Do you have any files to use? I would consider using your files first followed by the ultrasonic and then your gracey’s. Also using your explorer first to get an idea where the calculus is and how deep under the pocket it is may help you before you start treatment.

I have not come across any instances where an insurance denied SRP’s because of not having an FMX. If the insurance denies SRP’s its usually due to frequency, such as having had the tx already in within a period of time. I wouldn’t stress too much.

My office just had our annual OSHA/Infection control training and we were told that Caviwipes are still okay to use. We use Cavicide spray and Caviwipes in our office. One thing our trainer told us was, Cavicide spray can be used but has to be allowed 5 mins to disinfect and dry before the room can be wiped down or anythings sprayed with it can be used. The Caviwipes you have to wipe the surface (or what ever you are using it to disinfect) three times and allow only 2 mins before it is disinfected.

I only apply a thin layer of varnish and most of my patients seem to be okay with not needing to spit. If they insist on spitting I have them spit into a cup and toss it like Kara suggests. I do not use the suction to prevent clogging it.

I would encourage you to do what you love or what you think you will really enjoy. If dental hygiene is what you want to study then go for it. I believe nursing might still be rewarding for you as you are still in patient care but you would hate to complete all the schooling to realize you don’t enjoy what you do. Yes the market is saturated. Where I live in Oregon we have a dental hygiene school in my town, makes for finding a local job difficult. I commuted for 3 years to a town 70 miles away for work until a job came open back home. If your patient enough to wait it out and keep searching for a job near by, eventually something will come open. I love what I do and even commuting for work was worth it because this is what I should be doing.

I agree with Kara, I also place the tips used for sealants into my sharps container. Better safe than sorry.

I agree with Kara. In my office the Dr comes in half way through my treatment and does the exam. If he recommends sealants and if I have time, I place the sealants before fluoride is done.

My current office does not allow moonlighting and a previous office I worked at made it very clear that moonlighting was not allowed. I can understand your frustration especially with how long you have been practicing. Maybe your new Dr can make up the difference that you are losing from your 1 day a week job.

We use Silver Fluoride in my office and I think its a great option for arresting dental caries. Our doctors try to be less aggressive if they can and especially with very young children. If the doctors detect caries that can be treated with the silver fluoride rather than drill on the tooth they recommend the treatment. Children do very well with the treatment. We have them return to the office once a month for five total treatments or until the decay is arrested. In Oregon we as dental hygienist are allowed to apply it along with dental assistants. We code it out as Application of a desensitizing medicament and Application of topical fluoride.

I agree and do the same as Kara. I also continue to remind them to take steady breaths through their nose as I’m administering the anesthesia, pt’s often start to hold their breath. I definitely don’t use needle or shot as this gives them more anxiety.

I will usually have them have their wires taken off prior to their visit, makes their cleaning a lot easier. Most of my ortho patients prepare for this and have an appt set up with their orthodontist before and after their visit with me. If they are unable to do this I use a slim cavitron tip to clean around their wires and brackets. I also use a polishing brush on the facials and a prophy cup on the linguals. Its a lot of work but worth it for them in the long run. Ultimately the best is having the wires removed ahead of time.