Anastasia Turchetta, RDH

, chatted with Jen Post, RDH, an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, about how fluoride works and if it is safe. 

When using a prescription toothpaste that delivers fluoride, a protective barrier is created around the calcium during manufacturing to allow it to coexist with the fluoride ions. This barrier breaks down when it comes in contact with saliva, allowing remineralization to occur.

RELATED: Read a clinician's review of Clinpro 5000

"The fluoride helps bring the calcium and phosphate into the tooth, so I like to think of it as a bridge," Post said. "Those are really the building blocks of the enamel and help make the tooth strong."

During one part of the interview below, Turchetta asked Post how long that her patients can expect the fluoride to last.

"When we think about fluoride, we don't always think about how long it lasts. Really it's more about the mechanism of action," Post said. "As long as the calcium and phosphate are available in the saliva and we have fluoride introduced, then it's going to be bringing those in as long as it's available."

RELATED: Anastasia Turchetta's 5 hot dental hygiene topics for 2015

. You can hear the entire interview by watching the video below. 

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 On a recent Google Hangout, Anastasia Turchetta, RDH, chatted with Jen Post, RDH, an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, about how fluoride works and if it is safe. 

Straight Talk: How a prescription fluoride toothpaste works

	There’s no question that Patti DiGangi and Shirley Gutkowski shook things up when they wrote their article, “

3 reasons why a Modern Millennial Hygienist does not perio chart

.” The article by these two respected dental hygienists took social media by storm and was passionately discussed by their peers throughout the country.

, Anastasia Turchetta, RDH, revisited the article with DiGangi and asked for some of her thoughts on why it was a topic that drew so many responses.

“We were trying to get across that there are some things you have to think about differently and the ways that you can do that,” DiGangi said. “There is a feeling out there that sacred cows sometimes can’t be challenged. I don’t understand that. Everything should be challenged and examined and I think it’s important for our profession to do that.”

DiGangi also talked about why she and Gutkowski began the 

“It all boils down to a state of mind,” DiGangi explained. “It’s like the old saying goes, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’ That’s important to us and to the dental hygiene profession … we have to see where we can change things and how we can do it. Ultimately, it’s about what is best for our patients and that’s the thing we have to all keep as the goal at the end of the day.”

More from Patti DiGangi:	CDT 2015 shifts and coding tips every dental practice should know

You can hear more of Turchetta and DiGangi discussing the controversial article, the future of Modern Millennial Hygienists, and more in the latest edition of Straight Talk below.

 There’s no question that Patti DiGangi and Shirley Gutkowski shook things up when they wrote their article, “3 reasons why a Modern Millennial Hygienist does not perio chart.” The article by these two respected dental hygienists took social media by storm and was passionately discussed by their peers throughout the country.

Straight Talk: Revisiting a controversial article and the importance of the Modern Millennial Hygienist

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." -- Alan Watts

Change happens … change in our patients, the way we practice, the products we use, and the choices we make to expand our career. When deciding whether to plunge into the entrepreneur “dance” or choose another path, consider reflecting on four things for your success.


	The decision to be an entrepreneur is a bold one. After all, it almost sounds glamorous, kind of like how traveling sounds … until you experience delays, cancelations, zero priority with an airline, lost luggage, or a cab ride that rivals your worst passenger experience ever!

Ask yourself what your message will be, who will be your audience, what platform will deliver best, and then be bold in your actions to accomplish it. Stand by your decision while remaining flexible. It is in this space that you will be open to learn more about your skills and how to hone them.

RELATED: Anastasia's 5 hot dental hygiene topics for 2015


	It would be great to be liked by everyone, but that is not reality. Say this out loud, “Being respected trumps being rejected.” Be respected for your character, passion, image, brand, leadership, and expertise.

Anastasia asks if you're willing to grow yourself to grow your paycheck


	It will happen. You will get let go from a project. If you work with corporate America, there will be decisions or leadership you will not agree with and you will have colleagues “talk.” There’s no way around it … it will suck.  This is part of the dance. How you respond reinforces your level of boldness as a business owner and empowers your ability to persevere with a strength you didn’t know you had!

Anastasia dishes on 3 things that have made her a better hygienist


	Speak it, show it, and take time to recognize it daily. Surround yourself with people who live it.

May those of you who choose this route embrace the ride! Look at change as a dance and join in!

I’d like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to be your editor. Until the next time we meet … “Take What You Learn & Make A Difference With It!”

 "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." -- Alan Watts

4 characteristics dental hygienists need to become successful entrepreneurs

	Our industry is currently buzzing about a deflate debate … and I’m not referring to the Super Bowl! Our post last week on the numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics initiated more controversy than the Go Daddy commercial pulled from its potential showing for the Super Bowl!

If you missed that salary post, allow me to bring you up to date. 

The annual income and hourly wage for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in our 50 states was wrapped neatly in an average number bow and placed oh so quietly here online for us to view

I’m thankful this has created engagement and constructive conversation! This average has given us a baseline to work with and, after all, isn’t that exactly what we do every day with our patients? We have baselines for their current state of oral health, which flow into services we either provide or treatment that we recommend out of our scope of practice to improve or maintain health. To me, it is no different.

More from Anastasia: 3 things that have made me a better hygienist

Are the numbers deflated? I say heck yes! So let’s stop complaining and as the leaders in our profession, discuss some solutions. Sit down with an open mind and really reflect on what you bring to your profession for your practice and patients every hour of every workday. Here are some questions to get you started. How can I add value to the practice? For example, get local anesthesia certification, laser certified and integrate a comprehensive periodontal program, etc. View the video below for additional solutions to consider.

Once you discover what areas of professional development you can improve, write a plan of integration showing leadership and investment in the practice and be consistent with your message … the time for salary discussion will promptly arrive.

Yes, some of us may awaken by the realization that you may out grow your current state of average. 

DentalPost just launched a matchmaking service for dental professionals

. Office culture, values, and skill sets are matched to nurture stronger dental teams and better service.

"I'm intimidated by the fear of being average." -- Taylor Swift

Ask yourself this question: What am I willing and able to do to impress how the average isn’t good enough for your current practice skill sets?

 Our industry is currently buzzing about a deflate debate … and I’m not referring to the Super Bowl! Our post last week on the numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics initiated more controversy than the Go Daddy commercial pulled from its potential showing for the Super Bowl!

Author | Anastasia Turchetta, RDH

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