Preventive Pair Makes Hygienists' Lives Easier

From exams, x-rays, and prophylaxis to fluoride treatments and home-care instruction, dental hygienists do it all. Part clinician, part educator, and part motivator, a hygienist wears many hats, and one of the most important is helping prevent dental problems from developing in the first place.

Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are 2 powerful preventive tools, and together, they play a critical role in warding off tooth decay—especially among patients with high caries risk. That's why hygienists Kristi Evansen and Heather Locker recently volunteered to use Henry Schein’s ACCLEAN 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish and ACCLEAN Pit & Fissure Sealant in their dental practices.

ACCLEAN 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish Brush & Tray System

A convenient brush-and-tray system, ACCLEAN 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish is effortless to apply with the application brush and 0.4-mL unit-dose packaging.

Evansen, who practices in Kaukauna, WI, told DPS that she appreciated the varnish’s easy-to-open packaging, quick and thorough mixing, and simple application. “The varnish is fluid enough to mix well and quickly, and its consistency makes it easy to apply on the teeth in a thin layer,” she said.

Similarly, Locker said, “I like the simple, 1-step application and love the consistency of the fluoride varnish.” She explained, “The consistency is silky smooth when applying to the teeth for even coverage, which for me, was the very best thing about it.” 

Locker also appreciates the “strong enamel adhesion and minimal tooth discoloration” of the varnish, which goes on white but dries clear.

The varnish is available in 5 patient- pleasing flavors—mint, bubblegum, cherry, raspberry, and caramel. Locker, who practices in Flint, MI, said her patients have enjoyed the “pleasant taste” and that it is “less sticky than other brands.” She added, “I think it is probably one of the best fluoride varnishes I have used.” 

ACCLEAN Pit & Fissure Sealant

When asked what she values most in a sealant, Locker shared a long list: high retention rate, moisture tolerance, ease of placement, fluoride release, viscosity, and visibility during application. Henry Schein’s ACCLEAN Pit & Fissure Sealant delivered on all counts.

A hydrophilic material with fluoride, ACCLEAN Pit & Fissure Sealant bonds well in a moist environment to seal pits and fissures on occlusal surfaces. “I love that this sealant has wet-bond properties and high visibility. It works amazingly in moist environments,” Locker said.

When placing 4 sealants on a wiggly 6-year-old with lots of saliva, she was thrilled with the sealant’s great retention.

“I thought I might need to redo the bottom left sealant because of so much moisture," Locker said, "but to my surprise, I didn’t have to.”

The material is quick to apply with a syringe, and its white opaque color im-proves visualization during application and at recall appointments.

“This sealant is very easy to apply, and I love how the opaque color makes it so much easier to see,” Locker continued. “ACCLEAN Pit & Fissure Sealant absolutely met my expectations—and then some!”

Leading the Way to Improved Oral Health

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits are simple but powerful steps toward a healthier future. Adding preventive products to the mix gives patients an extra edge.

With ACCLEAN preventive products at their fingertips, dental hygienists can help patients reduce the risk of future dental problems, preserve their natural teeth, and stay on the path to lifelong oral wellness.