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In the second of two articles, award-winning dental hygienist Claire-Louise Berry considers the core strategies for successfully marketing a ‘sexy’ oral health concept. My mission is to make biofilm a ‘sexy’ topic and enhance oral health so it sparks curiosity and engagement. When patients understand the significance of biofilm control and view it as a…
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Biofilm is not just a clinical issue; it’s a business one. Its effective management can drive better patient outcomes – and practice growth. Claire-Louise Berry shares her blueprint for success. The success of a private practice hinges on the quality of each patient journey. A seamless, engaging experience at every stage is vital for growth…
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Beyond ‘scale and polish’: Claire-Louise Berry reveals why systemic health should be at the heart of your business right now. There’s been a notable shift towards recognising the crucial link between systemic and oral health. However, regrettably, only a minority of dental clinics actively embrace this connection. This isn’t merely a passing trend; it underscores…
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Award-winning dental hygienist Claire Berry explores the common hand health risks, and discusses preventative strategies for a long and happy career in dental hygiene. ‘I’ve had a flare-up twice where the knuckle on my right index finger swells. I get a sore thumb on my right hand, too, which worries me because my job massively…
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Claire Berry takes a look at the history of dental hygienists, exploring their evolution from teeth polishers to ‘experts in our own right’. It was a pleasure to be asked to look at the timeline and evolution of the dental hygienist and therapist as Dentistry.co.uk turns 25. It really gave me insight into how our…
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Claire Berry explores how to flip the referral process by using hygienists and the Itero Element scanner to help educate patients. Earlier this year, I underwent Invisalign treatment and talked about my journey, both as a patient and as an oral health expert. I detailed how myself and colleagues developed a robust prevention programme pre-Invisalign…
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With so many electric toothbrushes, Claire Berry explains why she recommends Oral-B toothbrushes to her patients. I have no doubt this will cause some debate. The profession is most likely split between being on team Oral-B, or another electric toothbrush brand. But as long as debate remains professional, debate is perfectly healthy. Here is my…
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Claire Berry explores whether having a website can help boost clinician’s patient numbers and create a return on investment. I have seen clinicians ask this question on the dental forums. We expect a practice to have a website, but what about individual clinicians? Is it worth it? When is there a return on investment? Is…
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Claire Berry discusses her experience wearing loupes and gives her tips for those that might have found them too difficult to use. I’ve had conversations with many hygienists and therapists about loupes, before and after I invested in my own. There seems a divide, with some loving their loupes and others not enjoying them at…
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Claire Berry explains what needs to be in place for implant success over implant survival in her latest hygienist’s blog. I have to admit that when I started my career as a dental hygienist, I couldn’t put my hand on my heart and tell you I was 100% confident when faced with dental implants. It’s…
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Hygienists and therapists using the Itero Element scanner could help increase treatment uptake and improve patient habits, Claire Berry says. I recently started looking into Align Technology‘s Itero Element 5D scanner, to see how we could incorporate the concept into the hygiene work flow. Why you ask? I had heard the Itero Element 5D wand…
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Shoulder and back pain is one of the most common complaints for those working in dentistry. Claire Berry gives her three tips to help avoid it. When I was training to become a hygienist, I remember the instructors being really strict about back care. I recall adjusting my posture when I saw them walking toward…
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Claire Berry shares her experiences developing her career in hygiene and therapy since leaving the army, how she faced the challenges of 2020 and what she hopes for in the future. How do you feel practices can use a dental hygienist or therapist’s skills to best effect for patients? Claire Berry (CB): Obviously, you’re taught…
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Claire Berry explores the role of biofilm and how it requires more than just one approach to help tackle the problem. Being a dental hygienist, the topic of biofilm is extremely interesting to me. Maybe more interesting then I care to admit! Clinically, my role is to remove 100% of it and then educate patients…
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Claire Berry explores some of the avenues a hygienist can go down to help boost the income of dental practices. We can sometimes overlook the fantastic opportunities that can come from having a hygienist at the practice. Not only is the hygienist’s role essential for prevention and patient care, it’s a smart move to boost…
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As we begin 2021, Claire Berry asks whether patients are beginning to realise the importance of the dental hygienist. Since returning to work post lockdown 1.0, I find myself busier than ever. It’s the beginning of January as I write this and I am fully booked until the end of April. That’s including working to…
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Colour is an essential tool when creating the right environment for your patients and developing your practice’s brand, highlights Claire Berry. I’ve lost many an hour designing my perfect surgery in my head; mulling over equipment, design, branding. Although, mostly intrigued by non-tangible considerations, predominantly what colour it would be, it intrigued me why I…
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In her final blog instalment of 2020, Claire Berry discusses why disclosing solution is a must-have for hygienists. Disclosing solution – the most under used yet unbelievably useful tool in your hygienist armoury. I cannot understand why some hygienists aren’t using it. It’s revolutionised how I perform treatment. It has allowed me to flip my…
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This month Claire Berry discusses how to upgrade the ‘scale and polish’ so that patients appreciate the importance of good oral health. I got to work the other day and the practice owner came to me before our daily practice meeting. They said: ‘Claire, think of another name for your services please. I am going…
