Most dentists understand that infection-control protocols, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, have never been more critical. Public awareness, anxiety and liability have never been higher as well. Dental practices need to ensure they are taking measures to protect the health of patients during treatments. They also have the opportunity to build trust by consistently demonstrating infection-control best practices.
One area of infection-control that dentists often overlooked is how they address patient comfort. Rolled towels and store-bought pillows are commonly used to alleviate patient discomfort in the dental chair. Due to the unconventional needs of the patient, there is often not a protective, infection-control barrier on make-shift supports. This increases the infection risk to the patient, dentist and doesn’t project professionalism or offer safety.
To protect patients and themselves, dentists should insist on dental chair comfort accessories designed for that purpose. MediPosture brand dental comfort products feature infection-control material designed for use in surgical environments. The material does not have pores, so contaminants remain on the top-surface, which makes sterilizing with clinical-strength, dental infection-control solutions such as cavi-wipes or similar sterilizing wipes very efficient.
Take additional steps to protect your patients and your dental practice with MediPosture dental chair comfort accessories. Not only do they offer infection-control features, but they can help project a more professional approach to patient comfort.
For more information or to order MediPosture products, please visit the Quantum Labs Patient Comfort Products page.
Pediatric dentistry can be a pain in the neck – literally!
When treating small kids, consider the risk to your muscular safety and health. If you are modifying your dental ergonomic posture by stretching or bending to gain access to the oral cavity, you are placing yourself at a high-risk for musculoskeletal injury to the neck, shoulders and lower back.
Maintain your posture and work safer with a child booster seat by MediPosture. The child booster helps to position the child closer to the headrest of the dental chair – the position intended for treating patients.
MediPosture child booster seats also offers efficiency and safety. They universally fit to any dental chair, can be stored between patient visits and can be quickly disinfected with infection-control sprays or wipes.
Nobody likes a pain in the neck. So if you find your dental ergonomic game plan needing a boost, check out the MediPosture child booster seat. It might be what the doctor needs to order.
Oral health is important at any age, but for children, taking care of teeth and gums holds special significance. Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, is one of the most prevalent childhood diseases in the United States. If left untreated, caries can have a massive impact on a child’s development, affecting everything from speaking and eating to learning and play.
Thankfully, caries are wholly preventable, and the dental habits children learn when they’re young can set them on a path to a lifetime of good oral health. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and with it, Quantum Labs brings you new affordable and exciting ways to keep your youngest patients healthy and happy.
For a limited time, when you buy 3 boxes of Quantum Kids’ and Junior brushes, you’ll receive 1 box free. You can choose from a variety of colorful and creative designs your pediatric patients will be sure to love. Additionally, you’ll receive either 288 activity books or a 5-roll assortment of dental stickers absolutely free with your purchase. These items add value to every visit by making oral care fun, which encourages good habits at home and keeps kids looking forward to their next appointment.
Quantum is also offering a free headrest (a $44.99 value) with the purchase of a child booster seat. This comfy combo by MediPosture helps you better treat pediatric patients and features an anti-microbial cover to keep the operatory safe and free from infection. Both booster seat and headrest are available in beige and grey.
For patients of all ages, Quantum offers new patient supply bags for take-home care items. Choose from paper or plastic and a variety of vibrant designs for just 12 cents each. New customizable bags are also available for as low as 46 cents each—add your full-color logo and practice information to give patients a gift they’ll remember you by.
Until the end of February, Quantum also has great new deals on practice basics. When you purchase 3 boxes of Medicom’s acclaimed SafeMask® Master Series, you’ll receive 1 box for free. Likewise, buy 3 cases of SafeBasics™ General Purpose Gauze Sponges to get 1 case free. Lastly, keep your staff safe, comfortable and stylish with Medicom’s new SafeWear™ Hipster Jackets and get a free bag when you purchase 4 bags.
All of these promotions last until February 28th, 2020, so order now and save big on practice basics and patient-care items for every age.
To sign up for emails about flash sales and specials, find a full product selection and discover even more ways to save, visit Quantum’s website or call 800-328-8213
Do single-use plastic bag laws have you rethinking how your dental practice uses plastic? Or maybe you just want to offer something different or a little nicer. Good news! Quantum Labs has many patient take-home bag options that comply with most single-use plastic bag laws. Our reusable patient supply bags were designed with doctors in mind. They are the perfect size to fit a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste and even a giveaway. There is a pocket to place your business card or appointment reminder card with optional logo imprinting. They come in many different colors and durable materials to match your style and branding all with a sturdy zip closure.
Our reusable patient gift bags come in three main styles:
We were the first to offer reusable bags specifically for dental patients. They were designed to be cost-effective and they had to be something patients loved and wanted to reuse. They are TSA compliant and are frequently spotted in use during travel or as cosmetic bags and at the gym. The ToothCase Bags are made of a durable 5.5 Mil (.14 mm) poly material. This makes them exempt from most single-use laws and qualifies them as reusable in most municipalities. The SmileCase Bag’s reinforced vinyl and toggle zipper shows it is serious about being reused. The Deluxe Mesh supply bag with metal zipper is a truly plastic-free product. To see all of our prints and colors and to order including personalization visit our supply bag page at quantumlabs.com/zipperbags.
Send patients home with the hygiene products they need in sustainable style. Quantum Labs offers a full line of professional bulk toothbrushes, patient-size floss and toothpaste as well as curated personalized gifts such as lip balm and hot cold packs. We offer supply kit pricing starting at just .89₵ each for the brush, floss and bag!
Plastic bag bans can vary and be complicated. If you would like assistance evaluating patient giveaway and take-home options that comply in your area, we are here to help. Just call 1-800-328-8213 or email: contact@quantumlabs.com
Want to grow your dental practice? Talk with any dental practice growth consultant and they’ll strongly emphasize the lasting value of creating a truly remarkable patient experience. That effort becomes your professional image and what patients ultimately remember.
The dental patient experience has a direct impact on their compliance to schedule 6-month dental checkups, retention, referrals and their enthusiasm to post amazing online reviews! Increased patient participation in any or several of these areas will definitely quicken the stride toward dental practice growth.
So what specific steps can you take to give your dental patients the memorable send-off feeling of their dreams? A part of the answer might reside in what German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, a pioneer in the study of memory, coined as the “Recency Effect.” Dr. Ebbinghaus observed when his study subjects were asked to recall a list of items in any order he noted, “People tend to begin recall with the end of the list, recalling those items best.”
Holding to the idea of the “Recency Effect,” a dental practice owner might want to place greater, more deliberate consideration on the patient experience during and toward the end of the dental visit.
A few ways to demonstrate excellence in the latter part of the dental visit might be:
Leverage the science behind the “Recency Effect” to make your practice’s unique patient experience and last impression, a positive lasting impression. Trying one of these suggestions during dental visits should create greater patient enthusiasm and long-term participation – and remember the old saying, “You’re only as good as your last performance.”
Having white teeth is both a sign of good health and personal hygiene. If your teeth aren't as white as you'd like them to be, there are a few things you can try at home to achieve a whiter smile. Though none of these tips will do the job as well as a professional whitening service, they can definitely help whiten your teeth and won't break the bank in the process. Before you try any of these or other tooth whitening tips, remember to check with your dentist for a dental hygiene plan personalized to your oral health.
Whitening Toothpaste
Always try to buy toothpaste that has a clearly-mentioned whitening formula. Whitening toothpaste makes use of polishers, abrasives to lighten dark spots, and bleaching agents to brighten your smile. Don’t expect instant results though, whitening toothpaste typically takes months to produce noticeable results. Regardless, they are still the most universally-used product for teeth whitening because they’re easy to incorporate into your daily oral care regimen. In fact, it should be part of your daily oral care routine anyway, even if you are using other teeth whitening processes, since it also maintains your teeth. Regular use of whitening toothpaste will help you achieve and maintain a bright white smile.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are typically more effective than toothpaste alone. They use peroxides and whiten your smile quickly. There are both over-the-counter strips and professional strips available. Neither are designed for your bite and mouth specifically, so you may not see the same results as someone else using the same product. Strips work great if you have minor staining and are looking to brighten up your teeth quickly and at a low cost.
Brushing with Baking Soda
Baking soda has long been used as an alternative to toothpaste. Many people will admit to brushing teeth with just baking soda. Today, many toothpaste manufacturers are incorporating baking soda into their formula.
To use baking soda as a toothpaste, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. Adding a few drops of peppermint or clove essential oil can add to the fresh feel it leaves behind. Do not add essential oils directly to your toothbrush as it can quickly degrade the bristles of the brush. You should only be brushing with baking soda a few times per week and in addition to your regular toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling originated in India and is part of a natural healing practice called Ayurveda. This method is used to improve oral hygiene and remove toxins from the body. The practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria, which can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to look yellow. Coconut oil is a popular choice because it has a pleasant taste and offers many additional health benefits. Coconut oil is also high in lauric acid, which is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Unlike many other tooth whitening methods, coconut oil pulling does not expose your teeth to acid or other ingredients that erode the enamel. This means it is safe to do daily.
To oil pull, put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and push and pull the oil through your teeth. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you may need to wait a few seconds for it to melt. Continue the oil pulling for a full 15–20 minutes. Be sure to spit the coconut oil into a toilet or trash can, as it could return to solid form once in your drain pipes and cause a clog.
Diet
Prevent tooth stains before they happen by being mindful of the food and beverages you are consuming throughout the day. Coffee, red wine, soda, and dark berries, for example, all have properties that will leave stains on your teeth. You don’t need to cut these out of your diet completely, but be mindful of your intake. You should also consider brushing your teeth before and after consuming any one of these food or beverages, this will help prevent stains from forming. Using a straw with dark or stain-producing beverages can also help to minimize staining effects.
If you’d like to learn more about these remedies or any others you may have heard of, please consult your dentist.
By now most people know that brushing their teeth is the foundation of good oral care and prevention. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing the oral plaque that can cause decay and disease.
Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own benefits. The ADA puts a Seal of Acceptance on any toothbrush, electric or manual, that’s proven safe and effective. Read more about the pros and cons and which one might be best for your clients.
Manual toothbrushes come in many different shapes and sizes and are powered by your hand and wrist. Although electric toothbrushes are starting to become the preference over a manual toothbrush for overall oral health, there are some pros and cons to using a manual toothbrush.
Pros:
Cons:
There are currently two types of technology used in electric toothbrushes: oscillating and sonic. We will discuss these before going into the pros and cons.
Oscillating
Oscillating toothbrushes come with smaller, round toothbrush heads that turn (oscillate) quickly in one direction and then in another direction to clean your teeth. They typically oscillate anywhere from 2,500-7,000 strokes per minute depending on the brush.
Some research shows that electric toothbrushes with rotating-oscillating bristles are more effective at removing plaque and preventing periodontal (gum) disease than manual toothbrushes. However, this research did not compare other electric toothbrushes like those who use sonic technology.
Sonic
Sonic toothbrushes use sonic technology which makes the brush vibrate around 31,000 strokes per minute. The brush heads are shaped like regular toothbrush heads and vibrate side to side to clean your teeth.
Many brush manufacturers claim that sonic vibrations push toothpaste, water, and saliva into areas where bristles don’t touch, resulting in a better cleaning, and some scientific evidence does suggest that these brushes will indeed clean areas that others cannot.
Pros:
Cons:
While electric toothbrushes will give patients the best cleaning, the choice between manual versus electric can really come down to a patient’s personal preference and situation. Having an electric toothbrush in the home and a manual one for travel is perfectly acceptable. If, however, your patients prefer manual toothbrushes make sure to share with them the proper technique (timing, technique, etc.) to brush with them.
If you’d like to learn about our manual versus electric toothbrush options or other toothbrushing aids, like timers, that we have available, please contact us today.
Whether your client is a first time parent or well-seasoned, they often have lots of questions and concerns about what they need to do to get their children off to a good start with dental care. You are their best source for information and support for their young child’s dental care. Some questions they might have to promote good oral health and preventing tooth decay for their little ones are; when should they start cleaning? Do they wait until the first tooth comes in or should they start with just brushing their baby’s gums?
Pre-Teething
Proper cleaning is necessary, and should begin even before their baby has any teeth. They should wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around their finger. They can also buy infant finger brushes which are thimble-like, soft rubbery devices that fit over their index finger, to use for rubbing off excess food.
Teething
Once teeth begin coming in, parents should start taking care of them right away. Unfortunately, many parents think baby teeth aren't important because they're eventually replaced by permanent ones. However, these first teeth preserve the spacing for the permanent ones and help their baby chew and talk. If they're not cared for properly, they can decay, leading to gingivitis, which can affect the spacing of their permanent teeth.
How to Brush Baby’s Teeth
Parents can brush their baby’s teeth after each meal or at a minimum, twice a day. Parents should use an infant finger brush or an infant toothbrush moistened with tap water and no more than a pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste. Gently brush all sides (front, back and sides) of their baby’s teeth and lightly massage their gums. Follow with some water to help rinse away any leftover residue from the toothpaste. Until the child reaches an age of 2-3 (when they can be taught to spit after brushing) they will likely swallow the toothpaste, but the small amount being used won’t do any harm to them.
Tips for a Baby that Hates Tooth Brushing
Some babies won’t like tooth brushing time at all, which can make it difficult for them and the parents trying to do the brushing. If you have a patient with this particular issue here are some tips you can give them that might help ease some of the tension during tooth brush time.
We have lots of cool stuff to give to your young patients and their parents to help make brushing time and their trips to the dentist a lot less stressful. Contact us today to learn more about improving dental health for the whole family!
Dental care items given to patients to take home after the patient visit promote good hygiene. Many of these items are available with imprinting such as toothbrushes, floss and the supply bag they take them home in. With imprinted products that receive daily use, you’ll be reminding clients of your name regularly. Increase your practice’s exposure with items like personalized toothbrushes and supply bags, while also providing people with a product that they’ll actually use. So, how can personalized toothbrushes, supply bags or other items help grow your practice?
Better than Business Cards
The days of business cards are not quite gone, but the main issue we have these days is that there are simply too many business cards. Where do you keep the business cards you are handed? In your wallet or in a pile on your desk? When was the last time you looked through them? Been a while hasn’t it? That’s why promotional items like custom toothbrushes or supply bags are the PERFECT replacement. By putting your practice’s name and logo on them (and even contact information), you are reaching out to current and potential future clients in a new and unique way, instead of just stuffing yet another business card in their wallet or purse. Some reusable supply bags even have a business card pocket that can be used for appointment reminder cards or information on referral bonuses.
Create Better Exposure and Recognition
When you pass out gifts that are going to be used, it allows your practice to really stick with people. You can also donate them to schools and events to be used in gift bags or simply as giveaways. Now you are reaching a lot of people you never could have going through traditional marketing channels. With a small investment, you will be able to hand out items to potential customers that have the potential to bring you continuous new clients for a lifetime. Even if they don't reach out right away, they will see the item you gave them and in time it could lead to inquiries which could lead to new patients, which is ultimately the goal.
Personalized Products from Quantum Labs
Maintaining your current patients and expanding your clientele is crucial to running a successful dental practice. One way of doing so is to give your patients high-quality gifts so they leave your office with a great last impression. We understand that while everyone values quality, not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend each year on giveaway products. Therefore, we introduced our own line of personalized or "Practice Building" products: high-quality toothbrushes, floss, goodie bags and even lip balm at a fraction of the price you would pay for the major brands. So, instead of an ordinary business card, give a gift of personalized toothbrushes or lip balm that customers will use and think of your practice.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us by phone at 1-800-328-8213 or online.
