Everyone who works in healthcare is at risk of infection, especially dentists and dental hygienists who spend most of their day in very close proximity to the oral and nasal cavities of multiple patients. To prevent the transmission of diseases between dental healthcare workers and their patients, it’s vital everyone in your practice takes the proper precautions and follows adequate infection control procedures. 

When a treatment results in severe oral pain, some dentists prescribe opioids for pain relief. However, this seemingly innocent act of medical care can lead to opioid abuse, a growing problem throughout our nation which poses a significant risk to the economy and public health. 

Improving your patients’ quality of life by helping them create and maintain bright healthy smiles makes a huge difference to your local community. But in addition to your daily work as a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant, there are plenty of other ways you can enhance the lives of others in your area. If you’re ready to summon your energy, resources, compassion and skills you really can make a difference outside your dental practice as well as inside it. 

When the time comes for you to expand your dental office, the experience can be both exciting and terrifying. You’ve followed all the steps to build a successful dental practice, but turning your modest office into something bigger, better and more profitable is a major next step with lots of important things to consider along the way.

It’s very common for women to work during their pregnancy. Depending on their professional role, some women are even happy to work up until their due date. However, some occupations present more challenges than others for pregnant women. For example, dental hygienists are often required to work with radiation and chemicals on a daily basis, two things which can potentially harm an unborn child.   

While the majority of dental hygienists enjoy their career and the incredible flexibility it provides, there are some dental hygienists who have grown tired of working for someone else and want to move in a different direction. If you want to take control of your professional life and become more independent, consider opening up your own dental practice and being your own boss. 

With the new respiratory virus outbreak rapidly working its way across the world, it’s wise to take preventative measures to protect yourself as a dental professional. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported globally, with 56 of those cases resulting in death. While there are only two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US to date, so little is known about this advancing infection that it’s likely many more people across the globe are infected. 

You don’t always have to employ a permanent member of staff for every role. If your office needs a professional with specific skills for a short–term period, it could be rational to hire a dental office contractor instead.

When you are running a dental practice, things don’t always go according to plan. Employees get sick, get fired, or go on vacation or maternity leave. On a more positive note, once in a while, you may experience a sudden rise in demand that leaves patients flocking on your dental office’s waiting lobby. Any of these scenarios might leave you with an immediate need to momentary cover a position or two.  

If you want to become a dental hygienist, you have to be willing to work for it. As well as having the right personality traits, such as being a true people person, you also need the appropriate qualifications and first-hand experience before you’re allowed to treat patients in a dental practice. But if you’re motivated enough to dedicate yourself to the challenging journey, you’ll be compensated with a rewarding, fulfilling career that’s as future-proof as they come.