HCD Headlines 7-30-2026
Thank you to everyone who participated with our team meeting regarding conflict. We are going to continue this skill development throughout the rest of our team meetings this year. If you have a specific question or concern you'd like addressed, please remember to use the Idea box at the front desk or speak directly with myself or Te.
For now, this is a great reminder on how to use words that both strengthen us as professionals and keep the communication positive and uplifting. I've kept this image as a reminder to me to stop apologizing. Too much apologizing will diminish us as a person to the point where we're apologizing for living! Let's find different ways to correct the situation, instill confidence in ourselves, and strengthen our relationships with one another.
August Schedule
We have multiple out due to hunting season. We will also be closed 8/12-8/14 due to floor renovations. Assistants, if you need the hours, please talk to me ASAP so we can plan accordingly while your doctor is out. I appreciate your attention to these details.
Article on "Deep Cleanings"
I just read this article from DentistryIQ. Please read it and be ready to discuss other ways we can discuss periodontal treatment without oversimplifying it.
Is it time to retire the term "deep cleaning"? Clear, accurate periodontal terminology helps patients better understand scaling and root planing, supports informed treatment decisions, and reinforces the essential role of dental hygienists in preventing and managing periodontal disease.
Myofunctional Care at HCD
Dr. Waddle has been working hard to implement myofunctional therapy at HCD. From writing an article for the local Coastal Trail magazine to connecting with myofunctional professionals throughout Alaska, DAW is creating a starting point for patients that would benefit from this type of therapy.
With that in mind, our marketing focus in August with revolve around myofunctional therapy. If you have a patient that would benefit from this care, please refer them to DAW or talk to her directly about how to go about starting that process.
We have exam templates already in place for myofunctional screenings thanks to DAW and Ikaika. We have a few more logistical things to put into place which will discuss at our next team meeting.
Until then, here's a comment I recently saw on a dental professional FB group regarding myofunctional therapy. It's interesting to see how many people are starting to get on the myo-train because of the benefits it provides.
Periapical X-rays & Principal Life
We just received our first pushback from Principal Life regarding taking more than one PA on a patient. They wanted more information and to see the images. This is something we mentioned was coming down the pipeline, and it has arrived!
With this change and hearing that other insurances will follow suite, we have included this template note with the periodic exam. It will eventually appear in the existing comprehensive exam, but right now I'm having technical difficulties with it. It is unnecessary in NP comprehensive exams at this time.
The prompt will appear after the initial purpose of images is listed. If it is not needed for your patient, PLEASE DELETE.
DX: Exam
Images taken: ~Xrays~
Purpose: ~Xrays - purpose~
PA taken on tooth #: ~Tooth-Select Multiple~ to assess/monitor the ~X-rays PA Purpose~
Reviewed by: ~Xrays - Reviewed by~
The options will be:
existing implant for potential bone loss
existing RCT for potential recurrent abscess or root fractures
bone level and progression of the patient's periodontal disease
The biggest thing to remember is to DELETE IF NOT NEEDED. Leaving blanks or unrelated information in the clinical note is a sign of neglect from a legal standpoint.
The ADA came out against Principal's new narrative requirements. Nothing has changed yet, but it's interesting to read. READ MORE HERE.
Wellness Reminder
Thank you to everyone participating and keeping track of their points through this current Wellness Challenge! Remember to turn your numbers in on Wednesday morning so we can tally them before the team meetings on Thursday.
A quick focus on some of the points you might be missing out on:
If you pray, meditate, or journal during the day at a minimum of 20 minutes- you can get 50 points.
If you write 3 things you’re grateful for everyday you can get 30 points- they must be different everyday and you have to do all 3 to get the points.
For every hour you read a book of your choice- you can get 60 points. Have to read the full hour to get the full points.
If you sign up for an art class or take an art class online you can get 100 points per creative project you finish.
With that in mind, here is a great breakdown on how mindfulness helps reduce stress which reduces inflammation which reduces your risk cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory medical issues.
Please share with your team how the way or ways you make mindfulness part of your daily routine. This will show everyone you're caught up on the headlines!
Go out and fish this weekend! And make sure you share your photos with Princess so we can get them on our social media, too... lol
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