Episodes
78
Latest episode
Apr 2026
Language
EN
Periodontal Disease, for the most part, is a chronic condition. The periodontist's role and training are focused on diagnosing, arresting, and, as much as possible, reversing the course of this destructive ailment. But once patients have been stabilized, they still remain at greater risk for recurrence or breakdown compared with patients who have never had this damaging infection. For this reason, patients are usually informed during their initial visits to periodontists, that they should consider themselves periodontal patients from then on, or as long as they have teeth. Is this chronic label true for every patient? Of course not, but those who can safely return into the general patient population and be treated with no additional vigilance are extremely few and far between. The profession of Dental Hygiene serves a vital function when it comes to helping treated periodontal patients maintain health and, when necessary, return them to active therapy. But how well does all of this work out in real life? The problem is primarily one of communication. The periodontist works in one office or operatory and the dental hygienist in another. Also, their experiences and training are vastly different, so much so, potentially, that neither understands what the other is thinking or needs to know in order to provide effective care to the patients they have in common. Ben Young is a practicing periodontist who came into private practice after a career in the United States Air Force. His final assignment on active duty was as the Director of the Air Force Periodontal Therapist Program. This was a training program that essentially taught a select group of seasoned active duty dental assistants to perform the functions of the dental hygienist under the supervision of periodontists in one of dozens of bases around the world. This podcast is for dentists, dental hygienists and students interested in learning better teamworking techniques toward the highest level of quality patient care. It is intended to be informative, thought provoking and helpful in linking the on-going care of periodontal patients between periodontal and general dental offices while at the same time, making dental hygiene less stressful and more enjoyable.
Dr. Ben Young explores hypochlorous acid as a potential alternative to traditional mouthwashes. He examines the science behind HOCl, compares it with chlorhexidine, discusses benefits and limitations for wound healing and biofilm control, and explains where it may reduce antibiotic use—without replacing essential dental care fundamentals for patients and clinicians.
In this episode of The Perio Hygienist Podcast, Dr. Ben Young reflects on his personal and professional journey in dentistry, beginning in the late 1970s and continuing through challenges like COVID-19. He shares insights on how the pandemic reshaped small practices, fueled the growth of corporate dentistry, and changed the culture of the profession. Along the way, he revisits the role of organized dentistry, professional standards, and what it means to look back on a career that feels—despite the decades—like just a blink.
This is an interview about ZimVie, the newly formed dental implant company that has come out of the division of Zimmer Biotech. It moved the dental business into one entity and the orthopedic into another. Craig who is with ZimVie and I discuss new methods of transfering the information to dental laboratories that then sets up for the fabrication of the restorative abutment and final prosthesis. It is cleaner and faster for the restorative dentist than having to switch parts to capture an impression. For anyone who attempted to listen to this interview when I first released it, there was a technical glitch. My fault. It's fixed now.
Many young dentists and dental hygienists worry about their clinical speed. I have a better way for them to think about this subject. Next I discuss this particular holiday season and why it is different from earlier ones. And I close with a reflection about how humility helps people heal.
We are all on journeys through life and we need one another to grow. In this podcast I offer an opportunity to strengthen our spiritual lives within our professional lives. After listening, if you wish to learn more, please call my office. (210) 615-1995 and ask for information about Faith Prescriptions.
Communicating during the day between healthcare providers is challenging. A better way is to be able to schedule short video conferencing meetings when it is convenient to both. This starts with one of the two setting down an available schedule and sending the link to this schedule to the other person who then can go onto the schedule and select a good time for them. All of this is easily handled through scheduler programs that then place the meetings on respective calendars.
There are many things patients want, but which one is most important in your opinion? I give you my answer to this question. After this, I talk about how difficult it is to change our minds away from what we have been taught.
This is a third podcast in a series on communication in the dental office.
This is part of a series on dental office communication. Here I talk about ways in which running a dental office is similar to producing a stage play.
What's the hardest procedure I have to do on a daily basis in periodontics? Listen to find out.
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