Waterpik® Water Flosser a Favorite Choice of Experienced Hygienist
Compendium features peer-reviewed articles and continuing education opportunities on restorative techniques, clinical insights, and dental innovations, offering essential knowledge for dental professionals.
May 1, 2023
Volume 44, Issue 5, May 2023
Page(s):
For Sue Scherer, RDH, BS, sharing a new dental hygiene product with patients is comparable to Christmas morning present unwrapping!
"I knew at a very young age that I loved oral care products," Scherer says. "I was the kid who got excited to receive a new toothbrush and toothpaste in my stocking on Christmas morning. As a teenager, I babysat for a dentist's children. He and I would talk about my interest in the field, and when I turned 16, he gave me the opportunity to become a dental assistant to identify if the dental field was what I wanted to pursue in college. Working in his office, I discovered that my true passion was for educating patients about oral hygiene."
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During her 20 years as a clinical hygienist, Scherer explored how best to communicate with her patients and found that flossing was always a large part of the conversation. Suggesting the use of the Waterpik® Water Flosser became a top solution for her.
"Most patients are intrigued by technology and eager to hear about products they can use at home to maintain or improve their oral health. Being able to offer my patients the option to water floss instead of string floss was a game changer," Scherer explains. "Patients are happy to incorporate a device that is easy to use and results in better oral health."
With her dedication and passion for hygiene and for supporting patients' needs, Scherer expanded her influence even more by becoming the Education and Professional Relations Manager for Water Pik, Inc.
"Waterpik water flossing has been shown to be 29% more effective than string flossing at overall plaque removal," she states. And in the all-important proximal region? "The Waterpik Water Flosser has been clinically proven to remove nearly 82% of plaque compared to 63% for string floss. This doesn't mean flossing does not work, but most patients struggle to floss effectively." The Waterpik Water Flosser, she adds, is less technique sensitive, easier to use, and more capable of cleaning the proximal region.
To meet the many unique needs of patients, Water Pik, Inc. has developed a variety of models and tips. The Waterpik® Implant Denture Tip, for example, was created specifically to help patients clean under implant-retained dentures.
Scherer emphasizes the importance of teaching patients to choose their oral care products wisely. "If it doesn't say ‘Waterpik,' it isn't Waterpik. Patients often equate the name ‘Waterpik' with the device rather than the brand," she points out. "Yet not all water flossers work the same or have the high quality of the Waterpik brand. No other water flosser is backed by more research. We were the first water flosser to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance in 2017. Over 90% of Waterpik users said they would recommend it to a friend."
Sue Scherer, RDH, BS
Mahwah, New Jersey; Education and Professional Relations Manager, Water Pik, Inc.
Water Pik, Inc.
800-525-2020
waterpik.com
