I like to think that I am a sensitive person. However, sometimes I can be too sensitive. Our office has two hygienists and we are very different in our personalities. I tend to be more on the talkative side and Eileen is more on the quiet side. This is actually a good thing.
We are both dedicated clinicians with many years of experience. When patients call to schedule an appointment, they have a choice as to which hygienist they would prefer. Usually the patient will have a favorite, but sometimes they will say it doesn’t matter.
At first I felt badly, fearful that I may have offended a patient or that they did not like me. In retrospect, knowing that our patients are confident with either myself or Eileen is very comforting. It’s wonderful to have loyal patients, but it isn’t the end of the world switch things up a bit. Everyone has something different to bring to the table.
Embrace differences.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A new Easter tradition
Easter Greetings! Lent is over. Our family goal was to keep a positive attitude, which proved to be very beneficial for us all. We are enjoying each other’s company more, and with our busy schedules, quantity time is limited so the quality time has been really a blessing.
Easter is a great time to reflect on the many wonderful blessings we have. Today, instead of rushing home from church to feast on Easter basket goodies, our family and friends volunteered at a local church that serves dinner to the hungry and homeless. This is a weekly event for the community that doesn’t close for holidays, snow days, vacations and the like. It was an eye opener for my kids to see that not everyone has the warmth of a home or the excitement of an Easter basket. They want to continue to volunteer on a regular basis. It only took a couple hours out of our Sunday to make a difference.
Not all of our service has to be dental related. Encourage your children to reach out to those less fortunate. They will gain so much more than they give.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Easter is a great time to reflect on the many wonderful blessings we have. Today, instead of rushing home from church to feast on Easter basket goodies, our family and friends volunteered at a local church that serves dinner to the hungry and homeless. This is a weekly event for the community that doesn’t close for holidays, snow days, vacations and the like. It was an eye opener for my kids to see that not everyone has the warmth of a home or the excitement of an Easter basket. They want to continue to volunteer on a regular basis. It only took a couple hours out of our Sunday to make a difference.
Not all of our service has to be dental related. Encourage your children to reach out to those less fortunate. They will gain so much more than they give.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Value the huddle
It’s the third Thursday of the month—which probably doesn’t mean much to all of you—but at Cedar Hills Family Dentistry, it means it’s time for our monthly staff meeting/lunch.
People often cringe at the thought of staff meetings, but I actually enjoy them and find considerable value in them. Monthly, we go over the calendar for the year, making sure everyone knows vacation dates, continuing education courses, and even birthdays. We also discuss any concerns we may have regarding everyday happenings at the office. We also have morning huddles to go over the daily schedule, which also are very beneficial. We review health histories, treatment plans and make our game plan for the day. Without the huddles, there are many times when I wouldn’t get a chance to talk with the assistants until half the day is over we meet in the sterilization room handling instruments. If your office doesn’t have monthly staff meetings or morning huddles, I highly recommend them.
Today’s staff meeting was especially rewarding. Recycling is a biggie in our office. We save all the lead backings from film packets, old crowns, foils and any scrap metal. An elderly gentleman in town collects it all and recycles it for us. Our recycling check was more than expected due to the increased value of metals. Today, we each received a nice Easter card with a bonus inside rewarding us for our part in recycling. It really does pay off!
I think I will use my bonus to get a massage.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
People often cringe at the thought of staff meetings, but I actually enjoy them and find considerable value in them. Monthly, we go over the calendar for the year, making sure everyone knows vacation dates, continuing education courses, and even birthdays. We also discuss any concerns we may have regarding everyday happenings at the office. We also have morning huddles to go over the daily schedule, which also are very beneficial. We review health histories, treatment plans and make our game plan for the day. Without the huddles, there are many times when I wouldn’t get a chance to talk with the assistants until half the day is over we meet in the sterilization room handling instruments. If your office doesn’t have monthly staff meetings or morning huddles, I highly recommend them.
Today’s staff meeting was especially rewarding. Recycling is a biggie in our office. We save all the lead backings from film packets, old crowns, foils and any scrap metal. An elderly gentleman in town collects it all and recycles it for us. Our recycling check was more than expected due to the increased value of metals. Today, we each received a nice Easter card with a bonus inside rewarding us for our part in recycling. It really does pay off!
I think I will use my bonus to get a massage.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Express Yourself
St. Patrick’s Day—while not necessarily a Hallmark holiday—is one that I enjoy celebrating. So this March 17th, I donned my green scrubs and headed off to work. I smiled when one of my Irish patients came in; she has a four leafed clover tattooed on the facial of No. 30. She is very proud of her heritage and flashes her "tat" every chance she gets.
Everyone has a different way of expressing themselves. While I personally would never get a real tattoo on my skin, I must admit that I've added a bit of "bling" to my smile. I have a small heart on the facial of No. 30 and a toothbrush on the facial of No. 14. If you need a crown, why not make it fun?
In my 22+ years of private practice, I have seen many unique porcelain tattoos. A life flight pilot I know has a small helicopter on No. 3. A retired Navy officer turned attorney has the "mud flap lady" on his molar. (I have a feeling that was done prior to law school and marriage.)
Give patients the option of decorating their crowns. You’d be surprised how many like the idea. The lab fees run about $50-$75 in Idaho. Keep smiling.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Everyone has a different way of expressing themselves. While I personally would never get a real tattoo on my skin, I must admit that I've added a bit of "bling" to my smile. I have a small heart on the facial of No. 30 and a toothbrush on the facial of No. 14. If you need a crown, why not make it fun?
In my 22+ years of private practice, I have seen many unique porcelain tattoos. A life flight pilot I know has a small helicopter on No. 3. A retired Navy officer turned attorney has the "mud flap lady" on his molar. (I have a feeling that was done prior to law school and marriage.)
Give patients the option of decorating their crowns. You’d be surprised how many like the idea. The lab fees run about $50-$75 in Idaho. Keep smiling.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Get set for Spring
Softball, baseball, lacrosse…oh my!
Spring sports are in full gear, and its this time each year that we have numerous sports injuries come into the office. Even though mouth guards aren’t required in many sports, we should encourage kids wear them. It only takes a second to get a hit to the mouth that can fracture the teeth, lip and alveolar bone.
Come on kids, grin and wear it!
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Spring sports are in full gear, and its this time each year that we have numerous sports injuries come into the office. Even though mouth guards aren’t required in many sports, we should encourage kids wear them. It only takes a second to get a hit to the mouth that can fracture the teeth, lip and alveolar bone.
Come on kids, grin and wear it!
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Restless Leg Syndrome?
This entry might make you wonder about my sanity.
I sleep with a bar of soap in my bed.
I know this seems weird, so let me explain the ‘scientific’ reasoning behind my new obsession…
I listen to the same local radio station every morning. Wayne and Eliza are two of the best radio personalities in southeast Idaho. Listeners will call in to comment on whatever the topic of the day happens to be. Their morning show is very interactive and educational.
Two months ago, home remedies were discussed. Restless Leg Syndrome, RLS, is a common ailment in adults, and Requip is a newer prescription drug used to treat this disorder. As with most medications, there are side effects to be aware of—morning drowsiness is apparently a common complaint. A listener called in with a remedy to ‘cure’ RLS. She shared that putting an unwrapped bar of soap between the fitted sheet and the mattress pad of your bed will eliminate RLS. As you can imagine, I thought she was crazy.
Much to my surprise, a local neurologist called in and agreed that this ‘cure’ has been known to work, but he didn’t know why. I personally have struggled with RLS for many years and have discussed treatments with my pharmacist and physician. I take an iron supplement and my energy has increased considerably, but the RLS didn’t change much. I thought, “Heck, what do I have to loose?” I placed an unwrapped bar of Suave soap in my bed and went to work.
All day, I thought about the soap. I was really excited to get home in anticipation of a good night’s sleep. I didn’t tell my husband about the soap. He isn’t one to buy into ‘miracle cures’. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. (And I didn’t want to hear the backlash if it didn’t work.)
I slept better that night than I have in years. I don’t know why it works, but it does. It makes no sense whatsoever. I absolutely believe in the power of the soap.
Since then, I have suggested this remedy to patients, co-workers, friends and family. Everyone that I have recommended this to has been pleasantly surprised with the results. A local assisted living center now has many residents with soap in their beds and under the couch cushions! I finally told my husband what I had done. He thinks I have totally lost it, but admitted that I sleep more sound and my leg twitches have ceased. From now on, when I travel, I will be bringing a bar of soap with me. My suitcase will smell nice and I will sleep well.
If this works for anyone else, please let me know.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa Higbee
I sleep with a bar of soap in my bed.
I know this seems weird, so let me explain the ‘scientific’ reasoning behind my new obsession…
I listen to the same local radio station every morning. Wayne and Eliza are two of the best radio personalities in southeast Idaho. Listeners will call in to comment on whatever the topic of the day happens to be. Their morning show is very interactive and educational.
Two months ago, home remedies were discussed. Restless Leg Syndrome, RLS, is a common ailment in adults, and Requip is a newer prescription drug used to treat this disorder. As with most medications, there are side effects to be aware of—morning drowsiness is apparently a common complaint. A listener called in with a remedy to ‘cure’ RLS. She shared that putting an unwrapped bar of soap between the fitted sheet and the mattress pad of your bed will eliminate RLS. As you can imagine, I thought she was crazy.
Much to my surprise, a local neurologist called in and agreed that this ‘cure’ has been known to work, but he didn’t know why. I personally have struggled with RLS for many years and have discussed treatments with my pharmacist and physician. I take an iron supplement and my energy has increased considerably, but the RLS didn’t change much. I thought, “Heck, what do I have to loose?” I placed an unwrapped bar of Suave soap in my bed and went to work.
All day, I thought about the soap. I was really excited to get home in anticipation of a good night’s sleep. I didn’t tell my husband about the soap. He isn’t one to buy into ‘miracle cures’. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. (And I didn’t want to hear the backlash if it didn’t work.)
I slept better that night than I have in years. I don’t know why it works, but it does. It makes no sense whatsoever. I absolutely believe in the power of the soap.
Since then, I have suggested this remedy to patients, co-workers, friends and family. Everyone that I have recommended this to has been pleasantly surprised with the results. A local assisted living center now has many residents with soap in their beds and under the couch cushions! I finally told my husband what I had done. He thinks I have totally lost it, but admitted that I sleep more sound and my leg twitches have ceased. From now on, when I travel, I will be bringing a bar of soap with me. My suitcase will smell nice and I will sleep well.
If this works for anyone else, please let me know.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa Higbee
Don't Settle for Unhappiness
I think spring is around the corner. At my office, we have bird feeders outside the operatory windows, and lately, there have been more than just the winter scavenger birds. Pocatello is home to the most beautiful yellow finches, and as the weather gets warmer, the birds get more vibrant in color. Many patients comment on how fun they are to watch.
Not every office has the luxury of good views, or even windows. Our prior location, before building this new office, only had one window—located in the lobby.
I truly treasure the office I work in. We are prevention oriented and quality is never compromised. Our team is one big family and the environment is upbeat and fun. I often hear assistants or hygienists discussing how they dislike their offices or the staff they work with. How sad that must be. Why stay in an environment that is negative and counter productive? No job would be worth my happiness.
I guess the key word is “job.” I don’t look at dental hygiene as a job— rather, it is something I really love. It is my career and my passion. If you are in an office or a personal situation that isn’t fulfilling, make changes. My daughter recently shared the following quote with me: “Many people live their lives with the song of quiet despair and many people go to their graves singing the same song.”
Life is too short to be unhappy.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Not every office has the luxury of good views, or even windows. Our prior location, before building this new office, only had one window—located in the lobby.
I truly treasure the office I work in. We are prevention oriented and quality is never compromised. Our team is one big family and the environment is upbeat and fun. I often hear assistants or hygienists discussing how they dislike their offices or the staff they work with. How sad that must be. Why stay in an environment that is negative and counter productive? No job would be worth my happiness.
I guess the key word is “job.” I don’t look at dental hygiene as a job— rather, it is something I really love. It is my career and my passion. If you are in an office or a personal situation that isn’t fulfilling, make changes. My daughter recently shared the following quote with me: “Many people live their lives with the song of quiet despair and many people go to their graves singing the same song.”
Life is too short to be unhappy.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Monday, March 3, 2008
See you in Albuquerque!
I have been reading the Amy’s RDH List (www.amyrdh.com) for over a year now. I comment occasionally, but mostly read other people’s posts and opinions.
The latest news is very exciting! ADHP pilot programs may soon be underway. It looks like Minnesota and Connecticut will be the first states to take our concept for a test-drive. This will surely be addressed at the ADHA annual session in Albuquerque, NM in June. I, for one, will be gleaning all the information possible from these state representatives.
ADHA annual session is a very important time to connect with other hygienists, learn from other states’ associations and get involved in the only national association that represents dental hygienists. This year’s annual session format is a little different than years past. A considerable amount of time and effort has been put into the new format. CE classes are scheduled for the first few days and then the business meetings and the House of Delegates are the last three days. This will make it easier to attend both classes and the House of Delegates activities. You won’t want to miss it!
Online registration is available at the ADHA website (www.adha.org).
Welcome to my life,
(and see you in Albuquerque!)
Lisa
The latest news is very exciting! ADHP pilot programs may soon be underway. It looks like Minnesota and Connecticut will be the first states to take our concept for a test-drive. This will surely be addressed at the ADHA annual session in Albuquerque, NM in June. I, for one, will be gleaning all the information possible from these state representatives.
ADHA annual session is a very important time to connect with other hygienists, learn from other states’ associations and get involved in the only national association that represents dental hygienists. This year’s annual session format is a little different than years past. A considerable amount of time and effort has been put into the new format. CE classes are scheduled for the first few days and then the business meetings and the House of Delegates are the last three days. This will make it easier to attend both classes and the House of Delegates activities. You won’t want to miss it!
Online registration is available at the ADHA website (www.adha.org).
Welcome to my life,
(and see you in Albuquerque!)
Lisa
Give Kids a Smile, Part II
The “Give Kids a Smile” event was a great success. It was a very humbling experience. Most of the children had two to three quadrants of teeth that were badly decayed.
I can’t imagine being unable to afford the ‘luxury’ of going to the dentist. As a child, my parents always made sure we had good dental care. I can still remember how excited I was when I had a good check up! I had no idea people went without a family dentist.
I am so proud of our local dentists, hygienists and assistants for giving up their Friday evening and half of Saturday. I challenge each and every one of you to give of yourself and volunteer in whatever capacity you can. Admittedly, I am not the most experienced dental assistant, but I learned to talk my way through almost any procedure. After this experience, I really have to hand it to the dental assistants in my office. I have a whole new respect for what they do. I don’t know how many lips, cheeks and fingers I inadvertently sucked up with Mr. Thirsty, but I am pretty sure they were returned to their rightful owners.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
I can’t imagine being unable to afford the ‘luxury’ of going to the dentist. As a child, my parents always made sure we had good dental care. I can still remember how excited I was when I had a good check up! I had no idea people went without a family dentist.
I am so proud of our local dentists, hygienists and assistants for giving up their Friday evening and half of Saturday. I challenge each and every one of you to give of yourself and volunteer in whatever capacity you can. Admittedly, I am not the most experienced dental assistant, but I learned to talk my way through almost any procedure. After this experience, I really have to hand it to the dental assistants in my office. I have a whole new respect for what they do. I don’t know how many lips, cheeks and fingers I inadvertently sucked up with Mr. Thirsty, but I am pretty sure they were returned to their rightful owners.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Give Kids a Smile
February is nearing an end. We still have a week to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month. Get involved. Many preschools and elementary schools need dental professionals to give presentations to the students. Our community is holding our 4th annual “Give Kids a Smile” free dental day this weekend. I am very excited to go back to Idaho State University and help with this great event. Last year, volunteers from the local community and the dental hygiene students and faculty provided more than $40,000 worth of dentistry. It is such a good feeling to be able to help others. The kids need us as advocates and caregivers. Please go and make a difference.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
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