Throwback: Words of Wisdom by Sheena Hinson, RDH

Posted on July 3, 2026March 9, 2026 by Sheena Hinson RDH

Every patient is different. Overcoming a patient’s obstacles to treatment may take some finesse. The diagnosis and treatment plan are typically the easier task. In this series, we have asked the experts from our Protocol Directory, “How would they help the patient overcome their obstacle(s)?” Patient: “Will my insurance cover this?” This is one of the greater dilemmas in the dental industry. It’s a roadblock disguised as access to care for many patients. For years, they have been misle...

“Dental Hygienist Pay Up 20% Since 2020”: What That Really Means for Your Practice

Posted on September 26, 2025September 25, 2025 by Michael Goldberg DMD

Why This Should Concern Every Dentist and Hygienist Hygienist pay has risen 20% since 2020. That sounds great—until you realize that hygiene collectible production (not projected, not on paper, but truly collectible) must also rise by 20% just to keep pace. If reimbursements and fees haven’t increased by that much—and let’s be honest, they haven’t—then hygiene risks becoming a loss leader rather than a profit center. And if hygiene isn’t profitable, opportunities for growth—for both den...

Testing and Coding Improving Patient’s Health

Posted on May 4, 2018May 19, 2021 by Patti DiGangi RDH BS

Periodontal disease starts with a biofilm-based infection that creates a wound that in turn, induces the inflammatory cascade responsible for the disease. This wound should be taken seriously! A variety of tests are available to determine risk, genetics, and the specific pathogens involved with periodontal disease. OralDNA® Labs salivary diagnostic testing helps improve oral health outcomes and enables patients to make more informed choices regarding their professional treatment and at-ho...