2026-01-26 – Weekly Dental Assistant News : Faster room turns with new assistants

Last week on the forum, members engaged in lively conversations about efficient dental practices and tools. Discussions highlighted the balance between speed and quality, especially during procedures like archwire changes and bond-ups. Several members shared experiences with new dental technologies, while others explored continuing education opportunities tailored for child-friendly environments. The community also discussed practical ways to improve workflow with new assistants onboard.


This Week’s Hot Topics

OptraGate or NOLA during full bonds
Members are debating the pros and cons of using OptraGate versus NOLA during full bonding sessions. Both tools have their advocates, and the insights shared could influence your choice in practice.

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Which plier catches the cut wire
Choosing the right plier can make all the difference when handling cut wires. This discussion offers practical advice and personal preferences from experienced peers.

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Faster room turns with new assistants
With new assistants joining the team, tips for speeding up room turnovers are essential. This thread is packed with strategies that maintain efficiency without compromising care.

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Looking for kid-friendly CE this spring
Finding the right continuing education can be a challenge, especially when looking for kid-friendly options. Members share resources and recommendations for the upcoming spring sessions.

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Chairside tools that keep us on time
This discussion dives into tools that help dental assistants stay on schedule. If punctuality is your priority, you’ll find this exchange particularly useful.

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Quick audit prep for assistants
Preparing for an audit can be daunting. This thread offers a concise guide to help you streamline the process and ensure your practice is in tip-top shape.

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Simple CBCT–IO scan merge workflow for assistants
If you’re looking to enhance your workflow with CBCT–IO scan merges, this thread provides a straightforward approach to make the process seamless.

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When Mr. Thirsty became a dinosaur
A light-hearted look at how some tools, like Mr. Thirsty, have evolved over time. This discussion is sure to bring a smile while offering practical insights.

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Streamlining bond-ups without losing education
Maintaining educational value while streamlining bond-ups is a hot topic. Members share techniques to balance efficiency with patient education.

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Faster archwire changes without sacrificing comfort
Speed is crucial, but not at the expense of patient comfort. This discussion offers tips to achieve quicker archwire changes while keeping patients at ease.

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Looking forward to seeing how these discussions evolve. Until next time, take care and keep up the great work.

1 Like

Pre-set cassettes for β€˜archwire changes’ cut our turns; quick checklist avoids missed barriers β€” osap.org, but double-check torque labels.

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We sped up room turns by giving new assistants color-coded procedure tubs and a 60-second β€œreset script” taped to the light: β€œbarriers off, wipe high-to-low, swap cassettes, restock, new barriers.” It feels like a pit-crew drill, but we still watch disinfectant contact times and I clip a tiny timer to the cart to keep us honest.

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I’ve found that having a quick huddle with the assistants before a busy day helps everyone know their priorities β€” like a pep talk before a game. It makes our room turns so much smoother! A little coordination can go a long way, especially when juggling multiple procedures.

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