Ep 39: Insights Into The Untapped Potential of Using Microscopes in Dentistry

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, certified biological hygienist Kristen King joins the podcast as we explore a fascinating yet underutilized tool: dental microscopes. She shares her expert insights on how to incorporate a microscope into your practice, what training looks like to introduce this new tool, and how you can use it to enhance patient participation in their oral health and, thus, grow your practice. 

After having the opportunity to step into biological dentistry and see firsthand how microscopes can provide a more holistic view of patient health, Kristen set out to increase the accessibility of using this incredible tool. Thus, she created Dental Reveal to educate practices on how to incorporate a microscope into their practice and find the right microscope for their needs. 

Through the lens of a microscope, hygienists can see what’s happening at a microbial level in patients’ mouths, which can be hugely educational and motivating. This tool not only serves as an excellent way to educate patients about their oral health but also significantly improves case acceptance by visually demonstrating what might otherwise go unnoticed. Ultimately, microscopes can revolutionize dental hygiene practices, elevate patient care, and boost practice productivity.

About Kristen King:

Kristen King has 29 years of clinical experience and is a member of the American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health (AAOSH) and the International Academy Of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) where she has completed her HIAOMT training and is accredited as a biological dental hygienist. She’s a Bale/Doneen preceptor and has been published in Today’s RDH magazine. Kristen founded Dental Reveal, a dental microscope education company to help dental and hygiene practices educate patients on oral-systemic disease.

Connect with Kristen King:

Dental Reveal

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction of Kristen King, RDH
• 2:22 What is biological dentistry?
• 6:11 How to fit the microscope into your appointment.
• 7:06 How to get a sample to use under the microscope.
• 8:56 Analyzing the plaque sample under the microscope.
• 12:49 How the microscope enhances patient education and case acceptance.
• 17:52 Barriers for microscope use in dental practices.
• 20:54 Using a microscope to increase hygiene production.
• 22:48 Analyzing trends when looking at a patient’s biofilm.
• 23:58 Helping high risk patients with the microscope.
• 27:10 How using a microscope can grow the hygiene department.
• 31:04 Setting up the microscope in your practice.
• 34:14 What training on the microscope might look like.