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Don’t Let Language Be The Barrier

ÖWelcome to Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic in Calgary. We would like to introduce you to one of our dental hygienists – Jane Ma.   Jane speaks Mandarin and is happy to help patients who have difficulty accessing dental care in Calgary because of the language barrier. She is happy to discuss any dental issue you or your family member are having in Mandarin, and explain procedures and dental treatment. Jane can also refer you to a dentist if need be. Would you like your children to speak Mandarin at their dental cleaning appointments? Being a parent herself, Jane is very relaxed and happy to treat children of all ages. Do you have a senior parent who speaks Mandarin and communicating in their language would be easier?

Would it be easier to discuss the cost of dentistry and dental insurance policies in Mandarin?

Jane is passionate about dentistry and is dedicated to her patients, and has been a registered dental hygienist since 2003. She is eager to communicate to her clients up-to-date oral health knowledge.  Her gentle and caring clinic manners have gained much praise from patients.  The greatest satisfaction for Jane comes from seeing patients smile and tell her about their improved oral health and general health.
She enjoys Canada’s natural beauty, and appreciates people’s generosity.  She loves reading, music and trying different foods from different cultures.
If you or someone else would like to communicate in Mandarin with Jane – please phone (403)457-2044 or email us (info@lifetimesmiles.ca).  It’s important that language is not a barrier to a healthy mouth and a long lasting pain free smile. When discussing an individuals dental health – it is important their are no misunderstandings due to language. Our goal is to provide high quality care in a culturally sensitive fashion. Come meet Jane in person 🙂
 牙齿卫生员简说普通话在卡尔加里

Autism In The Dental Hygiene Chair

autism ribbonApril is Autism Awareness month, and this week is National Dental Hygienists week, so I decide to blog about both. I dedicate this blog post to my friend Allison and all families who know Autism and Aspergers well. During my time as a dental hygienist I have been exposed to clients of all ages and backgrounds including those with unique needs. After recently meeting Allison I became aware that I did not have any experience with autistic children.

How is that possible? Did I in fact treat autistic children but didn’t know it? Would a parent not indicate that on a medical chart? Could I treat clients in a city with a population of 1 million and not see 1 autistic child when the stats from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify that 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with autism? Was I so oblivious that I may have chalked up a child’s behaviour to “high maintenece” when really it was typical behaviour of an autistic child?

I don’t know the answer. I knew that after reading Allison’s blog post “Life with Liam“, about an orthodontic appointment for her 9 year old son that I was certain I may not know how to make a dental hygiene visit for an autistic child a positive one, an experience that both child and caregiver look forward to as opposed to viewing it as one more necessary but unpleasant life task. This was disturbing to me because I sincerely want to make dental hygiene visits a great, educational experience for both children and their caregivers. It is with children I feel hygienists have the opportunity to make the greatest impact – sharing  preventative dentistry knowledge – ensuring a life of “no drilling & filling”.

Of course I studied “special needs” in dental school, but how much could I recall of dealing with autism? not much. I was feeling very inadequate with my limited knowledge of the unique challenges associated with dental hygiene home care, best time of day for dental hygiene appointments, and management in the clinic. I was also certain my dated knowledge wouldn’t hold a candle to the reality of today for these families. Continuing education throughout life is a reality.

I have since learned that Autism is a general term, and there are various functioning levels – each individual is just that –INDIVIDUAL.  Autism Speaks Canada has an informative website and states that “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. ”

It is best for the caregiver to outline the functioning level of the child (where they are on the spectrum)- as well as details about sensory issues that may arise and discuss how to best handle them when at a dental hygiene appointment. If this conversation can happen prior to the child’s appointment that would be best. The dental hygienist will welcome any information that can facilitate an enjoyable visit. You know your child best, and know what sensory stimuli could be avoided or reduced. A dental hygiene clinic can have some advantages in terms of sensory stimuli when compared to a traditional dental clinic. There will be no dental drilling noises, smell of root canal mediciments, or dental materials like monomer being used in a hygiene clinic. Lighting may be an issue, so best to discuss this ahead of time. Caregivers can practice a visit at home before going to the clinic so the child has some familiarity with what may happen – practicing laying back, looking in the mouth, and counting teeth.

From the dental hygienists perspective be prepared to book a longer appointment so it isn’t rushed, the child has the time needed, you can answer all of the caregivers questions, and you can review techniques for oral home care. Repetition and routine can be very reassuring for autistic children. Establishing a relationship with one particular dental hygienist, rather than seeing someone different each visit can achieve this. Like appointments with all children, what works one day may not work the next, so be prepared with knowledge and do not hesitate to ask for recommendations from caregivers, and have patience. The first appointment may end up being a familiarity time, and perhaps no treatment carried out. Stretch your mind and skills and grow with the child & family.

Are you a dental hygienist looking for a resource to use? Dental hygienist and mother, Karen Raposa devoted six years of her life to writing “Treating the Dental Patient with a Developmental Disorder”. She cited her autistic son as her inspiration for writing the book. This book shares information on how to provide dental health services for patients with developmental disorders. You will also find the best information comes directly from parents and caregivers. Keep an open mind…. we are always learning.

but what will my dentist say?

 

question
We know, we know, we hear it often – you want to “try out” a dental hygiene clinic but you are concerned there will be some consequence with your dentist.

We have heard :
“I want to book an appointment at Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic for my cleaning, but I like my dentist”
“I want to try out a different dental hygienist but I am worried my dentist will be upset”
“I want to book an appointment but what will my dentist think? what will my dentist say?”

“I enjoy seeing my dentist but I want to see a different dental hygienist- I don’t click with the one I am currently seeing”

These inquiries tend to increase after there is media coverage regarding rising costs of dentistry in Alberta, or in Canada.

We are also asked if dentists give us grief, or flack, or cause problems for us. We hear it all…and no, we have not had grief from any dentist. We have professional working relationships and refer to dentists, denturists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, dermatologists, medical doctors, speech pathologists and many other health care professionals. The goal is the best overall treatment for our clients.

Is it irrational to be concerned? No, of course not. You may have a long-term patient relationship with your dentist that you are completely happy with. That is fine, you can still continue to see your dentist for your regular dental examinations. In fact, we encourage you to do so if you are pleased with the care you have received. You can have your dental cleaning at our clinic and continue to see your dentist, and this is the case for the majority of those who see us. We also treat patients who do not have a dentist of record in this province, or sometimes in the country. I have forwarded digital radiographs and intra-oral photos to Columbia for my patients. We live in a very global world, with advanced technology.

We have also been told by clients that once they were no longer booking their dental hygiene cleanings at their “regular” dental clinic, that they were given the cold shoulder, or had been discouraged by dental staff to go “elsewhere” for their cleanings. This behaviour I would certainly question. Patient autonomy should be supported by the dentist and all dental staff. You are free to seek and choose care where and with whom you want. It would be unethical for a dentist to deny to see you based on the decision that you are having dental hygiene treatment at a dental hygiene clinic. If this situation arises- perhaps have a frank discussion with your dentist before deciding not to ever see him/her again.

As far as my qualifications as a dental hygienist – I am the same dental hygienist whether you seek treatment from me at Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic, or have treatment with me if I was an employee of a dentist in a dental clinic. In other words my skills, experience and education are the same independent of which clinic I am working in.I have a diploma in Dental Hygiene from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Alberta, I am on the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) roster for administration of local anesthetic (dental freezing) as well as for  prescribing and administering N2/O2 conscious sedation (laughing gas). All dental hygienists practicing at Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene clinic are registered with CRDHA and are members of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association. Hygienists at our clinic work in a variety of settings, including dental clinics and others exclusively at Lifetime Smiles.  If someone is questioning the qualifications of dental hygienists working in a dental hygiene clinic in an attempt to influence your decision – ask questions, be informed.

The choice is yours! Decide for yourself.

Just bill my dental insurance. Why Not?

There is high administration cost for dental hygiene clinics to directly bill dental insurance companies ins claim

Dental Hygiene clinics are still a relatively new concept, despite the fact that legislation was changed in Alberta several years ago to allow Registered Dental Hygienists to achieve this. You could say it is still an unknown concept by the majority of Canadians even.

Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic wants to make it as easy as possible for individuals to arrange treatment, and handle the financial process. Therefore we do directly bill to dental insurance companies, when provided with valid dental insurance information, and to companies that will reimburse the hygienist. Some dental insurance companies require that the individual pays up front and submit a claim for reimbursement.

We make every effort to ensure all the forms submitted are processed efficiently. The are only a few companies that allow dental hygiene clinics to submit claims electronically – remember this is still a new concept and it has involved changes for insurance companies as well. Unlike dental clinics, the majority of our claims are made by paper and carried by snail mail.

As you can see in the photo- we have had so many issues with dental insurance companies paying the patient instead of our clinic- we have resorted to attaching a “flag” to the claims. There are still problems. Dental insurance companies still make mistakes- and send a cheque to the patient, or directly deposit the money into the patient`s bank account despite the fact that the submitted claim clearly states the subscriber has assigned payment to the hygienist.

What does this mean for us?  We have to make phone calls when payments don`t come in on time. The privacy act limits the information the insurance company will disclose. We have to resubmit forms to insurance companies by snail mail, phone patients, and do our best to track down payments. This takes time to process and correct , adding to the cost of doing business. This drives up fees.

Why do I write this?  in the hopes that more individuals will understand the effort we make to directly bill a dental insurance company, and understand why clinics need financial policies. Unfortunately, all it takes is a few individuals who are reimbursed by the insurance company incorrectly – and who do not then forward payment to the hygienist owed- to ruin it for everyone. And there are individuals who are “upset” when we have to make several calls to achieve payment from them. They feel we have somehow not been competent in handling their paperwork.

This is why many dental clinics will not directly bill – they do not want this extra work, and as a business that also have staff and overhead costs, can`t carry the high accounts receivable typically associated with this way of doing business.

We are happy to extend this courtesy to our patients, and keep in mind if the insurance company makes a mistake- extend a courtesy to us and clear up outstanding balances as soon as possible.

Thanks, and feel free to discuss payment policies with us. Our goal is that the cost of dental hygiene treatment not be a barrier to oral health. We did not raise our fees this year, and do not plan to do so next year. Please help us in achieving this.

A Truly Happy Visit

At Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic, we want your child’s first dental experience to be a positive one. Our Hygienist’s intuitive nature, guides how much is accomplished in this first visit. We call this first visit the “happy visit”, this appointment is to gain your child’s confidence and trust. Each child is truly unique, we will carry out different hygiene treatments with each child depending on how comfortable your child is. Treatment is never forced, as finishing everything is not the goal.  The goal of the “Happy Visit” is to keep your child happy throughout this experience and share information with parents or guardians on how best to take care of teeth at this age. We encourage parents to stay in the room, or if you feel your child will do best without you, that is your choice. You know your child best.

 

What happens at a Happy Visit?  

First, we want to show your child the chair they will be sitting in, how is goes up and down, back and forward. We will show your child the gadgets connected to the chair such as the air/water syringe and the suction (aka Mr. Thirsty). It is very important for your child to see that the tools that we will use are simply to count your child’s teeth, which always proves to be a lot of fun. Next we will apply the disclosing solution, this is our plaque finder. Once this purple odorless and tasteless liquid is painted on the teeth, we can together, with a mirror in hand, evaluate where the plaque bacteria is “hiding”. After this is done, we have an opportunity to show both child and parent/s the proper brush technique and how to eliminate more of the plaque bacteria in the future. Polishing may come next which further eliminates plaque on the teeth and always makes for a few giggles. Our polisher is a cordless version which has proven very helpful for those children not interested in sitting the chair- and prefer sitting on Mom or Dad`s lap. It  looks like an electric toothbrush which children are able to relate to. If age appropriate, and deemed necessary, fluoride (aka, tooth vitamin) can then be painted on, put into trays, or applied in the form of a mouth rinse. Lastly of course, the best part of the appointment, that well-earned prize, and picking out a new toothbrush!

 It is important for children to be seen by a Registered Dental Hygienist at an early age, to promote a less harmful population of oral bacteria and prevent tooth decay, and connect your family with other required dental or healthcare professionals, such as dentists, pediatric dentists,general physicians, and more.  Today there are many dental hygiene treatments available to ensure a lifetime of “no cavities”. This is what we want for each child.  At Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic we believe that cost of preventative treatment should not be a barrier to the beginning of  healthy teeth and habits for children – if cost is an issue ask us about options in Calgary. There are plans that assist with dental cleanings for children, and if these do not apply we see children under age 3 for their first “Happy Visit” at no cost.  Truly a “Happy Visit”

Call us (403)457-2044 to discuss your child`s first dental cleaning

Signed, SEALED, & Delivered : For Children & Adults

Seal Out Tooth Decay before It Happens!

How can you prevent yourself or your children from getting cavities? it’s easy SEAL THEM OUT… with Sealants!

Do you remember why your dental hygienist or dentist put sealants or more commonly known as “white coats”, “clear paint” or “protective paint” on your back teeth when you were younger? Has your dental hygienist or dentist recommended having them placed? If so, you might be asking; what are sealants anyway?

The main and most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. They are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth… because our back teeth are primarily used for chewing; the chewing surfaces are rough and uneven surfaces with pits and grooves. Toothbrush bristles cannot get into the tiny pits and grooves of these teeth so germs and food can get stuck for a long time causing a cavity to form if not prevented.

Sealants are put on in dentists’ offices, dental hygiene clinics, and sometimes in schools. They are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. A special light is often used to “cure” the liquid.

 

Do you know if you have any sealants now? Are they in good condition? Do you or your children need sealants?

Visiting your dental hygienist and/or dentist can help determine and exam when, and on whom will need sealants. Going in for your regular dental cleanings and check-ups will let us and YOU informed.

 

Having sealants placed on teeth before they decay will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings,root canal treatment, and  crowns (also called caps) used to fix decayed teeth. Sealants are simple and painless and can last many years!!

Some dental insurance plans cover the cost of sealants. Check your dental health care booklet or call your insurance company for details!

 

What else can you do to protect against decay?

Yep, you guessed it… with proper oral hygiene care of daily tooth brushing and flossing which can help prevent tooth decay. Pit and fissure sealants are most commonly placed on molar teeth. These back teeth are harder to get at, especially with toothbrush they need the extra protection to keep the germs out! That is why sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and help making our daily routine of proper oral home care a bit easier.

Call us to ask questions about preventative sealants- we are happy to share information to prevent tooth decay! (403)457-2044

Canadian Dental Hygiene Mission

gift from the heart dental hygienists volunteer 2012Hygienists in Canada are participating in a wonderful event, help us to share a Gift from your own Heart this Valentine’s Day by spreading the word of what we’re trying to do.

 

It all started with Bev Woods – Ontario Dental Hygienist and founder of the event – who wanted to bring public awareness to the overwhelming number of Ontarian’s unable to afford oral health care. This lead to the annual event Gift From The Heart.

 
 
This is the third year for Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic to participate in the event Gift From The Heart .
 
I have participated in providing volunteer dental treatment in the past. After returning from a rewarding experience in Venezuela I decided that I could do more locally with the same amount of invested time and resources. Don’t misunderstand, travelling to another country to treat populations in need is worthwhile. Many children in Venezuela benefited from the treatment of the mission I participated in. That being said there are many in Canada that cannot afford even basic dental hygiene services.

 

I decided I wanted to participate in “local” dental missions. I knew for the same cost of travelling to another country I could reach and provide treatment to more individuals by staying local. I contacted Bev Woods regarding her initiative Gift From the Heart and offered to mobilize Dental Hygienists in Alberta. The Ontario Dental Hygiene Association, and Bev Woods have always had the goal in mind that this event would spread across Canada, and it is now doing just that. I am so pleased that Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic can join the efforts with this group of giving health care professionals and provide treatment in Calgary and Claresholm. The dental hygienists that have been involved for past years have experienced first hand the overwhelming numbers of underserviced, and negelcted individuals for whom dental treatment in Canada is unachievable.  
 
Due to the efforts of Canadian dental hygienists on national and provincial levels, government changes have occurred that now allow Registered Dental Hygienists to open their own clinics. It is in these clinics on February 9, 2013 that Canadians in need will benefit from this Gift From The Heart.
 
 This event brings attention to the fact that despite Canada’s favorable economy there are many for whom dental care just does not fit into their budget, or parents who go without so children can have treatment. I am not referring to the cost of root canal treatment or a dental crown, but basic dental hygiene care. The dental hygiene preventative services that help achieve a level of oral health, prevent more serious dental problems, and are essential to whole body health.

Everyone in Canada deserves access to care. Just imagine what a toothache feels like..a toothache that keeps you up all night…and now just imagine it is a young child in this kind of pain…we don’t want to. Dental Hygienists want to share the gift of prevention.

 You don’t have to be a dental hygienist to help. Many hands make light work.

 What can you do?

contact a participating clinic and ask what they need (they may need posters distributed, or a shot of caffeine on February 9th)

-help spread the word, tell others, share on facebook, twitter, email

-tell us how you can help

There are many ways you could help. Just ask…you’ll be glad you did!!

 -Thanks

Sally Lloyd,RDH

Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic

 

 

***Update

2014 UPDATE – February 8th is the date for 2014

2013 marks the fifth year for this event – – there are clinics participating in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia- please go to http://www.giftfromtheheart.ca/2013-gfth-locations.html   to see if a clinic in your province is listed. Scroll all the way to the bottom to see Alberta!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-7Q800lgIo&feature=player_embedded]

Put your money where your mouth is…

Do you think the cost of a dental cleaning in Calgary is expensive? outrageous? or could you care less about the cost because your health and teeth are worth it?

If you think the cost of a dental cleaning is high, then you will find the cost of treating gum disease by a periodontist, or having one cavity repaired with a filling outrageous!!

For some of you reading this- you are going to question  “who would not spend money having their teeth cleaned?”   This blog is not for you –  you already get it. Your teeth and overall health are important, you would go without cable tv if you had to in order to afford dental cleanings. You probably drink your coffee through a straw so your teeth do not become stained. You take the Dr.Oz quiz “ How clean is your mouth” and you ace it!! You brag to co-workers about the wonderful flossing grade your dental hygienist gives you at your appointments. Or maybe you have dental insurance and have never given a second thought to the cost of a dental cleaning.

This blog is for those that value their oral health but don’t believe they can afford dental cleanings, or it is for those for those that don’t get it – yet. I want to highlight how the cost of dental cleanings can be viewed as an investment in oral health, and since your mouth is attached to the rest of the body – an investment in overall well-being. Who wants destructive mouth bacteria travelling the blood highway through the body? Yes- it is true the bacteria in your mouth causing bad breath, disease, bleeding gums loves to travel- where? to your heart, to the site of your knee replacement, your new hip – everywhere. It has been linked to pre-term delivery of babies (1).

 I suggest looking at the cost of preventative dental cleanings over a year, rather than on a  per visit basis.

 If you neglect your oral health, your teeth and your gums – you will pay for it at some point. Perhaps it will be in terms of bad breath, bleeding gums, decayed teeth, tooth abscesses, loss of teeth, time missed from work due to dental pain and emergency dental appointments, or maybe you will end up struggling with ill-fitting dentures and not being able to chew your food properly. Does this sound horrible? it should…and I haven’t even touched on the overall health conditions that are linked to gum disease. Hygienists provide oral cancer screenings. When was the last time your medical doctor checked the tissues inside your mouth?

Why do I say this? I hear comments and concerns from public that the costs of basic dental care, including examinations, xrays and dental cleanings can be prohibitive.  Dental Hygiene Clinics can help to ease the financial cost of prevention and treatment of gum disease, and keep healthy mouths healthy! You see the same Registered Dental Hygienists at Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic that you would see in dental clinics. You can also keep your diet in mind for an outcome of oral health. Inflammation plays a keey role in both gingivitis and periodontitis – read more about nutrition and inflammtion.

We answer many questions about the cost of dental cleanings. The cost generally works out to $35 month for 2 professional dental cleanings a year. There are those that do such a great job with their home care that the cost is less ( yes, it is true some people do actually floss daily- it is not a myth). This is without any type of reimbursement from your dental insurance or health spending account (if you have either). Obviously treating active gum disease is going to cost more, as is treating cavities and other dental conditions. The cost for childs dental cleaning is less.

 I see patients that are wearing implant supported dentures for dental cleanings. No teeth remaining. I unscrew the denture attachments- remove the dentures and then clean the build up from around the implants. So even people with out teeth remaining still need to see dental hygienists!  These patients could tell you what teeth are worth- or sorry, I should say they can tell you what the cost is to replace ill-fitting dentures that floated around in their mouths. One woman told me she has spent the equivalent of 2 automobiles on achieving dentures that fit well ( attached to dental implants), that allow her to chew properly, eat and speak in front of others with confidence knowing that her dentures are not going to move around or make a clicking noise.

 What could you trade each month that costs $35, to cover the cost of 2 dental cleanings a year? What are your teeth worth? What is your overall health worth? I would love to hear from you. I could easily go without Sushi..well maybe not easily.

Want a payment plan at our clinic? no problem- just ask. What if $35/month is still not feasible? There is assistance for low-income groups in Alberta for dental treatments, for children, and emergency dental treatment resources. Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene clinic sees children under 3years of age for their first visit at no cost. Ask us if your need dental help – we are a very resourceful group.

Journal Reference:

    1. Y. Fardini, P. Chung, R. Dumm, N. Joshi, Y.W. Han. Transmission of Diverse Oral Bacteria to Murine Placenta: Evidence for the Oral Microbiome as a Potential Source of Intrauterine Infection. Infection and Immunity, 2010; 78 (4): 1789 DOI: 10.1128/IAI.01395-09

 

How clean is your mouth..?

Take the test from the DR OZ  show

http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/how-clean-your-mouth

Dr oz  is doing a wonderful job understanding the importance in your oral health  follow the link and answer a couple of questions you may be surprised with what you learn.

disclaimer: please note that this information was taken off the doctor oz show. This quiz was not made by us and is property of the DR OZ show we are just providing the link