Arnold Paulos DDS, MAGD on LinkedIn: Dental Hygienists typically work as Employees. The landscape of dental… (2024)

Practice of Dentistry 🦷 TRANSFORMATIONEnhancing diagnostic capabilities and streamlining patient care.Teledentistry is not just about remote consultations.It is about leveraging technology. A hygienist in Alternative Dental Practice (RDHAP) in California with a dental assistant visits a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), can collect X-rays, photos, and diagnostic data from a patient. With the help of Teledentistry, this information can be transmitted to a dentist who may not be physically present. Armed with this data, the Dentist can perform the analysis and make informed diagnoses without needing to be on-site. Image with the aid and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).This innovative approach transforms the way we practice dentistry. It enables collaboration between dental professionals (Dentist and RDHAP), regardless of their physical location, and ensures that patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses, even in remote or underserved areas.Teledentistry isn't just about convenience—it's about improving access to care and delivering high-quality dental services to those who need it most. #Teledentistry #DentalDiagnosis #RemoteConsultation

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Importance of PREVENTION in oral health for Seniors in Care Facilities.The key lies in equipping caregivers 🦷(Family Members and healthcare professionals).With the necessary training to support patients in maintaining oral hygiene routines, even in challenging circ*mstances, preventive dental care can be achieved. For patients who may face challenges in Non-Traditional dental care settings such as Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), Senior Care Homes and Home Bound Seniors, regular in-service training is critical and mandated.It is crucial to ensure that the entire care facility is aligned to support dental health initiatives. Focus on empowering healthcare providers like registered Dental Hygienists (RDHAP) and Nurses to champion preventive measures. By emphasizing preventive care, we can reduce the need for extensive and expensive dental procedure.Integrate preventive measures into daily Oral Health Practice for Geriatric Patients.

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The future is here with TeledentistryRDHAP (Hygienist in Alternative Dental Practice) Embrace this innovation 🌟Staying ahead with the latest technology is crucial.Let us look at Teledentistry workflow and how it can benefit a dental practice.Teledentistry allows us to use innovative programs and apps to improve patient care. Some of these dental programs/apps include:Dentulu, GoodCheckup, Mouthwatch, Denteractive, TeledentixThese Teledentistry programs/apps enable patients to log in, share their information, and have consultations either in real-time or asynchronously. Patients provide their information through a secure portal, allows the dental professional to conduct consultations with dentists and hygienists, and review patient data to diagnose and treat effectively. Integrating Teledentistry into Dental Practices enhances patient care and streamlines workflow. Teledentistry can transform Dental Practices 🌟

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Commitment to inclusive dental care. 🌟 Continuing Education (CE) to better serve our communities.Continue learning to improve our skills, stay current and remain competitive.Privilege to attend CE course put together by our local Dental Society (SACDS)with Dr. Allen Wong Who work as the Clinical Director of Special Smiles for the Special Olympics, served as the Clinic Director and ran the UOP Dental School’s AGD program at the Union City Dental Care Center.Dr. Wong presented to Dental Society Member treating the IDD communities (intellectual and developmental disabilities). His work as the Clinical Director of Special Smiles for the Special Olympics is truly inspiring. During the event, we got to network with local dental leaders to shared invaluable insights on why and how we can broaden our scope in our dental practices to better serve these communities. Reinvigorated Dental Profession’s commitment to inclusive dental care. Increase Access and Serving patients with Special Needs.

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Empowering Dental Hygienists: Important issue affecting dental hygienists and patient care. 🦷In California, Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) need a formal connection with a dentist to obtain the necessary designation.This process isn’t always followed as intended, leading to gaps in care and oversight. Here’s what can happen:🔹 Proper Designation: To comply with regulations, Dental Hygienists must have a legitimate connection with a dentist. This ensures they receive proper guidance by way of prescribed dental procedures and in turn leads to high-quality care to patients. 🔹 Current Shortcomings:Without establishing a genuine working relationship. . . .This undermines the system and affects the quality of care. 🔹 Moving Forward: It’s crucial that we address this issue to ensure the integrity of the designation (RDHAP) and the care provided to patients.Hygienists and Dentists must work together as intended, fostering genuine connections that benefit everyone involved, especially our patients. Dentist working together with Hygienist reinforce the importance of proper collaboration and oversight.👉 By doing so, we can ensure that Hygienists and Dentists are fully equipped to deliver the best possible care.

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Path to Better Patient Care 🦷 Eliminating Friction in Dental PracticesDuring a recent discussion with Dr. Marilyn Sandor An innovator, inventor, and founder of GoodCheckup. We talked about the importance of eliminating friction points in dental practices. Ensuring a smooth experience for both patients and practitioners is crucial. Here’s why: 🔹 Reducing Friction Points: The goal is to create a seamless journey for patients. When we minimize friction, we improve the overall experience, making it easier for patients to navigate through our services and for practitioners to deliver care effectively. 🔹 Guided Processes: Having a streamlined process that walks patients through every step is essential. It’s important because without it, the experience can become frustrating for everyone involved. Clear, guided steps can greatly enhance patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. 🔹 Business Insight: In both business and dental practices, reducing friction leads to better outcomes. By focusing on smooth, efficient processes, we can enhance patient satisfaction and improve the overall success of our practices. Let’s commit to continually improving our practices by eliminating friction points. This not only benefits our patients but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. 👉 For Dentist, Hygienist and Administrative Staff . . . . Have you identified and tackled friction points in your Dental Practice? What strategies have worked for you?

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Increasing Access to Dental Care 🌟The Purpose of Mobile and Portable DentistryThe primary reason mobile and portable dentistry exist is to increase access to dental care for those who cannot visit a traditional dental office. Who benefits from this innovative approach? Often, it's seniors and geriatric patients residing in nursing homes and other care facilities.By bringing dental services directly to these individuals, we can ensure they receive the essential care they need without the challenges of transportation and mobility. Mobile and portable dentistry provide a lifeline for those who might otherwise go without proper dental care. This approach underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare. It's about reaching out and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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Choosing Your Path: Exploring the Options for Dental Hygienists 🌟It's essential to consider what works best for your lifestyle and career goals. Working in a traditional dental office offers convenience and stability. You can focus solely on your clinical work, with no worries about the business side of things.It's a straightforward routine that suits many professionals. However, for those seeking more autonomy and entrepreneurial opportunities, the alternative practice (RDHAP) in California holds immense appeal. With the designation of alternative practice (RDHAP), hygienists can establish their own practices, becoming their own bosses and owning their business. It's a chance to build something from the ground up and shape your career according to your vision. Both paths have their advantages, and the right choice ultimately depends on your preferences and aspirations. Whether you thrive in the structure of a dental office or crave the freedom of entrepreneurship, there's an opportunity waiting for you in the world of dental hygiene.

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Portable and Mobile Dentistry isn't just for Dentists.Dental Hygienists play a crucial role too.Hygienists in California with alternative practice designations (RDHAP) are increasingly leading the charge, in school-based programs and visits to Seniors in Residential Care Home. This means you don't have to be a dentist to participate in portable or mobile dentistry. In fact, many hygienists are independently making a significant impact by providing essential dental care outside of the traditional office setting.

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