Features

Allan Wright explores the history of the cuspidor or spittoon and the advantages of working without one in dental practice. Some people call it a cuspidor, others a spittoon, but whatever term you use, what you have at the side of your patient is a receptacle for spitting in.  Or, as the Oxford Dictionary of … Continued

Siobhan Kelleher explores how practices can create a more cohesive work environment for the dental team by applying Tuckman’s group forming theory and the drama triangle. Working in a dental team can often lead to feelings of isolation among team members. Each member may have their own tasks and responsibilities, resulting in a lack of … Continued

Jane Renehan explores how dental practices can prepare for inspections by the Health and Safety Authority. The question – Dear Jane… The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) recently inspected a colleague’s dental practice. What does a practice need to do to prepare for HSA inspections? For example, what documentation may the HSA inspector look for?  … Continued

Aisling Earley highlights the issues surrounding menopause that may affect patients and the oral manifestations of this natural biological process. In today’s society, women face a lot of prejudice. We spend our entire lives trying to embody an image that is socially acceptable, which leads us down the path of hiding our flaws from the … Continued

Brush up on your skills, meet your peers and much more at this year’s Irish Dental Hygienists Association Annual Scientific Conference and AGM. The Irish Dental Hygienists Association’s Annual Scientific Conference and AGM is set to return this autumn, with the two-day event taking place at the Galway Bay Hotel. To be held on Friday … Continued

Lucy Stock explains how the SCAMPI method for private dental examinations makes treatment planning effortless. The question I get asked most often from dentists is: ‘How would you treatment plan this case?’ One of the most vital parts in dentistry is constructing a good treatment plan. Get it right and the patient journey is smoother, … Continued

Dentistry can be a tough profession, but there are solutions to every problem which can help to manage stress, says Lisa Grogan. You may hear the words ‘stress’ and ‘burnout’ frequently. But if I were to ask you ‘Where do you feel stress in your body?’ or ‘How would you identify that you are heading … Continued