I am excited to share that I will be writing RDH’s newest column, “What’s on my tray,” which features real-life clinicians sharing how they use their product setups to meet the demands of their days.
Our first featured RDH is pediatric dental hygienist, mom, and speaker, An Chih “Angela” Do, also known as “The Pediatric RDH.” She has been working in pediatrics since 2006, when she started as a dental assistant.
In her adventures, she’s worked in hospitals, treated sedated children, served adults and children with disabilities, and educated the dental community about the complexity of being a pediatric dental hygienist.
“Pediatric dental hygienists do not just see children. Often, they are treating patients until early adulthood. I must have a well-rounded working knowledge for patients as young as infants and until their late teens and for our patients with disabilities much older than that,” said Angela.
She especially has a heart for caring for patients with muscular dystrophy, such as Duchenne, and making the dental experience enjoyable at any stage of life.
So what does The Pediatric RDH have on her tray? “My top three dental products are fun and efficient. They are the NSK iProphy, Ivoclar Vivadent Helioseal F Plus, and CaviWipes 2.0.”
Ready, set, cure
There is no race against the clock quite like having to place a sealant on a squirmy child who’s about to close their mouth and contaminate your work site. That is why Angela uses Ivoclar Vivadent’s Helioseal F Plus sealant material.
“Helioseal’s 10-second cure helps my efficiency and makes the dental visit a more enjoyable experience for the patient.”
Helioseal is easy to use and is similar in its mechanics to other sealant materials. You clean the tooth, etch, rinse, dry, apply, and light cure, but the difference is that you only have to cure for 10 seconds for the material to set.
This fast-acting sealant material is opaque in color and has a “perfect consistency,” says Angela. “The not-too-thin consistency allows me to easily manipulate the sealant material and work efficiently in a fast-paced setting.”
Choo-choo’ing plaque away
Caring for teeth big and small involves fun and adventure. Angela uses her “choo-choo,” the NSK iProphy, at different speed levels. “During tell-show-do, I show patients a low level, so it does not intimate the patient, but then increase it to the speed necessary for plaque removal.”
The NSK iProphy mobile has simple power control buttons instead of a pedal. The lightweight and ergonomic cordless handpiece is convenient when using multiple chairs. “The iProphy is easily portable from chair to chair. I especially like how quiet yet powerful it is. It is quiet enough not to intimidate children but powerful enough to do the intended job.”
Not only is the iProphy cordless, but it is also compatible with most angles. “I especially love making the appointment fun by having the ability to use a variety of prophy angles—colorful ones or ones with animal faces. The NSK iProphy allows me the flexibility to pick the angle that best fits my patient’s needs.”
Read more: Pediatric cancer care and the dental professional
“Wax on, wax off”
If you haven’t seen the beloved ’80s movie The Karate Kid, you probably still know the phrase, “Wax on, wax off.” In this movie, a kindhearted Okinawan immigrant teaches the muscle memory required for karate to a troubled teenaged boy using repetitive manual chores—including waxing cars.
As hygienists, we know all about repetitive tasks! There is nothing like a good Karate Kid impersonation to entertain ourselves while performing the important—but tedious—task of wiping down our operatories with disinfection.
In the hustle and bustle of treating and dismissing your patient, writing your notes, and disinfecting your room, sometimes there isn’t a moment to catch a breath. It is safe to say that every minute in a clinical appointment counts.
This is why Angela says CaviWipes 2.0 are her newest favorite dental product. “These wipes are fantastic! I have always loved and preferred CaviWipes because of the efficacy of their product and long-standing reputation. Now, with CaviWipes 2-minute wipes, I can utilize those minutes saved on my appointment to catch my breath,” said Angela. “CaviWipes 2.0 are not only efficient but also effective against over 40 pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.”
What else is on Angela’s tray? Follow her @thepediatricrdh on Instagram to get more pediatric tips.
