In this episode of the Ultimate Dental Podcast, Dr. David Moffet interviews Rachel Wall, the owner and director of Inspired Hygiene. They discuss the evolution of dental hygiene practices, the impact of COVID-19 on staffing and patient care, and the legislative changes affecting the dental hygiene profession. Rachel shares insights on innovations in dental hygiene technology and emphasises the importance of the oral-systemic health connection. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities within the dental industry, particularly in the context of staffing shortages and the need for improved patient care.In this conversation, Rachel and David discuss the evolving landscape of dental hygiene, focusing on the role of hygiene assistants, financial challenges faced by dental practices, and the importance of standardisation in patient care. They explore the impact of private dental schools on the workforce, the shift in career paths for dental hygienists, and the challenges of staffing in dental practices. The conversation also highlights the significance of oral cancer screening as a new focus in dentistry, emphasising the need for consistent protocols and education among dental professionals.What you will learn:[01:20] Introduction and Background[03:27] The Evolution of Hygiene Practices[10:45] Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Hygiene[12:46] Staffing Challenges in Dental Practices[18:30] Legislative Changes and Their Implications[27:41] Innovations in Dental Hygiene Technology[32:44] The Oral-Systemic Health Connection[36:10] The Role of Hygiene Assistants in Dental Practices[38:35] Financial Challenges in Dental Hygiene[40:42] Patient Care and Frequency of Visits[42:37] The Evolving Landscape of Dental Hygiene Education[45:30] The Impact of Private Dental Schools[50:54] The Shift in Career Paths for Dental Hygienists[52:41] Staffing Challenges in Dental Practices[57:04] Standardization and Continuity of Care in Dental Hygiene[61:33] Oral Cancer Screening: A New Focus in DentistryTakeaways Rachel Wall has over 30 years of experience in dental hygiene. Inspired Hygiene helps practices elevate their hygiene services. COVID-19 accelerated changes in the dental hygiene industry. Staffing shortages are a significant challenge in dental practices. Legislative changes are impacting the roles of dental assistants. Innovations in dental hygiene technology are on the rise. The oral-systemic health connection is crucial for patient care. Hygienists need to work at the top of their license. Patient education is essential for understanding periodontal disease. Occupational health and safety is important for hygienists. Hygiene assistants can significantly improve efficiency in dental practices. Financial challenges are impacting the viability of hygiene departments. Patients are increasingly seeking more frequent dental care. The landscape of dental hygiene education is changing with new schools opening. Private dental schools are influencing the job market for hygienists. Many hygienists are choosing to work part-time or in non- clinical roles. Standardisation in dental practices is crucial for continuity of care. Oral cancer screenings are often neglected but essential for patient health. Leadership in dental practices is key to establishing effective protocols. The dental industry must adapt to changing workforcedynamics.Sound Bites "Your company is the gold standard." "Hygiene just became a way of life for me." "It's a difficult thing to say." "We need to be disrupting biofilm every time." "It's a public health issue with access to care." "Living better while we are alive." "Occupational health and safety is important." "It's fantastic when there can be an assistant.' "It's a dilemma for sure.'" "It's chaos in dental offices." "Oral Cancer Awareness Month in the US." "Let's all learn and get on the same page."

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