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This article from Dental Economics addresses the issue of patients' fear and anxiety surrounding local anesthetic injections. The author suggests various techniques to make injections more painless and reduce patients' fear, such as creating a calm and pleasant environment, using distracting methods, and overeducating patients about the injection process. The article also discusses the use of products like buffered anesthetic solutions, beveled needles, and devices for palatal injections to further minimize pain. The author emphasizes the importance of providing painless injections to ensure patient satisfaction and offers additional educational resources on the topic. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "THE 2024 DENTAL SALARY REPORT: Results are in!" discusses the findings of DentalPost's annual salary survey, which provides insights into the compensation trends and turnover projections in the dental industry. The survey reveals that the average income for practice owners and associates has increased, while dental hygienists and dental assistants have seen an increase in their average hourly rates. However, despite these increases, there is a decline in compensation satisfaction among dental professionals. The article also highlights the high number of dental assistants and front office team members actively seeking new jobs, as well as the challenges posed by turnover in dental practices. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of competitive compensation, positive practice culture, and appreciation in retaining top talent in the dental profession. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of ergonomic stools in dental offices to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by prolonged sitting. Dentistry is a profession that requires seated work, leading to a high rate of back, neck, and shoulder injuries. The article explains that the human body is designed for frequent movement, and dentists often have to adopt nonneutral postures to carry out their work. It emphasizes the need for an ergonomic stool with specific characteristics such as an inclined seat, a convex backrest, armrests, and an appropriate cylinder height. The article concludes by highlighting the benefits of choosing the right chair, including improved comfort, health, and job satisfaction for dental professionals. [Extracted from the article]

Zirconia crowns are a popular choice in dentistry, but they come with challenges related to occlusion and aesthetics. The use of "esthetic" zirconia, which is weaker than the original formulation, has led to difficulties in adjusting occlusion and smoothing and polishing the crowns. Other challenges include improper occlusal contact, open margins, and irregular contact areas with adjacent teeth. To reduce these challenges, dentists and technicians should improve communication, enhance soft-tissue management and scanning, use stronger versions of zirconia, and improve finishing and polishing techniques. Overall, zirconia restorations are effective but require attention to address these issues. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the factors that dentists consider when deciding whether to remove a tooth or attempt to restore it. These factors include the patient's financial situation, the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures, the patient's oral hygiene and overall health, and the patient's preferences. The article emphasizes the importance of informed consent and patient education in the decision-making process. It also provides detailed instructions for successful tooth buildups and restoration procedures. The author encourages dentists to carefully consider the consequences of tooth removal, as natural teeth cannot be replaced once they are removed. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the benefits of a new technology called 3D tomosynthesis in dental imaging. The author, a dentist, shares their personal experience with integrating this technology into their practice and highlights the advantages it offers in terms of patient care, job satisfaction, and financial returns. 3D tomosynthesis allows for more detailed and comprehensive imaging, enabling dentists to detect complications and pathologies that may not be visible with traditional 2D images. The technology is easy to integrate into existing workflows and has radiation levels comparable to 2D x-ray systems. The author concludes by encouraging readers to embrace the future of dental imaging and explore the possibilities offered by this innovative technology. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on understanding business valuation, particularly in the context of dental practices. It discusses the complexity of valuing a dental practice, emphasizing that it's not a straightforward computation based solely on data. It highlights the various factors that contribute to a dental practice's value and the importance of both art and science in the valuation process, while also suggesting that increasing a practice's profitability can enhance its value.

This article discusses the use of dental lasers in dentistry and how they can transform a dental practice. The author, a dentist, highlights the benefits of using lasers, including improved patient outcomes, less outsourcing, and a return on investment. Dental lasers can be used for various procedures and treatments, providing patients of all ages with more predictable outcomes, gentler procedures, and more comfortable healing. The author also emphasizes how lasers can expand a practice's capabilities, allowing dentists to perform certain treatments in-house and reducing the need for referrals to specialists. Overall, the article presents dental lasers as an innovative technology that can enhance the practice of dentistry and improve patient experiences. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides information on how to appeal insurance claim denials in dental practices. It emphasizes the importance of proper documentation and understanding the reasons for claim denials. The article offers tips for appealing denied claims, such as following the plan's instructions, providing additional documentation, and sending a written request for reconsideration. It also discusses the benefits of dental laser technology in expanding treatment options and improving patient outcomes. The article concludes with a checklist for appealing claims and mentions specific codes that may trigger more denials. The individual mentioned in the text is a regional doctor mentor of operations for Heartland Dental, recognized for their leadership, advanced dental skill, and service to the dental community. They also serve on the Arizona State Dental Board and provide certification classes for dental lasers. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the concept of biomimetic dentistry and its practical application in clinical practice. The author presents two case studies to demonstrate the benefits of a biomimetic approach to restorative dental care. The first case involves the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity using minimally invasive techniques, such as resin infiltration, which resulted in favorable long-term outcomes for the patient. The second case highlights the importance of deep margin elevation and proper isolation in preserving tooth structure and achieving successful restorations. The article also emphasizes the economic factors associated with biomimetic dentistry and the need for appropriate reimbursement for the time and resources required for these procedures. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the impact of optimism on diagnosis, treatment planning, and financial success in the field of dentistry. The author, a disabled dentist, emphasizes the importance of mindset and positive thinking in improving the overall outlook of dental professionals and their practices. The article cites several studies that demonstrate how positivity can influence brain function, visual perception, diagnostic abilities, and performance. Additionally, the author highlights the significance of building positive relationships with dental teams and expressing gratitude as key factors in achieving success. The article concludes by emphasizing the usefulness of positivity in improving the bottom line of dental practices. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in the United States, emphasizing the urgency of the issue and its impact on public health. It highlights the alarming statistics related to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, including their prevalence and mortality rates. It addresses the role of dentistry in antibiotic stewardship, particularly in light of new guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) that recommend against antibiotic use.

This article discusses the phenomenon of "pain ghosts" in dental patients and how it can affect their treatment. Pain ghosts are difficult to recognize because they speak a neuroscientific language that dentists may not fully understand. Patients may describe their pain in ways that do not match typical dental pain, making it challenging for dentists to comprehend and treat. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding orofacial pain and not dismissing a patient's assessment of their own pain. It also highlights the economic impact of pain on dental practices. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the impact of miscommunication in dental practices. It highlights the financial costs of miscommunication, such as missed appointments, which can result in a loss of income for the practice. The article also mentions the costs of labor and losing staff due to miscommunication issues. Additionally, it explores the cost of not retaining patients and the importance of online patient advocacy. The article emphasizes the logistical and emotional costs of miscommunication, including the strain it puts on staff and the potential negative effects on patient outcomes. The article concludes by suggesting that dental practices can address miscommunication by identifying areas of breakdown and making logistical changes, as well as listening to feedback from patients and staff. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics provides tips on how to choose a name for a dental office that is memorable and reflective of the practice's identity. The author suggests focusing on desired outcomes and using words loosely related to dentistry, such as luminosity or brilliance, to create a catchy and engaging name. They also recommend embracing modern suffixes like "studio" or "clinic" for a fresh appeal, aiming for succinct and impactful names, and incorporating neighborhood names to build a local connection. The article advises against using personal names or specific locations in the business name to allow for future growth and recommends checking the availability of domain names and social media profiles before finalizing a name. Finally, the author emphasizes that a name is just the first step in building a brand and should align with the practice's values and goals. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the experience of the author, William A. Pena, in scaling a pediatric dentistry DSO (Dental Service Organization). Pena shares his journey of starting his own practice and his commitment to providing quality dental care to children in the community, regardless of insurance or medical conditions. He also highlights the challenges he faced in building and managing his business, and the importance of having a partner with business expertise. Ultimately, Pena and his wife decided to sell their business to a larger DSO, but they continue to work in the industry and offer consulting services to help others manage their practices effectively. [Extracted from the article]

Creating a budget and knowing your numbers are essential for the success of a dental practice, especially for fee-for-service practices. Fee-for-service practices have fewer patients, allowing for more time with each patient, but it requires careful budgeting to ensure profitability. An accurate budget provides peace of mind and reduces stress. To create a budget, start with the previous year's financial information and assign every dollar to appropriate categories. Then, project expenses for the upcoming year and determine the total amount needed to collect. Finally, divide that number by the number of working days to establish a daily goal for the practice. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the benefits of adding additional revenue streams to dental practices. The author shares their experience of exploring ways to add value to their practice and attract new patients. They suggest looking outside of dentistry for inspiration, such as dermatology and cosmetic surgery, and incorporating esthetic procedures into dental practices. The article also mentions the potential for offering oral care products as a passive revenue generator. The author emphasizes the importance of patient trust and satisfaction in building a successful practice. [Extracted from the article]

The future of noncompete provisions for associate dentists and partners is uncertain, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has prohibited all noncompete provisions except for those related to the sale of a business and for senior executives earning over $151,164 annually. Lawsuits have been filed and more are expected, which may delay the implementation of the ban. Until then, noncompetes can still be subject to state law. It is important for associate dentists to have an employment agreement with a noncompete provision signed before starting employment, and consideration should be given to offering an annual noncompete bonus. The agreement should also specify any ability for the associate to work at another practice and transfer the restrictions to successors and assigns. Additionally, the agreement should address the commencement of noncompete provisions after a specified time and ensure that the associate is not bound by any prior noncompete agreements. Liquidated damages provisions and residency restrictions can also be included in the agreement, but they should be reasonable and not overly burdensome. Overall, it is important for both practice owners and associates to work with local counsel to ensure fair and appropriate provisions in their employment agreements. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the challenges of joining a Dental Service Organization (DSO) and offers alternative options for dentists who are not admitted. The author emphasizes that the consolidation of DSOs has made it increasingly difficult to qualify, with only highly profitable practices being considered. However, the author suggests that dentists can still achieve financial success by improving their practice and raising their earnings before reapplying to a DSO or by remaining a private practitioner and implementing strategies such as tracking key performance indicators, involving the entire team, focusing on patient retention, and seeking support from coaches or experts in the field. The article concludes by stating that while qualifying for a DSO is beneficial, dentists can still have a fulfilling and profitable practice without it. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics tells the story of Tessina Bullock, a PPO fee negotiator who has helped nearly 800 dental offices advocate for better reimbursements. It discusses the ongoing conflict between doctors and insurance companies over reimbursement rates, with many doctors terminating their participation agreements with PPOs. The article suggests that more doctors will continue to go out of network, making it easier for those who remain in-network to negotiate higher fees. It provides tips on how to negotiate fees with insurance companies, including building an insurance profile and having the doctor handle direct communication. The article emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and monitoring claims payments to ensure compliance with contracts. It also highlights Tessina's success in fighting insurance companies and encourages other doctors to fight for fair treatment. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics features a Q&A session with top women dentists discussing strategies for enabling growth and building a dental practice. The dentists share their experiences and insights on various topics, including implant dentistry, sleep dentistry, applications of neurotoxins, and clear aligner therapy. They discuss the benefits, challenges, and training required for each of these services, as well as the impact they have had on their practices. The article aims to inspire practitioners to explore new technologies and continuing education programs to drive future success. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in patients with prosthetic joints undergoing dental procedures. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have provided conflicting guidelines on this topic, leading to confusion among dentists and orthopedic surgeons. However, recent studies have shown that there is no increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following dental procedures, and AP does not provide any protective benefit. Additionally, the use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects. Therefore, it is recommended to eliminate routine AP use for patients with prosthetic joints and focus on improving oral hygiene instead. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on improving the effectiveness of dental team meetings, addressing both employee and dentist personas that can hinder meeting productivity. It provides seven tips to increase team participation in meetings, emphasizing a shift in meeting ownership from the dentist to the team, allowing for a more collaborative and constructive atmosphere.

The article focuses on the challenges and issues related to using newer crown materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate, with topics including problems such as crowns coming off, zirconia crowns breaking, open margins in zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns, difficulties in matching tooth color, and offers potential solutions for each challenge.

The article emphasizes restorative considerations in endodontic treatment, including tooth assessment, preservation, post usage for core retention, and the importance of the ferrule effect in restoration. Topics discussed include evaluating tooth restorability, preserving tooth structure, and utilizing posts for effective core retention.

Direct composite veneers serve as one method for restoring anterior teeth. However, many dentists shy away from this procedure due to a lack of innate artistic talent, lack of experience, past failures, and the length of time needed to complete the procedure. As a result, they opt for laboratory-fabricated alternatives, resulting in deep preparation designs. This course will demonstrate the steps required to fabricate direct composite veneers in a highly simplified manner using veneer templates and microhybrid composite resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the rubber dam isolation, a key to better esthetic dentistry. It mentions that rubber dam may retract the tissues when placed properly, improving the visualization of finish lines, margins, and adhesive materials. It discusses that how optimal rubber dam isolation facilitates the application of adhesives without contamination.

The first dental textbook pointing to oral bacterial colonies as the driving force behind systemic disease appeared in 1890.1 In this seminal text more than 130 years ago, Willoughby Dayton Miller wrote the following: "It has been established beyond all question that myriads of micro-organisms are constantly present in the human mouth, and that these, under favorable circumstances, are capable of manifesting an action of the utmost significance upon the local as well as the general health of the patient." Miller continued, "These various disturbances are produced partly by the direct action of the micro-organisms and their products upon the teeth and the mucous membrane of the mouth, partly by constant swallowing of large masses of bacteria, partly by carrying them into the lungs, particularly by violent inspiration, and, finally by their obtaining an entrance into the blood or lymph-vessels in the various ways described""1 A critical look at the historical and contemporary data connecting periodontal disease to systemic disease proves Miller's writings to be nothing short of visionary at the very dawn of dental bacteriology. This review will link these data and trace the last 160 years of medical discovery in the peer-reviewed literature. It will also suggest modern diagnostic procedures to assist dentists in showing patients, with their own objective personal data, the long-term systemic health benefits of treating periodontal disease in the dental office. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the importance of measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) in dental practices to assess their success and plan for the future. Six major KPIs are highlighted: production, daily production goal, active patients scheduled, collections, cash reserves, and staff longevity. It provides recommendations to improve these metrics, ultimately leading to practice growth and success.

The article highlights the challenges of tracking marketing results, particularly in dental practices, where the issue of attribution can complicate matters. It suggests to focus on key metrics, including impressions, clicks, website speed, leads/conversions, and patients' impact on production instead of delving into intricate details. These metrics provide valuable insights into marketing effectiveness and help in making informed decisions for practice growth.

The article focuses on advancements in dental technology, highlighting the collaboration between Cayster and Ivoclar VivaScan to provide real-time feedback for dental lab work using digital scanning. It also discusses the benefits of using Re-Gen Bioactive EndoSealer by Vista Apex for improved obturation techniques and introduces Rodin Sculpture 3D Resin by Pac-Dent as a ceramic nano hybrid resin for 3D printing definitive restorations in-house.

This article discusses the challenges and rewards of a dental career. While dentistry offers a comfortable lifestyle and the satisfaction of completing intricate tasks, it also comes with physical, emotional, and psychological hardships. The author emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team and continuously developing skills to avoid stagnation. They also highlight the need for dentists to control their efforts but not obsess over achieving perfection. Honesty, fairness, and leadership are crucial for fostering trust and success in a dental practice. The author shares their personal experience of achieving financial stability and retirement through hard work and dedication. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the challenge of cultivating an ownership mentality in associate dentists. The author emphasizes the importance of clear communication, outlining expectations, and sharing the vision for the practice. Giving associates autonomy in their work, providing opportunities for continuing education, and fostering a supportive work culture are also highlighted. The article suggests implementing a performance-based incentive system and holding associates accountable for their actions. Finally, the author emphasizes the importance of leading by example and expressing gratitude for the contributions of all team members. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the possibility of owning multiple dental practice locations. The author shares their personal experience of starting with one practice and eventually expanding to four locations across two states. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on the merits of the current practice and maintaining the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship when considering expansion. The article also provides practical advice on documenting standard operating procedures, hiring team members who fit the practice's culture, and developing a strong retention strategy. The author believes that owning multiple locations can decrease workload and improve work-life balance. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the absence of warranties in dental care and the potential benefits of implementing dental warranties. It highlights the financial burden of dental procedures and the impact of dental health on overall well-being. The article emphasizes the need for a more structured approach to ensure the longevity and quality of dental treatments. It suggests that dental warranties can offer patients peace of mind and financial security, improve the patient experience, and provide benefits to dental practices such as competitive advantage, patient retention, increased treatment acceptance, reduction in negative feedback, and lower peer review incidences. The article also explains the process of implementing dental warranties and concludes that adopting dental warranties is a win-win scenario for both patients and dental practices. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of integrating oral and systemic health care. The author emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall well-being, and the need for dental professionals to prioritize comprehensive care. The article outlines five key strategies for bridging the gap between oral and systemic health, including attention to detail, diverse expertise, innovation integration, teamwork, and partnerships with medical peers. The author argues that by adopting these strategies, dental professionals can improve patient outcomes and contribute to a new era of integrated healthcare. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the importance of mindset for the success of a dental practice. The author emphasizes that dentists should focus on elevating their own mindset before examining their business or employees. They compare the roles of dentists to that of prime ministers and kings, highlighting the need for dentists to be both good managers and inspiring leaders. The article also emphasizes the importance of listening to patients and employees, building rapport with them, and differentiating oneself from other dentists in order to create a thriving practice. The author concludes by recommending the development of a positive attitude and mindset, as well as the importance of having a coach to help maintain a continuous state of improvement. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal No Surprises Act (NSA) was implemented to prevent surprise medical billing, specifically for emergency and nonemergency care provided by out-of-network facilities and providers. This practice, also known as balance billing, occurs when patients are charged the difference between the medical service charges and what their insurance plan covers. The NSA prohibits balance billing for emergency care, but allows it for certain nonemergency services as long as patients are given advance notice and consent. However, the NSA has limited applicability to dentists, particularly those who treat insured patients with dental insurance plans that are excluded from NSA compliance. The NSA also only applies to a limited subset of health-care services and facilities. Dentists are advised to provide uninsured patients with a good faith estimate of costs and to review treatment plans with them at least seven business days before scheduled treatment. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics provides 10 tried-and-true marketing tips to help dental practices grow their businesses. The tips include developing a strong brand, building a professional website, utilizing search engine optimization (SEO), leveraging social media, engaging with the local community, offering special promotions, utilizing email marketing, encouraging online reviews, investing in video marketing, and utilizing local listings. Following these tips can help dentists attract new patients, retain existing ones, and establish themselves as leaders in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the benefits of incorporating silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to patients and the dental practice. Topics discussed include managing sensitivity in a patient with stress-induced wear using SDF, ramifications of patients' poor diets and hygiene practices and scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy of SDF.

The article discusses about the association of a person's circadian rhythm and sleep patterns with dentistry. Topics discussed include virtual aspects of human physiology governed by the circadian rhythm, risk mitigation strategies against heart attack or stroke and risk mitigation strategies against hypoglycemic episodes.

This article is an interview with Akeyla Brown, DDS, who is the recipient of the DE Rising Star Award. Akeyla graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in May 2014 and completed her residency at Howard University Hospital in July 2018. She also obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in September 2024. Akeyla highlights completing dental school, graduating residency, becoming board certified, and becoming a partner and clinical director as significant moments in her career. She discusses the challenges and wins associated with building her own practice, the impact of continuing education on patient care, her current goals as the director of DEI at MAX Surgical Specialty Management, and the importance of maintaining work-life balance. Akeyla advises dental students and new graduates to treat their patients with kindness, compassion, and dedication. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the various opportunities available to dentists at different stages of their careers. It highlights that new dentists have the luxury of time to shape their careers, while mid-career dentists can grow their practices or pursue other interests. The article also mentions that technology advancements have improved efficiency in dental practices. It concludes by mentioning that the topic of acquiring multiple locations is explored in this month's issue of the magazine. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Dental Economics discusses the practice of dental service organizations (DSOs) and private equity groups (PEGs) approaching dentists to acquire their practices. These entities have skilled business development teams that aim to secure acquisitions at favorable terms. Dentists who engage in discussions with these organizations unprepared may find themselves at a disadvantage in negotiations. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding information asymmetry and the value of hiring a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisor to navigate the sales process strategically. It warns against engaging with DSOs or PEGs without professional guidance, as it can result in significant value loss. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges faced by restorative dentists, particularly in dealing with deep, subgingival interproximal decay. It introduces the ReelMatrix Deep Margin Elevation (DME) System by Garrison Dental as a solution to this problem. The ReelMatrix is a customized kit that allows dentists to elevate the margin of the decay to just below the contact area, using a small plastic retainer instead of a heavy metal one. The kit includes matrices, wedges, and other necessary instruments for the procedure. The author, Joshua Austin, praises the effectiveness of the ReelMatrix and recommends it for restorative dentistry. [Extracted from the article]

Ashley Chung, DDS, is the recipient of the DE Rising Star Award. In an interview, she discusses her journey to becoming a dentist, her initial struggles in the profession, and how she turned her career around. Chung shares that she invested in continuing education courses to improve her knowledge and gain confidence in her work. She also started posting her clinical cases on Instagram, initially feeling scared and insecure, but eventually finding support and connection with others in the dental community. Chung now uses social media to share her career journey and provide educational information to other dentists. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents answers to a question related to decreasing enthusiasm in dental practice after many years, suggesting ways to reduce negative feelings and regain optimism through personal and professional variety, enjoyable activities, and pursuing procedures and technologies in dentistry.

The article discusses the challenges faced by dentists in dealing the Pension Payment Order (PPOs) and the need to strategically manage insurance participation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding contracts, considering alternatives to direct participation, and gradually transitioning away from PPOs.

The article discusses the importance of dental ergonomics in improving performance and operator health. Topics include the application of body biomechanics, the use of an ergonomic chair, the benefits of a dental microscope, and the implementation of four-handed work with a dental assistant to enhance efficiency and reduce physical strain.