Popularity of Dental Insurance

The benefits of dental insurance coverage have been further stressed upon by the popular icons on the television, who always seem to have flashing white flawless teeth. These teeth are a result of care, expensive dental care and thus need for expensive group dental insurance plans provided by insurance companies that reducing in number by the day.

Group dental insurance plans have been growing rapidly placed in the niche market of employee benefit programs. A few years back, dental insurance was a non-descript part of employee benefit programs and very simple to plan and execute. Most plans used were for full coverage of preventive care and cleaning, 80% coverage for basic restoration and 50% coverage for major restorative services like crowns and bridges. Despite advice many employees never visited their dentists resulting in the overall cost of insurance being low and stable compared to general health benefit plans which rose year after year. For many years dental insurance was a simple rider for employers who took it major plans from big insurance companies.

The last few years saw a spurt in television advertising and as the smiles brightened on the idiot box, the importance of whiter smiles and straighter teeth became apparent and people started taking more interest in dental care. This in turn saw a spurt in rise of dental insurance premiums almost at the rate of 7-10% a year. This rate is significant and big employers started looking at it with a bigger eye. This tells on the bottom-line of the company since the employee benefit expenses are going up due to this rise. The dental insurance costs about 10% of the total employee benefits for a corporate today. So the rise in premium year after year, pushes the total employee benefit expenses 1% higher year after year.

"Employers aren't paying that much attention yet, but considering the way dental plans are evolving, they should," says Donald S. Mayes, dental plan auditor and consultant from Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Dental Insurance plans, as a part of employment package have also increased in popularity. So big companies, to recruit and retain their employees cannot do away with these plans; at the same time have to watch the cost going upward. A Catch 22 decision is awaited.

Know More about Cosmetic Dentistry Seminars

Professionalism involves renewal of your learning and skills. This is why there are very many seminars, schoolings, and important gatherings being offered among many practitioners. Cosmetic dentistry seminars are one of the very many. These gatherings are usually help in plush pavilions, hotels, or out-of-town resorts and vacation spots to ensure that guests become more conducive for learning.

In every seminar, there will be a speaker or sets of speakers that discusses different situations, tactics, or current problems that have something to do with their occupation. These are usually chunked into teachable chunks or in more learnable chunks so that at the end of the day, everything is digested well. In doing so, organizers can also ensure that they have fulfilled their vision and mission in holding a seminar.

Usually, a seminar will last in 2 or a week time, even with cosmetic dentistry seminars. The first day will surely be checking in of the guests and participants. Drinks, as well snacks, can be served as soon as the registration starts. The usual start of the seminar proper will be after the lunch served in its function or ballroom or in one of the best dining or buffet rooms of the hotel, pavilion, or vacation resort.

The afternoon session will be more on getting to know each other in the same seminar and at least introduction of the topic at hand. Then, the seminar proper will continue until the closing. Within the duration of the seminar, there will also be some workshops and interactions that will be highlighted with some treats or just plain acknowledgements from the speakers or the organizers. 

Below is a sample of a normally occurring 3-day seminar, which can be cosmetic dentistry seminars or any other professional practitioners’ seminar.

Usually, seminars, which at this point are cosmetic dentistry seminars, are ended with the checking out of guests and participants. It can be at the third day too but at most times, they are at the early hours of the fourth. There are breakfasts still to be served so early plane passengers can still catch them before they go. Some let their breakfasts be packed so that they can take it in the terminals to ensure that they are able to check in right before the official time.  

After each seminar in a series of cosmetic dentistry seminars, which is usually taken as a series of refreshments from a busy work load, they are more informed of the new happenings and technologies that will greatly improve the practice. These seminars also tend to make the bonding of all the practitioner of the same practice more solid and renewed. Therefore, holding a series of these seminars is never a waste of time. 

Natural Toothache Remedies

Not many people are aware of the fact that several herbs can be used in the relief of toothache pain.  Natural herbs such as cloves, calendula, tarragon, and yarrow can be used to help relieve th pain until you can get to the dentist.  For many years, different cultures have counted on herbs to help get the pain of a toothache control and get temporary relief.

Native Americans for example, used the inner bark found in the butternut tree to their gums to get relief from toothaches.  The butternut tree is found in North America, and is also the cousin of the black walnut tree.  Butternut trees are found along rivers in well drained soil, rich woods, and even in back yards.  Once the tree matures, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with the bark being light grey in color, and the leaves and the fruit resembling the black walnut tree.  The bark of the tree can be applied to the gums, helping to alleviate toothache pain.  

Yarrow on the other hand, can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America.  It normally grows wild in meadows, fields, and in open wood lands.  The root of yarrow, is what contains the anaesthetic effect.  If you apply the fresh root of yarrow to your tooth or gums, it will help to stop the pain - until you can get an appointment with the dentist and get it taken care of.

The herb known as clove is an evergreen tree, native to tropical areas.  These days however, it can be found throughout the world.  As many already know, the dried flower bud of clove is what contains the medicine.  The oil from clove, when used on a toothache, will help to stop the pain almost immediately.  If you compare cloves to other natural toothache remedies, you’ll find clove to be the best.

For many years, natural herbs have been used to stop toothache pain.  Hundreds of years ago, herbs were the only way to stop the pain.  Dentists were just starting to come around, although they didn’t have near the equipment and sophistication that they have these days.  Even though teeth were pulled during these times, it normally happened with alcohol to numb the pain then pliers to remove the tooth.

Throughout the course of time, herbs have proven to be very effective with stopping toothache pain.  If you are interested in herbs or have any questions about them, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your dentist his opinion.  Dentists know herbs, and should be able to recommend natural remedies to you if you request them.  The next time you experience the pain of a toothache - you should always remember that herbs are a great way to relieve the pain.

Pulling Your Own Teeth

Even though it may sound very odd and downright compelling, a lot of people actually try to extract their own teeth.  Toothache pain can be very painful and very frustrating, making you try anything to get relief.  Depending on how bad the pain is, you’ll be more than willing to do just about anything you can to get the pain to stop.  Abscesses or really bad cavities are among the worst, as the pain never seems to let up - no matter what you do.

In the old days, teeth were extracted by pliers, as there were no dentists around.  During these times, people would get drunk on alcohol and then the teeth would be extracted.  There was no such thing as anaesthesia back then, so it was impossible to locally numb the pain.  These days though, local anaesthesia is the best way to numb a toothache before pulling the tooth.  If you attempt to pull a tooth yourself, you’ll feel the pain no matter what you do.

There are situations however, in which you can pull your own teeth.  Baby teeth for example, are acceptable to pull.  Before you yank it out though, you should check on the age of when the tooth in question should be removed.  If you wiggle the tooth around and it appears to be loose, then chances are it will come out without a problem.  On the other hand, if you pull the tooth and it turns out to be an abscess, you’ll end up with a real problem and your hands and you’ll need to visit a dentist as soon as you can.

Another situation in which it is acceptable to pull your own teeth is when you have a severe case of gum disease.  Gum disease can cause the socket and the bone to become extremely decayed, which will result in the destruction of the tooth.  If the gum disease is severe enough, the tooth will be extremely loose and will come out without a problem.  In some cases, the tooth can be almost unbearable to the touch.  If you have gum disease and notice a loose tooth, you should be careful when pulling it.  If you don’t do it properly or if you do it too soon, you could end up breaking the top of the tooth.  If this happens, you’ll need to go to the dentist to have the remaining portion of the tooth cut out.

Even though a tooth may feel loose when you touch it, doesn’t always mean that you can grab a pair of pliers and rip it out.  Teeth are very delicate.  If you try to rip a tooth out with pair of pliers and make a mistake, you should end up doing more harm than good.  Putting pliers in your mouth can also lead to an infection, which would send you to the dentist.  Abscesses on the other hand, should never be dealt with on your own - you’ll need to go to a dentist to have him properly extract the tooth and give you some antibiotics to stop the infection.

To be on the safe side and avoid any potential problems that could easily arise, you should always go to the dentist if you have a toothache.  No matter how bad the pain may be, you should never attempt to pull the tooth yourself. Your dentist can numb the area before he pulls the tooth, so you’ll feel no pain at all.  He will also prescribe you some pain medicine and antibiotics as well, to help treat any infection you may have.  If you attempt to pull the tooth yourself, you’ll only cause more problems in the end - and end up going to a dentist anyway.

Natural Toothache

If you’re currently suffering from a toothache there are natural toothache remedies that you can apply this very second that can give you near instant pain relief.  

You can get rid of your toothache pain with the aid of household ingredients so you don’t have to go foraging at the pharmacy in the middle of the night for the right medication for you.  In fact, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home because most of these ingredients are probably available at your fingertips as we speak and are just an arm length away.

So why do our teeth ache?

Why now of all times?, it’s probably the middle of the night and you’re furiously looking for a cure to take the edge off the pain and aspirin isn’t quite cutting it for you.

Believe it or not, toothache was an eventual process that built up gradually and it wasn’t until such time that infection finally hit the pulp tissue and the nerve that the pain signal was finally transmitted to the brain.

  

This didn’t happen overnight.  It took weeks, months or even years for the tooth to become ravaged by bacteria that finally contributed to the toothache you are now experiencing.

Those suffering from a toothache usually have an infection of some kind which came from poor gum health.

  

According to the FDA Consumer Magazine, the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults over the age of 35 is poor gum health (periodontal disease), incredibly it is estimated that a whopping 75% of this group have some type of gum disease and that 60% knew nothing about proper dental care with 39% not attending the dentist regularly.

It’s no wonder why our society so readily accept tooth loss as an inevitable part of life when it doesn’t have to be.  There are remote tribes across the globe that don’t have access to high sugar, refined foods or modern dental treatment yet they still enjoy life with all of their teeth intact and in perfect health.  We were meant to have all of our teeth to last us a lifetime yet we except tooth loss as a normal part of life.  We should have our teeth long after our 40’s and 50’s and we can do this through proper dental hygiene and education.

Here are some preventative techniques that will allow you to keep your teeth for longer:

Chew sugar free gum immediately following your “last” meal for the day.  Don’t chew sugar free gum after every meal as this may cause flatulence and explosive diarrhea in reaction to the artificial sweetener, Sorbitol.  Having just one piece of gum for the day allows you to produce enough saliva to reduce the tooth eroding  bacteria population already feeding off the last meal you just ate.

Get more Vitamin D in your body, this helps to strengthen and fortify your bones. 

You can get Vitamin D naturally from a good dose of sunlight for 30 minutes or from food such as egg yolks, milk, cheese and yoghurts.

Now that you have some tips that will help to keep your teeth in tip top shape and in perfect working order, here is a great toothache cure to take care of the right here and now:

This should give you some relief in the next 10 to 20 minutes.

Chances are you probably have this in your kitchen.  

Place a piece of onion big enough to cover the affected tooth.  Leave on the tooth for 30 minutes to help kill bacteria and give pain relief.

If the tooth allows for it, cut off a bite sized piece of onion and chew it for 2 to 3 minutes.  This will release the antiseptic qualities of the onion and help the pain to subside.

Finding Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles

So, you are looking for a cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles? That is not a problem. After all, this City Of Angels is home to millions of residents; thus, home to almost any service that you can think of. What do you need with a cosmetic dentistry? Do you want to enhance your smile? Do you want to fix some dental defects you acquired through the years of smoking, bad eating habits, and dental hygiene malpractice? Do you want to boost your confidence so you can conquer the world you never thought you will be a part of? 

Now, these things are not impossible to achieve at all. With the advancement made in the dental cosmetic field, even the most crooked set of teeth and ugliest smile can now be treated. Whatever it is that you need, you can find in Los Angeles some of the most competitive and accomplished cosmetic dentists in the world. Do you want to know what cosmetic dental treatments that made Hollywood smiles so popular? 

Here are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in Los Angeles:

• Teeth whitening – this is one of the most popular treatments many individuals seek. Because of the unhealthy habits most develop, it is unavoidable that discoloration on the teeth occurs. Such bad habits include smoking, drinking, bad eating habits, and poor dental hygiene practice. Teeth whitening is a treatment meant for teeth that have become stained with yellow color stuff. For most, this is always a source for acute embarrassment. Cosmetic dental clinics offer various techniques to white yellowed and dirty teeth. Bleaching and laser are some of the most popular whitening procedures. 

• Bonding – this also became popular cosmetic treatment which is designed to fix tooth that has become broken and gaps in between teeth. Additionally, those who want to change the size, shape, and color of the teeth are good candidates for bonding. Again, all these imperfects can be a great source of embarrassment especially when you are dealing with a lot of people. The procedure often involves removing the affected part of the tooth. A composite resin is then bonded to that part to reveal a whole new tooth. This treatment is most often a one-time session only.

• Gum contouring –another popular method of perfecting your smile, gum contouring can actually help in perfecting your smile by taking care of your gum defects. In some treatments, bone grafting is required to correct the problem with defective gums after other dental treatments are done. Implanted fillers are used in gum contouring, often resulting to a naturally, enhanced looking gums. Sometimes, gum contouring is used if one is not too happy with the way gums are showing up when they smile. 

• Porcelain veneers – these are used to conceal various dental defects, such as cracks, chips, and discolorations. These are also ideally applied if changes of shape and size developed on the tooth. Veneers are usually used with white thin wafer-like porcelain layers. Laminates have also become a staple in the cosmetic industry being one that gives extensive positive results in enhancing appearance and feel of the affected part of the tooth. In most cases, porcelain veneers require only a couple of sessions to a perfect smile. 

So, are you so eager now to flash a winning smile and win hearts of many? Don’t worry for cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles offering services above can be easily found. Just be sure to do your own research before actually proceeding with any cosmetic dental procedures so you don’t waste your dollars over nothing. 

Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentistry Schools

Dental conditions are among the worst problems a man can ever have. It is also among the most challenging courses to take, which is why very many students engrossed in taking it up. Finding the best cosmetic dentistry schools is not as difficult as any of the others because there are very now than in the early years. You don’t even have t flex a muscle to do the search as you can do that online.

Most cosmetic dentistry schools of great reputations have at least one site. With this availability, there will be no need to go out from the comfort of your homes and check details one by one. The following list will help you in finding the best cosmetic dentistry schools near or around your own place:

1.) Decide on what course you want to take before searching for the right place to learn. Surfing for information and details of each course being offered in line with cosmetic dentistry is best. 

2.) Finding the best cosmetic dentistry schools will be so much easy of you check out the official list of such schools that are approved by the higher education commission as well as the medical board in your place. 

3.)  You may pick one or more desirable cosmetic schools so you can have choices.

4.) Narrow down your search by checking out the offers and availability of schedules in the schools you have initially picked.

5.) If you still have more than two schools at hand, you can try contacting each one for possible interview or you can also try to visit them to see how accessible it will be for you driving or commuting to the school of your choice. Doing so will also give you a chance to have a feel of the school that can help you make up your mind.

6.) If you only have two schools at hand, you can now make a pick by doing the above. Surely, going through a ride will provide you the right answers on your current miseries. 

7.) If you have already made a pick, you can do online enrolment or you can also do it manually. That will be very beneficial to both of you and the school because you will be able to get your needed impression regarding the school while they also get to present themselves (the staff and services) to you. This will also let you make an assessment if the school justifies the information and details it claimed in its site. 

8.) If you are already satisfied with your choice, you can now start shopping for your needed materials, books, school necessities. You also need to make researches and detail search regarding the courses in the school syllabus as part of your preparation for school.

9.) After finding the best cosmetic dentistry school that you like, as well as preparing for it, relax and refresh so that you will be very much ready when the school starts. 

Following these simple steps will let you save on your time and effort in going through the difficulties of running around for information and details. You wouldn’t want to end up confused of your gathered information in so many schools, would you? This will also make you so much more efficient because you have managed all you resources very well. 

Patient Rights in Regard to Dental Care

Dental Assistants work hard to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists provide quality care to patients. They try to provide patients with the knowledge of proper dental care as well as information about the procedures they are about to undergo. Patients have rights in regards to their dental care that Dental Assistants need to be aware of and respectful of.

Dental patients have the right to make an informed decision about their dental care. It is the responsibility of the Dental Assistant to make sure they know the facts about the procedures, the alternative options, and any risks involved in the procedures. Dental patients have the right to receive care from qualified staff members. Most dental offices will provide the licensing and credentials of staff members upon patient request.

The right to receive quality care is important to patients. Dental Assistants can do their part by taking the time to properly clean all dental tools and equipment. Standard sterilization procedures need to be followed accurately. Patients have the right to ask questions and receive informed decisions about the care they receive. Dental Assistants have the responsibility of keeping the lines of communication open. They need to be approachable by patients.

A patient has the right to refuse treatment or discontinue treatment at any time. The Dental Assistant needs to be respectful of this choice. However, the Dental Assistant has the responsibility to inform the patient of the health risks involved with doing so. Those patients wanting to continue care have the right to be seen at scheduled appointments and for a detailed treatment plan to be carefully outlined, and then followed. 

Emergency situations do occur. Patients have the right to be seen as soon as possible. In the mean time, the Dental Assistant needs to do everything possible to reduce the pain and make the patient comfortable. Dental care can be expensive. Patients have the right to receive an itemized cost of treatment prior to accepting any dental services. 

All patients want to be treated with dignity and respect. The patient who comes in with poor oral care habits doesn’t want the Dental Assistant to ask them rude questions about the last time they brushed their teeth. However, it is important for the Dental Assistant to express concern about the patient’s oral health habits, and provide education to help the patient develop better oral care practices.

Dental patients have the right to confidentiality. Dental Assistants need to keep information about procedures and those coming in for them to themselves. No one wants everyone in town to know they had two cavities or that they got their teeth whitened. Confidentially is very important to individuals in all areas, and their dental care is no different. A patient has the right to request copies of all information in their file at any time for their own use.

All patients have the right to express their concern over the dental care they received. They have the right to file a complaint against the Dental Assistant or other staff with the State Dental Board. Each state has their own policies and procedures for investigating complaints. The standard procedure includes obtaining the complaint in writing, sending a copy of the complaint to the dental facility, interviewing witnesses to the event, and making an informed decision on how to handle the complaint.

Dental Assistants need to be fully aware to patient rights. It is easy to get caught up in the procedures and duties of the dental profession. However, the satisfaction of the patient is the key to providing quality service and maintaining ongoing relationships with patients. Dental Assistants can do their part by providing patients with an approachable individual that they can discuss their needs, ideas, thoughts, and concerns over their dental care with. In that regard, a Dental Assistant can serve as a lesson between the patient and the other dental staff. 

Getting to Know the Different Cosmetic Dentistry Equipment

People with great smiles get noticed first. This is the main reason why dentistry is a very prominent occupation, and bankable too! There are very many types of dentistry though, which you have to know when you are looking for a professional to work on your teeth. Among the best types is the cosmetic dentistry that can do wonders with your teeth! Own whiter, lined teeth in just a few visits to your dentist but be ready with the very many cosmetic dentistry equipments he/she will be using on you during the treatment. 

Among those very many cosmetic dentistry equipments you will come to know during the treatment are as follows; although it doesn’t mean that all of these will be used on you:

• Chairside Equipment - those that are immediately on the dental chair

• Light Systems for Dental Bleaching - used for teeth bleaching

• Curing Lights - lights that help dental curing

• Dental Electrosurgery - used for dental surgery and bigger dental tasks

• Dental Handpieces - small pieces used by the dentist like mirror and pick

• Dental Lasers - lasers for curing teeth

• Dental Loupes - for curing teeth

• X-Ray Generators - for x-raying purposes

• Bite Sticks for Diagnosing - used to make a pattern of your teeth

• Air Abrasion (Intraoral) - for larger dental tasks

• Digital Cameras (Intraoral) - to take images of your teeth

• Suction and Retraction (Intraoral) - for dental surgery

• Dental Loupes Operator Lights - lighting system

• Ultrasonic Scalers - for dental surgery works

• Adjustable Articulators - for general dental tasks

• Hand pieces and Motors for Dental Laboratory - major equipments for dental curing

• Dental Lathes - to handle and hold all other dental equipments

• Model Trimmers - for generating dental models

• Pressure Pots - used for pressuring dental cures

• Dental Vibrators - vibrators necessary during the cosmetic dentistry tasks

• Disposable Articulators - like adjustable articulators, only disposable

• Dust Collectors - used to collect teeth dust

• Laser Welders - hand held laser welding machine for cosmetic dentistry purposes 

• Articulators (Non-Adjustable) - articulators that are fixed, non-disposable

• Operatory Set-up (Dental) - standard setup of an operation clinic of a cosmetic dentist

• Assistant Chair - for the assistant

• Assistant Stool - circular chair for the assistant

• Dental Chairs - highly necessary like the handpieces in any type of dentistry

• Operatory LCD Monitors - for monitoring of the surgery purposes

• LCD Mounts - holds the dental operatory LCD monitor

• Dental Operatory Light Systems - normal dental operatory lighting system in a cosmetic dentistry clinic

• PC Systems - used to keep track of records and information of the procedures

• Dentist Chairs - chair for the dentist

• Dentist Stools - circular chair for the dentist

• Signature Pads (Electronic) - modern signature pads issued by the dentist

• AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators - modern equipment for defibrillating externally

• Dental Compressors - compressors specifically for dental uses

• Dental Sterilizers - used to sterilize equipment used on you during the cosmetic dentistry operation

• Dental Autoclaves - autoclaves specifically for dental uses

• Maintenance Systems (Handpiece) - important for cleaning all handpieces that are normally used by the dentist all through out the inspection and during the treatment proper

This list hopes to help you get idea on what is being used and its function on the cosmetic dentistry that you are going under. So the time you are exposed to it, you will not be scared or stunned with it. But at any time, you can always ask your dentist regarding these equipments for further information and details. 

Root Canals Information About

A root canal is a dental procedure that all of us are familiar with.  Root canals are something we all dread, although when someone else is getting the procedure most of us find it to be somewhat amusing.  When someone asks for a root canal on the other hand, most of us, including dentists, find it to be very absurd to say the least.

Although many aren’t aware of this, root canals have been around for many generations.  Many years ago, ancient civilizations used this method to save teeth that would have been lost otherwise.  These civilizations offered root canals to those such as queens, kings, pharaohs, and the rich.  The teeth from peasants were normally extracted then sold to aristocrats.

Many years ago, doctors believed that worms were the reason for tooth decay.  They also believed that there were many ways to kill the worms, including rinsing the mouth in one’s own urine both day and night.  Although this is sick to say the least, this remedy was discarded in 1728, proven to be non effective and replaced by other more suitable treatment.  As time passed, doctors proved that the best way to stop the pain was to clean and remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth.

Root canals are a very common procedure these days, as they help to save the tooth by removing the dead or dying pulp.  The pulp exists inside of the tooth, and can spread to abscess if it isn’t taken care of.  The tissue in the pulp is kept alive by the blood vessels that come from the tip of the root and travel along the root canal into the tooth.  

Decay is the main reason for pulp in the tooth dying.  Once the decay has reached the pulp, it will keep eating away until the pulp has died.  Once it dies, the toxins from the decay will be released into the root tip and make it’s way into the jawbone.  If not taken care of properly, the jawbone can become infected, which can lead to death in rare cases.

To fix this problem, the dentist will need to perform a root canal.  During the procedure, he will numb the area then drill a hole into the tooth.  Using various tools and equipment, he will go down inside of the tooth and scrape away the nerves and dead pulp.  This is a very effective procedure, although very time consuming as well. In most cases, a root canal can take several hours, although it is the only way to stop the dying pulp and save the tooth.  Even though it may take a long time - it is more than worth it when it saves your tooth from being extracted.

Home Remedies Toothache

Did you know that your kitchen sink and pantry can hold the key to your toothache pain relief?

In fact everything you need can be found right under your own roof.   No expensive over the counter pills and potions that leave you with nasty, drowsy side effects.

First of all the pain you’re experiencing is the nerve that’s been compromised.  The lattice of minerals that form your teeth are a fortress of strength.  They are the toughest bones in the body because they are designed to be exposed to the elements that you throw at them.  They are subjected to wearing and grinding as well as acids that are secreted from the bacteria on your teeth.

Because your tooth has been eroded and is now compromised because of its weakness from tooth decay it exhibits as the pain you’re now experiencing.

Other reasons for a toothache could be due to:

Wearing down of the teeth through a condition called Bruxius, most don’t know they have this because they are usually asleep during the time this takes place.  This is the grinding of teeth which gradually wears the teeth down over time, weakening the protective enamel layer.

Impacted wisdom teeth which is the inability of the wisdom teeth to either partially break through the surface of the gum or not at all.  This pent up tension causes pain in the back of the jaw.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, this arises from the Temporomandibular Joint wearing down to the point that its movement causes friction resulting in pain.  The Temporomandibular joint is responsible for the movement between the upper and the lower jaws.  Wearing of this joint makes it difficult to speak, eat or yawn without inflicting pain.  It is situated near the back of the jaw and it hinges between upper and lower jaws.  

To feel this joint in action, insert your index finger into your ear canal then open and close your mouth.  The movement you experience is your Temporomandibular joint.

Infection due to Gingivitis.  Gingivitis which is the disease of the gums can turn into periodontal disease which eventually leads to tooth loss.  Gingivitis can be painful and exhibits as swollen red, inflamed gums.  This is due to food particles not being properly cleaned from the gum line.  Left untreated can turn into abscess causing infection. 

The most obvious scenario for tooth pain is cavity and this caused by erosion of the teeth or by blunt trauma caused by accident or by a chipped or cracked tooth. 

You can treat your toothache naturally with ingredients you have around your home.  No need to buy expensive over the counter medicines when you can easily grab a cucumber, a clove of garlic or even a tea bag from your cupboard.

Tea bag is a mild astringent with antibacterial properties it also offers relief directly to the site of pain.

Directions: Place a standard teabag into a cup of water, place in the microwave for 1 minute.  Remove the teabag while still warm and place on the sore tooth.  Bite down gently and hold in place for 20 minutes or until you get pain relief.

Substituting green tea instead of regular tea works as equally well.

This should pain relief within 20 to 30 minutes.

Getting Over Your Fear Of The Dentist

Dental anxiety or fearing the dentist is a problem that many people have, and something that is somewhat difficult to overcome.  This fear normally prevents rational people from visiting the dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth.  The key to keeping your teeth healthy is to prevent problems before they start.  Those who suffer from dental anxiety will try to avoid going to the dentist, which results in problems.

When someone who suffers from dental anxiety finally goes to the dentist, they normally find that even the smallest of problems can turn serious and require a lot of work and intervention from the dentist.  Even though you may not realize it, regular cleaning visits to your dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities. 

You can use several techniques to overcome dental anxiety.  Some of the techniques require mild sedatives, also referred to as sedation.  Sedation is a way to relax, given by breathing or IV (Intra Vein) through a vein in your arm.  Sedation will help you to calm down, although you will normally be awake to answer questions or talk to your dentist.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety have had bad experiences.  Any type of negative dental experience will normally result in emotional scarring and last for years.  Anything that results in negative feelings for the patient will normally cause them to feel in a negative way toward the entire dental profession.  Although all dentists aren’t bad - a negative experience will certainly make a patient feel that way.

When you look fora dentist, you should always ask your family and friends who they use, and who they recommend.  When you visit a dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask him any questions that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed.  You should always keep in mind that you are customer, and the dentist is the one who needs to make you feel relaxed.  Never should you feel intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to establish a sense of trust.

Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist relationship.  You’ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis, so you’ll want to be sure that you can trust him.  When you go to your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about your dental anxiety.  If he isn’t willing to talk about it with you or do things to help you relax, you should look into a new dentist.

You can always tell who the better dentists are by the type of facilities they have.  Dentists who have  a lot of customers or nice offices, have established themselves and proved that they are indeed the best.  If a dentist has a lot of customers, it lets you know that he has them for a reason.  People that are satisfied with a dentist, normally return.  

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should always let your dentist know in advance.  This way, he work with you to overcome your fear.  Over time, you’ll find that you can overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with your dentist.  You can get over your fear of dentists, no matter how bad your fear may be.  It will take you some time, although your dentist should be willing to work with you.  Before you know it, you’ll be over your fear and more than willing to go to your dentist.

Dental Assistant Career Colleges

Now what you have decided to start looking into a career as a dental assistant you will want to consider your options for obtaining the education you need to go into your newly chosen field.

There are many options to consider when deciding to go into dental assisting as a career choice.  Many city and state level colleges will offer programs to help you start as a dental assistant however one of the more popular methods for obtaining a dental assistant certification is through a vocational or career training school.

Some of the more popular dental training schools are Apollo College which can be found at www.ApolloCollege.edu, Concorde career colleges which can be found at www.Concorde.edu, and also another very popular school is Bryman college at www.Go2BrymanCollege.com

While you can expect to make good money as a dental assistant, some of the schooling to get you started will be an expense that you need to seriously consider and plan for.

During the research that we did when writing this article we found that on average dental assistant school vocational colleges ranged between $2500 and $6,000 to give you the certification that you need to get started right away.  A few schools have all expenses included however others do have material fees of up to $2500 which will want to be considered when making your choice an educational institution.

A few schools such as American career colleges www.americancareer.info offer not only dental assistant educations but medical assistant, pharmaceutical, x-ray, and nursing educations all under one roof.  One of these type schools might be a great choice for you if you're not 100% sure that a career as a dental assistant is your final destination.  By going to a college or career center that offers multiple medical field positions you will be putting yourself in a great position to see exactly what all of your options are when considering a career in the health industry.

A school such as this also would be a great place to continue your education after receiving your certification a dental assistant, to possibly move up to a dental hygiene position or even possibly continue your education in the future to become a dentist or possibly even an orthodontists.

Starting now and an industry that is growing as rapidly as the health care industry is in today’s world is a great way to insure you will have the skills necessary to maintain an excellent career in the health field.

With the skills you are about to learn as a dental assistant you’ll find jobs are not hard to find if you are skilled and professional at your newfound craft.

There’s a great sense of self-satisfaction to be had in knowing that you’re doing something that helps other people and improves the quality of life for many.  

One area to consider if you like children is to specialize in dental practices that cater specifically to children.  Specialized practices like this are a great way to carve yourself into a niche area of the market that is always guaranteed to be highly profitable and busy.

Working with children can be one of the most rewarding parts of a dental career and I highly recommend it as a specialty area for anyone considering a career in dentistry that also has a fondness of children.

So whether you’re deciding to go into dental assistant career college as just a stepping stone for a career as a dentist for orthodontist, or if working as a dental assistant is to be your final destination I want to say congratulations on your choice to look into the dental assistant field and may have much success in your endeavors.

Dental Assistant Program Acceptance

Dental Assistant is one of the fastest growing professions. It is anticipated to be one of the top occupations by 2012. Almost all Dental Assistant programs require applicants to successfully pass a background check prior to acceptance. In addition, drug testing is becoming a widely common practice as well. Most states require students to be tested for Hepatitis B prior to acceptance as well. 

Many programs want to look at your work history, education level, and GPA. All of these factors combined will determine if you are accepted into a Dental Assistant Program. You will get a letter informing you of the decision. If you are not accepted into the Dental Assistant Program, you have the right to inquire as to the information that decision was based on. 

The reason for background checks for Dental Assistants is because of the number of people they come into contact with. Since they serve the public, their background becomes an area of concern. Safety is a top priority in the dental field. Precautions are taken protect patients as well as other staff.

The background process is very similar in all states. You will be required to provide your personal information and fingerprints. All information that comes back will be reported to the program director. Each state has different levels of acceptable background checks for the Dental Assistant Program. 

If you believe your background might prevent you from being accepted into a Dental Assistant Program, ask the instructor or the State Dental Board what the regulations are for your particular state. In some states, they will only look at background information that is less than seven years old. Others will only ban you from the Dental Assistant program if you have been convicted of a crime that involved violence or was of a sexual nature. Other states are very strict. If you have any felony convicts at all, you will not be accepted to the Dental Assistant program. They also will look at misdemeanors including harassment and domestic violence. 

Background checks are an ongoing issue with Dental Assistants. You can complete the training program and your license. Your license will be valid for three to five years depending on the state you live in. Upon renewal, another background check will be completed. You can lose your license and your career if you have had any criminal activity during your licensing period. Again, it depends on the regulations for your state. 

Since state regulations vary, keep that in mind when considering transferring your Dental Assistant license to another state. 

Drug testing regulations have come into play to provide safety for patients and other staff. Drug convictions will generally result in you not being admitted to the Dental Assistant program. It is believed the drugs will impair your ability to perform your job duties in the manner they must be done in. Also, since drugs are available on site of dental facilities, it is possible you will take them.

Hepatitis B is a concern in the dental profession. All individuals wanting to enroll in the Dental Assistant program will be required to be tested. They test requires a quick skin prick on the top of your hand. The results are generally available within a couple of days.

Depending on the Dental Assistant program you are trying to get into, they will require a background check, drug test, and Hepatitis B test. If there is a large demand to enroll in the course your work history, education, and GPA may also be taken into consideration if more people what to enroll than there are slots available. 

Being a Dental Assistant is an opportunity to provide assistance to people as well as participate in the practices of the dental field. It also requires accepting responsibly for your actions. Dental Assistants have to be very responsible. It is believed you decisions in your personal life often reflect the choices you will make in your personal life. 

Dental Assistants Provide Care to Low Income Families

Dental Assistants take pride in providing quality care to patients. They assist Dentists with procedures and Dental Hygienists with assistance during preventative cleanings. However, many Dental Assistants understand there is a population of individuals who do not receive the dental care they should because they have no insurance and they can’t afford to pay for it out of pocket. The result of not obtaining proper dental care is ongoing health and dental issues that spiral out of control. 

Many low income families are not receiving dental care. Often, dental programs are available through a variety of programs including Child Development Services, Migrant Services, and Head Start. All of these programs are conducted throughout the United States. These programs provide schooling for children and parenting skills for parents. The programs often include programs of budgeting, meal planning, family activities, and dental care. These programs are Federally funded. 

In these programs, children and their families receive dental care for free. This requires qualified Dental Assistants to assist Dentists and Dental Hygienists in their work of providing procedures and dental cleanings to patients in these programs. Since their dental care is limited, it is very important for them to become educated about oral hygiene. Education becomes a key for them to work hard to maintain quality dental hygiene on their own as much as they can. 

Dental Assistants often conduct training workshops for these types of programs, stressing the importance oral hygiene. The programs include information on brushing twice a day, the proper way to brush, the importance of flossing, and the proper way to floss. Family members are generally given handouts as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and pills that will show the plaque you missed on your teeth by turning the areas a bright color. These educational workshops are very helpful to the families involved in these programs.

For children and adults who have severe dental needs, this many be the only way they will ever be able to have those needs addressed. Dental Assistants who work with low income families often earn less than Dental Assistants in other dental fields of employment. However, they find a strong satisfaction in helping families obtain dental care. To them, it is more rewarding than any increase in pay. 

The lack of programs to help with those who can’t afford adequate dental care is a huge concern for Dental Assistants all across the Nation. It is an issue that needs to be addressed locally, statewide, and on a Federal level. Many Dental professionals agree to assist with education and providing services to low income populations because they understand the dire need of such care. 

While Medicare and Medicaid programs under Federal guidelines offer some relief for families, many don’t qualify for the programs, yet still don’t earn enough money to pay for the care on their own. In addition, most dental facilities don’t accept the Federal programs or they only accept a limited number of participants at a time. 

The Surgeon General has only yet begun to conduct studies on the effects of low income families not receiving the dental care they need. However, they do agree that the issue needs to be addressed. They have implemented some strategies to improve the situation. 

They would like to see the expansion of mobile dental clinics, public dental clinics, and school based dental clinics. They would also like to see schools and other educational programs focusing more on oral hygiene. Possibility adding toothbrushes and areas to each classroom for students to use after breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. 

The Surgeon General is also looking into developing programs for dental staff, including Dental Assistants to receive assistance with tuition if they agree to work in low income dental facilities for a specified period of time. It is their hope that the staff will choose to remain their after that time period has ended because they see how beneficial their services are to the patients they are serving. 

Dental Assistant Training

Pursing a career as a Dental Assistant can be very exciting. With so many employment opportunities to choose from, it is an excellent choice for those who are interested in working in the dental field, enjoy working with people, and enjoy some variety in their daily routine. The duties of a Dental Assistant vary according to patient need. Your job will be assisting the dentist and hygienist to deliver quality oral health care. If you are interested, contact your dentist and ask if you can shadow the office for a day to see what really goes on. Most will be very willing to accommodate your request. 

Dental Assistant training takes place either in a program at a Dental School or local college. Some dental offices choose to train their Dental Assistants in house without any schooling. Most Dental Assistant training programs last from 12 months to 24 months. It depends on the state requirements and the curriculum for the program you enroll in. You will learn the basic fundamentals of dentistry in these programs.

Upon completing a Dental Assistant course, you will know eat type of dental instrument, the proper use of each, how to properly clean all tools, how to protect yourself from communicable diseases, and effective communication skills and techniques. Make sure the program you enroll in is accredited under your state regulations. 

If you are trained in a dental office, then you will get first hand experience of dental procedures as well as how that particular dental facility operates. If you choose to do this type of on the job training, take the time to research the dental office. Check with the Better Business Bureau and the State Board of Dentistry regarding complaints about that particular dentist. Do not accept a position with any dentist office that has received numerous complaints for their treatment of patients. 

Most states require Dental Assistants to obtain certification within 3 months of completing a program. On the job trained Dental Assistants are not eligible to take the certification exam until they have completed 2 years of on the job training. This is to ensure to the patients that all staff members have been properly trained. You can find out when such exams will be taking place by checking online or with the instructor of your Dental Assistant program. 

This exam with require both a written test of your knowledge and a presentation of your skills. The written portion will be based on the basic fundamentals of dental care and sanitation issues. The presentation will require you to show a state examiner your ability to properly cleanse and sanitize all instruments. You will likely be asked to perform several tasks for the state examiner to observe. This is done to verify your ability to perform what you learned in the classroom setting. 

Dental Assistant training is time well invested in your future, with a wonderful career in the dental field with numerous job opportunities. It is important to choose your training program wisely as you want to be a valued asset when you start trying to secure employment. Dental assistants are very valuable to the dental office and to patients. They are often the person patients come into contact with before and after their procedures. Dental Assistants can help patients who are afraid or nervous prior to a procedure taking place.

Dental Assistants

The role of a Dental Assistant is to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists carry out the duties of providing quality dental care to individuals as well as providing an environment with sterile equipment and a comfortable setting for the procedures to take place in.

Dental assistants are a valuable resource to the area of dentistry. While they aren’t qualified to perform cleanings or extensive dental procedures, they keep things moving at a steady pace. Their role is often behind the scenes getting everything ready. There are more duties to Dental Assistant than what meets the eye.

Being a Dental Assistant takes a particular type of person. You have to enjoy working with the public. You also have to have confidence in your abilities. A sincere interest in the dental field and helping others are also recommended. Dental Assistants must have excellent communication skills as they are an important part of the patient and dental staff relationship. 

Dental Assistants generally review the medical history with the patient and help them feel comfortable prior to procedures taking place. The often explain what the procedure entails and what will be taking place. The Dental Assistant will be present during the procedure to assist either the Hygienist or the Dentist. During the procedure, the Dental Assistant will clear out the patient’s mouth, adjust the chair, move the lights, and anything else that can make the experience better for the patient. After the procedure the Dental Assistant will explain follow up treatment to the patient as well as provide the patient will information to assist in the healing process.

A Dental Assistant has to know how to prioritize their time to ensure all their duties are taken care of. One of the most important duties of a Dental Assistant is proper cleaning of all the dental tools. They must be properly sanitized. Each tool needs to be examined to ensure it is still usable. Dental assistants must also know what tools and equipment each dental procedure requires. This allows them to set up tool kits to have at the dental station prior to a procedure being done. 

Dentists and Dental Hygienists depend on the Dental Assistant being alert and prepared during all dental procedures. They want to have all the necessary tools at their fingertips for easy access and to allow them to remain concentrated on the patient and the procedure they are performing. In some states, Dental Hygienists are allowed to administer local anesthetics to prepare the patient for their procedures. 

A very important role of the Dental Assistant is to monitor the patient during the procedure. This may involve taking their vital signs. Other signs to watch for include changes in breathing patterns, disorientation, and a glazed look in the eyes. All of these can indicate an emergency situation. Patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or suffer a medical ailment such as a heart attack. 

Dental Assistants need to be prepared for such emergencies to arise and react calmly and quickly. It is important that every Dental Assistant is trained in CPR. They should also have emergency phone numbers in place if the need arises. It is the responsibility of the Dental Assistant and other staff to do all they can for the patient until proper medical help arrives. Doing so can make the difference between life and death. 

The role of Dental Assistant involves wearing many hats. For those in the profession, they often enjoy having a variation in their daily routine. They love working with people as well as working in the dental profession. Being an effective Dental Assistant involves willingness to continuing learning. It requires a positive attitude and attention to details. The best Dental Assistants are those who know how to effectively communicate with the patients and the staff they work with. This is a great career for those who feel they can handle the ongoing needs that are placed in their hands. 

Dental Emergencies

As we all know, toothaches and any type of oral injury can be extremely painful and should be seen by a dentist immediately.  Dental emergencies should be seen immediately by a dentist, day or night. These emergencies include broken teeth, teeth that have been knocked out, or teeth that have been forced out of the socket.  With some emergencies, the cheeks, lips, or gums will have cuts or abrasions on them from where the teeth come out of the socket.

If you’ve had a tooth recently knocked out, the first thing you should do is look for that tooth.  When you’ve found the tooth, gently scrub it to get rid of any dirt or debris.  Once you have cleaned it, you should place it back in your mouth between the cheek and gums.  Whatever you do, you should never try to put it back in the socket.  If you can make it to the dentist in time, he may be able to put the tooth back in place.

If you’ve had a tooth come out of place, you can normally reposition it with your fingers.  You shouldn’t use a lot of force, simply because it could damage the tooth.  You shouldn’t force the tooth into place, rather try and jiggle it around.  You can also use moist tissue to hold the tooth in place, until you can get to a dentist.

If you’ve got a fractured tooth, the treatment will all depend upon how bad the booth has been fractured.  No matter how light the fracture may be, it is very important that you get to a dentist as soon as you can.  Minor fractures aren’t that bad, as they can normally be smoothed out using sandpaper.  Sometimes, the tooth can also be restored with a composite.  Either way, you’ll need to make sure that you use extreme caution with the tooth for the next few days.

The more moderate fractures, normally include damage to the dentin, pulp, and even the enamel.  These fractures can be nothing to worry about at times, yet painful with other cases.  Providing the pulp hasn’t been damaged, your dentist will be able to restore the full shape and function to the fractured tooth.  In cases where pulp damage has occurred, the dentist may need to do a root canal or other type of serious surgery to repair the tooth.

Whenever you encounter a dental emergency, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact a dentist immediately.  Your dentist will be able to assist you, fix the problem, and stop the pain.  Dental emergencies can happen at any time, so you should always the emergency number of a dentist who will be there at a moments notice.  Tooth pain can be very excruciating - and you’ll obviously want to get the problem fixed immediately.

Dental Assistants in Orthodontics

Dental Assistants are becoming more and more popular in the area of orthodontics. This is due to new technology for orthodontics as well as the increase in the number of children and adults seeking orthodontic care. Dental Assistants normally complete a variety of duties including sterilizing dental tools and assisting both Dentists and Hygienist with procedures. This generally entails sitting in on such procedures, handing the staff the necessary tools and equipment as the procedure it taking place. Dental Assistants may also find themselves assisting with lab work. 

The role of Dental Assistant in the area of Orthodontics is different. They will generally still be responsible for sterilizing all dental tools. However, they will have more hands on work inside the mouth of the patient. These tasks include fixing loose brackets, changing rubber bands, and tightening wires. Many Dental Assistants love working in orthodontics because of the hands on work they get to do with the patient. They also enjoy getting to see the patient every few weeks from the beginning of the process until the end. Generally individuals wear braces for two years or longer.

Being a Dental Assistant in an orthodontic setting is not something that is commonly taught in a Dental Assistant program. It is a specific area of specialization, and most Dental Assistant programs are designed to give you an understanding of the basic elements of dentistry only. 

Most training for Dental Assistants in the area of orthodontics takes place on the job. Generally, by having another Dental Assistant walk you through the process, then watching you perform it on actual patients. This can be intimidating for some Dental Assistants as they are used to learning by observing in the dental field rather than taking on the task at hand. Other Dental Assistants thrive in this type of learning environment, enabling them to really excel in the orthodontic field.

With the use of Dental Assistants, many orthodontic offices are meeting the demand for treatment in a very unique way. Dental Assistants are set up to specialize in a particular area of the orthodontic process. Many patients are scheduled for the same appointment time, and then dispersed to various dental assistants depending on their needs.

For example, one such dental facility has all patients sign in to see the Orthodontist first. He quickly reviews their progress, documents the chart, and puts the chart into a file on the wall. Dental Assistants come here to pull the charts of those in their slot on the wall. There are Dental Assistants to take X-Rays and to make adjustments. These adjustments include adjusting wires and changing rubber bands. Other Dental Assistants perform repairs including changing brackets and removing excess cement on the teeth. There are also Dental Assistants to remove the braces and others to take the molds for retainers. 

Once the patient has seen the necessary Dental Assistant based on the needs that should be addressed during that visit, the patient is taken back to the area where they first signed in. They again see the dentist who reviews the work completed by the Dental Assistant. The Dentist will record necessary notes on the chart including when the patient should be seen again. The patient then takes their chart to the reception area, schedules an appointment, and they are on their way. This method has proven to be fast and effective. It is well organized, like worker ants doing their part to make it all flow well. 

The advantage to this type of system is that more patients can be seen on a daily basis. Therefore, the cost of treatment is often reduced. However, patients will find themselves seen by numerous Dental Assistants over the course of their treatment. Many Dental Assistants enjoy working in the area of orthodontics. They like the hands on interaction with the patients as well as providing quality care to those in need of orthodontic procedures. 

Dental Assistant Pay

Becoming a Dental Assistant not only prepares you for a wonderful career working in the dental field, is also pays very well. Since this area of employment is anticipated to be one of the most in demand over the next six years, your chances of securing a great job with great pay and benefits is very likely. 

The Median hourly rate of pay for Dental Assistants is $13.62. This is well above the minimum wage established in most states. In addition to a great hourly wage, many Dental Assistants will receive bonuses if the dental office is doing well, health insurance, and discounted dental procedures. Almost all Dental Assistants receive paid vacation days, sick days, and paid Holidays. 

However, earning such a high hourly wage comes with a great level of responsibility. Dental Assistants perform duties relating to patient care, office sanitation, lab duties, and assisting the dentist and hygienist with a variety of procedures. Dental Assistants need to be alert, pay attention to detail, and have effective communication skills. They must also be able to provide patients with comfort measures both before and after procedures are completed.

Dental Assistants are easily confused with Dental Hygienists. Compared to hygienists, who have a median rate of pay of $23.65 per hour, a Dental Assistant is not making a very good hourly wage. However, they are very different professions. A Dental Assistant does just that, assists the dentist and hygienist with providing the best quality care for all patients. A hygienist takes care of cleaning teeth and generally has a steady stream of patients who come in every six months for routine cleaning procedures. 

The amount of pay a Dental Assistant earns depends on many factors. The cost of living in your area will be the greatest influence. The amount of revenue the dental office you work for generates will also be a deciding factor. New dentists might have to pay less than established dentists will clientele because they don’t have the traffic coming into the office. However, it is very possible your pay will increase as more patients are drawn to that dental office. 

Your level of experience will also be a consideration. You may have to accept a position that pays less than average to get your foot in the door and gain some hands on experience. However, with the demand for Dental Assistants, you should have no problem securing employment. Many dental offices want to keep quality Dental Assistants. They may offer to start you at a lower entry level pay, with the understanding that your performance will be reviewed in 90 days or other time frame. Based on your performance, you pay will be adjusted at that time.  

It is important to understand that certified and uncertified Dental Assistants complete the same types of tasks. However, those who are certified earn several dollars more per hour than those who aren’t certified. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to take the certification exam early on in your career as a Dental Assistant. 

Dental Assistant Relationships with other Staff

Having a career as a dental assistant is a great opportunity to work with others in the dental profession. The most common staff you will work with in a dental facility are Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and the Receptionist. It is very important that you forge quality relationships with the other staff you work with. The smaller the dental facility, the more important it is as everyone will have to work well together to allow the facility to function properly. 

 Since you will be present for the procedures conducted by Dentists and Hygienists, patients will quickly pick up on any staffing issues. I went to a dentist for years. He was great to me and my children. However, he continually was impatient with his staff, especially the Dental Assistants. We went for cleanings every six months. We loved the Dental Hygienist. However, she was often in tears over is behaviors. We also noticed that the Dental Assistant staff changed almost every time we came in. It didn’t take too many years before he went out of business because patients were tired of seeing the behaviors and he couldn’t find help that would work for him. 

Communication skills are a great asset for any profession, but as a Dental Assistant it is a must. You will be interacting with patients, staff, insurance companies, and family members of patients. It is very important you are able to make everyone feel comfortable and that you convey the message that you are approachable. Poor communication skills can result in your career as a Dental Assistant not working out for the long haul.

To ensure proper communication among staff members, dental facilities need to arrange trainings. These should be informative, explaining to everyone what is expected as far as interoffice relationships. It should be clearly stated that lack of respect for co-workers will not be tolerated. Policies and procedures should also be in place for employers to resolve any conflicts with other employers. Everyone should know where they are to report and such issues that they can’t work out with the other staff member or members. 

Many dental facilities require staff members to attend communication workshops. These are often very fun and interactive workshops, showing more effective methods of communication. They generally include information on individual communication as well as group efforts. These workshops are conducted by individuals who customize the workshop to meet the needs of your group. This makes the sitting more intimate and usable in your dental facility. 

To help alleviate stress and issues among co-workers, each staff member should be made aware of what other staff members are responsible for. Many inter-office struggles are the result of workers believing others are not carrying the same weight. Most employees complete tasks behind the scenes, so this assumption is based only on what is being seen on the front lines. 

Effective communication is essential in the role of Dental Assistant. It is imperative to your career that you understand various communication styles. It is also very important that you are aware of your own communication style. You want others to view you as enthusiastic about your job and willing to assist in anyway possible. 

Effective communication doesn’t mean that you let other staff members take advantage of you or belittle you. It simply means being able to put forth your best efforts to work well with others. You are all committed to providing patients with quality care. This can’t be accomplished if you have issues of communication standing in the way. 

Most issues that arise from communication is assuming you know what the other person means or what they will say. Make sure that you reflect back what is being said to you by other staff members. This way any misconceptions can be resolved up front before they escalate into major issues that affect everyone’s work performance. Since we all spend so many hours at our place of employment, it is very important to make it a comfortable place to be. 

Dental Assistants working with Drug Users

Dental Assistants are used to working with patients who are suffering from poor dental hygiene. Statistics show more than 10.5 million people in the United States are affected by drug and alcohol use. Substance abuse is easily recognizable by Dental Assistants. Many parents are left completely dumbfounded when the Dental Assistant has to inform them that their child appears to have a drug dependency and it is affecting their oral health. Types of drug abuse Dental Assistants encounter include sedatives, barbiturates, and narcotics.

The effects of drug use in relation to oral health care include missing dental appointments, fear, anxiety, cravings for sweets, the risk of infection from Hepatitis B and HIV, oral neglect, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and painful gums. It is easy to see from this list how taking drugs can lead to ongoing oral health issues. If the drug use continues tooth lose and inflamed gum areas may increase.

Dental Assistants are often consulted when individuals call the dental office or come in complaining of severe tooth pain. This can be a ploy on the patient’s behalf to obtain drugs from the dental facility, either in the office or in the form of a prescription. Dental Assistants need to watch for such scenarios and listen to their gut reaction in such cases. Often, these individuals will come in at closing time, get a prescription and an appointment to return the next morning. They get the prescription filled, but never show up for the appointment. 

Since drug use is so common, Dental Assistants and other dental staff should be properly trained in the areas of drug use, drug interactions, and promoting drug treatment. If your employer does not offer such training, it is important that you bring it to their attention. In the mean time, it is your responsibility to train yourself by educating yourself in these areas. You can do so with textbooks or online materials. 

Dental Assistants can provide patients with education, early intervention, and motivation to seek treatment for drug use. Often Dental Assistants can help the patient find a treatment program to look into. It is important for the Dental Assistant to treat the patient with respect, but fully disclose the risks involved in continued drug use as well as they affects to their dental health. This is where those valuable communication skills come in to play.

Dental Assistants need to be very careful when providing dental care to drug users. Since the types of drugs they use generally aren’t disclosed, it is unknown what types of behaviors they will display. They may become violent or experience a chemical reaction when treated with a local anesthetic. 

Treating patients who use drugs also raises the risk of being exposed to communicable diseases. All precautions need to be taken to protect yourself. Most dental facilities have policies and procedures in place for dealing with individuals who come in for appointments under the influence of drugs and other substances. However, for ongoing drug users, you might not even know they have been using anything prior to treating them. 

As a Dental Assistant, if you suspect a patient has been using drugs, approach the situation confidentially and carefully. Your main goal is to make sure other patients and staff members are not at risk of being harmed. You have the right as a Dental Assistant to refuse treatment to anyone for any reason. While most Dental Assistants don’t exercise this right often, there is not reason to put yourself or others at risk. 

Drug use can adversely affect an individual’s oral health. Dental Assistants can offer then assistance with getting treatment for drug use. They can also educate the patient on the effects of drug use. However, this is a gray area where Dental Assistants need to procedure based on the observations of the patient and the policies and procedures in place for the dental facility they work for. 

Dental Assistants in Prisons

Dental Assistants in prisons are in great demand. Most states are trying to establish dental programs that include preventative care for all inmates. This is generally less expensive than the high cost of many procedures that result from not taking care of your teeth properly and not receiving a cleaning twice a year. Many Dental Assistants choose not to work in the prison arena because they are afraid to work with inmates.

There are Dental Assistants who choose to work in prison facilities because they enjoy the challenge. Others really want to help all individuals, regardless of their criminal activities. They feel all individuals are entitled to quality dental care. Therefore, they do what they can to see that that level of dental care is available in all prison facilities. Others simply do it for the fact that it often pays more than other dental facilities, especially if you are employed as a Dental Assistant in a Federal Prison system.

While the extra pay is often an incentive to work as a Dental Assistant in a prison system, the risk of injury and communicable diseases in much higher than in other dental facilities. Dental Assistants need to make sure that they are aware of such risks before they enter a prison facility as an employee. If you don’t follow all policies and procedures as specified, you put yourself, other staff, and other inmates in grave danger.

Many inmates have nothing to lose by trying to escape. It is important for Dental Assistants to never let their guard down. Inmates are great actors and con artists. Trust your instincts if you feel something isn’t right. Dental Assistants should never be left alone with an inmate.

Inmates have been known to physically abuse Dental Assistants in an attempt to over power them and escape. Most prison facilities safeguard against this by having the dental unit in a locked area of the prison that can only be opened by a guard outside the doorway of the dental unit. However, this does present the idea of taking a Dental Assistant or other staff member hostage as leverage to get their demands met.

Dental Assistants need to make sure they never leave dental tools or equipment in the reach of an inmate. They can use most anything and make it into a weapon. It is vital to keep close track of all dental tools. Make sure to account for each and every tool prior to an inmate leaving the dental unit. If you think a dental tool is missing, notify your supervisor immediately. Then follow all policies and procedures in place for that particular prison facility.

Dental Assistants are at risk of contracting a communicable disease in any dental facility because such diseases are transmitted via saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. However, communicable diseases that can cause serious illness and even death are more likely to be found in a prison population than among the general public. Also, inmates are more likely to purposefully infect Dental Assistants and other staff members than the general public.

Employment as a Dental Assistant in a prison facility is a unique career choice. It is not one to enter into without considering the benefits and the risks involved. You will have the opportunity to provide quality health care to the prison population. You will likely earn considerably more money than you will working in a regular dental facility.

However, the dangers of working as a Dental Assistant in a prison facility are very real. It is important to assess these risks and prepare against them. You will need to guard all dental tools and equipment. You will need to properly protect yourself against communicable diseases. This can be a very rewarding career opportunity, but make sure your safety as well as they safety of others is always a top priority. Not being alert for even an instant can be the opportunity an inmate is looking for.

Dental Extractions

Dental extractions are among the easiest and best ways to get relief from a toothache.  As the name implies, an extraction involves removing the tooth.  If your pulp has died or the tooth has become severely infected, extraction may be your only route.  Depending on the tooth, the dentist can do either a simple extraction or a more complicated extraction.

Simple extractions

These types of extractions, the simple extractions, are the most common in the world of dentistry.  During a simple extraction, the dentist will remove the tooth by loosening the gums around the socket.  He will grasp the tooth with forceps and move it from side to side until he can get it to break free from the socket and remove it.

The teeth are held to the bone by a thin piece of soft tissue.  This soft tissue is known as the periodontal ligament.  The dentist uses this tissue to remove the tooth.  As you may know, the key to removing a tooth by pulling is to rock the tooth from side to side, which enlarges the socket in the bone and breaks the ligament that helps to hold the tooth in place.

Simple extractions, also known as pulling, don’t take long to complete.  The dentist will numb you before he starts, so you won’t feel anything.  Depending on the tooth, pulling it will normally take just a few minutes after you have been numbed with local anesthesia.  Once completed, the dentist will place gauze in your mouth to bite on and you will be free to go.

Complex extractions

As we all know, not all teeth can be pulled.  Sometimes, the tooth will be so decayed or broken off that the dentist will have nothing to grasp above the gum line.  In cases such as this, the dentist will need to perform a more complicated extraction, which involves getting the tooth out below the gum line, as he won’t be able to use the standard method of pulling and rocking.

These types of extractions involve the dentist making an incision in the gums around the tooth, and raising the flap he cut to expose the bone.  Once he has exposed the bone, there may be enough of the tooth exposed for the dentist to grab and remove it using the pulling method.  In most cases however, the tooth will be embedded in the bone, meaning that the dentist will be unable to pull the tooth out.

With teeth that are imbedded in the bone, the dentist will need to use a drill and chip away at the bone to get to the tooth.  This is known as cutting the tooth out, and happens to be very common with impacted teeth or teeth that are severely decayed.  Once the dentist has cut his way to the tooth and removed it, he will sew back the flap of skin that he cut to get to the tooth.  The flap of skin and the socket will heal over time - providing you take care of it.

Dental extractions are very common, and happen on a daily basis for dentists.  Oral surgeons are the best for extractions, as extractions are all they do.  All types of extractions, even the most complex, will take time to heal.  As long as you take care of your extraction site, you’ll avoid common pitfalls such as dry sockets and other mishaps.  Although they can be painful once the procedure is over - you’ll eventually start to feel a lot better once you have had the tooth or teeth removed.