A new method of applying the hydroxyapitite to metal prosthetics has been discovered by Professor Noam Eliaz of the TAU School of Mechanical Engineering. It involves an electrochemical process rather than spraying the surface coating on an implant. Prof. Eliaz is reporting a 33% decrease in failures of tested implants. Here’s the link – it’s much easier for you to read it than for me to attempt to explain it!
New Way To Whiten Teeth: Lozenge-Style
I have to admit – whitening my teeth is a pain. I’ve tried them all – chairside, home, toothpaste, strips – you name it, I’ve tried it and always wished there was an easier way. When I read about the NuvoraWhite over on Amy’s List I was pretty excited about it! I plan on getting my hands on some so I can give it a try. Basically it’s a lozenge that uses a patented sustained release technology to deliver carbamide peroxide, xylitol and a few other ingredients as it dissolves. I’ll let you know how it goes – if anyone has tried it, please let me know how it worked out for you.
Here’s some information from company’s site, NuvoraInc.com:
Click here to learn more about my newsletter The Ultimate Office Planner
Study Clubs Aren’t Just For Dentists
Study clubs for auxiliaries are becoming more common and I am thrilled every time I hear or read about a new one. At the last ADIA meeting I had the pleasure of meeting the team of Advanced Dental Care of Norton and their wonderful office manager Michelle Kratt. She emailed me to let me know about her new study club that she was inspired to start after attending the last American Association of Dental Office Managers meeting. Judy Kay Mausolf gave a wonderful lecture on how to start and lead a successful study club. Many study clubs were started after that meeting. A Facebook friend that attended ADIA’s hygiene meeting (also in Philly) just posted that she gave her first presentation for dentists – it went wonderfully! Do you see a trend here?
By attending more meetings and seeking out more education, your team members can become leaders. Laurie Sizemore – president of our local study club here in northern Virginia – gained inspiration in a similar manner. I started speaking in front of study clubs – you can’t beat a small crowd for the best interactive experience. For dentists that may consider team education and empowerment an unnecessary expense, please re-think this position. Your practice will improve and grow when you have dedicated, educated and smarter employees. Trust me on this.
Here’s Michelle leading her first study club meeting – congratulations!
Click here to learn more about my newsletter The Ultimate Office Planner
Near Chicago? Attend ‘Using 3-D Technology to Significantly Increase Patient Treatment Acceptance’
On Tuesday, June 23rd, Patterson, Sirona and Schick will host a free, full-day 3-D dental technology event in downtown Chicago. This practice-enhancing event will feature hands-on product demonstrations and an enlightening CE session with Dr. Neal Patel, entitled “Intro to 3-D X-Ray and the Possibilities.” At the end of the day, you’ll have learned how to use 3-D technology to significantly increase patient treatment acceptance.
Seating is limited. To register, call 866-994-2279 or visit www.dentaltechnologyevent.com
RDH: Under One Roof, Vegas-Style
Next month is Under One Roof – a professional gathering for the hygiene world. Even though I’m not a hygienist, it’s one of the most fun and educational meetings I like to attend. July 28-31st @ the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas are the dates. Make your plans to attend – you won’t be sorry!
Finally, A Journalist That Isn’t Complaining About Dentists
I read many articles and editorials about the dental industry and why we deserve our fear-inducing, money-hungry stereotype. It’s refreshing to read a vantage point that recognizes that we’re trying to provide health care not just ‘add-on services.’ Dental care is integral to overall health care – one day medical doctors will get that too. What am I talking about – there are dental offices that don’t understand it. We could all use more education in this arena but it’s nice to read it from a patient’s point of view. Thanks to Rick Holmes for a good read.
Dental Medicaid Cuts:Falling Dominos
Hawaii, Michigan, North Carolina, Seattle, Massachusetts, California … all have announced funding cuts or elimination for dental care. Mostly it is for adults on assistance program – the subject of cutting care for children is pretty much political suicide. This wave will continue as more states look to their budgets to see where cuts can be made. The numbers are huge – Massachusetts stands to save a yearly $164 million. California will save about $614 million per year. There must be a way to offset the cost of adult dental care. How about taxing fast food and any company that makes orange soda (the worst drink ever created that tastes delicious)? Does ten cents a Happy Meal sound about right?
Or maybe you could pray to win the lottery – the dental lottery. Seattle is considering this option. Or you could wait around for national health reform. Dental benefits will be a part of it but will all offices be mandated to take part in providing them? I know I just threw out a lot of questions and not many solutions. I’m going to have to think about the solution part. One thing is for certain – someone is going to be mad.
Announcing The Ultimate Office Planner
My business partner Christine Taxin and I are proud to announce the debut issue of our monthly newsletter, The Ultimate Office Planner. We both have assistant, receptionist and managerial experience and decided over a year ago that we would share our biggest ideas with team members. And not just the great ideas – we wanted to share some of the mistakes we’ve made and how you can avoid the same pitfalls.
The business of dentistry is not an easy one – you have to keep up with insurance, regulations like Red Flags, HR issues and, oh yes – be a leader as well. Don’t forget to market your practice too. Can you see how some of this can slip through the cracks? That’s why we created the Planner – to give the doctor and team members a monthly guidebook so it’s not so overwhelming.
The debut issue is available for free by clicking here (PDF). We’re offering a year of monthly newsletters for $129. Keep in mind that you’ll receive a new Planner every month full of business, marketing and insurance tips. Email me for information or send in the completed last page of the planner for a yearly subscription.
Webinar: Understanding the Biofilm Battle
Join CariFree, Dr. V. Kim Kutsch and Dr. Graeme Milicich at 8:30pm EST June 2nd for this webinar. The bugs in our mouth affect both implants and natural teeth. CariFree’s products are wonderful to help combat the bad bugs. No, I’m not paid by CariFree – I just believe in their products.
Dentistry Doing Just Fine in This Recession
Over the last 12 months, dental offices in the US had increased sales growth of 6.9% according to financial analysis company Sageworks. The rate of growth in 2007 was 4.9%.
How are things at your office? Your neck of the woods?
Read the source article to see what other industries are weathering this recession well.
Congratulations To Dr. Ford’s Office!
This is without a doubt my favorite office (besides mine!) – two of my best friends work there. I have known Rhyna Yager – dental assistant extraordinaire – for years. We worked together before she moved to CO (she’s on the far right). She now works for Dr. Michael Ford – another good friend. When I found out that Delta of CO featured them in their monthly newsletter, I was thrilled!
If you are in the Aurora, CO area, become their patient! You won’t be disappointed. Congratulations again – all of you!!
Ancient Bling: Native American Skulls Found
National Geographic is reporting the discovery of skulls over 2500 years old that show the use of gems to add sparkle to ancient grills. Teeth weren’t just made for chewing – apparently an eye-catching smile was important back then too. Check out the article here.
ADIA Webinar: Tips For The Surgical Assistant
Vavi Bohbot hosts this ADIA member webinar May 19th @ 8pm EST. Don’t forget to register for it. If you are a member, you should have received your webinar invitation by email.
Not a member? Join now – $50 annual dues is well worth a full year of webinars and discounted symposia registration. Click here to visit ADIA’s site.
ICOI & ADIA: Did You Catch Us On Twitter?
Philly was a successful meeting for both the ICOI and the ADIA. A group of us tweeted the highlights. Kim Pajak reported from the auxiliary sessions and Lee Coursey from Russellville Dental sat in the the doctor sessions. It was fun keeping up with all the education taking place – since you can’t be in two places at once, reading the tweets is the next best thing. If you attended and want to add your Twitter handle, post it in the comments. You can be we’ll provide the same updates at our next meeting – Vancouver in August.
Visit Dr. Collins & Dentist.net @ CDHA
My friends from these two companies will be at the California Dental Hygiene Association meeting this Friday. I’ve blogged about Dr. Collins’s products before because I had been asked to review the products and ended up loving them. Stop in to see them and tell them I said hi!
Disclaimer: No financial payment has been made for this blog entry.
