Prioritizing wellness for dentists and dental team members, plus this week's top stories

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

We all want to feel better, right? However, we can't just wish for something to happen. We have to put in the work to make it happen, including when we want to free ourselves from the aches and pains that come along with working in the dental industry.

This week, I asked Caitlin Parsons, RDH, to join me for an interview. Her article on "Integrative approaches to burnout in dentistry: Combining ergonomics, yoga, and mindfulness" struck a chord with our readers, so I asked Parsons to add a little more context to her article and provide readers with a deeper dive into the subject.

In this episode, Parsons, a dental hygienist and founder of The Aligned Hygienist, discussed the importance of ergonomics, yoga, and mindfulness in preventing and managing work-related pain and stress. Parsons emphasized the need for dental professionals to take care of themselves and offered practical tips for incorporating chairside stretches and mindfulness practices into one's daily routine. She also addressed the generational differences in accepting these practices and called for more awareness and support for wellness in dental practices.

Our talk was a good reminder that making a New Year's resolution isn't the only time we should prioritize our health. With the stress of the fourth quarter and holidays coming, Parsons offered some great advice that can (and likely should) be implemented immediately.

You can watch our entire interview below.

This week's must-read stories

Looking to scale your dental practice in the near future? Beth Gaddis gathered some pieces of advice from dental service organization leaders on the topic and shared them with you.

Chemicals frequently applied to electronic devices and furniture to prevent burning or to slow the spread of fire have been associated with periodontitis and its severity, according to a recent study.

I sat down with my friend Rachel Wall, RDH, for a real and open conversation about the future of dental hygiene. Our conversation shouldn't be missed as we head into the fourth quarter of the year.

Speaking of dental hygiene, what's one wish that a panel of experts had for not only hygienists but also assistants and the front office for the rest of 2024? Here's what they told me in a recent interview.

According to a recent study, type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of caries and reduce salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity.

If you're looking for a tip to raise your orthodontics game, we have a great one this week, courtesy of our partners at CDOCS. Check it out.

As always, my fantastic editorial team and I wish you a relaxing weekend ahead. Thanks as always for reading DrBicuspid.com.

Kevin Henry
Editor in Chief