract new patients to our practice. We spend money on advertising and do everything we can to create a great experience and then we can wreck all that by not investing $1.75 per patient. We also know the havoc worn instruments play on our health as well!

I have lots to add to this conversation!

I hope this empowers some of you who can relate to this. I have included the Instrument Worksheet and Proposal that you can use to create your case and be prepared so that you can arrange a meeting and have this discussion with the decision makers.

For those of you who are from a different country outside of Canada, you can visit the LM-Dental website to find out who your distributor is.

I am holding an online Sharpen Your Skills workshop on Friday, March 22 from 11am - 2pm EST so our western members can join in. I would love for you to join me. You will learn how to sharpen instruments and I will introduce you to some Sharpen-Free ones as well. I will share tips on how to get the instruments in your practice and will cover the worksheet and proposal found below (as a download).

For those of you who are a part of the All Access Virtual Pass, we are including this in your pass and a separate email will be sent to you for registration. You will just need to purchase the sharpening kit (if you wish).

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Has working in the field of orthodontics been on your radar but you haven't taken the leap to dive in and learn more?

We have heard this often and have received numerous requests over the years to offer an Ortho program through rdhu, so guess what? We now offer a variety of ortho programs here at rdhu!

Our new Ortho page is now available on our website. If you haven't checked it out, please click here to see all that is offered in our Ortho programs.

What can happen if you delve into the field of Orthodontics?

As dental hygienists, we have so many opportunities to explore. We often see in the Facebook groups dental hygienists feeling like they want something different. Then the group jumps in and will often guide them to different jobs or professions and advise that perhaps it is time for a change. If you love our field, why jump ship and go to a different profession altogether when there are so many opportunities for us to explore as dental hygienists?! Perhaps it is time to add a new skillset to the already amazing skills that you have mastered!

Becoming an orthodontic dental hygienist can open up new opportunities and provide a unique set of skills that can benefit both you as a professional and your patients.

1. Expanded Scope of Practice:

Expand your Scope of Practice and get equipped with specialized knowledge in orthodontics! Understanding the principles of tooth movement, orthodontic appliances, and treatment planning enables dental hygienists to actively contribute to comprehensive orthodontic care under the supervision of an orthodontist.

2. Enhanced Patient Care:

Learning about orthodontics allows us to better educate patients about the importance of orthodontic treatment for overall oral health. Being able to identify early preventative measures can be life changing for the patient and very rewarding for the dental hygienist.

3. Professional Development:

Continuing education is a cornerstone of professional growth. Delving into orthodontics provides us with an excellent opportunity for professional development. Courses and workshops focused on orthodontic procedures, technologies, and advancements will help you to stay current and expand your skill set. We are excited to offer a variety of ortho courses through rdhu! We are also creating a private group for those who have gone through our ortho program so that we can continue to collaborate as a group, seek help or advice when needed, and share job opportunities.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork:

Becoming an orthodontic dental hygienist fosters collaboration with orthodontists and other specialists. These are exciting times for collaboration with many focusing on airway dentistry and early detection. A collaborative approach ensures comprehensive patient care and encourages a more holistic view of dentistry!

5. Increased Job Opportunities:

There are so many opportunities for an orthodontic dental hygienist. We constantly see career postings. If you have the skills, you will be in demand.

6. Job Satisfaction:

The ability to be a part of a transformative change in a patient's smile, overall health and facial aesthetics can be highly rewarding. To add this skillset to your practice will elevate you as a professional and will give you the confidence on so many levels. Get ready to feel confident when you are doing an assessment, or educating, or documentating, and communicating with the dentist and team. There are so many treatment options available, it is so important to stay abreast so that we can be a part of that journey with our clients and patients.

Becoming an orthodontic dental hygienist is not just a career choice; it's a gateway to a dynamic and fulfilling professional journey. If it is something you are considering, perhaps you start with the Fundamentals of Ortho. Click here to see all that we offer through rdhu. Our next Orthodontic Fundamentals for the Dental Hygienist, with Liisa Moore, begins in April.

CE Hours: 12

Tuition: $649

2-Day Hands-On Course:

Dates: Saturday, April 13th & Sunday, April 14th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST

Click here for more info!

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

These are exciting times for dental hygienists on many levels. For this blog, I would like to focus on the opportunities that we have as far as workplace options go.

I was asked to speak with a group of dental hygiene students, for their business class, who are in their final semester of school. This will be coming up next month and I look forward to the discussion. The instructor mentioned that many are looking at the Independent option since the Self-Initiation has been rescinded by the CDHO. It opens the door to independent practice and can also assist us in providing the under-served communities.

Initially, I thought, new grads should all be working in a general practice out of the gate to get that experience; however, is this me being close-minded? I am not sure. Just because it was the way I did it and I am sure many of you did, does that mean that it is the way of the future? It is time for change, embrace new thinking, and new opportunities.

Another option that we hear so much about these days, is the dental hygienist leaving employment and becoming a Temp so that he or she is in charge of what days they would like to work and not work.

Collab Dentistry is another great opportunity and a new concept where it connects dental hygienists with available operatories. This is for the dental hygienist who wishes to work independently but without the financial burden of starting up their own brick and mortar business. It also gives the opportunity for dental hygienists, who may be from a different city and would like to head back to that city from time to time, to use as an opportunity to work on friends and family. The possibilities are endless, really.

For some, working full-time in one office may be a great option. There is something great about being with a team full-time and giving it your all to help grow a practice and treat this practice like it's your own! I consider this type of dental hygienist an "intrepreneur" rather than an "entrepreneur". When I was working full-time in many practices, I always treated it like I was an intrepreneur. I always really cared about the success of the practice, looking for processes to put in place to help with costs and growth of the practice. It is about treating it like it's your own business, but essentially, you are an employee, not the owner. Some may read this and think that their voice doesn't matter and they can't implement any change in their practice and if that is your case, you should arrange a meeting and have your voice heard. Share the things you would like to implement and have a plan. Share that you are all in and play full out! And then, if you are working in a practice where you still feel you are not being heard, if you are unhappy, there are so many options for you. We spend 1/3 of our life working, you better believe you better be happy! Now is the time for you to explore all the options that are available to us.

In every On-Track Tuesday, we offer career postings and practices that are looking for great dental hygienists to join their team. Other companies also share when they are looking for sales reps, etc. The career postings are found at the bottom of the On-Track Tuesday emails and links to a designated page on our website as well. Always feel free to reach out to us when you are looking for that perfect someone to join your team. We are happy to share with our members. Please email pearl@rdhu.ca for any employment posts.

Over the weekend our friends at the dental clinic, from Etobicoke, ON, reached out as they wanted us to share that they are looking for a full-time RDH. I just loved the positive culture that is shared. It made me want to join their team! :) They are looking for an awesome dental hygienist to join their already awesome team! "If you are passionate about what you do, extremely gifted with people skills and would like to be a part of close knit team, we want to meet you!" Pretty compelling, right? I thought so! If you are interested in a full-time position with a team, where they have a 'putting their people first' culture, you may want to reach out to them! Email @: practicemanagertdc@gmail.com I have attached the image from their post below so you can either apply if you are interested, or see a very positive post that perhaps you could use to help you attract a RDH to your practice when hiring! There are still many great practices out there. You just need to find the one that fits you. Click here for more career postings, events and courses coming up!

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

The Pacific Dental Conference is fast approaching! Will you be attending this year?

You will find myself, and Beth Parkes, at the Curion booth. If you will be there, please be sure to come by the booth to say Hello! If you have been wanting to try the ergonomic instruments, LM-Dental, this is your chance to try the instruments at the Curion booth!

As you know, with every conference brings GREAT savings as well! So, whether you will be attending the PDC in person or not, you can take advantage of the conference specials!

Save 20% on all ErgoSense Instruments! They come in Sharpen-Free and Stainless Steel! To sharpen or not to sharpen? That is the only question! Also, with every 5 instruments purchased, you will receive a FREE ErgoSense mirror handle. Take care of YOU and invest in YOURSELF!

Beth will also be presenting with Dani Botbyl on the Thursday morning, Anna Louise Tolan, Jo-Anne Jones and Dr. Sanj Mohanta will all be presenting as well! Click here to learn more about their sessions! You will find Kerry Lepicek at the BioGaia booth! If you are looking to learn more about Dental Probiotics, be sure to stop by and see Kerry! I am sure there will be plenty of samples available for you as well!

I just love the PDC! We hope to see you there :)

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

We all know the scenario... You just completed a course, or program, gaining valuable insights and knowledge and leave the program feeling excited and ready to take on the world! However, when you return to practice you are facing reality and the office is running at status quo. You get super busy dealing with the every day busy'ness' of the practice and before you know it, you're back at home, flaked out on the couch, feeling a little defeated. The next day it's the same thing.

So, how can we make change happen in our practice? How can we take our new acquired knowledge and turn it into action?

Here are some things that may help you:

The First Step: Reflect on Your Learning

Before diving into implementation, take some time to reflect on what you've learned. Consider the key concepts, skills, and practical applications. Identify the areas where you feel most confident and those that may require further exploration. This reflection will serve as a foundation for crafting a strategic plan.

Second Step: Set Clear Goals for the Program

Define specific and achievable goals based on what you've learned. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Establishing clear goals will provide direction and motivation, making it easier to track the progress. Whether it's applying new skills, starting a project, or pursuing further studies, having concrete goals will keep you focused.

Third Step: Create an Actionable Plan

Develop a detailed plan outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your goals. Consider timelines, resources, and potential challenges. Break down the implementation process into smaller tasks, making it easier to tackle one step at a time. A well-thought-out plan will serve as a roadmap, guiding you through the practical application of your newfound knowledge!

Fourth Step: Collect Your Data

Take a look at your current practice and analyze all the things associated with where you are at in your practice. Document the status quo of the practice including the pros and cons with respect to your practice as a team as well as your patients.

Fifth Step: Present your Proposal

Arrange for a meeting with the decision makers of your practice and your team. When proposing a new program or a plan that you wish to implement, be strategic about it. Don't propose it 'on-the-fly' as you are passing someone's office. Set up a meeting, go in prepared and present your material. In this presentation you will also share who will sustain the program and how.

Sixth Step: Apply the Knowledge/Plan Consistently

Consistency is key when implementing a new program. Integrate the new concepts or skills into your daily routine or work processes. The more consistently you apply this new knowledge, the more it becomes ingrained in not only your thinking and behaviour but also your team as a whole. This steady integration will enhance proficiency over time!

Seventh Step: Track your Progress

When applying something new in your practice, track on a daily basis. Look at the day ahead the night before or morning of and also, look at the day behind and track the progress. As an example, perhaps you are implementing lasers into your practice. Take a look at your day ahead and select 2 patients that day who you feel would greatly benefit from being treated with lasers. Add this to your Daily Planner and then at the end of the day, use the Tracking Sheet to check off to confirm that you treated 2 patients that day with lasers. You could even track the production next to the check mark to show the impact it has on your day so that you can share this later with your team.

Eighth Step: Seek Feedback and Adjust

Don't be afraid to seek feedback and adjust when needed. Keep the team informed of how this new program is working. The worst thing to do is not keep the team up to date and leave them wondering what is happening. Track your progress and adjust when needed. Share this with your team. If we don't track, we can't progress. Track so you know if you are successful! Keep a record of your progress, challenges, and achievements. Tracking your journey not only helps you celebrate milestones but also serves as a valuable resource for future reference or showcasing your accomplishments to assist in the transformation.

Implementing what you've learned from a course or program requires deliberate effort and commitment, but the rewards are well worth it. This is where true Transformation will happen! By reflecting on your learning, setting clear goals, creating an actionable plan, applying knowledge consistently, seeking feedback, making adjustments when needed and tracking your progress, you'll transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills and experiences which will ultimately enhance your practice and patient care.

I have added the Daily Planner and Tracking Worksheet below as a Download. Please feel free to use in your practice. If you ever have any questions or would like to brainstorm with me, feel free to contact me :)

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Daily Planner

Tracking Worksheet

As many of you know, Beth Parkes and myself were invited to the LM-Dental Instruments Facility in Finland last June, along with 13 other dental professionals from around the world.

It was truly a Dream Come True Experience for me, as I had this on my Bucket List. To visit the LM-Dental Facility in Finland (check box insert here!).

The LM group, who spent their time with us, were amazing people. They were such gentlemen, and the women were so kind. It was amazing from the beginning, right to the end, with respect to how we were greeted, the accommodations, the saunas, the swimming in the Baltic Sea, the serenading, the food, the scenery, the islands we visited and the workshops. To be surrounded by such an insightful group of educators and experienced clinicians was a privilege. We all shared our experiences with each other and I knew once we returned back to Canada, that we would want to share these people with our members.

So, with that said, here I am sharing some of the things that we have planned for you this year with the LM-Dental Key Opinion Leaders Group!

1. The RDH View: If you missed The RDH View on Friday, it was a great show! We had our good friends Cat Edney and Nina Farmer, who are from England, and Lauren Long, who is from Scotland, as our guests. They are all Dental Therapists, which includes Dental Hygiene under this designation. We spent an hour discussing Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy in the UK. They are all trained, and it is in their Scope of Practice, to not only fill teeth, but also drill teeth. They shared some of their beautiful work with us. Nina specializes in nutrition and had some really great slides to share as well. If you missed it and would like to watch, we would be happy to upload this into your portal for you. If you don't have a portal with us, we would be happy to give you one! Just email info@rdhu.ca and we will set you up. You will also receive a 1-hour Certificate.

2. Dr. Joy Void-Holmes, from the United States: Dr. Joy was in Finland with us and we were so fortunate to spend some one-on-one time with her riding our bikes through Oros Islands and in the workshops. We have invited Dr. Joy to rdhu in Burlington, Ontario for a one-day mini conference! We have 3 sponsors who will be represented that day as well. There are two days to choose from. Saturday, April 6th or Sunday, April 7th. Click here to register. We are keeping this event intimate, and boutique style, so that you can experience the one-on-one time to help elevate your instrumentation skills. It doesn't matter what your skillset is like, we are 100% positive that you will come away with some new, refreshed techniques and treatments, to implement into your practice.

3. The 2024 Dental Hygiene Quarterly LM-Dental KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) Midnight Sun Series: This series is called Midnight Sun because when we were in Finland, we did not have any darkness. That is pretty cool, right? See the pictures below. This is myself, Beth, Cat, Lauren and Nina all sitting on the dock at midnight in Oros Isles, Finland. The other one with just Beth and I was taken at 10pm! We are thrilled to announce that this whole year, we will highlight some of the people we met while in Finland!

• Cat Edney (from England) on Digital Scanning for Examinations and Communication.
• Nina Farmer (from England) on Nutrition and Your Patients.
• Lauren Long (from Scotland) on Digital Opportunities in the Hygiene Op.
• Dr. Joy Void-Holmes (from the United States) on Instrumentation.
• India Chance (from the United States) will present on two topics: Medical Emergencies and Abuse Awareness.
• Ryan Ruter (from the United States) will present on two topics: Managing Anxiety within Ourselves and our Patients and Cultural Humility of LGBTQ patients.
• Carmen Lonaway (from Germany who is also Canadian) on Implementing a Perio Protocol.
• and Tatiana Brandt (from Copenhagen), on Oral Health of Chronic Kidney Patients.

This is the group that we have lined up for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly. We hope that you will sign up to be a part of this.

The Dental Hygiene Quarterly is approximately 12 hours per year. This year it will be more, approximately 14 hours. It is part of the membership benefit with the Canadian Dental Hygienist's Association as well, so if you are a member, it will be $169 for this series and if you are not a member, it will be $219 (CAD). We hope you join us with this series. Be sure to either select One Year ONLY or as a SUBSCRIPTION that Automatically Renews. The choice is YOURS! One Year or Subscription.

Thank you and we shall see you on the other side :)

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Many of our members reached out after last week's On-Track Tuesday blog letting me know that they liked and appreciated the reminders of how they can get new instruments in their practice. I will keep the Instrumentation Proposal Worksheet, that was included in last week, and add a new instrumentation worksheet to this week as well (see below for downloads).

Many were asking what a reasonable life of an instrument should be. How long should an instrument last?

I get asked this question often and there are many things to consider!

1. How many kits are you working with? If you only have 5 kits per op and are seeing 8 clients/patients a day, you will wear through your instruments faster than if you had 8 kits to get you through the day.

2. How many instruments do you have in each kit? If you only have 2- 3 instruments, you will go through your instruments faster than if you had 5-8 in a kit, as an example.

3. Are you using ultrasonic instrumentation? If you are typically using ultrasonics 80% of the time and using your hand instruments 20% of the time, your instruments will last you longer than if you were solely relying on hand instrumentation.

4. What kind of calculus or deposits are you dealing with? If you have a clientele that presents with moderate to heavy deposits (and is it tenacious?) at every appointment, you are going to go through your instruments a lot faster than if you had a clientele that presents with less. I have worked in practices where a large percentage of our patients presented with moderate to heavy calculus, they were not using power brushes. Versus, I have worked in practices where the majority of our patients were on a power brush and would come in and get their new power brush heads every few months. They definitely presented with less! To me, it all starts here with respect to how long your instruments will or could last. How your patients present at their appointments will affect the longevity of your ultrasonic inserts and hand instruments.

5. Are you following the MIFU for your instruments?

If you are using the Sharpen-Free instruments, you may find that they won't last as long as you are typically used to. This is because many dental hygienists are generally using instruments beyond the life expectancy of the instrument.

Some companies will state on their website that the life of an instrument is 9 months or 1 year.

If you rely more on your ultrasonics, have more kits and more instruments available, and get your clients to present with less, your instruments may last up to 1.5 - 2 years (max). Think about the every day wear and tear of the instruments, the size of the blade, the sharpening and reshaping that is required. 1.5 - 2 years is a reasonable time to consider replacement.

I have been in the instrumentation business for many years and have seen all types of instruments from different brands (the cheaper they are, the faster you will go through them), to poorly sharpened instruments (you know that sickelized curette!)! It is worth purchasing high quality instruments and purchasing enough kits for the day with a good variety of instruments that suits your client's unique needs. Consider keeping a master set so you can compare to your set for sharpening and to recognize when to replace. Finally, be sure that you are sharpening when required. If you share instruments, ensure that you are sharpening with the same technique. If you don't have an instrumentation budget, get one! Now is the time! Start 2024 off right and plan your year accordingly.

Assess your instruments. Look at what you have and what you need. Do your homework and use the worksheets below to determine what you need. Get pricing. With conferences coming up, often companies will honour early bird conference pricing. Get your prices and then present your case to the decision makers, if you need to, to get new instruments. Once you are successful with getting the budget, you won't have to go through this every year. Fortunately, some dental hygienists can purchase instruments when they need them, and that is a beautiful thing!

Curion has a special on now with the LM-Dental instruments. You can take a look and see if this is something you can work with on the worksheets below. Click here for the Sharpen-Free specials and here for the Stainless Steel instruments (DuraGrade Max Steel). They are offering a 20% discount with a free mirror (for every 5 instruments purchased).

I have also included The Decision Tree for Instrument Selection below to help you create kits.

If you would like to join me for Sharpen Your Skills, I go over all of this in-depth. There is an online live streaming version and an in-person version for this course.

I hope this helps :)

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Instrumentation Worksheet

Instrumentation Proposal

Decision Tree Stainless Steel

Decision Tree Sharpen Free

I am presenting tomorrow morning to a group of dental hygiene students from The University of Copenhagen! They have me set up virtually in their auditorium and are expecting up to 140 students! Zoom really helps make the world accessible!

As I was preparing the slides, I decided to call this 'The Future is Looking Bright!' As we are truly at an amazing time in our profession with all the advancements available to help us elevate our client/patient care.

One of the topics that I am covering tomorrow is on what to expect as a new RDH when first starting in a practice. Instruments and the tools available to us are always at the forefront of my mind as I continue to hear from many dental hygienists that they can't get the instruments they want and are working with sub-quality instrumentation. When Beth and I were invited to Finland to visit and participate in workshops at the LM Dental facility last June, we discovered that the quality of instruments and what dental hygienists have available to them is not an isolated problem. This is a problem globally!

So I am sharing, with the students, what they may encounter in their new practices and offering them tips on how to best deal with this. We want these dental hygienists to feel empowered and start their professional career off successfully! Some of you may read this today and be thinking that you too are having some trouble with your instruments and getting not only you what you want, but what you need in your practice!

Here are some tips:

1. Collect your data:

• Understand Your Specific Needs (What kind of office is it? What are the unique needs of your clients? Streamline your cassettes. Consult with experienced dental hygienists to get insights into the best instruments for your practice)
• Research and Compare Brands
• Attend Dental Conferences and Trade Shows
• Seek Recommendations
• Budget Considerations (Is there a budget? If not, create one once you collect your data)
• Explore Group Pricing (I have seen Independent Dental Hygienists do this and I think it is a fabulous idea)
• Negotiate with Suppliers
• Take Advantage of Starter Kits or suggested kits with special pricing available)
• Consider Financing Options
• Stay informed about industry trends (to assist you with your decision making)

Once you collect your data set up a time for a team meeting and go prepared!

2. Build a Case

3. Create a Proposal (click here for the worksheet that I created)

4. Emphasize Patient/Client Care

5. Present the Options

6. Highlight Professional Development: Emphasize how having the right instruments will contribute to your professional development and proficiency in performing treatment. Explain how staying up-to-date with industry-standard tools is essential for delivering high-quality care.

7. Demonstrate Cost Savings: ·Illustrate how investing in quality instruments can lead to cost savings in the long run, as durable tools may require less frequent replacement and maintenance.

8. Demonstrate the Benefits (for your patient, the clinician and the practice).

9. Educate the Team and the decision makers as to why you need these instruments.

10. If you are considering a new brand of instrument, consider a trial period before investing in all new kits right away. This will ensure it is a good fit for the practice first.

11. Negotiate: Be prepared to negotiate regarding the budget and types of instruments selected.

12. Have confidence in yourself and your decisions!

13. Smile! Don't forget to smile while presenting your case presentation! A smile is a powerful tool!

Wish me luck "in" Copenhagen tomorrow :)

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Last week I shared a positive experience that happened to me during a call with our new IT company. I related this to a dental experience and wondered if your patients or clients would or could feel the same way as I did! I shared a Patient Experience Worksheet, as a download for you, and had quite a few people reach out asking if I could go deeper with this.

In today's On-Track Tuesday blog, I have included a Patient Experience Assessment Worksheet that can help you start to think of all the things that you can be doing to enhance the experience. Or perhaps you are already doing many great things, and this can serve as an opportunity to look at where there might be some room for improvements. You can start with the assessment to see where you think you are at with many different aspects of the patient experience. If you work with a team, this is a great exercise to go through to see how everyone perceives what your patients are experiencing. Have each team member write down what they think is currently happening in your practice and invite everyone to share their perceptions with the other team members.

The idea is to go through the experience through your patient's eyes. What do you think the experience looks like for them, through their eyes currently? Now, write a second one, but this time, write the story based on what it COULD look like if you were providing the ultimate experience that would leave them feeling wowed and wanting to share it with the world! Please email info@rdhu.ca for the patient experience worksheets.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

It is late in the day (3:30pm my time) and I haven't had a chance to start my blog. It has been a super busy start to the year and the go-go-go set in right from the get go!

There are some tasks on my list of things that I do not want to do. I handled one of them today and it was an IT issue with our communication software. We are in the middle of switching IT companies at the same time needing to make this update to our communication software with a deadline fast approaching. It has been on my mind, so much so that it would wake me up at night around 2am. Today had to be the day I tackle this. And guess what?! I did. It took a great part of the day but I had the best experience, thanks to the fellow who went above and beyond to help me.

My experience with him today inspired me to write about the things we can do at the dental office that go above and beyond what people would expect. I know I will be finding a place to write a review as this guy was amazing.

After dealing with an IT company that provided sub-service customer care for far too long to myself and my team, being treated with this level of care today was an even bigger treat.

There are so many companies and people offering 'meh' care and service. I refer to this type of service as "pushing the pencil". If you can visualize pushing a pencil, please do, and you will see what I mean. Many people just push what they can do away from them and let others handle it. They try to give the illusion that they are working hard, but don't actually do the things things that really help people.

Too many people push the pencil. They don't go above and beyond what they could be doing to really make an impression.

It is when we go above and beyond what people would normally expect from a dental office that we turn our patients into our raving fans.

By going through the patient experience from the patient's eyes, you can look for ways that will blow them away with the service you provide. They will leave your practice feeling the wow and care and will want to share it with the world. Like me, doing this now, today.

If you would like a worksheet on the Patient Experience to go through with your team, please email info@rdhu.ca. We go through this exercise ourselves here at rdhu from time to time as well. It is a great exercise to go through to always look for ways to improve. Going through the patient experience will help get your team aligned and remind everyone of the care and service we all would love to receive and should be providing.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

This is a busy time of year for us at rdhu as we prepare for our upcoming Academic Year ~ September 2023 - June 2024!

We are excited for all things rdhu (ie The Dental Hygiene Quarterly Summer Special in partnership with The CDHA, our first time ever, All Access Virtual Pass, and our upcoming hands-on courses. We are holding a mini conference at Dentsply Sirona on Friday, November 17th with Key Note speakers Dr. Polly Huang and Christine Crawford and some pretty amazing Power Hours in the afternoon with the fabulous Jo-Anne Jones and Dani Botbyl joining in! So please Save the Date!

We are thrilled to have all of our rdhu presenters taking part, in full-swing and energy, recording over the summer and also, preparing their upcoming presentations to deliver engaging, evidence-based research to help you stay current and implement positive change into your dental hygiene practice.

Not only are we preparing for rdhu over the summer but also our presenters are preparing for other upcoming events outside of rdhu!

Here is what is coming up outside of rdhu...

September:

Beth Parkes and Dani Botbyl in Edmonton, Alberta at the Northwest Dental Exposition and Beth at the Saskatchewan Oral Health Conference.

October:

The ODHA Special Event featuring Kerry Lepicek.

Spectrum Day in Toronto, featuring many rdhu presenters. Joe Siegfried, Liisa Moore, Kerry Lepicek, Beth Ryerse, Anna Louise Tolan and our good friend, Jennifer Turner, who will be presenting on the Business of Dental Hygiene.

Both Beth Parkes and myself will be presenting at TODS in Kelowna, BC this year. 3 lectures between the 2 of us and 2 hands-on instrumentation workshops that we will be presenting together.

It sure is so great to be able to travel again to conferences and meet up with many of our dental friends!

Thank you for all that you do! Delivering exceptional care to the public and staying current in this ever-growing and changing field! Growth = Happiness!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Our Summer Specials are coming to a close this week! Thank you to all of you who registered for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly Buy 1 Year Get 1 Year FREE ($149 for CDHA members) and/or the All Access Virtual Pass to all rdhu Live Streaming Courses for the 2023-2024 Academic Year!

Our team had our annual summer off-site meeting/retreat last week where we spent a few days reviewing last year, celebrating our wins, looking at things that do not serve us so we can make a change this next academic year, and planning an exciting year ahead!

I surprised the team with organizing a paddle board yoga session! It was good fun, team building and my body felt it for 5 days! :) I also had posted 8 X 10 pics of each team member on the wall and throughout the few days, encouraged each other to write a word or two about that team member on a post-it note to stick to the pics. This was also a nice way to recognize each others unique abilities.

Do you meet annually for an off-site retreat with your team? It is good to do on so many levels. It is good to connect on a personal note, to recharge, to be somewhere outside of the office and to block off this time to work ON the business, rather than IN the business.

We are excited about the rdhu All Access Virtual Pass as we have a nice group of dental hygienists who will take part and take as many courses as they like. We are also very thankful for all our presenters who are a part of this! This pass will give you access to ALL Live Streaming courses for one price. Some offices have purchased a pass for each dental hygienist from their practice and will strategize following the sessions to discuss how they can implement their new knowledge into their practice to really make transformation happen! At the end of the day, we don't offer courses through rdhu so that it can be a Check-Box "got my CE hours" experience! We are about the "wow" and the "ah-hah" moments, where we can really make an impact on transformation in the dental practice.

We have our conference in November coming up at the Dentsply Sirona Academy, which will be super amazing and lots of hands-on in person courses scheduled as well.

I know this week will be a busy one with the specials wrapping up, as we have many calls, emails and contact forms from the website coming in! We appreciate your patience with us and will get back to you with your inquiries ASAP. If you are from a practice and would like special pricing and a unique registration to sign up more than one person, please email us at info@rdhu.ca and either Pearl or Mary Tess will get back to you!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday surrounded by loved ones. For me, I had a great holiday season with my kids all home, my mom and sisters, etc. After missing a full family Christmas because of the years of the pandemic and the winter storm last year, this was a long time coming! My heart is full and I am excited to embark on the adventures of 2024!

One of the things that I love to do at the beginning of a New Year is crack open a new journal and goal planner!

The beginning of a new year often brings a sense of renewal, a chance to start fresh, and an opportunity to set new goals and intentions. There's something magical about cracking open a new journal and planner with the pristine pages waiting to be filled, the blank canvas that holds the promise of organizing thoughts, plans, and dreams for the upcoming months. It's the excitement of new beginnings and the potential for both personal and professional growth.

Another thing that I like to do is look ahead to next New Year's Eve. What does this look like? Who am I? What accomplishments have I made? Have I stuck with the healthy habits that I wanted to incorporate? What relationships have made my heart full? Am I happy in my workplace? Who do I want to be in one year's time?

Visualizing one year ahead and then looking back to the year can help you with your plan. How did you get there? What goals did you have to set and achieve? What were the daily habits?

As an example, if it is a financial goal. What is the goal? Visualize and also write it down as if it is already happening. Then assess all the things that you have to do to make that happen. Break it down into quarterly goals, then take it even further and create daily goals.

Is it a health goal? Perhaps there is a hill that you would like to hike. What do you have to do to be able to conquer that hill?

Perhaps you want to be running a successful perio program in your practice. Can you take the lead? What does this look like for your practice? How does this feel to you knowing that the team and client communication and acceptance of treatment have never been better? What do you have to do to get there to make this happen?

If we don't set goals, see, and believe in the future, or live with intention and with purpose, we may find that next year will look like the previous year, and that's no fun! Before we know it we are doing the same thing over and over.

I started diving into goal setting over 10 years ago and it is amazing the things that can happen when you have a plan and you live with intention.

I journaled when I was young and then skipped a bunch of years and am now back at it. It is amazing to look back at all the things I did as a child and young adult. Journaling is something that helps you get to where you want to be. It is also a way to remember loved ones and where they are at, at this particular time. It is a testament of time! There might be days filled with triumphs and achievements, while others may hold challenges and lessons. Yet, through it all, the journal remains a steadfast companion—a record of personal evolution and a testament to resilience and determination.

Tracking is a key part of implementing change. I have printed off a 30-Day Tracker for this month and with that will write down all the key elements that are part of my goals. It is a one page, at-a-glance reminder as to where I am with respect to my goals. Please email info@rdhu.ca for a copy!

Happy journaling, planning, tracking and creating in this New Year! Here's to a great 2024!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

This will be our last On-Track Tuesday blog and email for 2023! rdhu will be closed as of Saturday, December 23rd and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2nd.

I wanted to take this time to thank you for being a part of rdhu!

We have had an incredible year and have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful to you, a valued member of our community, for allowing us to be on this professional journey with you. We are thankful for our corporate partners, who help us in our profession by continuing to evolve and innovate so that we can provide best practice to our patients and clients.

It truly is a remarkable time to be in our profession.

We appreciate your support and look forward to next year! There are many exciting things in the making for 2024 that we know will Transform the Dental Hygiene Experience for you, your practice and your client/patient.

Wishing you and your family all the best over the Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

December is such an exciting month! Not only is it a time where we unwind, relax and spend time with our loved ones; but also, a time to reflect on the past year and plan for the next.

Reflection serves as a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth. Looking back at the past year, did you set goals for yourself? If you didn't, what goals can you set for next year to help with your growth? If you did set goals, have you achieved these goals or have you forgotten some of them and need to modify? Perhaps you are going to carry them into 2024?

Wherever you are with your goal setting and your professional and personal development, we hope you take this time to relax and reflect and plan for 2024.

To help you with your planning, I have created a worksheet for you that you can print to help create your professional goals. Please email info@rdhu.ca for the worksheet.

We have LOTS coming up in January to help you kick start the year! Please take a look below.

If you would like some help with your QA records, I am presenting an online QA Workshop in January. I hope you will join me. Let's start 2024 off with success!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

This Friday, December 1st, at 12pm EST we have our popular 1-hour CE show The RDH View with Dr. Sanjukta Mohanta!

Dr. Sanj has been presenting with rdhu for a few years now, so many of you may already know how wonderful she is. She has also presented in Saskatchewan and BC this year, so you may have had the opportunity to see her there.

Sanj's recent Editorial in Oral Hygiene demonstrates a glimpse of the kind of authentic person she is. Click here to read it!

Our topic with Dr. Sanj this Friday is on:

Smiles for Change: Exploring Volunteering Opportunities for Dental Professionals

Sanj is passionate about giving back. She was practicing dentistry and just going through the motions. She wasn't enjoying her profession and essentially her life until she reframed her thoughts and started doing what gave her passion.

We hope you will join us to hear more about Dr. Sanj's story and discover some volunteering possibilities that just may change your life and perspective! Click here to view the recorded episode!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Thank you to those of you who joined us for our rdhu Transformational Conference this past Friday.

The feedback was amazing! Everyone enjoyed the learning and transformational takeaways that they can implement into their practice right away.

Thank you to our presenters and friends, Christine Crawford, Jo-Anne Jones and Dani Botbyl, for sharing your expertise with us.

Thank you to our friends at Dentsply Sirona who offered their beautiful state-of-the-art facility to host our event at the Dentsply Sirona Academy.

And to our friends at Crest & Oral B, thank you for your support as well. We appreciate you and our members appreciate all that you do for our profession! Everyone left with the newest version of Compass, a professional development program designed by Crest & Oral B in partnership with rdhu.

Without our corporate partners, these types of events just wouldn't be possible.

And a big thank you to the rdhu team, Beth, Pearl and Mary Tess, for helping make this day happen!

We love our live streaming courses but when we get the opportunity to be in person, to give a hug, have a chat and immerse ourselves in the learning, it doesn't get any better than that!

So thank you!! We can't wait for next year's conference!

Tell me and I will forget...

Show me and I may remember...

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

That is "The rdhu Way" and our motto, and one that we can really dive into during our in-person courses and events.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

We received exciting news recently regarding Self-Initiation in Ontario. We no longer are required to go through a Self-Initiation process to work independently. The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario has rescinded the Standard for Self-Initiation. It is different for every province when it comes to working independently; however this news is exciting for all dental hygienists as it moves our profession in a positive direction.

The timing could not have been better for this new app to be launched for those wishing to explore Independent Practice.

Collab Dentistry has been launched in Ontario and will be launching in other provinces in the near future. So the more dental hygienists and offices downloading the app, the faster they will be able to launch in other provinces.

The Collab Dentistry concept is similar to the Airbnb app as it connects dental hygienists looking to rent an available operatory, and connecting available operatories with dental hygienists!

You now have the opportunity to start your own business, rent out an operatory from a dental practice or independent dental hygiene clinic and treat your own clients on your schedule (depending on where you are practicing), without the investment that goes along with a brick and mortar type of business!

Our friends at Collab Dentistry will help you every step of the way.

For our Ontario RDH's, visit Collab Dentistry today, download the app and book your op! You could be practicing independently starting in 2024!

Do you have an available op in your practice? Visit Collab Dentistry, download the app, add it to your desktop and rent out your operatory! This could be the win-win you have been looking for!

For some of the other provinces, where you can work independently, or where you have an op available, we encourage you to download the app to help get this opportunity available in your province!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

Do you have a Soft-Tissue Diode Laser in your practice but are not utilizing it?

At rdhu, we believe in One Laser Per Op. This is the key to implementing a successful laser program into your practice. If you have to share one laser between multiple dental hygienists, chances are you aren't running a successful laser program in your practice.

Here is the thing. If you have one laser in your practice that no one is using, first things first, get one dental hygienist trained/certified on using the Soft-Tissue Diode Laser. Then go back to your practice, dust off that laser, calibrate it and set it up in that dental hygienist's op. Get the laser program running successfully and then add another laser to the next op.

Sharing a laser is like sharing an ultrasonic unit. It just doesn't work and can't happen. Utilizing the diode laser to its fullest extent would mean that you use it so much so, that you can't bare to have it leave your op!

If you don't have a laser in your practice and have never been trained, I encourage you to add this skillset and this essential technology to your armamentarium. Join us at rdhu and take part in both the lecture and didactical training that is required in order to implement lasers into our practice. We also cover what the ROI (Return on Investment) is for the laser, and have recently added a template that we will send you back to your practice with to help you prepare a case presentation on why you would think it is important to get a laser in your practice.

We currently offer laser training in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Click here to see upcoming training dates!

In Ontario, we offer a laser training course every month at rdhu. These fill up quickly. We also offer a special customized day for your team at rdhu (or in your practice), where it is just your hygiene team or the entire team may attend as well. When the dental hygienists are going through the didactical training, the other members of the team are reviewing the marketing and planning strategies.

When practices are hiring new talent and have a diode laser, many assume that all dental hygienists can utilize the laser and are disappointed and in a panic looking for training ASAP. While others are aware of this and will only hire dental hygienists who have gone through the training or certification.

Add this skillset and training to your arsenal. Go back and utilize the technology that is in your practice, or feel prepared and confident to go back to your office with all the reasons why you are excited to offer lasers into your practice. You got this!

Depending on the guidelines of the province/state you are practicing in, here are some of the reasons why you should implement lasers into your practice:

1. Stand out from the crowd (as a dental hygienist). This is a great tool to add to your CV or resume.

2. Stand out from the crowd (as a dental practice). People talk and share experiences.

3. Provide exceptional, leading edge technology for your patients.

4. Elevate your Non-Surgical Periodontal Program.

5. Help those who suffer from painful herpetic lesions and potentially prevent them from returning.

6. Desensitize and expedite the healing of apthous ulcers.

7. Add lasers to your whitening program.

8. Disinfect an area prior to debridement to help reduce aerosols and the occurrence of bacteremia.

9. Target pathogenic bacteria with a minimally invasive approach.

10. Help reduce sensitivity prior to debridement enhancing patient comfort.

The Soft-Tissue Diode Laser is a tool that once you implement, you will be reaching for it several times all day.

#onelaserperop

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

I started a couple of 30-day challenges last week to help me stay focused, get organized and reach some of my goals that I have for myself for 2023.

I have had a busy 8 months, and a few things have gotten away from me, so I thought let's implement some of the things that I need to get done and track my progress so I don't forget my path and to help remind me of what I need to focus on. If you are anything like me, if it isn't in front of me as a reminder, I will forget to do it and will slip back into my routine.

So, my two 30-Day Challenges are:

1 - Do weight training every day. I have been really good at making sure I am walking every day, moving as much as possible and eating healthy. What I need to incorporate is weight training.

2 - Organize my home. Organize a drawer, a cabinet or a rack from a closet every day, as I have been in my new home for 3 years now and it is time to de-clutter, get donations ready and get re-organized!

30-Day Challenges are great, even if it is you doing it on your own and not through an organized challenge; that said, it can be a good idea to share with loved ones what you are up to, for support and encouragement, if you need it.

If you are looking for some change, or feeling in a rut or perhaps just not making progress toward a goal, a 30-day challenge just might be the thing for you.

Whether it is a fitness challenge, an organizational challenge, creative challenge or a habit-building challenge, committing to a 30-day period of focused effort can be a game changer! A 30-day challenge can lead to personal growth, self-discovery and overall achievement for accomplishing a goal.

Build New Habits: One of the most compelling reasons to take on a 30-day challenge is the opportunity to build new habits! There are many theories on how long it takes to establish a new habit, but typically "they" say it takes about 21 to 30 days. By committing to a challenge for 30 days, gives you the time and structure needed to creative positive and hopefully lasting changes in your life!

Boost Self-Discipline: Self-discipline is key when trying to create new habits. By sticking with a 30-day commitment with yourself you are essentially telling yourself that you are doing something and sticking to it no matter what! I think this is the foundation to creating your non-negotiables. This 30-day self-discipline challenge can help you accomplish bigger and more challenging goals. It also helps you break down a big goal to smaller focused goals that may be easier to accomplish.

Break the Comfort Zone: We often get stuck in doing the same old same old and unless we have a plan, do it, and track it, we may find ourselves never really growing or trying something new and can easily maintain the status quo.

Create a Sense of Achievement: Let's face it! It feels really good when you commit to something and see positive change. It is incredibly rewarding. Sticking to something, like a 30-day challenge, can boost your confidence and self-esteem. These small wins serve as building blocks for tackling larger goals and can be the foundation for your bigger goals.

In a world and a profession where we are go-go-go, it is good to step back, breathe and plan something that perhaps has been in the back of your mind to do, or a fear that you want to overcome, or a new skill to learn, or something creative you would like to try, or simply to get organized. The 30-day challenge is something that can help you break free from the day-to-day.

If you would like the 30-Day Challenge Worksheet to print and use please email us at info@rdhu.ca. I have two of these printed at this time and have been making sure that each day I have a check-box marked off for the day. It is very motivating and I hope you find it helpful.

Looking for some Professional Development goals for 2023? Please visit rdhu.ca and see how you can finish the year strong.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

It was so nice to see many of our members, meet up with old friends and make new ones at TODS in Kelowna last week! Beth and I arrived back home on Sunday after a very energizing week away. It felt really good for the soul to be amongst a fabulous group of dental professionals! Thank you to everyone who attended our sessions.

When I look back at this year, I cannot believe that we only have one week left of October! 2023 is almost over! There is still so much to do! Have you met your goals for 2023?

We have many great events and programs coming up before the end of the year, and are already receiving registrations for next year's hands-on programs.

If we can help you achieve your professional goals in any way, please let us know! In the meantime, email info@rdhu.ca for a copy of our Yearly Planner for you to download, print and work on achieving those goals!

The complete calendar is also available by clicking here so you can take a look at all that is happening in this academic year.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

We are on our way to Kelowna today to take part in the TODS conference! We hope to see many of you there. Between Beth and I, we have 3 lectures and one workshop (repeated twice). I am presenting 'Sleep Apnea: A Not So Silent Killer! What dental hygienists need to know to help save lives' and 'Energy Management for the Dental Hygienist'. Beth is presenting 'Furcations, Concavities, Projections, Oh My!' We are both presenting a hands-on sharpening and instrumentation workshop as well. It will be a busy week but one we have been so looking forward to for some time. If you are from the area and haven't registered, please be sure to register and join us!

Our Transformation Conference is only one month away and we hope many of you can join us. We are at 50% capacity at this time, so please be sure to register ASAP to avoid disappointment. Dentsply Sirona is bringing Dr. Polly Huang up from the States to present with us. Dr. Polly was a dental hygienist and is now a periodontist. The amazing international presenter Jo-Anne Jones, will be with us. Christine Crawford, who many of you know and love from her courses with rdhu, will be presenting on Radiography. Finally, the one and only, Dani Botbyl, who has recently retired from Dentsply Sirona but who is not quite ready to hang up her inserts, will be presenting as well. Beth and I will be the hosts and are excited for this day. Crest & Oral B are co-sponsoring this event, which in addition to Dentsply Sirona's support, has helped us offer this day to you for $149!

If you are ready for a transformational experience, or feeling a little bored or stuck, we encourage you to join us at TODS or rdhu's Transformational Conference and plan to get re-energized!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

For the last couple of On-Track Tuesday blogs, we discussed energy drainers. Over the last several years, I started taking note of what (or who) drains my energy and what (or who) gives me energy. These are called Energy Drainers and Energy Boosters. If you missed the last couple of On-Track Tuesday emails, be sure to look back and use the worksheet to help you identify the things that leave you feeling drained and have you think of some strategies on helping you cope with such drainers. Do things (or people) really need to be part of your life? Or, if it is something tangible, can it be corrected (ie. Replacing dull instruments with new)?

This week, we will take a look at our Energy Boosters! What gives you energy?

These are things that give you a sense of accomplishment, boost your energy, and help you not only work towards your goals; but also, just help make your day feel fulfilled.

Some of the energy boosters could be:

~ working out and/or stretching in the morning

~ not looking at your phone (that would be an energy drainer that perhaps you have since turned into a positive habit and replaced with a good stretch session)

~ starting your day with a glass of water (before having that cup of coffee)

~ cleaning out a closet or drawer (keeping your house neat and organized)

~ using essential oils

~ watching a great movie that you love or listening to your favourite era of music

~ taking a hike with your family

~ implementing meditation

~ spending time with a mentor

~ developing a hobby (scrapbooking, playing the piano)

These are some examples of what could possibly work for you as energy boosters.

Often times, we know that these things will help us feel good about ourselves but are put on the back burner as we tend to be caring for others and live busy lives.

We need to live with intention and plan our days, otherwise, our days will be planned for us.

Create the list of the things using the worksheet below and think about ways that you can get more energy boosters in your life!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

I wanted to continue on the theme of last week's On-Track Tuesday where we looked at our Energy Drainers.

An Energy Drainer comes in all forms and it is good to identify what drains you, recognize the signs (ie. a tight throat) and then look for ways to be able to either remove yourself from a situation or address and fix what is draining you. Like I mentioned last week, it could even be the tools in your hands that drain you!

Some people bring unexpected lightness and comfort to your life. They crackle with energy, practically electrify you with their presence (These are a part of your Energy Boosting list that we will take a look at next week). And then there are those who leave you feeling stressed out and drained. After you spend time with them you just feel exhausted. We come across these types of people from time to time and hopefully when you are in their presence, you won't be with them for too long.

Some examples are those who feel the world is against them. They may be looking for us to acknowledge how hard it is for them. There is the "charmer" who talks alot and likes to be the centre of attention. Some people may look to others to blame. We have those who will always "one-up" us, where no matter what story you are sharing, it has happened to them and in a much worse way. We have the bossy ones, who need to control everyone's actions. Oh, I could go on!

These are just a few of the energy drainers that we may come across in our everyday life including our workplace, whether it be a patient or a co-worker!

The important thing is to recognize these "energy vampires" and look for ways to deal with them. Many times, it is on us and how we react to these types of people. If we try to not let them ruffle our feathers so much, perhaps less energy will be drained.

Here are a few things that may help when you are near an energy vampire:

- When you have a difficult patient, it does wonders when you are extra nice to them! You never know what is going on with them and you may just lift their spirit and help them get through their day!

- Walk away. No matter which type of energy drainer you're dealing with, you are allowed to walk away. Many of us find this really hard to do. We are afraid of being thought of as impolite and we don't want to offend people or bring attention to ourselves.

- The moment you feel zapped or stressed out, remember to take a breath. Breathing is so powerful and a wonderful way to centre yourself. There are different breathing techniques that you can use that will relax you quickly. Just follow the breath and tell yourself that you know what's happening and you can deal with it.

- Use your energy! You can imagine an energy shield around you and create a buffer. or picture an image that makes you happy and put yourself there, even if only for a few moments.

- Set boundaries. I often hear of dental hygienists feeling like they are being taken advantage of. Identify the situation and set the boundary that you will no longer do XYZ. As an example, the time you require for certain treatments, or working through lunch, etc. You can be vocal and set the boundaries that work for you.

- Step Back. Often when we step back and take a look at what type of people are aggravating us, often it is a trait that we may not like in ourselves. It could be something about you that you haven't quite worked out in yourself. It is interesting when you do look at this from a different lense how you can see those who bother you, perhaps have a similar trait as you.

Feel free to email info@rdhu.ca for the worksheet to identify your energy drainers. Next week we will look at what boosts our energy and ways we get more of it!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

I am preparing my 'Energy Management for the Dental Hygienist' presentation that I will be presenting at TODS this year, on Friday, October 20th.

A part of this program is helping dental hygienists identify their energy drainers.

Identifying our energy drainers is a critical aspect of maintaining our overall well-being and productivity. These energy drainers can manifest in various forms, such as negative relationships, stressful environments, or unproductive habits. Recognizing them allows us to take proactive steps to mitigate their impact on our lives. When we pinpoint the sources of our exhaustion or frustration, we gain the power to make necessary changes, set boundaries, and allocate our time and resources more wisely. This self-awareness empowers us to prioritize activities and relationships that genuinely nourish our physical and emotional energy, ultimately leading to increased resilience, improved mental health, and a higher quality of life. In essence, identifying energy drainers is akin to decluttering our lives, enabling us to channel our energy into pursuits that align with our values and aspirations.

I have created an 'Energy Drainers Worksheet. Please email info@rdhu.ca if you would like a copy. The idea is to write down the things that make you feel drained and come up with a plan on how you can deal with them.

Energy drainers can be the tools in your op. Perhaps it is your worn-out hand instruments or ultrasonic inserts, an old chair or your gloves being too small. It could be the environment in which you practice. Finding your energy drainers and making necessary changes can be life/practice changing!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

We are all living in a time of busyness with so much going on in every different direction that it can feel overwhelming at times.

Many years ago I heard of a concept called W.I.N. It is a simple but powerful acronym for What's Important Now and was developed by a famous Notre Dame Football coach Lou Holtz. Holtz instructed his players to ask themselves this question "What’s Important Now?" at least 35 times a day. He wanted them to think about it when they woke up, while they were in class, study hall, the weight room, the practice field, standing on the sidelines during a game and while on the playing field at a game. Holtz wanted his players to be able to learn to focus on what mattered the most at any given time.

Since discovering this concept I have made it a part of my every day. It helps me to be present and focus on what is important at that particular time.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, or you feel you aren't being present while at work and thinking about all the things to do and all the people you have to take care of at home, or vice versa, at home and thinking about all the things you have to do and should do for work, try this concept. It was a game changer for me.

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

I just completed a 4-Part Series in the Oral Hygiene Journal with the Oral Health Group.

The series is called 8 Simple Secrets to Being Indispensable in the Dental Practice.

Everyone wants to feel indispensable; although we realize that no one really is indispensable, it is important for us to have this mindset to flourish in our workplace. There are even books available on this topic as this is something that many strive for.

I speak and engage with dental hygienists every day and often hear the pain that many are feeling in their dental practice. They don’t feel noticed. They have no voice or input. They are not engaged and are stuck on the hamster wheel. A program may get started in the practice, but it never gets fully implemented or it doesn’t sustain.

I am excited to share strategies on how you can stand out as a dental hygienist. How you can have your voice heard and be an innovator, a planner, and an implementer!

Strategies that will not only have your patients/clients looking to you, wanting to see you, and respecting you; but also, your team members as well. Strategies that will help you succeed and essentially be in a position in your office that fulfills you.

Being indispensable in the workplace is attainable! I am sharing the links to the articles below.

Being “Indispensable in the Dental Practice” is something we can all strive for to give us purpose and to feel noticed and valued. From having a Positive Mindset (Secret #1) to being a Leader (Secret #2), to Specializing (Secret #3), to being a Life-long Learner (Secret #4), to Sharing Your Knowledge (Secret #5), to Mastering the Art of Selling (Secret #6), to Being Innovative (Secret #7) to Being an Implementer (Secret #8), these are all things in our reach! What can you do in your practice to be “Indispensable in the Dental Practice?”

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Click here to subscribe to Oral Hygiene Journal. If you have an article that you would like to publish, please contact me. I am on their Editorial Committee for the Oral Hygiene publication and would love to hear from you!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Although we love online learning, nothing is more impactful than in-person programs at our beautiful facility!

Come and immerse yourself in a day or a weekend of learning new skills and networking with like-minded dental hygienists. Look at things a little differently and open your mind to new possibilities.

When we created rdhu almost 15 years ago, a major part of the offering was to bring dental hygienists together to share and learn from one another, in-person, in a small group setting. Our presenters are highly skilled and trained and we are confident that you will take away some gems that will really be life and practice changing.

rdhu is a safe space with no judgement. No matter what your skill level is, we can assure you, rdhu is for you.

In-person hands-on training is essential to grow as a dental professional.

For many years, when I owned my own dental instrument company, I would present at conferences and dental practices and would always hear how much dental hygienists appreciated the hands-on experience. We only know what we know and without a mentor, or a course that is offered beyond our dental hygiene school, we really are stagnating ourselves and robbing ourselves of an amazing opportunity for change and transformation. Not only for your patients and your practice but for ourselves as well.

To experience perhaps an easier way, or more effective and efficient way, or to look at something a little differently can be an ah-ha moment and often a life saving moment for our patients as well.

If you haven't attended hands-on training at rdhu, I hope this inspires you to Think Outside the Tray and expand your skillset. I often see in the Facebook groups, that some only look for the "free" CE online. That isn't what being a professional is about. We encourage you to invest in yourself!

Lifelong learning is about actively seeking knowledge, skills, and experiences. It is a pursuit of learning far beyond our formal education or checking off the boxes for our Quality Assurance requirements.

From Myofunctional Therapy, to Oral Cancer Screening, Instrumentation and Orthodontics for the dental hygienists, we have dental hygienists coming from different provinces based on their Scope of Practice. Click here to access the hands-on courses that are coming up!

I encourage you to participate in a hands-on training program and leave rdhu with new found confidence all the while enhancing your practice!

Thank you for your support and for reading!

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Our Summer Specials are well underway, and we are so appreciative of all of you who have registered for either the All Access Virtual Pass and/or the Dental Hygiene Quarterly buy 1 Year and get 1 Year for FREE!

There have been a few questions about the All Access Pass that I would like to address, in case some of you have the same questions...

All Access Virtual Pass

1. Question: When I purchase the All Access Pass, do I really have access to ALL Live Streaming courses?

Answer: Why, yes you do! When you purchase the All Access Pass, you will have access to ALL of rdhu's live streaming courses. Once you register, you will receive an email with all the links for the next 3 months. You just need to choose which ones you would like to register for with no further payment required! We will send one email a month with all the links to register.

2. Question: So, it is ONE payment for ALL Live Streaming Courses?

Answer: That is correct! A one-time payment is made BEFORE August 31 and you will have access to any and all of rdhu's Live Streaming Courses. We do have a number where we will have to cut off registration, so depending on the number of registration capacity we can accept or August 31, whichever comes first!

3. Question: If I can't make it to the live streaming courses, can I watch the recording?

Answer: Why, yes you can! Just email info@rdhu.ca to request the recording of the course you would like and you will have access to it for 30 days!

4. Question: How will I access the recording and get my certificates?

Answer: You will have your very own personal rdhu portal that will host all of your requested courses as well as access to the post-tests and certificates! We are the Easy Button for your QA and career advancement needs! Your portal will be yours for many years so no need to worry about losing your certificates.

5. Question: I heard that there are some bonus webinars, can you tell me a bit more about them?

Answer: For sure! We have included some additional webinars that will help ignite a positive mindset, your personal wellness and share some leadership strategies with you! These webinar links will come separate from the course selection!

6. Question: I am not great on the computer, will this program be okay for me?

Answer: 100%! We have been in this business for a very long time, helping dental hygienists access resources, helping them with their QA requirements to submit to their regulatory bodies and know and understand the struggles many have with technology! Everything we offer is easy to access and for those who require additional assistance, we have an amazing team who work behind-the-scenes to help our members! We got you!

7. Question: Money is a little tight, do you offer a payment plan?

Answer: Yes, we do! We have a 2 and 3 month payment plan set-up to help you! All of this information will be found here: All Access Virtual Pass All you need to do is email info@rdhu.ca and we can share the details and set you up with a payment plan.

8. Question: My office is interested in signing up our entire Hygiene Department! Do you offer special pricing?

Answer: Yes, we do! We have had a few offices sign up their entire team. We love this so much because it shows such a synergetic team that will share their knowledge, implement and make change happen. Please email info@rdhu.ca to let us know how many dental hygienists your practice would like to register and we will create a customized link for you!

9. Question: Can I share my pass with my colleagues?

Answer: No, you cannot. This is one pass per dental hygienist. Each portal is set up for you with your post-tests, certificates etc. Please email us with your request and we can make it happen.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out!

Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Thank you for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

Happy August! Can you believe August is here? I don't know where this year has gone! I am living with intention, enjoying every day and it is still whipping by.

August is a great time for reflection as far as your personal and professional growth are concerned. It is a time that is quiet on the home front and for many, a time for summer holidays.

Before you know it, we will be "hitting the pavement" and back to the hustle and bustle of every day life with school and activities for many families.

August is the time to reflect and evaluate your accomplishments for the year thus far.

Are you on-track for your goals? Are you feeling satisfied with your professional growth? Have you participated in learning activities that will enhance your career, your practice and client/patient care? Or are you feeling behind? Are you feeling perhaps a little stagnant and looking forward to learning something new?

Grab a pen and your journal! If you have your goals written down, take a look at them. Do you have to revise, remove or reignite what you have written down?

I know for me, I have been focusing on my health this summer and am on target. After my accident a few years ago and then again breaking my other ankle last year, I hadn't been feeling like myself. Now with lots of swimming and focusing on my overall health, I am feeling more like my old self :) I still have some work to do but as I sat this morning journaling, it reminded me that we only have a little bit left of this year and I am feeling motivated to not only reach my personal goals but my professional ones as well.

We have some pretty amazing career enrichment programs scheduled for the Fall both Live Online and In-Person. And don’t forget, the All Access Virtual Pass is available until August 31st, if you are thinking of participating in more than 2 courses, it will be worth it!

I hope you feel inspired to take this month and plan the last quarter and a bit of the year to make this your Best Year Yet!

Thank you for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

I had a great Zoom meeting this morning with Liisa Moore, who is an Orthodontic Dental Hygienist, a QA Coach with us and our Ortho Trainer.

I wanted to share a bit of her story, our meeting, and how we met, as I think it will inspire many to have you 'Think Outside the Tray' and look at possible opportunities that are out there!

Liisa will be presenting in the Dental Hygiene Quarterly 2023 Fall Edition and is also presenting at Spectrum, Friday, October 20th. Her Dental Hygiene Quarterly presentation is on an Intro to Orthodontics and her Spectrum presentation is on health and wellness and what we can do in our op to maintain our energy and feel good at the end of a clinical day.

She will also be presenting 3 Ortho programs at rdhu this Fall: Orthodontic Fundamentals for the Dental Hygienist (2-day program at rdhu on September 16th and 17th), Advanced Orthodontics for the Dental Hygienist and Clear Aligner Therapy; Aligners, Attachments, and AI on October 14th and 15th. The latter are two new hands-on programs at rdhu.

One of the slides in Liisa's presentation is on Investing in Yourself, both Professional and Personal Development. She shares her story about how she was (and still is) a rdhu member. She invested $500 on a Quality Assurance Package with Beth Parkes. They spent one year together getting Liisa's QA records ready to submit as she was being audited that year. Over the course of the year, Beth saw some qualities in Liisa and knew she had a passion for education and sharing her knowledge and skills with her colleagues. This transformed into Liisa putting together programs for rdhu! She is a lifelong learner and has a thirst for learning new things. She is supported by the Orthodontist she works with and her team as well. She has written for Oral Hygiene and was really excited to have her first article published. She shared how she went to work one day and her Orthodontist had the Oral Hygiene Journal open on his desk and was so happy for her. Doesn't that just elevate her as a professional in her practice as well?! She is currently working on her second article. All this while working 4-days a week as a clinical orthodontic dental hygienist! I am just so darn proud of her to see how much she has grown over the last few years.

She mentioned that some of her colleagues thought she shouldn't bother spending the money on a QA Coach, that she could figure it out herself. At the end of our meeting today, she said that if she hadn't put herself out there and invested in herself, she most likely wouldn't be doing what she is doing today!

Maybe this means attending a dental hygiene conference and networking with other dental hygienists. Perhaps it is sending out a message to someone who you would like to meet while at the conference or meet for a coffee. Or it might be attending the soiree at night even when you are tired and would rather go to bed. It could mean participating in hands-on programs to learn a new skill. Whatever it might be, it is all about investing in yourself and putting yourself out there. You never know what will become of it!

Thank you for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming courses, career postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

We are so excited to launch a never-done-before program in the almost 15 years that rdhu has been in business!

Introducing the All Access Virtual Pass! This pass will give you access to ALL live streaming courses in the next Academic Year (September 2023 ~ June 2024).

We have so many great live online courses ready for you to participate in.

We think you will love it!

This All Access Virtual Pass is available to a limited number of participants and/or until August 31st. Whichever happens first :)

We hope you enjoy this opportunity of growth! The more we learn, the more we grow and the more engaged we will be in our practice.

Imagine a time, where you find so many courses that interest you and you can simply click to register and participate in, without any additional fees?

Well, it is happening for this next Academic Year and is the FIRST time (and maybe the only time!) that we have offered such a plan.

Click here to learn more and sign up for the All Access Virtual Pass! *Please note ~ Limited number of passes available and up until August 31st (whichever comes first!)

Please take a look below for upcoming courses, job postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

I hope you are enjoying your summer so far and getting a chance to relax and recharge!

Summer is always a time for us, at rdhu, where we work on the upcoming Academic Year (Sept - June) to ensure that we are providing exceptional programs and events to our members.

We just had a fabulous meeting this afternoon with Jo-Anne Jones about her upcoming online course WNL: Within Normal Limits or We Never Looked and then the in-person course Ultimate Experiential Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Specialized Workshop. So much has changed in this area and Oral Cancer Screening and Early Detection is a critical skill set that a dental hygienist needs to master. We hope you will be able to join us! Today we were discussing the tools that we are creating, that you can take back to practice, to help you implement your new knowledge and skill set.

Our Summer Special for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly is in full-swing and we are so excited to offer this special of $149 for a Buy 1 Year of DHQ and receive 1 Year FREE as part of the CDHA membership benefit. We work hard behind-the-scenes to create this evidence-based professional development to help keep you engaged and up to date in an ever-changing profession!

On July 15th we will be announcing a FIRST time ever program that we know you will want to take part in. This will be offered on July 15 and available for purchase until August 31st (or until the limited number of spots have been sold).

Stay tuned for the announcement! We have never in the almost 15 years of rdhu offered such a program! We think you will love it!

Please take a look below for upcoming courses, job postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

I arrived home last week after being away for almost two weeks! Myself and Beth were invited by LM Dental to attend their inaugural 'Midnight Sun Key Opinion Leaders' meeting with 13 other dental hygienists, dental therapists and dentists from around the globe.

It was a trip of a lifetime and one that I will always treasure and be forever grateful. We shared and learned so much and made new friendships with dental professionals from all over.

Going to LM-Dental in Finland has been on my bucket list for the last 8 years and it sure didn't disappoint.

I had my own instrument company for 15 years and was fortunate to tour a couple of different instrument manufacturers along the way. So, I understand and am very aware of what is out there. To see the behind-the-scenes at the LM Facility was super impressive! We don't even realize when we put an instrument in our hand the equipment, the steps, the quality control and the proud craftsmanship that goes into each and every instrument.

If you haven't tried an LM instrument, I encourage you to "Feel the Difference" for yourself. You can purchases these instruments through Curion in Canada (formerly Bisco Canada). If you are from a different country, you can look up who your distributor is, on the LM site.

Like anything new, it may take some time to get used to the handle, as it is a tapered shape and made with medical grade silicone. The tapered handle is so good for us ergonomically, with studies to support this, that other instrument manufacturers are now creating the tapered handle as well! The LM handle is super light, with a fine alloy rod running through to help heighten your tactile sensitivity and will make your days run smoother. Once you try the LM line, you will love them!

I have always been passionate about instruments and ensuring that we are always working with sharp, well-maintained instruments. If you are using dull worn out instruments that haven't been replaced in years and need some help with preparing on the how and why you need new instruments to present to the decision maker, I would be happy to help you.

Just reach out and we can set up a call. I have tools to help you deliver your message.

Do not compromise for one patient, as it will turn into one day, one week, one year and so on. Take care of yourself and feel proud of the care you provide.

Please take a look below for upcoming courses, job postings and our partner specials.

Have a great week!

Kathleen

p.s. Thank you to Pearl and Mary Tess for holding down the fort while we were away!

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President

We held a great event with the ODHA, Crest & Oral B and Dentsply Sirona at the gorgeous Dentsply Sirona Academy on Saturday!

It was a full day with hands-on workshops! I presented alongside Dani Botbyl and Beth Ryerse-Donley. I enjoyed presenting a hand instrument and ultrasonic insert maintenance workshop four times to inspire many to assess their instruments and inserts and if needed, make change in their practice to ensure that they never compromise and always use optimal instrumentation.

Today, I am here packing for a trip to Finland as both myself and Beth Parkes have been invited by LM Dental Instruments for almost a week to explore Finland, take part in their tradition of saunas and participate in hands-on workshops at their beautiful facility in Helsinki! They are just celebrating their 5th year at their new facility and from the pictures I have seen, it looks absolutely gorgeous and innovative!

There is a small group of dental hygienists and a couple of dentists from all over the world along with a group from LM as well, who will be attending. We have dental hygienists coming from the United States, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Czechoslovakia, Sweden and Portugal. Beth and I are honoured to be the two Canadians invited. They are looking forward to hearing from all of us on the profession of dental hygiene in each country, our roles and scope of practice and where we see dental hygiene in the future.

Sounds pretty amazing, doesn't it?

This is the first time they have organized such an experience, and I am thrilled and honoured to be invited.

I actually have this written on my Bucket List! So I get to check off Visit Finland and the LM facility!

As I am packing, I am here reflecting on my career and our profession.

I am so thankful for choosing the profession of dental hygiene and feeling much gratitude.

When I think of this past Saturday and how wonderful it was to see so many of my friends who I have met because of our profession and long time members, the conferences where we have presented this year, and all the events at rdhu, it fills my heart.

I can't think of another person, a friend or family member, who is part of a profession like ours!

The collaboration we get to take part in, the networking, the being with like-minded individuals and friends, the learning and engagement, all based on helping people get healthy. Truly, what more could we ask for?

The opportunities and possibilities are there. Anything is in our reach. You just need to put yourself out there, find a practice where you feel heard and valued and "show up"!

Next week, I won't be able to write an On-Track Tuesday Blog, but I look forward to sharing our experience with you when we return.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook if you would like to see what we are up to in Finland! Beth isn't much of a social media person so I will be posting for us both! haha

Instagram: @kathbok @rdhuinc

Facebook: @kathleenbokrossy @rdhuinc

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

We had a great event this past Saturday where we had Beth Ryerse-Donley and April Smith present Global Power: A Call to Action! What is Your Role? and then I presented the 8 Simple Secrets to Growing Your Practice.

Some of our members attended on their own while others came with members from their team.

Regardless of if someone came on their own or not, we always encourage everyone to share their knowledge with their team afterwards to discuss ways to implement the learning into their practice!

We often work in silos in the dental practice and it is so important that we communicate with members of our team to make change happen.

Here are some helpful tips on how you can get your team on board:

1. Following a course, schedule a team meeting. Be intentional about sharing what you have learned.

2. Be prepared for your team meeting. Have your information collected and documented. Create a Case Presentation!

3. Share your presentation with your team! Show, in writing, where you are at currently on this topic. Show the Status Quo. Show the problem or concern. Then share in another document, your findings, the solution, the costs, resources and who will run the program and how it will be sustained. Show when you will Track and Measure the success and if it needs tweaking. This is where you will show that if it isn't successful initially, you will have a plan in place to tweak!

Ensuring that you have someone who will manage the program or new concept is key. You need to show that someone will track to ensure that it sustains!

Keep a copy of your plan in visual view. Keep a tracking record! Display it in an area where you will see it. Perhaps that is your team/lunch room! Because if it is out of site, it will be out of mind!

We have a few courses remaining for this Academic Year and then we will be away from offering courses until September!

Are you on track with your Professional Goals for this year? Are you on track with your QA Requirements?

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I wanted to share some feel good news today as we often hear so much negative news that when something good happens, it feels good to share!

This past weekend was an eventful one for us at rdhu! It started Friday with me presenting an online sharpening and insert maintenance course to dental hygienists from coast to coast and witnessing the aha moments to achieving the best sharp cutting edge possible! We all know how crucial it is for us to never compromise and always use sharp instruments!

Friday night, I was invited by Beth (Beth Parkes, our VP) as her guest to the ODHA President's Award Dinner where Beth was presented with a Distinguished Service Award! It was so great to spend some time with the ODHA Board of Directors and to celebrate Beth going above and beyond for members!

It was the ODHA's AGM, Friday and Saturday, so the timing was perfect as the ODHA office happens to be in Burlington! The Board of Directors decided to take a field trip and come by rdhu for a tour at our newly renovated facility on Saturday morning! Meanwhile, we had a Soft-Tissue Diode Laser Course happening at the Dentsply Sirona Academy in Mississauga, with Beth Ryerse, and Joe Siegfried presenting the in person portion of his Myofunctional Therapy: A Practical Program, at rdhu, where we had a group of dental hygienists complete their initial training! We had one dental hygienist from British Columbia one from Saskatchewan fly in for the weekend!

Look at the feedback we received for the Myo Program with Joe Siegfried:

• Amazing! 150% worth it! Joe is a wealth of knowledge, both on myo and the business of dental hygiene. He presents with integrity, enthusiasm, and is very engaging! From our BC RDH
• Love it! So much fun and learnt so much! From our Saskatchewan RDH
• Excellent course, great pace and lots of info! ON RDH
• This is a very helpful course to improve my Myofunctional Therapy Information. Joe is a great teacher! ON RDH
• ...and more like the above!

If you are interested in participating in the Full Practical Myo Program, the new date is available. If you would like a payment plan, you have lots of time if you register now and get started! The online portion starts Wednesday, October 11th and the in person, hands-on is Saturday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 3rd! Contact info@rdhu.ca if you are interested in a payment plan. Click here to learn more and to register otherwise!

Our laser training with Beth Ryerse comments were fabulous as well!

• Beth was kind, easy to understand and the breakfast and lunch provided was nice!
• The info is in depth and Beth gave good responses to our questions!
• Excellent presentation! Clear. It was a great experience for the hands-on with the laser practice.
• Very detailed oriented, well organized course presented to the class.
• I had such a positive learning experience and I'm excited to apply my new knowledge on lasers in my clinical practice!

And our Admin Team and Facilitator Extraordinaire's Pearl and Mary Tess were given raving reviews as well!

• The Best!
• Super helpful!
• Very warm and friendly!

All and all a good weekend worth sharing! #nowthatsgoodnews

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I started writing a series for the Oral Hygiene Journal (Oral Health Group) on The 8 Simple Secrets to Being Indispensable in the Dental Practice.

Secret #1 and #2 are in the past issues. Secret #3 has just been published!

If you missed the first 2 Secrets, I have added them to this blog below as a download. I have also included Secret #3!

Article/Secret #3:

In the last two issues of Oral Hygiene, we revealed the introduction to this topic, Secret #1 and #2. If you missed them, be sure to look back at these articles!

SECRET #3: SPECIALIZE.

By specializing, you are setting yourself up to be 'Indispensable in the Dental Practice!' You are setting yourself up to be the expert in a particular field, or to be known as 'that' dental hygienist everyone looks up to, making you stand out from many.

You will be amazed at the opportunities that can come from specializing!

THE ONE WHO MAKES EVERYONE SMILE!

In one of the practices where I worked, I was referred to as the ‘Happy Hygienist’ as I was always happy. I smiled a lot and was super friendly.

I stood out in that practice! When people referred to me, they would say, “Oh, the Happy Hygienist.”

Sounds silly, but when you think about it, people want to be around happy, positive people. So when someone was feeling down, they would spend time with me. Patients liked to see me because I made them feel good and delivered a positive experience. If you are known as the ‘Happy Dental Hygienist,’ people will want to be around you. They will seek you out because you make them feel good.

Also, by being a happy, positive person, people tend to want to do what you do. Happy people profoundly impact those around them and can also be excellent influencers. So, when it came to contributing ideas to make change happen in the practice, it often went in my favour because people respected my view and input.

Happiness is contagious, and when people see others around them happy, they are more likely to adopt positive behaviours and attitudes. I also love being super lovely to grumpy or mean people to see what happens!

Happy people are generally more optimistic, kind, and empathetic and more likely to have healthy relationships, be more productive, and have a more positive outlook on life. Being happy and a positive influence will contribute to your overall success of being ‘Indispensable in the Dental Practice!’

To continue reading this article, please find Secret #3 as a download below or click here to access the Oral Health Group website.

I hope you enjoy! I would love to hear your thoughts on what you think makes someone indispensable in the dental or dental hygiene practice!

Click here to access the Oral Health Group website to find the article online and subscribe to their journals!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Secret #1

Secret #2

Secret #3

We are living in a competitive world where everyone is fighting to get our attention. We see it on our social media platforms and we see it in our inboxes. There is so much clutter and promise of this and that.

What sets your practice apart from the rest to give you that competitive edge so you don't get lost in that clutter?

For us, we sometimes hear, it must be difficult for you to "sell" courses when there is all this "free" CE. We hear this until someone takes a course with us and then they find out for themselves that there really is no comparison. It is like comparing a Chevy Chevette (for those of you who remember the Chevette!) to a Lexus!

Our competitive edge is that there really is no other business like rdhu. We have the rdhu community and culture. We are about providing the tools to advance your career. We aren't about giving a free (or a 1-2 hour) webinar so that our members collect hours or points. We are about Transformation and deep learning to really make change happen. We are about the entire rdhu experience from the Before, the During and then the After. Sure, we do offer a free webinar and of course our show, The RDH View is free, but we do this in an engaging way to leave you wanting to learn more about that particular topic. It is designed to bring awareness or introduce you to a great topic that you may want to explore. This is a great way for us to share what the possibilities are with respect to our profession and to dive into more learning.

We are your easy button to keep you on track for not only your QA Requirements, but also offer programs and courses to help keep you engaged and current so you feel good about your profession. We don't ever want to be known as the CE company. The company where you just collect points or hours. We are about Transformation and growing as a Professional.

What is your competitive edge for your practice, and how do you let others know how your practice is the one that they should choose?

As an exercise with your team, identify what sets your practice up for success. What is your competitive edge? Why should a client or patient come to see you versus the practice down the street? What is your unique ability or advantage as a practice? What sets you apart? Is it the innovation and technology you offer your patients? Is it the strong branding and reputation you have established over the years? Is it that you are patient or client focused and feel strongly that you provide excellent care, a personalized experience and tailored solutions based on your patient's/client's needs? Do you build long-term relationships with your patients and families?

Use the worksheet found just below this blog as a download. Print one for each team member and work on it separately. Then get together and put your answers on your whiteboard or your easel pad and identify what is your competitive edge and what sets you apart.

Use this exercise to help with your messaging that you use verbally in your practice, through your email communication, your website and your social media. Feel proud of what makes your practice unique and have the confidence that your clients and patients are choosing a wonderful practice!

You can also do this exercise for yourself as a dental hygienist. What is your competitive edge? Why should you be chosen for the dream job? What is your unique advantage? What do you have that shows you perform with a standard of excellence?

Enjoy doing this exercise! :) I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Click here to download the Unique Advantage Exercise
Click here to download the Blog Post to Print

The ODA ASM is happening this week!

If you plan on attending, Beth, Kerry and myself will be at the Curion booth. Please stop by booth #511 and say hello!

We also need your help with something!

If you know Curion (formerly, Bisco Canada), you know that Curion carries unique, high-quality dental products and instruments. They are looking to distribute some new, innovative dental hygiene products and would love your feedback.

That’s where you fit in!

If you are attending the ODA, the first 50 people that come to the Curion booth and take the time to answer a short survey with either myself or Beth will receive a FREE LM Flexplorer as a thank you for spending that time with us! :)

We know how important it is for our members to have their voices heard. Here’s your chance to help us shape the future by making more unique products accessible to dental hygienists in Canada.

Hope to see you at ODA!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Do you ever feel like your inbox is full of spam or emails that don't pertain to you?

I do! I just cleared out over 2000 unread emails over the weekend. I do see the work related ones and respond ASAP but all the others, I just didn't have the time to look at and clear out.

We have recently had a large number of new members subscribe to rdhu so I wanted to share rdhu's communication with you. You are receiving this email today because you have either opted in or subscribed to rdhu. Email is our biggest form of communication with our members. If we don't email our members with upcoming course information, then no one would know what is coming up and what is available to them!

Our weekly On-Track Tuesday promises to keep you on track, with a motivational or helpful blog along with all the upcoming events and occasionally, special promotions.

We then send out emails regarding specific courses coming up, whether they are free, online, or in person events.

Just like all the emails I get, I will read what I am interested in and if I am not, I will swipe and delete. I only unsubscribe if I know it is from a company that I only did one transaction with and have no future plans on doing business with them or buying from them ever again.

With your rdhu emails, some may get your attention and you may open while others may not. If they don't interest you, simply swipe and delete! If you unsubscribe, you will be removed from all communication and will miss pertinent emails that pertain to our courses. When you do register, you won't receive the important course information.

Keeping on top of email is an important part of keeping organized, but sometimes, it builds up quickly and we need to set time aside to organize.

A clear inbox equals a clear mind, and trust me, after organizing mine over the weekend, I was left feeling recharged!

Besides our emails, if you would ever like to have a chat about courses coming up, we can guide you. Or if you have created goals, we can assist you in achieving your goals and get you on a path. Please feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help out!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I wanted to share the Dental Hygiene Quarterly update with you all! For those of you who are a member, the Spring 2023 Edition is in your personal portal. You can click here to access and if you have any questions, please reach out to info@rdhu.ca

The Dental Hygiene Quarterly means a lot to our team here. It is something that we feel very proud of and excited about at the same time, as we know we are helping so many dental hygienists keep on-track with their QA requirements. Just think, for those of you who haven't experienced Dental Hygiene Quarterly as of yet, every quarter we deliver approximately 3 hours of Professional Development into your portal. If you keep up with the quarterly editions, it truly is the easy button to keeping current with QA Requirements.

The Dental Hygiene Quarterly (DHQ) was really the start of my journey in the Professional Development market. I was approached many years ago, when I owned my own dental instrument company, to present for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly. At the time it was named DVD Journal of Dental Hygiene. For those of you who have been with us since the beginning, you may remember the sessions on instrumentation and sharpening that I did! We have many members who have been with us since its inception. We still have a large number who receive the DVD's rather than online only. When the original owner was retiring and looking for someone to take over his company, he approached me, as he knew that there would be a good fit with DHQ and rdhu.

Since we purchased DHQ in Spring 2016, we have made some changes along the way, but always kept with the original design and intention of what the DHQ was meant to be. Keeping you on track with each season/edition.

Dental Hygiene Quarterly is part of the CDHA membership benefit program. For those members who are a part of the Canadian Dental Hygienist's Association, you will receive a $50 Gift Card to go toward the membership. So the membership is $149 rather than $199.

Along the way we have added so many things to help those who maintain a Learning Portfolio or who must complete a report on learning. We have also stored everything in one area for those who need to complete the quiz and submit a CE certificate. We have added a Special Bonus Feature to each edition, added The RDH View to DHQ members' portals and are always looking for great topics and presenters to share.

Once we launch one edition, we already get to work on the next! My son Aiden, is our videographer and also editor and we have really enjoyed working on each edition together.

We are celebrating our 7 year Anniversary where we have brought the Dental Hygiene Quarterly under the rdhu umbrella and I wanted to take this time to thank those of you who are a member and also invite those of you who aren't to discover what DHQ can do for you to help you along your journey! Please see below for more information.

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I have had a great few days and feeling rather energized and excited about our profession!

On Saturday, I attended the DHPO Conference as a guest. The DHPO (Dental Hygiene Practitioners of Ontario) is an Independent Dental Hygiene Organization and they hold a 2- day event, with guest speakers, for those who own their own practice and for those who are considering owning their own practice. It was so great to see so many dental hygiene friends and colleagues. Many of whom I haven't seen in years. The DHPO put on a great conference and everyone was very engaged. They ended their conference with a Round Table format for sharing and strategizing. What a great opportunity to put like-minded individuals in the same room to learn from each other and help each other grow and succeed!

I was also asked to present to a group of dental hygiene students, from Canadore College, for their business course yesterday, who are graduating this month! They were a very respectful and kind group. Between this experience yesterday and the DHPO group on Saturday, it made me feel that the future of dental hygiene is looking bright!

It really is so beneficial to get out and network with other dental hygienists.

If there is an opportunity for you coming up to attend an in-person event, I encourage you to register and join in. Whether it be at a dental hygiene conference, dental conference or at rdhu, you will be sure to leave the day with a bounce in your step and excited to be part of a wonderful profession!

For our BC and Alberta friends, TODS in Kelowna is now confirmed for both Beth and myself. I will be doing two lectures, Beth one, and then together we will be doing a hands-on workshop (possibly two depending on registration). So save the date: Thursday, October 19 to Saturday October 21, 2023!

In the meantime, please take note of the in-person events we have coming up at rdhu below!

My 'Sharpen Your Skills' online sharpening and ultrasonic insert wear program that will be on Friday, May 26th from 11am - 2pm EST will be offered live online; however, if you would like to join me in person for this event, please email me and I will send you a separate invitation. kathleen@rdhu.ca

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

I hope you had a nice Holiday weekend with your loved ones! I just returned today from visiting my daughter in Halifax. She is a student at Dalhousie!

It was such a much needed little get-away after a busy (but exciting) couple of months for us here at rdhu.

We walked approximately 13,000 steps a day, hiked, and ate at really great restaurants. I ended up taking short daily naps and even finished reading my book! It was a fictional book, so I was able to totally disconnect from the busy-ness and immerse myself into the story.

Sounds heavenly, doesn't it?

Rest and taking time for self-care is so important, but unfortunately, many of us don't seem to do this often enough.

It can be challenging to maintain our health, our work, our professional obligations, and all the other responsibilities. These things leave us with little to no time for rest.

Rest is a fundamental part of success, health, and happiness. Remember, just like the flight attendant who says we must put our oxygen mask on first...we can't take care of our families and clients unless we take care of ourselves first!

Besides being in practice, there are many distractions in this digital world, and always something (or someone) requiring our attention.

No matter what your schedule or task list may look like, resting and unplugging is vital to your long-term health. It heals your body, reduces stress, helps with creativity, enhances productivity and helps with your decision making.

I scheduled this trip in at this time, knowing that I would need it to help me keep going with our busy next couple of months!

Hence, I love looking at my calendar and planning future dates. Not the calendar that is on my phone, but an actual paper, in my hands kind of calendar! I even brought it with me so we could do some summer planning.

My calendar is set up for my professional and personal needs. I truly believe if we don't plan our days, our weeks, our months or even our years, our days, etc will be planned for us and before we know, we drift from one day to the next without making change happen.

How are your professional goals coming along?

Is there or was there something that you thought you might like to achieve professionally in 2023 but, looking at where you are now in April, perhaps you are feeling that you aren't on track?

I would like to share one of the documents I created and use for our QA Coach members in Ontario that helps them think about certain topics or goals that they would like to learn more about, help them prioritize and help with next steps to achieve these goals. This is just a sneak peak of the total package our QA Coach clients receive to help them with planning and tracking.

You will find this at the button below as a download.

We have lots of great courses listed below to help you achieve some of your goals.

Is learning more about ortho one of your goals? Or perhaps diving into Myofunctional Therapy?

Check out below to see what is coming up and if we can help you in any way, as always, please reach out. We love hearing from you!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Happy National Dental Hygienists Week to all of you!

What a great start to the week we have had in celebration of our wonderful profession!

I am here to join in RDH Vibes at the Dentsply Sirona Academy where Beth Parkes and Dani Botbyl, along with our member, Sally Bassam, are on the panel. If you have registered we shall see you soon!

What are you doing to celebrate? I would love to hear and we will share!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Beth and I presented at the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists' Association Conference this past weekend and it was such a positive experience that I wanted to share. I am thinking you may take away a few ideas to implement into your practice!

If you know me, you know how important the client experience is in offering a world-class experience.

The experience started prior to the conference (the Before Experience), we met on Zoom to have a face to face meeting so by the time we arrived we already felt like we knew Alyssa, the Deputy Registrar. Seeing her in person was a welcoming experience because of that initial Zoom meeting, as well as the correspondence via email.

The staff at the hotel conference were very welcoming and helpful. They even left a small bottle of wine and some goodies so when we returned to our room, the surprise was waiting for us on the first night.

We also had a table exhibit for the exhibitors floor where Lorraine Gambacourt minded the booth. There was a nice bag there waiting for Lorraine with some essentials for the day which included water bottles and snacks.

The food was very good and they even had popcorn for an afternoon snack, which takes us all back to childhood memories with the smell of popcorn!

For the lanyard (which holds our name badge), they had an Indigenous artist Honey Willow create beautiful lanyards through beadwork for the presenters. Ours were purple, of course! Along with the lanyard there was a note from Honey Willow, sharing how She/They are an Intergenerational Residential School survivor and found healing through beadwork. Along with this, was a Thank You card from the SDHA to celebrate us and hope that we wear this gift at future conferences and when we do, will think of them! #itsthelittlethings

They had volunteers ready to help out whenever we needed (which we did as we had shipped 500 gift bags for 250 attendees for both sessions)! You know, the rdhu way! We love our gifts!

The attention to detail, doesn’t go unnoticed. It truly was a Dream Come True Experience as a presenter at a conference.

Whether it is at a conference, in the dental practice, a hair salon or a 5-Star hotel, looking at the experience through your client's eyes is a great exercise to go through.

There is so much we can do in the dental practice to get your clients and patients doing what I am doing right now! Sharing this wonderful experience with over 19,000 people! Can you imagine if your clients and patients were so wowed by you that they felt compelled to write about and share their experience with their family and friends? How many new clients would that bring to your practice and possibly re-engage some that are standing on the sidelines and haven’t quite come back when they should!

Let’s just think of a few possibilities here today:

For the Before Experience

- Could you send a quick 30 second video to a new client sharing that you look forward to meeting them? How about someone who hasn’t been in? You could send a quick “We miss you and know how important your oral health is to your overall health”. This could also help prevent cancellations and No Shows.

- Could you send them to your website “Meet our Team”?! Just like how we knew what Alyssa looked like prior to us meeting her. There is something comforting, meeting prior to an event and or an appointment.

- Could you send them a video of your office to familiarize themselves with your office? This could be super easy to do. One video and attach it to your Welcome to our Office email. Meet our Team, Here is a Tour!

How about for the During Experience (the actual appointment)

- A welcoming smiling face

- Saying their name as they come in rather than “and your name?” This is where keeping a clients pic on file is helpful.

- A thorough head and neck examination and explaining what and why you are performing an Oral Cancer Screening.

- Ensuring that you are using sharp instruments and Inserts that are not worn. Too many dental hygienists use worn out and dull tools. This is not okay for many reasons and I offer a whole course on this (the next one is Friday, May 26th online with a few joining me in-person at rdhu). Your instruments and inserts, if you are using them appropriately for their intended use, typically should last no longer than 2 years. As far as the client experience is concerned, this is a game changer when using optimal instruments versus dull worn out ones and can make or break the experience.

- Using an air polisher is a great experience, if you know how to correctly do this!

- Depending on where you are registered, some dental hygienists can incorporate the Soft-Tissue Diode Laser Treatment as an adjunct to Perio therapy or help a client with a painful herpetic lesion or add to whitening treatment or help improve sensitivity! This heightens the experience and end results for your clients! They will be your raving fans, no doubt! To be successful with incorporating lasers into your practice, you need to have one per operatory so you can utilize it when you need to! We often hear of practices having one laser per practice and guess what? It is never successfully incorporated! It would be like sharing an ultrasonic unit between ops!

- Provide a hot towel after the appointment to make your client feel great. A must!

And what about the After Experience?

- Send them home with the Oral Health Essentials kit (Oral B iO, Stannous paste, CPC rinse and more!). Set your clients up with the Oral B App so they can track your personalized home recommendations. This is a game changer to getting our clients healthy. Helping them with their halitosis, sensitivity, bad taste in their mouth. We hear such positive feedback from clients once on the system. Where's that cape again?!

Anyhow, as you can see I am passionate about the experience and I love sharing this with dental teams and companies.

If you would like to schedule me for your team or event, please always feel free to reach out. We would love to have you and your team at rdhu as well!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Spring is a season that symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and renewal. As the weather becomes milder and nature comes back to life, it’s a great time to focus on making positive changes in both our personal and professional lives.

Here are some ideas for things we can do in the workplace now that the new season is upon us:

1. Spring Cleaning! Just like we do in our homes, it’s time to do some spring cleaning in the practice. Encourage team members to tidy up their workspaces, declutter digital files, and dispose of any unnecessary items. Perhaps you have a box of used inserts and instruments that you need to trade-in or recycle. This not only helps to create a more organized and productive environment, but it also promotes a sense of responsibility and ownership among team members and it just feels so darn good to get organized!
2. Encourage outdoor activities! With the arrival of spring, the weather becomes milder and the days become longer. This is a perfect opportunity to get outside during your lunch break, even if only for 10 minutes. Walk around the block or your building and breathe! This can help to improve your mood and overall health.
3. Bring nature inside! Bringing a touch of nature into the practice (perhaps your communal areas) can help to create a more relaxing and calming environment. Consider adding plants or flowers to your workspace, which not only add aesthetic value but also help to purify the air and reduce stress levels.
4. Set new goals! Spring is a time of growth and renewal, making it the perfect time to set new goals for the workplace. What do you want to achieve in the upcoming months? Perhaps you would like to become a Myofunctional Therapist so that you can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to help with your client's overall health. Work to create a plan to make it happen. Get your team involved! Our Myofunctional course is beginning next week online (see below). Implementing something like this or a Sleep Assessment Protocol, as another example, can help to foster a sense of teamwork and motivation among team members. Feel free to reach out to me to discuss possibilities.
5. Celebrate achievements! Spring is a time to celebrate new beginnings, but it’s also a great time to celebrate past achievements. Take some time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals or teams in your practice. This not only helps to boost morale but also promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment.
6. Show Gratitude! With the air feeling so fresh and clean, it is tough to not feel gratitude. Take the time to reflect and show gratitude for all the people and things you have in your life.
7. Spring-themed events! This is a great time to get together as a team and with other professionals! For our female members...Women in Dentistry is coming up in a couple of weeks. Perhaps you can get your pink on and attend this conference that is designed for the team and go with your team. Our very own Kerry Lepicek and Anna Louise Tolan, as well as Stacy Bobak, are all presenting at this conference with a team focused agenda. See below for more detail.

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Thank you to everyone who attended the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver last week and joined us for our workshops and presentations! If you were with us but didn't opt in to receive the 'After' email, please email info@rdhu.ca with what presentation or workshop you attended and we will send you the email with the additional resources.

For those who will be attending the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienist's Association conference next week, we can't wait to see you!

Also, this past week my next article (Secret #2) for The 8 Simple Secrets to Being Indispensable in the Dental Office was published through the Oral Hygiene publication. Secret #1 was in the last issue. They are both found online through Oral Hygiene. You can always subscribe to receive a hard copy, or simply view online. I am including both articles here as well. Thank you for those who have reached out to let me know that you are looking forward to reading the next secret! Stay tuned for more!

In the meantime, click here for the most recent article or read below:

In the last issue of Oral Hygiene, the introduction to this topic and Secret #1 was revealed. If you missed it, be sure to look back at this article.

Secret #2: Be a Leader

Being indispensable at a dental practice means taking on a leadership role. A leader is a visionary who motivates and encourages others in their team to reach their potential and goals.

A leader is someone who inspires passion and motivation in others, and ensures that their team has support and tools to achieve their goals.

A leader helps create a positive work culture, improves practice image and reputation, fosters team and client loyalty, cares, and shares ways to increase productivity.

Understanding what is involved in being a leader is indispensable to your success.

What does it take to become a leader?

a. Self-Assess

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

Do you bring value to the practice?

Yes, you do! Of course, you do. You are a dental hygienist working very hard to provide client care. But beyond the care in the chair you provide, could you take a proactive approach, self-assess, assess your practice, and look for ways to do more to take an active leadership role?

As a leader, one must bring value to a practice, and there is a great feeling of satisfaction in a job well done, knowing that you are making an impact and, at the same time, creating a position that, well, makes you indispensable!

b. Maintain High Standards

As leaders, we aim for excellence in everything we do and demonstrate a consistent work ethic.

The way we dress, show up on time, and are prepared for the day ahead, are all opportunities to demonstrate our leadership. It is about looking at what needs to be done professionally and delivering. Add value to every transaction. It is about caring about the outcomes in all that you provide.

c. Go Beyond Expectations

Always go beyond expectations.

What is the next step that someone wouldn’t expect?

Think about what you can do next to make it a Dream Come True Experience for…

· A client

· Another team member (the dentist, another dental hygienist, dental assistant, front team)

· An industry representative who stops by your practice

· A specialist that you are collaborating with

I love going beyond what anyone would normally expect. It is about taking that extra step that goes above and beyond what was required initially. You will be amazed at how good this feels and how indispensable you will become.

d. Be Trustworthy

A leader is a trustworthy person.

It is someone worthy of confidence, reliable, dependable, responsible, safe, secure, and steady!

Trustworthiness is one of the essential qualities in life.

A trustworthy leader will do what they say they will do and do their best never to break their promises or let anyone down.

e. Be a Mentor

Can you be a mentor?

Is there someone in your practice that could use some help?

Many new graduates have not had the clinical experience that many of us had as they went through school during the pandemic. Or, on the other end, a seasoned dental hygienist who needs to be updated and may not be aware of things they don’t know!

I hear many people complaining about the newer grads or dental hygienists that haven’t advanced their skills. As a result, we receive calls at rdhu (our Professional Development company) looking for us to help them with their abilities.

Could you be a leader, take on a mentorship role within your practice, and review ultrasonic and instrumentation techniques as an example? Could you have their back?

Imagine them knowing that they have someone in their corner.

Be a mentor.

f. Collaborate

A leader takes the initiative and collaborates.

Who can you partner with in terms of not only your clientele but also supporting each other’s practices?

g. Play Full-Out!

Are you speaking up? Could you contribute more to your practice?

Are you showing up and being proactive?

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!

h. Volunteer

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 team players and can add more value by taking the lead in something. Have the confidence to volunteer, step out of your comfort zone, and not worry whether you succeed or fail.

Don’t worry about the money. Don’t worry about getting paid.

Don’t think of yourself as being paid by the hour. Look at it like this: What is your annual salary? How can you contribute more to ensure that you continue to have clients to see and, at the same time, feel content and engaged in your practice?

Is it by doing a community event to promote you and your practice? Is it organizing an industry rep to come in and do a demonstration for something that could benefit your practice? Could you create a program during your free time so you can share it at your next team meeting? Could you possibly collect information to share on your practice’s social media? For example, the dentalcare.ca website (Caring Comes Home) has many shareable posts that you can download and use to educate the public and your clients.

If you take the initiative to help your practice, it’s a win-win for all.

i. 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, keep everyone updated on the status.

Nothing is worse than bringing a program to the team and then leaving it, so everyone is wondering, daily or weekly, what is happening.

Keep everyone updated if you are working on something so no one must wonder, second guess or follow up. Be the one to share the status.

Once it is running, re-evaluate. Is it being sustained?

Whether it be good or bad, share your findings.

j. Deliver Excellence

Deliver excellence in all that you do.

Don’t compromise – not for one client, one day or one week. You will feel the confidence (and your team will notice) in all you do!

k. Have an Ambitious Mindset

Back to the mindset (Secret #1 in the previous article). Have a can-do attitude. Be an engine, not an anchor.

What will you do next to take on a leadership role to ensure that you are indispensable in the dental practice?

Stay tuned for more Secrets in the next edition of Oral Hygiene!

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

Kindest regards,

Kathleen

Pearl and Mary Tess here!

Kathleen and Beth are travelling this week and on their way to British Columbia for the Pacific Dental Conference where they will be hosting 2 SOLD OUT hands-on instrumentation workshops and lecturing together sharing their favourite things (These are a Few of our Favourite Things) as well as Beth presenting on the 10 Reasons Why: Implementing Lasers into your Dental Hygiene Practice! If you are going to PDC be sure to attend their lectures and say hi to them! They are both super excited to be back in person at PDC.

We thought we would take over this week's blog and let them focus on the conference!

On Saturday, in this week's Morning Floss edition, they highlighted Kathleen so we wanted to share a little bit about Kathleen and her entreprenurial spirit! It isn't every day where one is recognized for their efforts and we are happy to be part of this community and help make rdhu what it is today!

If you would like to subscribe to the Morning Floss, it is a fun way to keep up with dental news. Click here to subscribe!

Assistant. Hygienist. Educator. Entrepreneur. Innovator. Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH has done it all, and in some cases, more times than you can count. But if there’s one number you should remember, it is this: 19,000. That’s the massive number of members belonging to rdhu, a community of dental hygienists that Bokrossy has built over the past 15 years around continuing education.

This week, we continue our series on trailblazers in the Morning Floss community by looking at the start-up dean of dental hygiene, Kathleen Bokrossy.

From the ground up: Long before becoming a serial entrepreneur, Bokrossy cut her teeth in dentistry as a dental assistant, becoming a hygienist four years later. Despite loving the operatory and practicing across the country, Bokrossy had a career gap that needed filling: the opportunity to start her own business.

In the many offices she worked in, Bokrossy recognized the need for better quality instruments. She decided to take the matter into her own hands, first starting her own instrument maintenance program, then launching her own dental instrument company in 1998. Despite the constant challenges, Bokrossy got the company off the ground, successfully selling it 14 years later.

Venture seeker: But of course, once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. Over the years, Bokrossy has launched many businesses: a uniform company that brought style to scrubs, an online Quality Assurance platform for hygienists, and finally, rdhu.

rdhu was born out of Bokrossy’s concern that for hygienists, continuing education, while sometimes interesting, could often become a repetitive, and boring, box-checking exercise. She, like many hygienists, felt as if she was living the CE version of Groundhog Day.

A community is born: Bokrossy had an alternative vision for programs that would inspire change, deepen learning, and benefit both practices and patients. rdhu launched its first course in 2009. Whether online or at their in-person facility, rdhu courses sought to create both a transformational experience and a community for hygienists, ensuring that the learning was impactful for the provider and their patients alike.

Explosive growth: Like any business, it took time for rdhu to grow, but Bokrossy formed solid relationships with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, the Ontario Dental Hygienists Association, and Crest Oral-B. Through these networks, quality courses, and constant outreach, the community began to grow.Today, rdhu counts 19,000 members in its community, has purchased its own facility, and, starting long before the pandemic, provides cutting-edge online courses in addition to their in-person classes. To ensure quality, they work with presenters to share learning goals, offer layered learning, outline next steps, and guide implementation. Bridging the gap, Bokrossy is keen to involve dentists and their entire teams in the learning journey.

Big picture: Bokrossy’s ultimate goal is for her community of hygienists to love their profession, inspire change, and take on leadership roles in their offices. Along the way, she’s built a legion of learners who are committed to staying current. Kudos to the start-up dean of dental hygiene!

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

Kindest regards,

Pearl Cluff ~ Director of Operations & Mary Tess Aubrecht ~ Client Concierge

The dental industry is constantly evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and practices emerging all the time. As a dental professional, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge and trends to provide the highest quality of care to your patients. However, finding the time to attend in-person training and seminars can be a challenge, especially if you have a busy schedule. That's where RDHU comes in. RDHU is a dental hygienist educator that specializes in remote/online learning, offering a wide range of webinars to help dental professionals stay on top of their game. In this blog post, we'll explore the key benefits of taking an RDHU webinar and why it's a smart choice for any dental professional looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The dental industry is highly competitive, and staying ahead of the curve is essential to success. RDHU webinars are designed to help dental professionals improve their performance and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. With convenient online learning, expert instructors, and a wide range of topics, RDHU webinars offer a unique and valuable learning experience. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of taking an RDHU webinar, including their flexibility and convenience, the expertise of the instructors, and the interactive learning experience.

RDHU is committed to providing dental professionals with the highest quality of education and training. With a focus on remote/online learning, RDHU makes it easy for dental professionals to access the training they need, no matter where they are. In the following paragraphs, we'll delve deeper into the key benefits of taking an RDHU webinar, and how they can help you achieve your professional goals.

Convenient and flexible

One of the most significant advantages of RDHU webinars is their convenience and flexibility. With online learning, you can access the training from anywhere, at any time. This means you can fit your learning around your schedule, making it easy to balance work and personal commitments. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go, you can access RDHU webinars on your computer or mobile device.

Cost-effective

RDHU webinars are also cost-effective. Unlike in-person training and seminars, there are no travel or accommodation expenses to worry about. This makes online learning an affordable option for dental professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and skills without breaking the bank.

Expert instructors

RDHU webinars are led by expert instructors who are highly knowledgeable in their fields. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, sharing their knowledge and insights with you. This ensures that you're getting the most up-to-date and relevant information, which can help you improve your performance and advance your career.

Interactive learning

RDHU webinars are designed to be interactive, providing a hands-on learning experience that promotes engagement and knowledge retention. During the webinar, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and collaborate with other dental professionals. This not only helps you learn more effectively but also allows you to network with other professionals in your field.

Access to a wide range of topics

RDHU webinars cover a wide range of topics, including periodontal therapy, oral pathology, pharmacology, and more. This means that no matter what area of dentistry you specialize in, there's an RDHU webinar that can help you enhance your skills and knowledge. With new webinars added regularly, you can continue to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

Earn continuing education credits

As a dental professional, earning continuing education credits is essential for maintaining your registration and keeping your skills up-to-date. RDHU webinars are recognized to receive PACE. This means that not only will you be enhancing your knowledge and skills, but you'll also be earning the credits you need to maintain your license and advance your career.

Get in touch with RDHU to begin or further your career as a dental hygienist with an RDHU webinar!

In conclusion, taking an RDHU webinar is a smart choice for any dental professional looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. With convenient and flexible online learning, expert instructors, interactive learning, and access to a wide range of topics, RDHU webinars offer a unique and valuable learning experience. By investing in your professional development, you can stay ahead of the curve in the dental industry, providing your patients with the highest quality of care and achieving your career goals.

At RDHU, we're committed to helping dental professionals succeed in their careers. We understand that staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques can be a challenge, which is why we offer a range of webinars to help dental professionals enhance their skills and knowledge. With new webinars added regularly, you can continue to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. We hope that this post has highlighted the benefits of taking an RDHU webinar and inspired you to invest in your professional development. By taking an RDHU webinar, you can take your career to the next level and provide your patients with the best possible care.

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

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

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!

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!

rdhu is a Professional Developent company that offers a variety of courses for dental hygienists. 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.

In-Person Courses

In-person courses offer some distinct advantages that can't be found with online courses. For one, our members get to interact directly with our presenters, 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 dental hygienists 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 dental hygienists to develop relationships with their peers—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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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