Make Work Play

Fun is contagious. You learn that from children. One giggles and laughs and it has a ripple effect on the other kids and pretty soon EVERYONE is laughing. One of our Core Values is: Make Work Play. Work is work and takes up a lot of our lives, but work and play don’t have to be mutually exclusive. If you are having fun and creating positive moments, it’s not so much like work – it’s more like play. Play allows you to find pockets of joy in the day. It also brings out a sense of fun and creativity. Our fun and positivity spill over to our patients and parents. We often hear, “You ladies have a lot of fun here” or “I wish my office was like this.”

I’m really thankful to have a supportive staff who, even on hard days, manage to laugh and smile. I’m also appreciative of the fact that my patients make me laugh out loud on a daily basis by something they say, do, or just by being themselves.

Who wants to look forward to full time drudgery? We sure don’t and neither should you. Today is Wacky Wednesday Costume Day at the office and as you can see by the photos we are “Making Work Play” in an over the top way with Halloween coming up. I encourage you bring some “play” to your day. Start with a Smile.

Dr. Cara

Hygienist's Role

What is the role of the dental hygienist in a children’s dental office?

Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals focusing on preventative oral health. Traditionally the role of the dental hygienist is to evaluate and gather information about each patient through x-rays and exams. Next, it usually involves a plan for treating any periodontal (gum and bone) condition, by cleaning the teeth and helping the patient maintain good oral habits. The hygienist’s most important role is patient education, teaching patients and parents how to prevent cavities and other dental diseases.

In many children’s dental offices the hygienist is often counted on to help out with restorative procedures. This usually includes giving local anesthetic and placing fillings. One difference between an adult and children’s practice is the hygienist may be more involved with the restorative treatment of children. This varies based on the state, but hygienists in Washington are trained in expanded duties.

Becoming a hygienist requires about 4 years of school, including 2 years in dental hygiene school. In Washington State, additional training is given beyond the scope of traditional dental hygiene. Hygienists are taught how to administer local anesthesia and to place and carve restorations (fillings). Clinical and written board examinations are required to demonstrate competency in these areas.

At Children’s Dentistry of Wenatchee the hygienist spends a good portion of the day administering anesthesia for patients and placing the fillings after Dr. Cara has prepared a tooth for restoration. Your child will typically get a “hygiene check” during a cleaning visit to scale off any calculus (a.k.a. tartar) as well as get oral health recommendations. During this time the hygienist will evaluate each child’s mouth for areas that need improvement, and always make sure to praise good work. The assistants are very involved in patient education and checkups. Working closely with the assistants to make sure that each child has an enjoyable experience is key to the success of your child’s visit.

Above all else the hygienist is a coach helping to instill lifelong healthy habits. By connecting with children at a young age dental problems cannot only be treated, but kids will be given knowledge as a preventative tool. Hygienists are a great resource on oral health. So bring your smile and questions to your next visit!

Morgan

Related articles

• The American Dental Hygienists' Association Emphasizes Making Time for Good Oral Health This National Dental Hygiene Month (prnewswire.com)

The Best Toothbrush for Your Child

There are so many to choose from. What is the best tooth brush for my child?

We are often asked for “the best” toothbrush recommendation. I have only one toothbrush that I strongly believe will make a difference in the oral health of your child and that is the Sonicare. Sonicare For Kids is specifically designed to help parents teach their child (ages 4-10) to brush, then help them transition their child to independent brushing.
Parents often ask if the “spin” type brushes available in stores at a lower price will do the same thing. The answer is NO. The carefully researched and patented sonic combination of approximately 31,000 brush strokes per minute and the specific reach of the brush head as it sweeps back and forth are what create Sonicare’s unique “beyond the bristles” cleaning action. Most power toothbrushes have either a different stroke frequency or bristle amplitude and do not have the same powerful, yet remarkably gentle fluid activity as Sonicare.

When children come into the practice 99% of the time I am able to identify by looking at their gum tissue and overall dental health whether or not they are Sonicare users. That was a powerful message and solidified for me as a mother and a dentist that the Sonicare for Kids toothbrush IS the best.