Dental industry news, trends and information from Patterson Dental.
As a vibrant local business, your dental office has the distinct opportunity to be a leader amongst the other businesses on your street and in your city. There are numerous ways to contribute locally, from charitable donations like sponsoring a local team to volunteerism – […]
The days are long, the sun is hot, ice cream tastes extra delicious, and outdoor concert season is in full swing. There’s no denying it: we’re in the heart of SUMMER! Beaches and BBQs shouldn’t be the only places infused with #SummerVibes, though. From themed […]
Lips: Whether they’re thick, thin, pouty, or plump, we’ve all got ’em – and thank goodness we do! They help us speak, emote, eat, drink, and they have the all-important job of protecting our mouths. For bearing all of that responsibility, we should take at […]
Warm pumpkin spice, tart caramel apples, gooey pecan pie…these are the iconic flavors and smells of fall. We know they make for tasty treats, delightful drinks, and comforting candles, but how would they fare if they were turned into dental floss flavors? We said see […]
Does your practice offer multiple whitening solutions? If so, how successful are you at encouraging your patients to use them? According to the American Dental Association, in the past 20 years, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular esthetic dental treatments. Whiter teeth […]
Your patients want to look and feel their best – which includes sporting beautiful pearly whites. That’s why offering teeth whitening services at your practice is a no-brainer since every patient is a good candidate for some form of whitening. But how do you break […]
Effective today, January 18, 2017, the FDA has banned the use of powdered medical gloves. If you have purchased powdered gloves during the last six months, we want to make sure you are aware of the ban and take appropriate action. Any powdered gloves remaining […]
There’s no denying it, this really is the most wonderful time of the year! Not only does the holiday season bring with it an abundance of yummy food and quality time with family and loved ones, it also means that we embrace the spirit of […]
As is true with most dental procedures, the “best way” to perform a simple composite restoration is largely based on personal preference. A successful restoration can be achieved with a wide variety of instruments, materials, and bonding agents. In the sample tray setup we have […]
Have you used an air polisher lately? For many of you, the answer is sure to be no. Maybe your device is sitting in a cabinet because your patients used to complain about the taste and texture, or perhaps your office doesn’t have one at […]
Houseguests can be a pleasure to host if they’re courteous and polite, which thankfully is most often the case. Unfortunately, though, most of us have also experienced the “other” kind of guests…the kind that take “make yourself at home” far too literally. They leave lights […]
A gingivitis diagnosis can leave a patient discouraged about their oral health, and as the practitioner it’s up to you to deliver a solution that provides the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel! One of many keys to helping a patient to combat […]
Let’s face it, cleaning and sterilizing instruments for re-use might just be one of the most tedious and dull parts of your day. But the bottom line is that it is also a crucial part of your day. Ensuring that instruments are free of potentially […]
A funny thing happens when you find a product that offers both supreme comfort and the right fit: safety and peace of mind come right along with it. For parents, this might be that time you found the perfect car seat for your toddler. For […]
Floss every day because flossing once a day increases your life expectancy by 6 years! Floss every day because if you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 35% of your tooth surfaces! Floss every day because flossing is essential in preventing bad breath, tartar build-up, and […]
It’s true. Your patients look forward to that squeaky clean feeling after a professional dental cleaning. But as dental professionals, we know it’s not just about helping patients’ smiles look bright and fresh. Cleanings remove bacterial plaque and tartar not only from the visible portions […]
Hot coffee or iced coffee? Sandals or loafers? Bring lunch or buy lunch? Happy hour or home? As working professionals our weekdays are filled with choices, and for dental industry professional those choices can swiftly multiply! Which file, which bur, which fluoride…the list goes on. […]
Think back to when you were young and your parents took you to the dentist. Whether you had to be drug there or went with little complaint, most kids didn’t particularly enjoy spending time at the tooth doc’s office (**exception: picking out a toothbrush and […]
As a dental professional, you undoubtedly are often asked by your patients, “What’s the best kind of toothpaste to use?” For many patients, any off-the-shelf toothpaste is adequate for daily cleaning, but for some, a stronger solution is needed. These patients may not realize that […]
Local anesthetics are among the most commonly administered drugs in clinical dentistry. Articaine and Lidocaine, two of the most popular types, may sound similar, but there are key differences in their chemical makeups. Understanding these differences can help guide you when choosing the safest and […]
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, remains the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the U.S. According to a recent study, 5-10% of U.S. children will experience oral health issues by the age of three. What is even more alarming is […]
A win feels good no matter what, but wouldn’t you agree that some wins are worth more than others? Winning the lottery, for instance, probably feels more valuable than winning a game of Pinochle against grandma. What about our giveaway? Well, it’s worth 72! Read […]
Ahhh, the busy hum of a bustling dental office. The chipper chatter of patients, the whir of a high-speed handpiece, the whoosh of the suction…all of this din may seem routine and comforting, but did you know it may also be dangerous? The National Institute […]
The fact of the matter is this: medical emergencies are a frequent occurrence in dental offices, and being prepared to handle such an emergency properly and efficiently is of paramount importance both for your patients and your practice. By being prepared, we don’t mean merely […]
As you know from pedo-focused (Tooth) Picks past, we love gabbing about the importance of helping children establish proper oral care habits as early as possible. One of the best ways to encourage kids to engage in such habits is by making the tasks FUN! […]
It’s Earth Day: A day when recycling, re-purposing, upcycling, and small ways to give back to planet earth are all top of mind. Many dental products – including most dental floss and floss containers – aren’t recyclable in the traditional fashion, but there are plenty […]
Patterson Dental has recently announced that pharmaceuticals are now available for purchase on our website, including certain products that are classified as controlled substances. Unlike other products, the sale of controlled substances is regulated by the government, and as such certain procedures are integrated into […]
From outlining the 7 steps of endodontics, to covering 8 products at the root of root canals, we’ve enjoyed taking the month of March to publish various pieces of content focused on endodontics. The month isn’t over yet, though, and today we’ll be sharing a […]
Fortunately, Endodontics – the dental specialty which concerns the study and treatment of dental pulp – is an area of dentistry that has seen tremendous growth over the last 20 years. Unfortunately, however, this particular specialty is often still overlooked or dismissed. This can largely […]
Flying cars and hover boards may not be here yet (well, at least not safe ones), but the future has arrived when it comes to one thing: brushing your teeth. Bluetooth technology has introduced a whole new world of possibilities in home oral care. The […]