Home | Registered Dental Hygienists https://www.rdhmag.com/ RDH provides registered dental hygienists with key information for professional growth and patient care, including clinical tips, the latest research, CE opportunities, and much more through its website, magazine, and events. EN Medical protocols for periodontal therapy https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/periodontitis/article/14304803/medical-protocols-for-periodontal-therapy https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/periodontitis/article/14304803/medical-protocols-for-periodontal-therapy Why are we ignoring standard protocols for wound care that medicine has used for years? Kathryn Gilliam shares evidence-based practices you can consider implementing in your practice now in this peer-reviewed article. 19 Mar 2024 15:30:00 GMT Pathology / Periodontitis piyaset | iStock / Getty Images Plus The lost art of hand instrumentation https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14304976/the-lost-art-of-hand-instrumentation https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14304976/the-lost-art-of-hand-instrumentation Hand instruments are not stressed much in dental hygiene anymore, but incorporating them into your armamentarium will lead to better patient care. 16 Mar 2024 19:34:00 GMT Patient Care 253348954 © Andrii Borodai | Dreamstime.com The use of hand instruments in dental hygiene is a lost art. RDH Clinical Recognition Program winner: Danielle Lambersky, RDH https://www.rdhmag.com/sponsored/article/14304735/rdh-clinical-recognition-program-winner-danielle-lambersky-rdh https://www.rdhmag.com/sponsored/article/14304735/rdh-clinical-recognition-program-winner-danielle-lambersky-rdh For more than 20 years, Danielle Lambersky was a professional makeup artist. She credits this experience with helping her become the dental hygienist she is today.  15 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMT kirstenbrancheau@gmail.com (Kirsten Brancheau, BA, RDH) Sponsored Danielle is the March Clinical Recognition Program honoree. Paper up or paper down? Clarifying instrument reprocessing standards https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/sterilization/article/14304345/paper-up-or-paper-down-clarifying-instrument-reprocessing-standards https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/sterilization/article/14304345/paper-up-or-paper-down-clarifying-instrument-reprocessing-standards Details, details. Does the autoclave paper go up or down? Amanda Hill answers this question and more as she shares some evidence-based SOPs for instrument sterilization that you can implement in your practice. 08 Mar 2024 17:34:11 GMT Infection Control / Sterilization CurvaBezier | iStock / Getty Images Plus | Getty Image Did you know there’s a new type of diabetes? https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14306075/did-you-know-theres-a-new-type-of-diabetes https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14306075/did-you-know-theres-a-new-type-of-diabetes Diabetes 1.5 is just what the name implies: a combination of types 1 and 2 diabetes. Here's what dental professionals need to know about this "new" disease. 07 Mar 2024 22:37:00 GMT Patient Care 65808106 © Abscent | Dreamstime.com Dental pros need to learn to recognize diabetes 1.5. This got you talking: What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in dentistry? https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14305792/this-got-you-talking-what-advice-would-you-give-to-someone-interested-in-a-career-in-dentistry https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14305792/this-got-you-talking-what-advice-would-you-give-to-someone-interested-in-a-career-in-dentistry A career in dental hygiene has many pros and cons. Here's what some readers had to say to those considering this field. 05 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMT Career & Profession 130367189 © Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime.com What would you tell someone interested in a career in dental hygiene? Obese dental patients can lead to ergonomic struggles https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/article/14304767/obese-dental-patients-can-lead-to-ergonomic-struggles https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/article/14304767/obese-dental-patients-can-lead-to-ergonomic-struggles Obese patients present ergonomic challenges for dental hygienists. To avoid injury, gently guide patients about how they can help during their appointment. 27 Feb 2024 17:36:55 GMT Ergonomics Created with Adobe & AI Dental professionals must know how to apply ergonomics while treating overweight patients. Food for thought: Incorporating the COM-B model for behavior change into dental patient care https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14302690/food-for-thought-incorporating-the-com-b-model-for-behavior-change-into-dental-patient-care https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14302690/food-for-thought-incorporating-the-com-b-model-for-behavior-change-into-dental-patient-care Here’s a look at the latest in behavioral change psychology that dental professionals can use to counsel patients to improve their nutritional choices. 26 Feb 2024 22:49:36 GMT whitneym.crist@gmail.com (Whitney Crist, RDH, CNC, CPT, CEAS) Patient Care pantowto | iStock / Getty Images Plus| Getty Images Are periodontal files archaic or an essential component of periodontal therapy? https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14305634/are-periodontal-files-archaic-or-an-essential-component-of-periodontal-therapy https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14305634/are-periodontal-files-archaic-or-an-essential-component-of-periodontal-therapy Imagine this RDH's surprise when she started in a perio practice that used periodontal files regularly. Here's why these instruments should be an essential part of your practice. 23 Feb 2024 15:14:02 GMT Patient Care Periodontal files serve many purposes in the hygiene operatory. 3 effortless behavior guidance strategies for pediatric dental patients https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/pediatrics/article/14304778/3-effortless-behavior-guidance-strategies-for-pediatric-dental-patients https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/pediatrics/article/14304778/3-effortless-behavior-guidance-strategies-for-pediatric-dental-patients Using these tips from a pediatric patient expert about what works for her young patients will make dental appointments with youngsters much more pleasant. 20 Feb 2024 13:40:45 GMT Patient Care / Pediatrics 129650075 © Lacheev | Dreamstime.com There are ways to make children's dental visits easier on everyone. Botox for bruxism: Dental hygienists poised to offer this treatment https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/alternative-practice/article/14305122/botox-for-bruxism-dental-hygienists-poised-to-offer-this-treatment https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/alternative-practice/article/14305122/botox-for-bruxism-dental-hygienists-poised-to-offer-this-treatment Who better suited to treat their patients for bruxism than dental hygienists? Two states allow RDHs to administer Botox for bruxism. Here's what you need to know. 15 Feb 2024 16:38:00 GMT Patient Care / Alternative Practice 208910288 © Ronstik | Dreamstime.com In some states dental hygienists can administer botox for bruxism. Ergonomic loupes: Your key to practicing smarter dental hygiene https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/loupes/article/14302079/ergonomic-loupes-your-key-to-practicing-smarter-dental-hygiene https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/loupes/article/14302079/ergonomic-loupes-your-key-to-practicing-smarter-dental-hygiene Ergonomic loupes are proving to be game-changers for extending careers in dental hygiene. They help prevent MSDs due to awkward positions. 13 Feb 2024 19:10:03 GMT Ergonomics / Loupes Caitlin Parsons demonstrates her loupes in her practice. Game changers: Many factors put athletes at increased risk for oral health complications https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14302977/game-changers-many-factors-put-athletes-at-increased-risk-for-oral-health-complications https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14302977/game-changers-many-factors-put-athletes-at-increased-risk-for-oral-health-complications High risk for health complications isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the athlete community, but for dental pros, maybe it should be. 09 Feb 2024 08:55:00 GMT Patient Care 153184149 © Khosrork | Dreamstime.com High risk for health complications isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the athlete community, but for dental pros, maybe it should be. 5 things to know about your body before practicing dental hygiene https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/article/14302939/5-things-to-know-about-your-body-before-practicing-dental-hygiene https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/article/14302939/5-things-to-know-about-your-body-before-practicing-dental-hygiene A career in dentistry has many benefits, but aches and pains from poor ergonomics are one of the downsides. Here's what to keep in mind. 06 Feb 2024 06:58:00 GMT Ergonomics 204495073 © Endostock | Dreamstime.com Infection control in your dental office: Strategies to get everyone on board https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/article/14302944/infection-control-in-your-dental-office-strategies-to-get-everyone-on-board https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/article/14302944/infection-control-in-your-dental-office-strategies-to-get-everyone-on-board Encountering resistance when trying to bring your office up to speed on IC protocols? We've got strategies to help! 02 Feb 2024 15:52:00 GMT Infection Control 178183806 © Andrey Nasonov | Dreamstime.com Encountering resistance when trying to bring your office up to speed on IC protocols? We've got strategies to help! Fast Five: Top RDH articles for January https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14304110/rdh-top-5-january-2024 https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14304110/rdh-top-5-january-2024 If you missed any of the top articles that your peers were reading this month, here's your chance to catch up on a variety of great topics. 30 Jan 2024 15:08:55 GMT Career & Profession 2717145 © Katrina Brown | Dreamstime.com Catch up on RDH magazine article for January Hyaluronic acid: It’s not just for the skin https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/oral-systemic/article/14302890/hyaluronic-acid-and-oral-health-its-not-just-for-the-skin https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/oral-systemic/article/14302890/hyaluronic-acid-and-oral-health-its-not-just-for-the-skin Recent research shows that hyaluronic acid plays a role in wound healing and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may prove useful in several areas of dentistry. 30 Jan 2024 14:08:00 GMT Pathology / Oral Systemic Photo 183658962 © Irina Evstafyeva | Dreamstime.com Clinical tips: Intuitive patient care for pediatric dental patients https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/pediatrics/article/14302423/clinical-tips-intuitive-patient-care-for-pediatric-dental-patients https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/pediatrics/article/14302423/clinical-tips-intuitive-patient-care-for-pediatric-dental-patients Acknowledging and embracing the “humanness” of the patient we're caring for, including our youngest ones, helps foster positive feelings about dental care that can last a lifetime. 26 Jan 2024 15:59:54 GMT humanrdh@outlook.com (Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH) Patient Care / Pediatrics 118153566 © Pressmaster | Dreamstime.com The synergistic power of nano-hydroxyapatite and vitamins for oral health https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/pediatrics/article/14302465/the-synergistic-power-of-nano-hydroxyapatite-and-vitamins-for-oral-health https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/pediatrics/article/14302465/the-synergistic-power-of-nano-hydroxyapatite-and-vitamins-for-oral-health As clinicians, we have the opportunity to prevent oral disease and promote oral and systemic wellness. Here's a look at how nano-hydroxyapatite can work with vitamins to build and maintain children's dentition. 23 Jan 2024 13:43:00 GMT Patient Care / Pediatrics pidjoe / iStock / Getty Images Plus Canker sores and gluten sensitivity: A painful puzzle https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14303737/canker-sores-and-gluten-sensitivity-a-painful-puzzle https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14303737/canker-sores-and-gluten-sensitivity-a-painful-puzzle Beneath the seemingly benign surface of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, also known as canker sores, a silent battle might be brewing: research suggests a link between canker sores and gluten sensitivity, 17 Jan 2024 21:09:02 GMT Patient Care 268081745 © Zay Nyi Nyi | Dreamstime.com Helping dental patients quit tobacco through interprofessional collaboration https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14302746/helping-dental-patients-quit-tobacco-through-interprofessional-collaboration https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14302746/helping-dental-patients-quit-tobacco-through-interprofessional-collaboration Helping patients with tobacco cessation requires a concentrated interdisciplinary approach to succeed. Learn how to measure a patient’s readiness to change as well as provide resources to achieve that goal. 16 Jan 2024 15:56:00 GMT Career & Profession Photo 244333525 © Dizain777 | Dreamstime.com How a group of grassroots hygienists changed the course of dental coding https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14302797/how-a-group-of-grassroots-hygienists-changed-the-course-of-dental-coding https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14302797/how-a-group-of-grassroots-hygienists-changed-the-course-of-dental-coding When California dental hygienists succeeded in improving dental coding, they encouraged all RDHs to voice their opinions about coding. 12 Jan 2024 13:25:00 GMT Patient Care 107757200 © Milllda | Dreamstime.com A new dental code created by hygienists met many needs DDH Compact: Working toward dentist and dental hygienist license reciprocity across state lines https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14303450/ddh-compact-working-toward-dentist-and-dental-hygienist-license-reciprocity-across-state-lines https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14303450/ddh-compact-working-toward-dentist-and-dental-hygienist-license-reciprocity-across-state-lines License portability is moving closer to reality as more states explore and accept the idea. The DDH Compact could be enacted in the required seven states soon. 09 Jan 2024 19:40:43 GMT Career & Profession There is work being done toward the advancement of license portability 2024 Salary Survey Report: The State of the RDH Career https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/compensation/article/14302418/dental-hygiene-salaries-in-2024-the-state-of-the-rdh-career https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/compensation/article/14302418/dental-hygiene-salaries-in-2024-the-state-of-the-rdh-career DentalPost’s annual salary survey sheds new light on the state of the RDH career, indicating that even as incomes grew, satisfaction declined—and many dental pros are questioning if a "normal" role is right for them at this point in time. 03 Jan 2024 21:32:22 GMT Career & Profession / Compensation The gum disease-dementia connection https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/oral-systemic/article/14301532/the-gum-disease-dementia-connection https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/oral-systemic/article/14301532/the-gum-disease-dementia-connection Who knew dental hygienists are also brain health hygienists? We did! The Queen of Dental Hygiene, Barbara Tritz, explains how caring for the gums can reduce the risk of dementia. 02 Jan 2024 20:22:41 GMT Pathology / Oral Systemic 162670080 © Katie Nesling | Dreamstime.com Bad gums can be related to dementia