We wrapped our patient up like a burrito: Why Biofilm Management is worth the risk.

Chantalle Rose
Jan 6
5 min read

As a dental hygienist living the typical clinical life, I thought I had seen it all. I’ve seen tears, laughter, and more blood than I care to mention. But one Tuesday afternoon, a patient walked in and immediately gave me a sinking feeling in my stomach.

It was my 2:00 PM regular—a wonderful, long-term patient. When I first started treating him, he was a complex periodontal case. But thanks to three years of dedicated biofilm management (using technologies like the EMS Airflow Master), we had him stabilized on a 4-month recall. He is a walking success story for this technology.

Usually, I’m thrilled to see him. But on this specific day, he didn't show up in his usual casual wear. He stood in the waiting room in full uniform as a National Defence Guard for Parliament in Ottawa—pristine white shirt, perfectly tailored suit jacket, and shining badges on his chest. He looked incredibly professional.

He mentioned he was heading straight to work for a high-profile meeting right after the appointment. That’s when my blood ran cold.

The Purple Threat

If you know my philosophy on hygiene, you know I don't cut corners. I am a "by the book" clinician. And the book on modern Biofilm Management says step two is always disclosing.

For the uninitiated, disclosing solution is the bright purple liquid agent we apply to teeth to make invisible bacteria visible. It is essential for proper diagnosis and patient education. It also stains everything it touches.

I was traumatized by a memory from a year ago when a single rogue drop of solution landed on a patient’s beautiful silk blouse. I felt horrible for months. Even though she said she didn't mind, I couldn't let it go. The bib doesn't cover everything.

Looking at this guard in his white collar, I knew the risks. But I also knew my standard of care. There was no way I was going to perform substandard treatment just because he was dressed nicely. He needed the therapy that kept his periodontal disease stable.

The "Burrito" Protocol

I had no other choice. I had to make a command decision. I marched to the back room, grabbed one of those slightly-too-warm clinic blankets we keep for chilly patients, and returned to the operatory.

I looked this highly decorated officer in the eye and said, "I need to protect that uniform with my life." He laughed, and didn't think I was serious.

As I was explaining the risks of the disclosing agent, I wrapped him in the blanket, tucking it around his neck until he looked less like a Parliament Guard and more like a very serious human burrito—ready to protect his country.

He didn’t miss a beat. He laughed and said, "Oh yes! The purple stuff. I want to know how I’ve been doing at home with my floss. Good Idea."

Internally, I was dead serious. I was not going to be the reason he showed up to guard the Capital with a purple splotch on his collar or presented himself to a boss who would obviously ask, "What happened to you?"

But seeing a patient so engaged and wanting the disclosure—even while wrapped in a blanket—is exactly why this technology is a game-changer.

I applied the solution, and we got to work.

Why We Do It

Why go to such lengths? Why risk the embarrassment of swaddling a grown man? Because it worked.

I applied the disclosing solution without fear. We saw exactly where the biofilm was hiding. I ran through my usual routine of Oral Hygiene Instruction, adjusted his home care, and used airflow technology to blast away the bacteria—painlessly, efficiently, and thoroughly.

He walked out with a pristine uniform and a mouth healthier than when he arrived. His stability isn't luck; it's the direct result of shifting from "cleanings" to Biofilm Management.

The Future is Here (And it’s Purple)

We are no longer just chasing calculus with metal scalers. We are managing chronic inflammation and treating the root cause of disease.

My dedication to this standard of care is why I am thrilled to announce my partnership with Henry Schein Canada. I have stepped into the role of Clinical Trainer for the launch of the UC500L air polishing unit across Canada. I'm excited to train the next wave of clinicians on how to use this technology to change lives—and avoid purple stains.

When discussing the training outline with Samantha Wells, the Henry Schein Canada Product Manager, she agreed that clinics need more support to integrate these machines. I've spoken with many hygienists and dentists who find the transition daunting.

Believe it or not, the main hurdle isn't that hygienists are scared to use it, or that owners find it too expensive. The real struggle is full clinic integration.

How do you transition patients through conversation from traditional methods to Biofilm Management?
How do you guide your administrators, who are the first and last touch points?
How do you develop your new standard of care?
How do you bill and code appropriately?
How do you manage the material cost breakdown to keep the business healthy?
When do you even have the time to figure all of this out?

There is a lot to do. I know, because I’ve been there. When my clinic got certified in 2022, we didn't feel truly comfortable until 18 months later.

The "Value Killer"

For example: when I walked my "burrito patient" (who just had the best therapy appointment of his life) to the front desk, the administrator greeted him with: "How was your cleaning today?"

I don't want to be dramatic, but Biofilm Management is not just a cleaning. I clean my floors at home; not my patient's perio pockets. Thank you, Julie.

That single word—"cleaning"—is a value killer. It creates a gap between the clinical work and the front desk. It’s like wearing dirty boots inside a brand-new office, or a five-star Michelin waiter calling your appetizer a "snack." It kills the credibility of a superior medical process and gives the patient an opening to question the health and financial value.

It wasn't Julie’s fault, though. Our team hadn't received the proper training on how to communicate can effect value perception.

The Solution

When Samantha Wells explained that Henry Schein will cover two hours of clinical training for the UC500L, we at Rovix Dental Hub decided we were not going to cut any corners. I have been immersed in this methodology since 2021.

Without proper guidance, full integration is not a walk in the park. I am confident that these two courses will give you the direct path to full office integration. You will become a market leader in preventative dentistry with "mega-fan" patients who act as a rotating referral system.

In January 2026, we have launched two course programs in addition to clinical training:

Biofilm Management: Office and Admin Course
Biofilm Management: Clinician's Course
Biofilm Management: Mentorship

Sneak Peak

Want to get in touch with Samantha to talk about the UC500L?

Samantha Wells

Manager, Henry Schein Products E: samantha.wells@henryschein.ca

P: 519-200-6676

Investing in Biofilm Management tech is a commitment to the highest standard of care. But for a practice to truly succeed, that philosophy must extend beyond the operatory.

Created by dental professionals, for dental professionals—we know exactly what is needed. We get it.

The Admin Course: Empowers non-clinical staff to communicate value, ensuring patients understand why this technology is vital. When the front office speaks the same language as the clinicians, trust increases and case acceptance skyrockets.
The Clinician Course: Helps you determine your new standard of care, perio protocols, and documentation requirements.

When combined with our VIP options , these courses include project management, mentorship cheat sheets, marketing materials, and CE hours and certification

Yes, we're getting it. PACE Certified. By SPRING 2026.

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