What happens when your clinical findings don't match the dentist's plan? Catrice Opichka discusses the ethical decisions hygienists face—and how to protect patients and themselves...
Think there’s no room for scanning in an already-packed hygiene appointment? Tammy Stager, RDH, shares realistic ways to build the technology into your workflow and patient conversation...
This year, Philips Sonicare entered a new era of oral healthcare with the complete relaunch of its power toothbrush portfolio. The refreshed lineup delivers personalized solutions...
Discover the Boge Precision Duo™, PDT's latest innovation designed to help clinicians achieve exceptional precision, efficiency, and ergonomics. Hear from Dr. Emily Boge and PDT...
A veteran hygienist's case study of severe early childhood caries shows how gaps in parent education perpetuate preventable disease, and why prevention deserves the same urgency...
Dental hygienists see patients regularly and often build the trust that makes difficult conversations possible. Learn how recognizing warning signs, using QPR, and connecting ...
Can antioxidant-rich oral care complement traditional plaque control? Current research examines oil pulling, botanical ingredients, and their potential role in supporting a healthier...
A parking ticket from college taught this dental hygienist an unexpected lesson: sometimes the rules we question are designed to serve people we haven't considered yet. That same...
Hand fatigue isn't always caused by dull instruments. Grip force, handle design, and ergonomics all influence muscle strain during scaling. Find out how reducing unnecessary gripping...
Emily Boge joins Jessica Atkinson and David Torres for a frank conversation about hand instrumentation, ultrasonics, assessment, calibration, and why “thorough” should never mean...
Early orthodontic problems are hiding in plain sight, and dental hygienists hold the key. Learn how to spot the signs, counsel families with confidence, and become the bridge ...
Sensory processing differences affect how patients experience the dental environment. Learn how small adjustments in communication, environment, and pacing can improve comfort...
This article explores how glove retrieval methods, dispenser placement, and emerging packaging designs may help strengthen operatory asepsis as practices refine their infection...
Learn how rapid room turnover impacts infection control, highlighting key areas such as item reuse, sterilization protocols, and waterline testing to prevent cross-contamination...
Implementing dental instrument cassettes can elevate safety, efficiency, and patient trust. See how one hygienist’s journey shows the lasting impact on workflow and clinical excellence...
Disasters test more than infrastructure—they test clinical judgment. This article explores the portable clinical competencies that help dental hygienists recognize disease, support...
Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to identify suspicious skin changes during routine head and neck exams. Improve patient care by recognizing high-risk areas, supporting...
Could the future of periodontal therapy involve disarming pathogens rather than simply killing them? Early research on gigantol suggests a possible antivirulence strategy against...
Airway health, hormonal changes, and bone health may be more connected than dental hygienists realize. Kristin Evans explains why these systemic patterns matter in the operatory...
Dental hygiene is evolving beyond routine preventive care. By embracing clinical expertise, autonomy, leadership, and evidence-based practice, hygienists can expand their impact...
Aug. 24, 2026
geckophotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
As dentistry becomes increasingly shaped by consolidation, private equity, and reimbursement pressures, many hygienists are questioning how business priorities influence patient...
Aug. 24, 2026
Moor Studio / DigitalVision Vectors / via Getty Images
This RDH is worried she is spending too much time on appointments, but wants to ensure her work is accurate and thorough. What should she do? Kimberly Augustus, RDH, weighs in...
Aug. 19, 2026
BeritK / iStock / Getty Images Plus / via Getty Images
This hygienist offers a rundown on what to expect during your first year in the op, including challenges you may not have anticipated. Here's how to thrive as a new RDH.
Join our webinar to explore glove materials, allergy mitigation, and ergonomic design strategies that enhance safety and performance. Register now to elevate your PPE expertise...
March 6, 2026
Indie Design /1216375589 / iStock / Getty Images Plus