Now in its third year, the prestigious Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Awards program was created by Cellerant Consulting founder and CEO Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, to honour the standout dental products designed for use during dental hygiene appointments. Chosen by a panel of dental hygiene thought leaders, the awards highlight innovative technologies, materials, and other solutions designed to help provide enhanced clinical outcomes, improved clinician ergonomics, and optimized hygiene treatment.
Over the course of each year, the selection panel seeks out and conducts research on potentially practice-changing technologies, with deliberations on nominees and final voting taking place in February. Panellists are precluded from voting in any category where they have consulting relationships. The entire selection process is conducted and managed on a not-for-profit basis.
As the world of dentistry continues to evolve, it is important to keep an eye on the emerging trends and technologies that can help dental hygienists provide the best care possible.
Here are three exciting innovations that hygienists should look for in 2023.
- Salivary Diagnostics – Salivary diagnostics are gaining in popularity, as they provide a way to diagnose oral health conditions without requiring invasive procedures. Salivary diagnostics can be used to detect the presence of disease-causing bacteria and provide early warning signs of oral health issues like periodontal disease. Be on the lookout for new developments in diagnostic companies launching this year!
- Artificial Intelligence – Another trend to look out for is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dental hygiene. AI technology can be used to automate mundane tasks like appointment scheduling and documentation and can also help hygienists in diagnosing and treating dental diseases. Dental AI can review dental radiographs, creating more streamlined diagnostics procedures and enhancing patient acceptance of treatment.
- Dental Lasers – Finally, dental lasers are becoming increasingly popular in dental hygiene operatories. Dental lasers can help reduce pain and provide a more comfortable patient experience. They can also be used to clean and sanitize teeth, reduce the risk of infection, and help prevent disease spread.
The Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Awards is the only program of its kind, earning coverage from the dental media across North America. This year, winning products will again be showcased at the Under One Roof annual meeting. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience these technologies first-hand on the exhibition floor and meet the voting panel to learn more about why the winners were selected.
For more information on the Cellerant Best of Class Awards, go to cellerantconsulting.com!
About the Author
Melissa K. Turner, is a fresh force of change and is on a powerful mission to transform the future of dentistry for both patient and practitioner. An award-winning speaker, key opinion influencer, and hygienist, Melissa represents a new generation in dentistry through a focus on inclusion, practitioner well-being, and innovative technology. She is a 2022 recipient of the Sunstar Award of Distinction, the dental hygiene industry’s highest honor, and is a top dental content creator nationwide. She leads the Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Awards as their Chief Hygiene Officer and Director of Social Strategy. Learn more and contact her at www.melissakturner.com
