Kaitlyn Machado, RDH, BS, MEd, FADHA
Since a very young age, Kaitlyn Machado, RDH, BS, MEd, FADHA, has always wanted to be a dental hygienist. She was the youngest student to graduate from her dental hygiene class in 2017. Since then, Kate has returned for her bachelor's and master's degrees. She is a faculty member at her local dental hygiene school and a clinical dental hygienist. Kate has been a part of Today's RDH since its launch. She is extremely passionate about homecare, loves her prophy paste and fluoride varnish, and enjoys attending professional conferences. In addition, Kate loves to work with a local non-profit organization that helps fight against hygiene insecurity of all ages in her community. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys being as involved as possible in the dental hygiene profession. When Kate isn't working, she enjoys traveling, sports, watching movies, and spending time with her amazing, supportive family.
Dental Polishing and Cleansing Agents: A Quick Guide to Coronal Polishing Considerations
The concept of polishing was noted in Roman and Greek writing. It was not until Pierre Fauchard, the father of modern dentistry, associated polishing with stain removal.1 Interestingly, Fauchard used "finely ground coral, eggshells, ginger, or salt."1 Now fast forward to Dr. Alfred Fones, the founder of dental hygiene, where he educated his "auxiliaries" on providing polishing care.1
During this...
It’s National Dental Hygiene Month: The Best Time of the Year!
October is National Dental Hygiene Month! This is the time when dental hygiene is nationally appreciated. We are celebrating all we do in our community for our patients and the importance of oral health.
It's not the holidays yet, but it can be during National Dental Hygiene Month. Dental companies and manufacturers have promotions, contests, and giveaways to reward hard-working...
Dental Hygienist and Military Spouse: The Experience, Challenges, and Rewards
One of my favorite parts of attending conferences is having the opportunity to meet fellow hygienists across the country. This summer, I was fortunate to take a course at the last minute one day, and it was such an unexpected surprise. One person at my table was Enid Randall, RDH. The conversation at my table was refreshing, eye-opening, and...
We Got a 4346, I Repeat 4346, Over: Understanding D4346 and Benefits of Using It
Introduced in 2017, the CDT procedure code D4346, “scaling in the presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation,” is not new. It was introduced to fill the gap for patients with moderate to severe gingival inflammation who require more than a preventive prophylaxis, but exhibit no active bone or attachment loss, so non-surgical periodontal therapy is not appropriate.1
First,...
Brushing Up: A Refresher on Different Toothbrushing Methods
Dental hygienists learn a ton of information about head and neck anatomy, pharmacology, radiography, dental materials, and everything in between. To be honest, we may have forgotten a thing or two along the way. That’s OK! We are human! A refresher in a few areas can be a nice reminder whether you’ve been out of hygiene school for a...
Purple is for Dentistry: A Brief History on the Color Choice
Did you know that purple is the official color of dentistry? If you did, you probably have a purple T-shirt, headband, tumbler, or dental pin showing off your profession. If not, take a good look at your next dental hygiene event; there is definitely purple somewhere.
A family member recently asked me what the reasoning behind that color choice was....
Ergonomics and Injury: A Hygienist’s Personal Experience on Its Lasting Effects
One of the first things dental hygiene faculty teach students is proper chair positions and how crucial ergonomics are for career longevity. Is it dental hygiene school without being told by instructors to sit up straight, lower the patient chair so you do not have "chicken wings," and ensure your feet are on the floor?
As a dental hygiene educator,...
Boosting Morale in the Workplace: Dental Teamwork Makes the Dream Work, Right?
It doesn't matter if you are a part-time or full-time hygienist. You are at your office or other dental health setting for the majority of the day or week. Sometimes, you are at work more than you are at home. Am I right? Employees working together collaboratively and giving 100% every day will guarantee success.
Doesn't this sound great for...
What Other Hygienists Do: Be an Advocate Through a Non-Profit
Advocacy is a huge part of working with the community and different populations. When I think of advocacy, my first thought is Alicia Murria, RDH, MS(c). She is the executive director of a non-profit and has been a hygiene faculty member with a dental technology company since 2017.
My other articles in this series were about Amanda Berthiaume, RDH, who...
What Other Hygienists Do: A Look at a School-Based Dental Program
Dental public health focuses on preventing and controlling oral diseases through organized community efforts. It includes "oral health education of the public, applied dental research, the administration of group dental care programs, and the prevention and control of oral diseases at the community level."1
I asked Paula Morrison, RDH, BS, the same questions from my previous interview, What Other Hygienists...
What Other Hygienists Do: A Look at Care Behind Bars
When we first entered dental hygiene school, we were taught that as dental hygienists, we perform many different roles, such as clinician, advocate, researcher, educator, and administrative/manager.
Some of us work in different types of dental offices, including private practices, general, perio, and pedo to name a few, while others work in the public health sector. Some hygienists have switched...
A Hygienist’s Game Plan to Conquer Dental Conference Exhibit Halls
Many dental conferences include an exhibit hall aspect. I have experienced exhibits big and small, and I absolutely love this part of any dental conference. Exhibit halls are your opportunity to sample new products, learn, network, and gain more resources to bring back to your job position.
Exhibit halls can sometimes be intimidating since much is happening, and a lot...
A Hygienist’s Guide to Succeeding at Dental Conferences
I absolutely love attending dental conferences, especially when it is an excuse to travel. At times, it can get overwhelming when there are tons of course options, networking opportunities, and social events happening in a very short timeframe.
Here are a few helpful tips and considerations that can help you get ready for your next dental conference.
Registration
I recommend registering early...
13 Dental Hygiene Interviewing Tips on What to Consider and Ask During an Interview
Seven years ago, I was still getting the hang of being a new working dental hygienist. At the same time, one of my first articles with Today’s RDH, 3D’s: Do’s, Don’ts of Dental Hygiene Interviewing, was about interviewing for a job because that was what I was experiencing during that time.
A lot has changed, not only for myself but...
11 Reminders and Tips for Newly Graduated Dental Hygienists
Disclosure: This article has been sponsored by Heartland Dental, but Heartland Dental had no input in the editorial process or writing of this article.
As spring is just around the corner, many dental hygiene students will graduate and soon be brand-new dental hygienists. I wanted to share 11 helpful reminders and tips to students and new grads about the profession...
Refusing Refusals: Why Dental Professionals Need to Defend the Standard of Care
Haven’t we all had a patient refuse assessment modalities or treatment? Some patients do not want anything to do with certain procedures, whether that be radiographs, periodontal probing, or non-surgical periodontal therapy. However, these procedures are crucial in providing comprehensive patient care and upholding the standard of care.
I have experienced patients refusing many different types of assessments and treatments....
10 Tips for Improving Your Operatory to Make Your Life Easier
There are many needed materials and supplies involved in dental hygiene, and most of them lie within our operatories. You have oral hygiene/education instruction supplies, homecare products, sealant materials, set-ups, and other resources to name just a few. With having busy patient schedules all day, sometimes our drawers, countertops, and cabinets can become a disaster zone. Here are some...
You Missed a Spot: 11 OSHA and Infection Control Details Dental Professionals Don’t Want to Overlook
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we all know that OSHA and infection control are crucial pillars of what we do each and every day in dentistry. It is federally mandated (enforced by law) that employers provide OSHA training when an employee starts the job and at least yearly thereafter.1 In some states, continuing education courses in infection control are required for...
Dental Hygienists Are Oral Health Prevention Specialists: It’s Not “Just a Cleaning”
Besides late patients, colleagues know that one of my biggest pet peeves as a dental hygienist is when people use the term “cleaning.” “Just a cleaning today, right?” “I just want the normal cleaning.” We have all heard it. It is a tale as old as time. It is incorrect, but why haven’t we stopped it?
Some of you probably...
Huddle Up: Suggestions for Staff Meetings in Busy Dental Offices
As a seasoned hygienist of working in multiple practices, I have developed an appreciation for the unique differences between them. Some practices hold a morning huddle every day before they grab their first patients of the day. Others have a monthly meeting or may not have any huddles or meetings at all (maybe only when necessary).
A morning huddle is...