Turning Over New Stones

This month's cover story almost did not happen. When the Inside Dental Hygiene and Inside Dental Technology teams were approached about exploring the potential benefits of improving communication and collaboration between dental hygienists and dental laboratory technicians, the first few people we spoke to were hesitant. Not only was there very little existing collaboration of which to speak, but there also was skepticism about whether it even mattered; was there even any potential impact?

We dug deeper, however, and were excited to find some people who are not only making efforts to connect these two professions but are also encouraging us to promote that connection. A laboratory technician may not immediately think about the impact a dental hygienist can have on their work, and a dental hygienist might not have laboratories at the top of their list of resources for improving their patient care, but in the pursuit of excellence each one absolutely can help the other.

Realistically, a seismic shift in attitudes is unlikely. What the dental professionals we spoke to suggest most is simply opening the lines of communication. One short conversation yielding one new piece of knowledge can go a long way and impact many different patients, and the way to find those new pieces of knowledge is keeping an open mind. You never know when a topic you thought wouldn't have led anywhere will become useful after all.
 

Editorial Advisory Board

India R. Chance,BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

Maria L. Geisinger, DDS

Lory Laughter, RDH, MS

Ashley Leavitt, RDH

Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH

Jill Meyer-Lippert, RDH

Tricia Osuna, RDH, BSDH, FAADH

Stephanie Pajot, RDH

Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH

Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSC