Smart ways to choose a local dentist

Choosing a dentist might seem like a fairly easy decision to make. But not when you consider how radically important this specialist’s role is in maintaining your dental health in the long term, or in correcting the alignment of your teeth through metal braces. Here are several things to consider when choosing a dentist in your area.

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Cover the basics

Answer some crucial questions: Is the dentist’s office easy to get to from your home or office? Does it have convenient office hours? If dental benefits are covered by your insurance plan, is the dentist in that network? Is the dentist a member of the ADA? You will do regular visits to this dentist, so it’s a must to cover these basics.

Gauge your personal comfort

Determine if you’re comfortable with the person. Are you able to ask questions freely and explain your symptoms? Does the dentist hear you out and understand your concerns, or do they merely shrug them off? Are you confident discussing important dental procedures with the dentist?

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Look at professional qualifications

Obtain information about the person’s qualifications from the local dental society as well as your insurance carrier. Organizations of specialty dentists list their members as well as qualifications. The dentist’s office, too, should reflect cleanliness and an ongoing policy on infection control.

Launch your search

Use the ADA’s Find-a-Dentist tool, research your local dental society, or seek referral from a trust friend or relative. Local health departments or dental schools can also assist in finding affordable dental services for you.

Meet and greet the dentist

Call or visit the dentist before choosing. See if the office is neat and welcoming and if you think you can work with the dentist for a long time. It’s your oral health at stake after all, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the right fit for your needs.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists and the chief executive of Acceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. For similar reads, visit this page.

Top mouth rinsing tips from dentists

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 Mouth rinsing is serious business. It’s not just a way to freshen your breath, but also a technique to keep your teeth and gums healthy in the long term. Here are some tips on using mouthwash and swishing the bad stuff away. Use the best techniques: It doesn’t matter if mouth rinsing comes before brushing and flossing or after. Do it for 30 to 60 seconds – more than a minute is likely more than enough. Remember that it might take a couple of weeks to see results, whether your mouthwash promises teeth whitening or help against bleeding gums.

It’s not a magic bullet for bad breath: Some mouthwashes only provide a fresh feeling instead of actually curing bad breath. If you are having serious bad breath issues, try to determine the cause rather than simply mask it. Discuss the problem with your dentist.

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Look at the ingredient list: A high alcohol content can lead to a burning sensation in your gums, mouth, and cheeks so you might want to try an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid this. Mouthwash with fluoride also helps in the fight against cavities. Mouthwashes claiming to kill plaque and gingivitis, too, should have anti-microbial properties that temporarily slash the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Read the label: Look for a product with an American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the label. Some organic or natural mouth rinses also have the ADA seal.

Don’t give it to kids younger than 6: These children might not have a good grasp of “swish and spit” and could suffer an upset stomach if they swallow too much mouthwash.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. For similar reads, click here.

Does brushing your teeth with activated charcoal work?

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One of the more popular alternative methods of teeth whitening in recent years is brushing using activated charcoal. It is an ingredient being bannered in various dental products lately. But is it really effective?

Most dentists worldwide are still divided on its effectiveness. Some say that it depends on finding the right product, while others outright insist that activated charcoal is not good for your dental hygiene. It this sense, and assuming you really want to try it out, the best recourse is to ask your dentist to distinguish which toothpaste and whitening products that have it really work.

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Even the American Dental Association (ADA) is cautioning the public that excessive formulations can damage the teeth’s enamel, which will eventually lead to tooth decay. It’s important then to note that products using activated charcoal must pass the abrasiveness test protocol called Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA).

In the first place, buying DIY teeth-whitening products is not recommended. The effects may be quick and the application easy, but, again, the long-term damage to your teeth should be kept in mind. Also, remember that at the moment, not one charcoal product is being recommended by the ADA.

In short, there simply isn’t enough and conclusive research available to provide sufficient evidence of the effectiveness and safety of using activated charcoal.

Dr. Kami Hossis a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. Dr. Hoss has written articles in numerous professional and community journals and publications and has appeared on various TV segments to discuss topics related to dentistry. For similar reads, visit this blog.

Craniofacial biology, in layman’s terms

In canopy or general terms, the science of craniofacial biology refers to a wide range of disciplines that are related to the practice of modern dentistry. 

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With the evolution of molecular biology came craniofacial biology’s distinction as basic science; this is based on a more recent understanding that factors in both biology and dentistry like radiology, gene identification, dental materials, and digital imaging are intrinsic in the prevention, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of orofacial disorders.

To get a better sense of this science, you should first understand what the craniofacial complex is.  It essentially covers the brain and all the organs within it that are key for the body to function: including hearing, sight, smell, taste, as well as respiration and balance.  Craniofacial biology stemmed from the need for a new and more attuned field that can better adhere to the needs of the dental profession today.

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In other words, the science of craniofacial biology exists because it is a more unitary discipline that addresses, investigates, and works on new and emerging technologies related to dentistry.  This is seen as a widening of the first concept of oral biology introduced in the 1960s.  The advancement and future of clinical dental practice are thus now rooted in craniofacial biology’s recognition as an important—and much-needed—health science and discipline.

Dr. Kami Hoss holds a master’s degree in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He co-founded The Super Dentists with his business partner and wife, Dr. Nazli Keri. More info on Dr. Hoss and his work here.

The Difference Between a Dentist And An Orthodontist

Many people get confused as to makes a dentist different from an orthodontist. This bewilderment is understandable because both deal with the teeth and are both doctors. Receiving the right treatment from the right dental professional is vital to keep one’s teeth and mouth in perfect health.

Both dentists and orthodontists focus on oral care. Dentists and orthodontists have undergone five years of education to obtain a degree in dental surgery. However, orthodontists spend three more years to earn the title of master of orthodontics.

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The differences lie in the way the two professionals provide oral care and deal with teeth and gums. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that places emphasis on strengthening the teeth and ensuring a person’s jaws are appropriately aligned. Orthodontists can practice in a dental office and deliver the same care as a dentist. Patients may be referred to an orthodontist by their dentist if they have an overbite. Orthodontists will be the ones to treat patients and improve their bite, (such as misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, and underbite) having them fitted for corrective braces and devices.

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Dentists normally encourage good oral hygiene. They provide services that relate to tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, bridges, crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening. Dentists are the ones in charge of doing general six-month checkups, providing treatments for fillings and extractions, and cleaning and polishing. Braces and Invisalign may be fitted by general dentists. However, they are not experts in the field of orthodontics.

Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is a sough-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists. For similar updates, click here.

Why Dental Assistants Are In High Demand

There has been a massive push for dental assistants lately, with 332,000 dental assistant jobs in the United States in 2016 – and growing. The projection is that these jobs will increase 19 percent from 2016 to 2025, faster than the average profession. But why are dental assistants in such high demand?

Oral health remains a top priority among many adult Americans. An American Dental Association (ADA) survey shows that 77 percent of adults plan to visit their dentist within the next year, while 85 percent feel the need to visit their dentist at least twice annually. A staggering 95 percent think regular dental visits are crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Being a dental assistant is therefore embarking on a fast-paced industry like dentistry. The duties and responsibilities are clear and valuable, from checking patient health status and preparing dental instruments and equipment, to providing post-treatment instructions and accomplishing office management tasks. Dental assistants are also tasked to contact patients and suppliers, as well as organize office data and records.

Ongoing research also continues to link oral health and general health, and this will likely continue to enhance the demand for preventive dental services. Dental clinics and offices will keep having the need for dental assistants to perform routine tasks and allow the dentists themselves to see more patients in their practice and take over more complex procedures.

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As the industry grows, there will be more openings for dental assistant positions, and the momentum will likely to continue for years and decades to come.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists and the chief executive of Acceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. Read more on this site.

Newly Opened Dental Academy Offers Scholarships In San Diego

Whenever you go to the dentists for a procedure, it’s not just the dentists who does the heavy lifting. Dental assistants are vital in the dental health industry. From doing small jobs like cleaning and prepping to assisting dentists during complicated procedures, dental assistants have a huge role in the professional ecosystem of dental care. And more competent dental assistants are an ever-pressing need.

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That’s why founders of The Super Dentists, a group of the best orthodontic and pediatric dentistry experts in San Diego, opened a state-of-the-art Dental Board of California approved dental school called the Howard Healthcare Academy on June 2, 2018. The academy is located at 9737 Drive in the Sierra Mesa area of San Diego.

During the launch, the academy announced a $10,000 scholarship grant to a participant of the open house and the 11th scholarship recipient of the Howard Healthcare Academy. Other activities done during the opening were tours of the new facilities, as well as free CPR certification classes for the guests.

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This endeavor aims to train future dental assistants and practitioners to the highest extent of the craft and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in their careers. The Super Dentists could very well need their help in ensuring the dental health of the citizens of California.

Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. A sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business, Dr. Hoss has written articles published in numerous professional and community journals and publications and has been asked to appear on many news organizations' TV segments to discuss a variety of topics. For inquiries on the Howard Healthcare Academy, visit this website.

A Look At The Latest Trends In Dental Technology

Advancements in dental technology have led to modern solutions to traditional dental problems while ensuring the best, most effective, and most comfortable treatments. Let’s look at some trends either becoming more commonly used today or nearing industry-wide implementation.

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First is the bigger role of 3D printers in the industry. Major manufacturers currently apply the technology to producing orthodontic appliances, fabricating models, and guiding surgery. Pretty soon the benefits of 3D printing in the industry will lead to everyday, widespread use. 

Another trend is the rise of digital X-rays. These allow for a comprehensive 3D image of the overall composition of our teeth and mouth, aiding dentists in locating potential dental problems and going toward recommending changes in dental habits as preventive measures. 

We are also seeing bigger roles for dental assistants in clinics. The pressure of delivering more efficient service is pushing dentists to hire more assistants. This ensures fluid operational flow by delegating work without sacrificing quality of service. Certified assistants can, for example, oversee provisional fabrication or making digital impressions. 

Lastly, there’s the advent of laser dentistry, now becoming increasingly popular for being generally painless. This is done by using a small, precise laser that can fit between the tooth and gum, a minimally invasive procedure for treating gum disease or simply removing excess plaque.

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Dr. Kami Hoss is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He has written articles published in numerous professional and community journals and publications. Visit this webpage for more dental industry news.

Why Financial Literacy Is Important

Financial literacy in its simplest form is the knowledge of money matters. A financially literate person would know how a checking account works, how a credit card figures into one’s budget, and how to avoid being in debt, among others. The main goal of financial literacy is to educate people so they can make decisions on finances that are both responsible and sound.

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The impact of financial literacy can be felt most at home. It affects a household’s issues regarding funds. Budgeting daily, weekly, and monthly expenses, buying a house or a car, going on a vacation, saving for a child’s schooling as well as one’s own retirement, all involve financial literacy. 

Over the years, financial literacy has gotten more significant. Take for instance retirement planning, which is an indicator of consumers beginning to shoulder more financial burdens. Without financial literacy, retirement would be a perilous journey, especially for those who no longer have income. Financial literacy enables one to understand things such as nest eggs and pension plans, and actively participate in the planning of their own funds. 

Financial literacy is also invaluable when a person is about to invest in something big, like a house or a car or insurance, especially if he is planning to take out a loan for it. The processes to take out the loan and invest are all very technical. And financial literacy is the compass that guides a person through it. 

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Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also a philanthropist and is part of Junior Achievement of San Diego Country, whose programs such as the JA BizTown teach elementary school students about financial literacy. For more articles like this, visit this blog.