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Dental hygienist salary can vary depending on where you get the job, what type of location or venue it is, and how much experience the job seeker has at being a dental hygienist.

What is a dental hygienist? 
A hygienist cleans teeth, treats dental diseases, and does all kinds of preventive oral hygiene procedures. They work usually with a dentist or a doctor and provide these services through that person. There are many types of locations and situations that you can work as a hygienist and earn a dental hygienist's salary.

The hygienist does things such as clean deposits on teeth, cleans stains, cleans under and around gums, and looks for signs of oral cancer by checking for swellings, etc. They may also be required to teach good oral hygiene at schools or to community groups in assistance with the dentist. They must like being around people and be a creative type person for best results.

Other Duties 
Other things a hygienist may have to do is things like prepare tests, help the dentist by handing him tools, doing x-rays, administer fluoride treatments, and other similar duties. Once again, it all depends on the type of place you get a job.

Where do dental hygienist's usually work? 
Nearly all hygienist's work in a dentist's office, with the average salary being around $68,000. The second most common place to get a dental hygienist type position would be in a doctor's office. You can also work for the government or other places.

The annual salary of these types of positions is around $63,000, so is a bit lower than the ones who work with dentists. Some dental hygienists actually work in some sort of employment service and they average a salary of around $65,000.

What states are best for dental hygienist work? 
The smallest amounts of dentists on average work in the state of Alaska, but they are also the ones that average the highest salary, which can run over $90,000 a year. The next highest salary is earned in California, which is also above $90,000 on average. In contrast, the state with the most dental hygienists is in Michigan, but they pay the worst at only an average of about $59,000 a year.

Some other examples of the amounts of dental hygienist salary that some states have paid are Washington State has an average of around $87,000 per year, and Nevada has been known for paying more than $80,000 a year as well, along with the District of Colombia being listed as paying more than $86,000.

One thing to remember, however, is that if the salary sound like it is a lot, you also have to check the cost of living in the area to see if it is actually enough. For example, the cost of living out west is higher than some other places, so a salary of over $80,000 there may not really be that much. These are things to remember to check when checking out dental hygienist salary while job hunting.

Why is the job of dental hygienist a good one? 
Many people get into the work of being a hygienist because it has good employment possibilities, good benefits; and nice places to work. The benefits that might be offered to those who work as a hygienist can vary from getting a paid vacation to getting health or dental insurance along with your dental hygienist's salary. Some jobs may even give bonuses for a job well done. It also depends on if you work full time or half time or if you work at a big hospital or a small dental office. All of these must be considered for when you choose where you work as a dental hygienist.

What schooling is needed? 
In order to become a hygienist you need to get a degree. Plus, if you can find a way to get some sort of experience, that can add thousands of dollars to what you can expect to get with a dental hygienist salary. In fact, the level of education and training, as well as experience can affect the amount of money you get paid quite a bit. For instance, if you got your dental degree at a vocational institute or junior college instead of getting a bachelor's degree, your hygienist salary will be much less.

To get into a dental college program, you need a high school diploma and have to pass a test. There are some dental programs that require a year of college too, but it depends on the school you want to attend. You should also make sure the dental school is on the approval list of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Then, you also must get a license and pass a test for your state of employment.

The tests vary depending on the state. They are given by the American Dental Association's (ADA) Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations via a state or regional testing facility, so check your area for places to take your test. Once the test is passed, you can work as and earn a dental hygienist.

If you aspire to get into this job field, then you should be determined to do well in your training program and remember that the ticket at the end will be a good paying job that has a good outlook in the future for positions to be open. If you do well and get good grades and can manage to get some prior experience through volunteering or other ways, then you should be well on your way to a career as a dental hygienist.

All in all the job of hygienist is considered to be a good paying job. It all basically depends on the size of the state, the office or hospital environment, your degree and several other factors as to what money you ultimately get paid for a dental salary.

Some consider the dental hygienist as just a maintenance assistant in the dental office, but the position is an important one. A primary duty of the dental assistant is to prepare teeth so the dentist can better treat the patient.

This is an important part of dental care, and provides a healthy condition after dental work is performed.

Dental Patient Education

One of the most important parts of the assistant position is to educate patients on how to maintain their teeth to reduce the amount of corrective dental work they will need. This includes pointing out why their teeth may be in a condition necessitating the need for dental work and what they can do to prevent extensive dental work in the future.

The dental assistant works for private practices in most cases, but openings are often available in clinics, dental schools, hospitals, and research facilities. The scope of work of the dental hygienist has much to do with the state in which the dental services are performed.

Job Duties for the Dental Hygienist

Expanded roles for dental hygienists in some states include:

* Giving anesthetics to patients

* Polishing and smoothing metal restorations

* Removing or placing filling materials, including temporary ones

* Preparation of diagnostic and laboratory tests for dentist evaluation

In most states, the hygienist is responsible for:

* Assembling information and past history from patients

* Giving a close examination to identify current problems and checking for any potential problems or abnormal dental situations

* Making dental molds for evaluation purposes

* Taking and reading dental x-rays

* Teaching good dental health procedures to patients

* Placing preventative sealants or fluoride on teeth

* Cleaning the teeth of plaque, tartar, and stains

Dental Hygienist Education Requirements

An associate's degree is sufficient for many of these dental positions and can be acquired at most technical or community colleges. A four-year degree from an accredited college for dental hygiene is another option, which can lead to a bachelor's degree. The bachelor degree curriculum has more instruction in the humanities and covers courses for nutrition, sociology, psychology, English, and speech, among others.

After graduation, applicants must still pass a written and clinical state examination for the state in which they practice. Most states require passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination along with the state exam.

As you can see, the dental hygienist is more than just a smiling face to greet you at the dentist's office. The importance of the position makes it critical to the success of a dental practice.

The teeth were designed to last for a lifetime but unfortunately they do not. When a tooth is lost, one loses the ability to chew the food properly and it can cause issues with other teeth as well. The other teeth may be crowded or tipped. Thus, replacing the missing teeth becomes vital.  Replacing the missing teeth is important for the health of your teeth and an ideal treatment for missing teeth is dental implants. The implants sit perfectly in the mouth and do not need the support of adjacent teeth.

Poor appearance and low self esteem is also a major cause of missing teeth. The implants are perfect to be used in case of missing teeth and the treatment of implants can be done easily under local anesthesia.

Advantage of using the implants:

There are several advantages of using dental implants as these reduce the load on the remaining teeth and offers independent retention or support to the crowns, overdentures, etc. The implants also help to preserve the natural tooth tissue where the need of cutting down the adjacent teeth for conventional bridgework is eliminated. There is no need for succeeding restorations of the teeth and preserves the bone of the teeth. It helps to reduce the bone deterioration that may result in the loss of jawbone height.

The other advantages for the patients are, these implants lasts for a long time and a better alternative than the conventional teeth restoration techniques. With proper support, retention and stability of implant over dentures it becomes easy to replace the loose fitting dentures. Overdentures are useful for controlling as well as improving the facial contours that can minimize premature wrinkles. You will find it easier to chew your food and speak with clarity. As compared to full dentures, overdentures offer better chewing capability and speech tends to be clearer.

Other important information about implants:

Implants are the right treatment for patients of many ages and it is a practical solution for patients who no longer wish to wear removable dentures. Once the doctor performs the analysis about the dental and medical history of the patients, the doctor can tell, whether the implant is an ideal solution for you or not.

It is also important for the patient to have enough bone for the implant to be supported. In case additional bone material is required, the dentist will guide you through that and in case of bone deficiency, there are many effective ways to get it corrected. The treatment time will vary as per the condition.

A healthy body is a sign of a healthy mind. And when we say body, we mean every part of it – including your teeth and gums. All of us are so caught up in perfecting our bodies, that we often forget the importance of the first thing people notice about us: our mouth. Taking care of your oral health is very simple; all it takes is a little daily practice. At Oracare Dental Centre, we care about your oral hygiene, and this is why we would like to tell you a few things about your mouth that will make you want to take oral hygiene as seriously as we take it!

1. Gum disease affects your overall health

Yes, you read this right. You’d ideally think that your teeth, gums, and tongue don’t have anything to do with the rest of your body in terms of health, but that’s not true. Did you know that if you have gum disease, you are 4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke? Yes, this is true. So it’s advised to make an appointment with an expert dentist to evaluate your oral health.

2. Dental cleaning and check ups are important

How often do you visit the dentist just for a check-up, and not exclusively when you’re experiencing pain? To prevent your oral health from deteriorating, it is important that you take regular appointments at your dental clinic, and get your teeth and gums examined. You are then more likely to be protected from harmful diseases in the future.

3. Oral cancer is real, and fatal

Most often, people ignore the signs of oral cancer, like legions or red spots in their mouth, because of which several cases go unnoticed which makes oral cancer fatal. This is why you need to start practicing good oral hygiene and seeing expert dentists to help you understand your teeth and gums better. Prevention is better than cure.

4. Root canal treatments are not as painful as you know them

Most people know that getting a root canal done is a painful procedure. However, this isn’t true anymore, all thanks to advanced technology. At Oracare Dental Centre, we pride ourselves to provide the best dentists and even better root canal services that are so painless, you won’t believe the procedure is over!

5. Change your toothbrush regularly

A toothbrush loses its purpose after 3 months at maximum. Hence, it is important to change them regularly. If you suffer from gum bleeding, it is advised that you change your toothbrush every 4-6 weeks, because bacteria can stay in the toothbrush for long.

6. Some medicines can also cause tooth decay

Taking aspirin, blood-pressure related pills, etc., can make the mouth devoid of saliva, thus making it more prone to attracting bacteria. The remedy for this - stay hydrated.

7. Children also need to see the dentist regularly

In fact, it is important that you take your child to a dentist once every six months. Childhood is a phase when the most amount of changes occur in the body, and teeth and gums are one of them. To prevent them from losing or damaging teeth at a young age, it is important to take them to a trusted dental clinic.

8. Your tongue can tell a lot about your health

Yes, your tongue has the answers to the things going on in your body. For example, if the tip of your tongue is reddish, it may indicate a thyroid or a heart problem. If your tongue has a yellow-green tinge, it might mean that there’s a liver or a gall bladder issue. If it’s grey-brown, it indicates digestion problems.

And finally, taking care of your teeth is super easy

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, avoiding excess consumption of sweet/carbonated beverages and food like chocolates, and taking appointments with an expert dentist regularly is the way to go. After all, a healthy body is a sign of a healthy mind.

About Author:

Oracare Dental Centre: A dental clinic based in Pune, India offers you a pleasant experience in regards to your dental needs. Oracare features state of the art technological equipments doubled up with some of the best dentists that Pune has to offer. Rest assured for a pain free treatment at one of the best dental clinics in Pune, Oracare Dental Centre.

Medicare is a unique health insurance plan which covers various health care medical checkups and treatments including dental problems. Medicare is highly beneficial for patients undergoing various treatments either from hospitals or at homes. There are different types of medicare plans and the purchasers are required to conduct researches regarding the coverage and premiums of these plans before choosing them. The coverage is in the form of financial assistance which is paid after analyzing the medical reports from the concerned doctors. As per medicare plans the coverage offered to dental procedures are very limited. This will not include either routine dental checkups or common dental care treatments.

Medicare and dental procedures: - In general, medicare does not cover the usual dental caring like teeth cleaning, cavity filling, dental extractions, implantations, crowning etc. But certain other dental health care policies cover routine dental treatments and checkups. In ordinary health care plans, dental care also will be taken up if certified by the physician as necessary along with other ailments. In addition, there are medicare dental coverages at reduced cost for the convenience of patients. Of late, basic dental care treatments such as yearly dental checkup and teeth cleaning are included in the medicare coverages. As per this plan, once in a year, the dental patients are charged only at 50 % for one cavity filling, one root canal treatment and crown repairs. The medical savings account as per the medicare plan is another alternative to cover the dental expenses. The deposit to this account is made from the medicare account of the policy holder.

Occasions when medicare covers dental services

1) During kidney transplant or heart valve replacement surgeries, if a patient requires dental treatment, the same will be covered by the medicare policy.

2) If a patient having dental problems has to undergo jaw surgery, the medicare policy holder will be compensated for both the treatments.

3) During accidents, if gum and dentals are damaged, the cost of treatments required will be met by the medicare.

4) After tooth extraction certain patients may be affected by infections. The expenses for such treatments will be paid as per the coverage.

5) If patients suffering from major ailments require dental extraction or surgeries as per the clinical observation, the cost of the same will be covered by the respective medicare policies.

6) Senior citizens of the nation are offered medicare coverage at reduced cost, or free of cost according to circumstances.

Medicare dental plans do not cover the routine dental checkups and common dental treatments. They are covered only if these treatments are inevitable as a part of treating other major ailments. In accidents, the cost of treating the damaged teeth, gums and jaws are met by the existing coverage along with other treatments. In general, the medicare dental plans are inadequate for satisfying the common requirements of dental patients. Hence, it is high time to modify the dental plans offered by medicare.

Cheap dental implants are hard to come by. Many dental surgeons charge exorbitant amounts for something that should be considered a necessity. Finding a doctor who is willing to do the surgery for an inexpensive price takes a lot of time and effort. Before anything else, it is highly recommended that you are sure that you actually need the surgery. Your tooth problem may be solved by braces or a simple root canal.

This article tackles the things you need to know before committing to dental surgery.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a device, often made of titanium, placed inside the jawbone. This device is designed to act as the tooth root and should be sturdy enough to anchor an artificial tooth, bridge, crown, or denture. Dental implants act as the base for any sort of dental reconstruction done to a patient, whether it be a single tooth or a group of teeth.

Dental implants work by essentially tricking the body into accepting the titanium addition as part of the bone. Over time, the jaw integrates the implant into the surrounding bone mass.

Many surgeons say that the only difference between cheap dental implants and expensive dental implants is the amount of advertising put into it. Implants are implants. The body does not discriminate between different grades of titanium.

Choosing a Surgeon

Any sort of surgery requires careful and detailed planning. It is necessary to identify your jaw's specific shape and dimensions. This step is particularly important because the implant needs to be carefully oriented with the jawbone. A good surgeon will go over each step with you. Your surgeon should be able to address any of the concerns you have regarding your surgery and its aftercare. He should be willing to share the risks of surgery and discuss alternative methods of treatment.

If you don't already have a dental surgeon, your current dentist, orthodontist, or general practitioner should be able to point you in the direction of a qualified surgeon. By all means, do additional research. Ask around. Have your friends had any experience with this surgeon? Does the internet provide any additional resources? You may find that online forums are an invaluable source of reviews. A good surgeon is the difference between a low quality set of teeth and a set of one that will look good forever, cheap dental implants and a set that will cost you an arm and a leg.

Figuring Out Your Price Range

The price of implants depends on how many teeth you are planning on replacing. If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and one crown can be used to replace the natural tooth and its root. Replacing several teeth means implant-supported bridges are needed. Replacing all of your teeth requires an implant-supported full bridge where dental implants will replace both your natural teeth and most of its roots.

The price also depends on three factors. The first is the actual bone graft wherein the dental implant is fused with the implant. The second is where the abutment, or the extension, is grafted so that your new tooth can be placed over it. The third is the dental crown placed over the abutment.

Including dental implant consultations, additional bone grafts, and sinus lifts, the price of cheap implants depend on how many teeth are being replaced. In the United States, a single uncomplicated implant costs between $3400 and $3800. In many cases, a portion of this cost may be covered by dental insurance. In the United Kingdom, fully completed dental implants cost anywhere between 2,500 and 2,800 pounds.

Many dental schools will often offer dental implants at a much lower price. Another option that is slowly growing in popularity is dental surgery abroad. Countries like India, China, Romania, and Mexico offer top class dental services at a fraction of the cost.

The Dental Implant Process

The implants, which look like screws or cylinders, are placed into the jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implants are allowed to bond with the bone. This allows a more stable anchor for your artificial teeth. During this time, temporary teeth can be placed over the implant sites.

Many times, abutments and various connecting devices are added so that multiple crowns can be attached to the jawbone. After this step, two weeks of rest are required for the gums to fully heal.

Finally, full bridges, crowns, and dentures are custom-made and attached to your implants or the connecting device. As with all surgeries, careful aftercare is required. Flossing is a necessary step in preserving your new set of teeth. Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that your cheap dental implants remain clean and plaque-free. After this short time, you will experience a renewed sense of confidence and will be able to chew, speak, and smile in public.

Cheap implants are a possibility if you put in the time and effort into finding a surgeon suited to your needs. With the right aftercare, a beautiful smile is just a doctor's appointment away!

It has always been said that - in order to enjoy good dental health that is free from serious dental problems - one has to regularly visit the dentist and go for regularcheck-ups. It is recommended that the visits to the dentist are scheduled every six months, to ensure that good oral health is achieved and maintained, and so that dental problems can be diagnosed before these dental issues can even have the chance to progress into something more serious.

However, are regular dental check-ups really that important? Is it not enough for all of us to just brush our teeth on a regular basis - and just forgo the twice a year dental visits?

The answer is 'YES' - regular dental check-ups are very important in ensuring that our dental health is well taken care of. Of course, proper tooth brushing techniques done on a regular basis are essential parts of good oral health; as well the regular use of dental floss in making sure that the teeth and gum surfaces are free from debris is also important in maintaining good dental health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is also something that we can all do to get the vitamins and minerals needed to aid a good dental health status.

However, we can only do so much regarding the care of our dental health, and we all need the expertise of a professional - a dentist - to check our teeth and overall dental health status on a regular basis. Dentists have the expertise and knowledge to check on even the smallest areas of our teeth and the whole oral cavity, to ensure that there are no dental problems present. Dentists also have the capability to diagnose the earliest signs of dental problems and devise a treatment plan that will ensure that these dental concerns are not given the chance to develop into conditions that are more complicated.

Hence, one should know that regular dental check-ups coupled with proper oral hygiene and healthy diet, provide a problem free and healthy dental condition. Neglecting any of these aspects, can only result in incomplete dental care and thus, paving the path for future dental complications.

So the next time you question the importance of going for regular visits to the dentist, just think of the possibility that you may already have small dental problems that are just waiting to be discovered - not by yourself, but by a dentist's trained, professional eyes!

Health insurance is something everyone thinks about but what about Dental Insurance Plans? Many full-time employers provide health insurance at a significantly lower rate than an individual would pay on their own. Dental care is just as important as healthcare. Poor dental health can lead to many health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. For these reasons, it is important to consider Dental Insurance Plans or Dental Discount Plans when looking to save money.

When choosing a Dental Insurance Plans, you should decide who needs coverage. If you have children, you may choose to purchase dental plans for only them. Children have different dental needs than adults and those costs can easily skyrocket. Braces and other orthodontic procedures are common for teens and can easily empty your bank account if you don't have dental coverage.

Adults and kids require routine cleanings. Most Dental Insurance Plans and some Dental Discount Plans may cover the entire cost of such routine preventive care. This can save you several hundreds of dollars on cleanings alone for the entire family.

Finding affordable Dental Insurance Plans that cover all your dental needs can be challenging. If you purchase an insurance plan that is a PPO, remember to only visit providers that are "in-network." Paying out-of-network costs can be just as costly as having no insurance at all. Your insurance company will provide you with a list of approved in-network dentists. Dental Discount Plans do not require that you participate in a certain network and will provide a list of participating dentist for you.

A Dental Discount Plan could save you thousands of dollars per year on cleanings, x-rays and dental work. For example, root canals are not all that uncommon and are very expensive. Crowns and fillings can also become expensive when paying for the entire family, so even discount plans as small as 20 percent can make be of significant savings.

As your dental needs change, you may need re-asses your coverage. For example, as a single person, a Dental Discount Plans may work great for you to cover your annual cleanings. However, as an older person with a family, you might need to research Dental InsurancePlans to find a better plan to accommodate your entire family's dental needs and save on the out-of-pocket expenses for routine dental visits.

The good news is that money spent on improving your dental health can also save you money in the long run on your overall healthcare costs.

Do you dread visiting the dentist? Do you avoid or postpone your dental appointments? If you do, then you may be suffering from dental anxiety. It is easy to overcome dental anxiety once you recognize the factors which are causing it. It is also important to overcome dental anxiety because by putting off dental appointments, you may be avoiding a potentially minor dental problem which could develop into a significant issue if not attended to. It is therefore advisable to examine what is causing dental anxiety and address the issues.

The two common reasons why people avoid dentists are fear and embarrassment. Let's examine these two factors and demonstrate how you can easily overcome them.

Your fear of pain is unfounded.

Most people who worry that a visit to the dentist may lead to painful procedures are basing their anxiety on misinformed knowledge. Thanks to the application of modern techniques in dental practice, most routine dental procedures are painless. In fact, if you visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups, it is highly unlikely that you will require any major dental procedure. You may also have formed an impression that dental procedures are painful based on some past experience of your own or someone you know. Your fear may also be based on a lack of awareness. Reading and understanding about dental hygiene procedures and precautions that you can practice at home to prevent dental problems can greatly contribute to allay your fear of dental appointments. Also once you realize that most dental appointments involve just routine dental examinations, you will be able to dispel any anxiety prior to your dental appointments and also breeze through the visit with a smile.

There is no need to be embarrassed in front of your dentist.

Another common factor that contributes to dental anxiety is a feeling of embarrassment. They say that your toothbrush is one of your most private possessions and therefore allowing someone to examine your teeth and mouth requires you to trust your dentist and have confidence in your dental hygiene. In fact, if you regularly brush and floss your teeth, you may already be in perfect dental health and your dentist may have nothing but compliments for you. On the other hand, if you have either a cavity or a toothache, then it is important that you are honest with yourself and your dentist, so that an appropriate solution can be reached before the situation becomes painful.

The best way to overcome dental anxiety is to talk to your dentist and you will discover that you have many reasons to smile and none to worry.

Dental problems nowadays are among the most common health issues people of all age groups encounter. From tooth decay to tooth erosion, people experience several problems with their teeth.

Dental care can be outrageously expensive, and the costs aren't likely going south any time soon. As dental care costs continue to rise and is often not covered by insurance plans, the practice of seeking dental care at more reasonable prices becomes more widely understood.

Your out-of-pocket costs can go down significantly if you go to an overseas dental tourism location that offers all kinds of lower-priced dental care without compromising quality. Besides reduced cost of treatment, receiving dental treatment abroad offers many other benefits like avoidance of waiting lists and the opportunity to relax after the treatment is completed.

However, there are lots of things to consider when considering dental treatments abroad. Mentioned below are some of the things that a dental tourist should take care of while undergoing dental treatment in an overseas location.

Important Considerations

Before you travel out of the country for dental care, check with the health department or ministry in the destination country to see what rules and regulations are in place for dentists.

Thanks to the dental tourism boom, numerous dental clinics have sprung up in every corner of the globe. However, not all of them standardized and accredited facilities. So, it is worth checking with several clinics to find the best quality and rate for you dental care.

The sub-standard, non-accredited dental offices lack hygiene and adequate infection control measures. They often use low quality medical surgical instruments. So examine carefully the dental clinic's level of compliance with basic infection control and safety standards and the surgical apparatus and instruments being used by dental professionals are the same as approved in the United States.

The dentist should wear unused surgical gloves for each new patient, a mask, gown and protective eyewear during all patient-care activities. Dental instruments should be properly sterilized and high standards of hygiene and cleanliness should be followed to prevent the spread of infection.

Another important consideration while seeking dental care abroad is to find out whether the dentist who will be treating you is qualified and genuinely experienced. Some dentists may be internationally trained and are used to working with patients from overseas.

What happens if something goes wrong during treatment or complications occur after the patient is back to the home? Is there any method for getting a refund if you are not satisfied with the treatment? Is there legal recourse available in case of dental treatment failure? All of these are other important considerations before seeking care abroad.

Once you narrow your search to specific healthcare destination, ask your relatives, friends or someone you know for referrals to dental care providers. If any of them has received successful dental care in an overseas location, you could ask about their own experiences including the healthcare providers they went to and who they turned to for help planning their trip.

However, you are advised not to rely solely on those referrals, as your relative may have not had the type of work you require. Going through various online resources, such as review websites and forums, to find a reliable clinic and dental care provider for you is a wise idea.

Look for a good medical tourism agency in the destination country that can make all the necessary arrangements for you, including pre-surgery examinations, dental treatment, post-operative recuperation as well as lodging, visa and local transportation arrangements.

Finally, before you leave, give you doctor at home complete information about your overseas location and healthcare provider. Also, ask your doctor what medical records and treatment details you need to bring home to complete your follow-up care.

Making the decision in your career to go out on your own and establish your own practice is possibly the most stressful period of your dental career. Going through all of the steps that need to be taken, choices that are to be made, and staying within budget rest on your shoulders, which is probably enough to give you some grey hair. Investing in a dental consultant can come at a high price; so many people decide to go it alone, with lots of research. If you're one of the latter, here are some things to keep in mind:

Do Research on the Area You'll be Serving

Gathering data and statistics on the area surrounding your prospective dental office is essential. These numbers will show you the types of dental providers already available, allowing you to select a location that is underserved or has fewer dentists. This will allow you to put your practice face forward to prospective patients that don't have someone close enough to provide them with dental care. Surveys and data are sometimes also accessible through the ADA or the chamber of commerce in your location.

Don't Go Over Budget

As tempting as it is, don't invest more on dental equipment or rentals than you know you can handle. Although you may know what you want your ideal dental practice to look like, keep in mind this is your very first and there can be room for expansion later on. Consider investing in refurbished dental supplies or operatory equipment that can help you get your feet on the ground sooner. Beginning with 2 treatment rooms but having open areas to add 2 more chairs later on is a good idea, because although you will need them later on, you won't need them for quite a while.

Get the Right Help

You won't be able to do everything on your own, and if you try to, it won't look very professional. Although it is scary to go ahead and go out to staff an office that isn't even established yet, it's something that must be done in order for you to be successful. A hygienist, dental assistant, and front office receptionist are essential. Hire them with enough time to train them before the doors to the practice opens; how else will you see patients?

Plan to Work with Dental Insurance Companies

Participating in dental insurance networks can be a great way to draw in new patients. Whether or not a dentist participates in a patient's insurance plan is a huge factor when they're deciding on who they want their provider to be. Do you want to be part of HMO plans? PPO plans? Accept government assistance programs like CHIP or Medicaid? It can be a daunting process to become approved and participate in these programs, but doing so will provide more exposure for your practice.

Get Trained

Dental school isn't known for training dentists in business management. Enrolling in a successful dental practice management program can help you know where to start, and make choices that will benefit you in the long run. From an administrative perspective, a dental management program will equip you with the right tools you need to successfully file dental insurance claims, manage collections, and improve case acceptance so that your bottom line benefits.

Get Your Name Out There

Decide how much money you want to invest on dental practice marketing. A very affordable way to do so is to utilize social media networks, which are essentially free. If necessary, pay a social media manager to run your pages for you. Encouraging patients to "check in" on networks like Facebook will show their friends, who they choose for their dental care, essentially acting like a word-of-mouth referral. It's important to invest in a high quality dental website so that patients can find out more about you before they even call to schedule an appointment. Once you open, invite the chamber of commerce and newspaper for a ribbon ceremony to be published in the paper. Visit with other dentists and dental specialists in the area to talk about referral programs between your offices.

Congratulations! Although this time may seem overwhelming, it's an exciting step in the future of your career as a dentist. Join a local dental club to get insight from other dentists who have been in your shoes. You're excited, and want to make this into something that you can be proud to share with your community.

The holiday season is a time for indulging at regular family gatherings, work parties, and get togethers with friends. While it’s fun to partake in the festivities, they can do a number on your teeth. During the upcoming holidays, don’t be afraid to enjoy the occasional treat and stick to the following tips to keep your teeth in top shape.

1. Drink lots of water. Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to stave off sweet cravings and to feel great in the midst of lots of holiday events. Before sitting down to a big family dinner or heading off to a party, drink a glass of water to help control your portions.

2. Use a straw for sugary drinks. When you’re ready for a break from water and want to splurge on a soda or glass of punch, grab a straw for your glass. Directing sugary fluid away from your teeth minimizes its impact while still allowing you to enjoy the taste of the drink.

3. Eat sweets as part of a well balanced meal. Snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to large quantities of harmful acids that aren’t able to neutralize. When you eat a piece of chocolate immediately following dinner, your mouth rinses it off with saliva and neutralizes the acid right away.

4. Steer clear of sticky and chewy foods. Foods that are sticky or chewy, such as candy canes and caramel corn, stick to your teeth for long periods of time, further increasing harmful acid production. Balance sticky foods with healthy crunchy foods like carrots and bell peppers.

5. Keep a travel sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss on hand. Drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables during holiday gatherings can’t replace brushing and flossing teeth after meals. Whenever possible, brush and floss right after a holiday get together.

Porcelain veneers can be used to fix dental issues or improve aesthetics, transforming a smile and helping a person become more confident. If you’ve been hesitant about the idea of porcelain veneers, get the facts that you need so that you can make an educated decision about your dental health.

Related Post: 4 Misconceptions You Should Not Believe About Dental Bridges

1. Porcelain veneers don’t look natural. Once upon a time many dental solutions didn’t look very natural. Those days are long gone. Dentists work closely with patients to ensure that veneers match their natural teeth. No one will ever be able to tell the difference between the veneers and your natural teeth.

2. A dentist must cut down entire teeth to place porcelain veneers. There is a certain degree of reshaping required for veneer placement. However, an experienced dentist can create a veneer that is just 0.3 mm thick, which is the same thickness as a contact lens.

3. Placing porcelain veneers is extremely painful and makes teeth more sensitive. During the veneer placement procedure, a dentist applies a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. While temporary veneers can heighten sensitivity, there is no extra sensitivity with permanent veneers. If you have sensitive teeth due to thin enamel, veneers may actually help the issue.

4. Porcelain veneers make a smile look too white. A dentist customizes each set of veneers for the individual patient. This means that you have full control over the amount of whiteness for your veneers. Some people like brilliantly white veneers while other people prefer lighter, fresher veneers.

5. Porcelain veneers are too expensive. When veneers address dental problems (i.e. chips, breaks, misalignment), usually insurance will cover a portion of the procedure. Many dentists offer a range of finance options so that their patients are able to afford the monthly payments.

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that can fix many cosmetic problems that occur throughout life. The procedure is done in a dental office and doesn’t require painful shots and hours of discomfort.

What Kind of Things Can Dental Bonding Fix?
Bonding for teeth can cover up a multitude of imperfections easily. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

*Cavities
*Chipped or cracked teeth
*Yellow or gray teeth
*Gaps between teeth
*Exposed roots
*Shape of teeth

The Procedure
The dentist will choose a compound that most closely matches the natural color of your other teeth. Once he or she does that, the surface of your tooth is coated with a solution of mild acid. This acid roughens the surface slightly, making it possible for the composite to bond better with your original tooth.

After applying the acid, the dentist will apply the bonding compound. He or she will then shape it so that it matches your other teeth. Once satisfied with the appearance of the composite, the dentist applies UV rays to harden the coating. The dentist then polishes the coating so that it is as close to the shine of your other teeth as possible.

This bonding can last fifteen years or longer if treated appropriately. The great thing about it is that you are not required to invest in any special products or perform any special care routines. Simply brushing and flossing your teeth properly will keep your dental bond looking natural.

The British Dental Health Organisation (BDHF) is fully supporting proposals made by chef Jamie Oliver in his campaign against excess sugar. As part of the new documentary featuring one of the UK's favourite TV Chef's "Jamie's Sugar Rush" is taking an in-depth study of the devastating effects that sugar is having on our dental health and particularly in children.

Around half of 8 year olds have dental decay which means they are likely to have decay in their adult teeth. Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospitalisation in children and while we cannot blame the food and drink industry entirely, they do have to take a sizable portion of the blame.

So What Does Sugar Do to Our Teeth?

Every time we consume sugar, the bacteria which sticks to the teeth surface converts it into acid. This gradually eats away at the enamel, eventually forming a hole or cavity. The length of the acid attack will depend on how much saliva is in your mouth and how long the sugary food stays on your teeth.Early tooth decay can have no symptoms but your dentist should spot a cavity in its early stages on examination of your teeth.

Can we enjoy sweet foods and still keep our teeth?

Let's be realistic. Sugary foods are part of everyday lives and it is highly unlikely that we will just stop consuming sugary products. Many fizzy drinks contain over 12 spoonful of sugar and really should be avoided. Many food producers are using sugar to enhance food taste which is what Jamie Oliver is campaigning against. His manifesto which is endorsed by the BDHF is proposing a 20p levy per litre on every soft drink with added sugar, a ban of junk food marketing and showing sugar content in teaspoons on front of packaging.

A strict regime of regular tooth brushing (first thing and last thing at night) using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth wash if you have lots of fillings.

Tips to reduce tooth decay:

1) Cut down on the frequency of sugary snacks, its frequency rather than quantity that causes decay.

2) It is best to consume sugary food after a meal as saliva defence is good which minimises the duration of acid attack.

3) Sugar Free Gum chewed after sugary food boosts saliva in the mouth which will help wash away an acid attack.

4) Always choose the sugar-free option where possible.

The aim of early orthodontic treatment is not just to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, It also helps to make room for permanent teeth and enable them to come through properly, lessening the chance of extractions or other further dental complications in the future. The Initial treatment typically begins around age eight or nine years of age.

The second phase will begin when the child is around age 11 or older. The British Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven years old. At this point, your child will be assessed and the case will be evaluated as to whether your child will need any treatment or not?

How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment

When a child experiences early or late loss of baby teeth (children typically start losing teeth around age five, and have all the permanent teeth by age 13). Below are a list of situations that would also highlight the need for early orthodontic treatment.

• Your child continues to suck a thumb after age five
• Your child experiences difficulty in chewing or biting
• Your child develops mouth breathing
• Your child is confronted with Speech impediments
• Your child experiences protruding teeth (the top and bottom teeth extend away from each other)
• Teeth that do not come together in a normal manner or even at all
• Shifting of the jaw occurs when your child opens or closes the mouth (crossbites)
• Crowded front teeth are apparent around age seven or eight

What are the benefits of an early evaluation and possible treatment

Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time to complete and can even involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. research has shown that receiving early treatment as a child can help prevent the need for visiting an Orthodontist as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future. Which will be a much more positive outcome.

For young patients who have clear indications for early intervention, this type of treatment presents an opportunity to:

• Guide the correct growth of the jaws

• Guide erupting permanent teeth to desirable positions

• Lower the risk of traumatic injury to protruding front teeth

• Help eliminate harmful oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking which can cause open bites

• Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or some speech problems

• Improve personal appearance and self-esteem

• Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later comprehensive orthodontics

Teeth are not just for chewing. They play a vital role in the body, health and self-esteem. While it's true that teeth are crucial for chewing food to prepare it for digestion and the absorption of nutrients, teeth are also important for proper speech and communication. Missing teeth cause speech problems. They may cause a person to mispronounce some words; and they can cause great difficulty in making certain speech sounds.

Teeth have a tremendous impact on our appearance and, consequently, on our confidence level. Missing front teeth can cause shame and fear of being ridiculed. Missing back teeth can cause the cheeks to be depressed and the jaws to be more prominent. A person with missing teeth generally looks older than their true age.

Even the loss of a single tooth feels uncomfortable. Patients complain of food impaction at the edentulous space during meals. Patients who are missing front teeth may be very self-conscious of their appearance. They often go to great lengths to avoid smiling or otherwise revealing the gap in their teeth.

Several treatment options are available to address the problem of missing teeth. Traditionally, dentures were the main treatment option. If only a few teeth are missing, a removable partial denture may be used. For a completely edentulous (toothless) patient, a complete denture may be used. Both partial dentures and full dentures are removable.

Fortunately there are better and more permanent choices available today. There are two treatment options that provide a fixed dental solution -- dental implants and dental bridges. Both treatment options are widely used with great success in restoring function and esthetics. The best procedure to be done in any particular case depends on the patient's needs and desires, their budget, and their existing dental health.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the latest, and often the best, treatment option for both single or multiple missing teeth.

A patient who wishes to have dental implants undergoes a thorough medical and dental history interview in order to ensure the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. Of particular concern is jaw bone health.

A nickel titanium post is surgically placed within the jaw bone. The number of posts to be placed depends on the number of missing teeth. A single missing tooth would require one post, while a whole arch would require six posts. The post will serve as the anchorage and support for the fixed dental prosthesis. A part of the post is embedded into bone and a small part is clinically seen inside the mouth. That small clinically-seen part would be the abutment for the dental prosthesis (the dental implant).

Healing of the gingiva (gums) and bone usually takes about three months. The bone surrounding the post should completely heal and adapt to the post within that time frame. That process is called osseointegration. Proper osseointegration results in the post becoming stable enough to serve as the anchor for the implant.

Once healing is successful and the prosthetic teeth are inserted, the transformation can be spectacular! Patients leave the dental office with a beautiful new smile with fully functional teeth.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are another option for treating missing teeth when the patient has a short-span edentulous space (I.e. when only one or two teeth are missing). As with dental implants, the dentist will obtain a thorough medical and dental history prior to treatment.

Unlike a dental implant procedure, no surgery is involved with dental bridges. The whole treatment can usually be completed in about 2 weeks.

The teeth adjacent to the edentulous space are used as abutments. Those teeth serve as anchors for the prosthetic teeth in the edentulous space. The abutments are reduced in size, to allow sufficient space for placement of the bridge. An impression is taken by the dentist, and then it is sent to a laboratory technician to fabricate the bridge.

Once the prosthesis has been fabricated, it is returned to the dentist who makes any necessary adjustments to properly fit the bridge to the patient. Once proper fit and comfort are achieved, the bridge is cemented into place.

Whether the patient receives dental implants or a dental bridge, the patient must continue a daily oral hygiene regimen along with regular dental checkups and cleanings. The dentist should conduct a thorough examination of the patient's overall oral hygiene status at least once each year.

The dentist will also verify continued proper fit and condition of the prosthetic and crowns. Defects, crack and other damage in a prosthetic or crown must be promptly repaired. Early detection of those problems typically allows for easier, less-expensive repairs and will help to avoid decay and bacterial infection.

If properly maintained, dental implants and dental bridges will last for many years.

You paid for a routine dental appointment and thought you were receiving care by a registered dental hygienist, but were you? Most states have strict laws governing the practice of dental hygiene and restrict anyone not properly licensed from providing dental hygiene services. But, it's important to ask and make sure you are getting what you expected!

In this article, I will highlight 5 Things Your Dental Hygienist Wants You To Know:

1. Cavities are not the #1 cause of tooth loss.

Would you be surprised to hear that periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss? Cavities probably get more notoriety because they cause a significant amount of pain, but most people lose their teeth to gum disease, not decay. Dental hygienists spend a large portion of their career trying to prevent, combat, and control the devastating effects of periodontal disease to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Ask your dental hygienist about your periodontal health at your next preventive appointment.

2. Oral cancer is on the rise, and it's not because of tobacco.

We have known for a long time that tobacco significantly increases the patient's risk of mouth and throat cancers, but the incidence of oral cancer has risen sharply in patients who do not use tobacco products. The cause: Human papilloma virus. Dental hygienists are trained to screen for various head, neck, and oral pathologies during a routine dental appointment. Make sure your hygienist knows if you carry the human papilloma virus at your next preventive appointment.

3. You have every right to be concerned about radiation exposure.

People are more concerned about x-ray exposure than ever before. But did you know that an entire lifetime of routine dental x-rays would not equal the radiation exposure of one CT scan? Radiation is measured in units called millisieverts (MsV). One CT scan measures at 10 (MsV), while a set of 4 routine dental bitewings measures at 0.02 (MsV). That means you would have to have over 500 sets of routine dental bitewing x-rays to equal the exposure of one CT scan. Additionally, computerized radiography continues to decrease the amount of dental radiation exposure. Dental hygienists are highly trained in dental radiography and are committed to using the lowest exposures possible. Our knowledge of dental radiography helps us feel confident in recommending routine dental x-rays for the early detection of oral diseases.

4. Being honest about your medical history could save your life.

There are some medical conditions that can significantly impact the way we provide oral healthcare. Hygienists are trained to evaluate medical histories and investigate the link between oral health and overall health. Being honest with your hygienist about your medical history can prevent life-threatening complications from receiving routine dental care. Additionally, your hygienist can individualize your preventive and/or periodontal care based on your unique needs.

5. America is in the midst of a dental crisis.

There are 130 million Americans who do not have dental insurance. There are millions of Americans who cannot afford traditional dental care and many who do not have adequate access to dental providers. America is in desperate need of more affordable and better access to dental care. Hygienists are committed to bridging the gap between medical and oral healthcare in America. We want to help every American keep their teeth for a lifetime!

The next time you have a preventive appointment, make sure your provider is a registered dental hygienist - you deserve it!

What is dental phobia?

A fear or anxiety associated with visiting a dentist is often referred to as dental phobia. Dental phobia is often the reason people avoid regular check-ups with a dentist. This naturally has serious consequences for the state of oral health and general well-being for many people.

Neglecting your oral health can have numerous unfavorable effects. One of these could be chronically infected gums which can seriously compromise your ability to chew and digest. You may even lose teeth. Your speech may then be affected. You may also develop consistent bad breath and an unattractive smile. All these things are likely to create social and psychological barriers in your relationships. It is also well documented that poor oral health can have resounding effects on your general health. It is for this reasons and many more that dental phobia must be addressed.

Are you affected by dental phobia?

The questions below will give you some idea as to whether you suffer from dental phobia. It is advisable to continue reading in the event that you answer yes to any of the questions. You should feel encouraged that there are many ways to combat dental phobia and the success rate in managing dental phobia is significantly high.

* Do you recall a previous visit to the dentist that was unpleasant?

* Are you concerned that you will be embarrassed as a result of remarks the dentist will make due to the state of your oral health?

* Do you avoid your appointment with the dentist due to an uneasy feeling prior to your dental visit?

* Do you feel anxious while in the waiting area of the dental practice?

* Do you have feelings of uneasiness or tension whilst in the dental chair?

* Does the sight of dental instruments invoke unpleasant feelings?

* Do you feel ill or anxiety at the thought of an injection?

* Do objects placed in your mouth during the dental visit make you panic and feel like you can not breathe correctly?

* Do you feel that your dentist is unsympathetic only with you?

Why are you affected by dental phobia?

Dental phobia can come about for many different reasons. Below is a list of those reasons described most often by people. You may be familiar with some of these.

* A previously unpleasant visit to a dental practice. This could be for many reasons including careless remarks made to you by a dentist or hygienist that adversely affected your dental experience.

* You have heard concerning stories from friends and family regarding visits to the dentist.

* You have seen or read sensationalized and frightening depictions in the media of dentists.

* You feel a lack of control in the dental chair that makes the situation uncomfortable.

* You feel very self conscious about the poor state of your teeth and as a result are embarrassed to highlight the fact with dental staff.

* You have a negative feeling at the thought of visiting a dentist due to their use of dental gowns, masks, and latex gloves.

How do you put an end to your dental phobia?

1. Dental fear can be overcome.

Understanding that dental phobia can be overcome is a good beginning. You are not destined to suffer from dental phobia for your entire life. The fear you associate with visiting the dentist can be unlearned. Keep in mind when visiting the dentist that you are not simply a set of teeth but a person. A concerted effort to make use of techniques discussed below can put your fear to rest.

2. A suitable dentist.

It is essential to have a dentist and staff that are suitable. Your visit to the dentist can be pleasant with a dentist who is sympathetic towards your dental phobia. Dentists genuinely concerned about your welfare will listen carefully to your needs and proceed accordingly. You should not hesitate to seek out an alternative dentist in the event that this is not the case.

3. Be honest with your dentist.

There are many treatment options that people do not know about. Several of these could assist you greatly. Try to put aside any embarrassment you feel for the current state of your oral health. Your dentist will be able to help you to a greater degree if you communicate openly and honestly about your concerns.

4. Good communication.

Effective communication between you and your dentist can go a long way to making you feel comfortable. You could eliminate the fear of the unknown by communicating to your dentist such pieces of information as lengths of appointments that you can tolerate. Establishing a signaling system to indicate the need for a break or some other message can also give you confidence. Raising a hand while in the dental chair is a commonly used hand signal.

5. Knowledge.

Obtaining knowledge about prospective dental procedures can put to rest any anxiety. Information regarding dental procedures is readily available in brochures in the practice, books and the internet. Any remaining questions can be answered by your dentist. Your dentist is well aware of the seriousness of dental phobia. So do not hesitate to take part in decisions relating to your treatment plan.

6. Relaxation techniques.

Learning to relax when visiting the dentist is imperative. Various physical relaxation techniques can put your mind at ease. It may do you some good to look into books on diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.

7. Distraction techniques.

Distraction techniques can assist you to make dental visits more tolerable. One common method used for distraction is to listen to music while your dentist works. Some dental practices keep on hand Walkmans or Discmans. Keep in mind not to hinder your communication when making use of distraction techniques.

8. Predictable pain control.

Local anesthetics can be utilized to prevent pain. Some people though require more customized techniques in order to attain proper local anesthesia. It is therefore important that your dentist be made aware of your situation.

Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as 'laughing gas', can relieve pain. Several oral medications can also assist you with dental phobia. Medication such as valium can make you feel considerably relaxed throughout any dental procedure.

A discussion with your dentist could help you to identify a suitable option.

If you are interested in dental phobia then simply consult your dentist for more information.