Blogs

All Posts (4623)

Sort by

Have Bad Breath? Here's some tips to share how to remedy it

Posted by Divij Bhatia on August 25, 2009 at 4:30pm
Something that we are all afraid of as people is having bad breath and leaving a poor first impression on anyone, whether its a hot date or your boss. Some of the common symptoms of bad breath include; smoking, not brushing properly, and eating the wrong foods. We all think its as easy as chewing a piece of gum to remedy the situation, but it can be a little more complicated than that.Some of the more common remedies to get rid of bad breath include:1. Drinking plenty of water: If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water. Try swooshing it around in your mouth for at least twenty seconds to loosen any food particles the bacteria can feed upon.2. Increase Saliva: Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the flow of saliva3. Keep it Green:Chlorophyll is a natural breath freshener and is found in leafy green vegetables like parsley(more tips with the article)If you have any bad breath tips that you share with your patients or just tips to think about for daily use, please post them!You can read the rest of the article at Health & Fitness here
Read more…

Virtual Assisting for Dentists?

Posted by Mary Beth Bajornas on August 25, 2009 at 10:30am
Virtual Assistants for Dentists?Ronald F. Arndt, DDS, MBA, MAGD, MCCwww.drarndt.comI know. I know. Most of you are probably asking yourself what is a virtual assistant? Is this another one of Dr. Ron’s “new age” ideas? And for those of you who know you are probably asking how on earth can virtual assistants support a dentist? I am here to tell you.I myself have used a VA for over 9 years. She takes care of the things that I don’t want to take care of. Takes care of things that I don’t have time to take care of. This allows me to focus solely on my clients, their wants and needs and to continue to expand my horizons. Instead of listing what my requirements are for a VA you can obtain this list by contacting me directly. Let’s just be safe and say there isn’t much my VA, Donna, doesn’t do for me. From client contact to newsletters, website maintenance, correspondence, blog integrations, webcasts and video streaming; she does it all! If you would like a complete list of my VA requirements, please feel free to contact me. I would love to share it with you.Let me explain exactly what a virtual assistant is. A virtual assistant is an “off-site” employee who offers administrative and office support services “virtually”; meaning through use of the Internet and email, phone, and fax. Virtual assistants are considered self employed contractors therefore there are no payroll taxes to pay, no vacations or sick time to worry about and no internal conflicts to work around. You are truly getting your money’s worth as a virtual assistant is paid by special project, or retained for a specific number of hours to complete a specific task. (Retainer fees usually offer you some type of financial break) Overall a virtual assistant saves you time and money. And here’s the great news. There are dedicated virtual assistants who have actual experience in a dental office and can provide you with unmatched patient service and personal support.Dental Virtual Assistants (DVA’s) offer a wide range of administrative support and services aimed directly at increasing your production and collections and take a sincere interest in helping you grow your business. Most DVA’s utilize remote access software which allows them to work from your computer as if they were actually sitting right in front of it!A DVA’s position would be to act as a direct extension of you; make your job easier and therefore make your life better. Allow you to go to work with a sense of confidence that someone has everything covered. Allow you to go in and do what you do best…. Your dentistry. Sounds good doesn’t it?DVA’s talents can be used in many areas of your office:• Recall – How is yours looking? Do you have more than 100 patients registered as past due on recall? A DVA can make these important contacts with your patients and get them back in your schedule!• Undone treatment list – How much is sitting in your bucket? Let a DVA help move this to your production schedule. Letters, phone calls and emails to patients. Improving your patient contact on many levels.• Confirmation calls – Are yours done in a timely manner beginning at least 2, but desired 3, days prior to the patient’s appointment? Do you have a short call list to fill in for last minute cancels or no-shows?• Insurance submission and follow-up – If you have anything past 30 days in your reports something needs to change. A DVA can provide daily insurance support to get claims processed and paid promptly.• Collections – A well versed DVA can help collect on past due accounts and save you from having to use a collection agency.• New Patient Packages and Input – Do your new patient packages go out the day the patient scheduled? Do you even have a well designed new patient package? The DVA can input new patient information, obtain and input insurance information prior to patient’s appointment to get the most benefit from first appointment, order previous records, obtain pertinent medical information such as premedication, and send out the new patient packages immediately.• Newsletters and direct mail campaigns – Does your office offer patient education in the form of newsletters? Newsletters are a fantastic, economical way to keep in touch with your patients, and advise them of new techniques and products available in your office. Direct mail campaigns can do the same and new patients can be targeted as well.There are many more ways to utilize a DVA but this gives you a general idea. There are many things to consider for your practice:• What does my payroll look like? It is between the 22-27% industry standard?• Do you really need another full time front desk person, or could you hire a DVA to accomplish the “behind the scenes” tasks in a more efficient, cost saving way?• What does your front desk look like? Are you satisfied with the way your schedule looks on a daily basis? Are you scheduling to goal? How about collections? Recall?• Make a list of what you would like to have a DVA be responsible for that would include expectations and time tables.• Try one on for size! If you are unsure of how this whole process works, yet you are intrigued, try just one task as a sample with the DVA to see how the whole process works. You’ll be glad you did!I personally know a DVA, Mary Beth Bajornas, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with over the past 7 years. Mary Beth has over 20 years of administrative, office management and dental office experience that she brings to the table. She has devised a technique for “front office alignments” if you will that she calls The Perpetual State of Preparedness. She can actually work with and counsel your front staff “virtually” to streamline protocols, techniques and tasks for maximum efficiency and outcomes. She offers this service along with the above mentioned support. Check out her website at www.SuperiorAssisting.com.
Read more…

Gentle Dental Cedar Hills Welcomes New Periodontist

Posted by mark smith on August 24, 2009 at 5:26am
Gentle Dental announced today that Periodontist Dr. Thomas Eshraghi has joined the staff at their Cedar Hills Office, located in the Cedar Hills neighborhood of Portland in Washington County, Oregon.Dr. Eshraghi specializes in Periodontal gum disease and implants. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Portland State University, and both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from Oregon Health & Science University.Dr. Eshraghi remains affiliated with OHSU as an instructor and actively teaches advanced surgical skills, including implant placement. He believes strongly in the value of his continuing education and knowledge within his specialty. In addition to his own education and teaching others, he routinely volunteers to help dental students.“As a dentist I have the ability to combine elements of art and science as I help people maintain and improve their oral health, appearance, and quality of life,” said Thomas Eshraghi, DMD.The Gentle Dental Cedar Hills Office team of dental professionals consists of:General DentistsDr. Elise BurchDr. Melika KashkouliEndodontistDr. John JohnsonDr. Kathleen Suk Ki LeeDr. Leila TarsaPediatric DentistDr. Jessica BuenjemiaOral SurgeonDr. Normund AuzinsOrthodontistDr. Eric BurginHygienistsMarilyn BeyerTina Lewandowski-ReneauMarina WeinsteinAbout Gentle DentalGentle Dental provides what's important in your search for family dentistry—the personalized care of a neighborhood dentist within a powerful dental network. With more than 130 offices throughout the US, Gentle Dental offers convenient dentistry services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and specialty dentistry for all your dental needs. If you would like more information about Gentle Dental, call: 1-800-GENTLE1 or visit www.gentle1.com.Please visit our office to know more about Gentle Dental Cedar HillsSource: http://www.gentle1.com
Read more…

Study: Redheads Twice As Likely To Avoid Dentist

Posted by Jamie Bull on August 21, 2009 at 1:00pm
I saw a news article this morning about redheads increased likelihood of having anxiety related to going to the dentist. Just from my own experience having dated a redhead for the past six years, I have to say that I am not too surprised. In the years since moving away from home after college, she has found a new primary care physician and eye doctor, but still insists on going to her childhood dentist, knowing that she can trust him to take good care of her.The study in the July edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association found that redheads (only the natural ones obviously) were twice as likely to avoid the dentist as blonds and brunettes because of fear-related anxiety.I have heard about redheads increased sensitivity to pain and bruising, so it makes sense to me that they are more likely to have anxiety about a hygienist poking and prodding around their ultra-sensitive gums.Existing research suggests that redheads may require 20% more of anesthetics for the drugs to be effective, but from my own anecdotal experience, I've seen some prescription medications effect my girlfriend much more than expected.Have you ever had any patients that support what this study found? Do you find yourself working to create a stronger patient-dentist relationship or offering more relaxation techniques when seeing redheads in your practice?
Read more…

And the Survey says...

Posted by Lincoln Builds on August 18, 2009 at 11:07pm
Ok, I have been told by many that they are losing clients due to the economy. An I agree, it feels like there are fewer patients because fewer people are covered with basic Dental insurance, or for that matter any Dental plan, even very high deductible ones. So, my question is, are you in favor or opposed to government funded health care? And if so, is your support based purely on business outlook?
Read more…

Marketing in a down economy means that you essentially have to be creative in your approach...

Posted by Helen H Cohen on August 17, 2009 at 12:23am
I recently responded to the proverbial question which was how to market your dental practice in a down economy. What the dental professional was asking for was to get some feedback to generate new ideas that were user-friendly, practical and low cost. I had several pragmatic concepts that I shared & this was one of them.Marketing in a down economy means that you essentially have to be creative in your approach to attracting new patients. One easy method to boost your internal marketing efforts to increase referrals to your practice is as follows:Target your satisfied patients to increase referrals. Patients who have experienced positive results from their dental treatment & who trust & like your practice are your best advocates. Train yourself & your staff to be alert & ask for a referral during a "peak" patient visit. One comment I used often was "Mrs. Jones, we wish we had 100 patients like you!" The patient would then ask why that is and I'd tell them what a wonderful patient they were because they were __________ (fill in the blank with a descriptive adjective). They were quite touched by this exchange & the sincerity of the compliment. From this interaction, I was able to plant a "seed" for a future referral. Look to target & focus on the patient if they are the decision maker in the family.They can become your "dental missionaries." Pay attention whenever you have an opportunity to elevate a patient's confidence, trust & satisfaction with any in-office interaction. Patients really do remember these things & you will gain their loyalty. Loyal, enthusiastic patients will bring you more customers.Please feel free to respond. I welcome any comments on this topic. Sharing information together is a wonderful opportunity for all of us on this forum.Helen@e3coaching.com
Read more…

Forcing Flossing

Posted by Jamie Bull on August 14, 2009 at 8:00am
Despite my best efforts in hiding my lack of flossing, I received some pretty heavy finger wagging from my hygienist this week. It must have been pretty clear. No amount of Listerine can cover up how hard it is for me to routinely pick up that package of floss before I brush.I knew that I wasn't alone. Besides my friends in the industry or their immediate family, I never see anyone floss unless I point out that there is something stuck in their front teeth. I asked how many of her patients actually floss daily. Her response:"They do exist. And they are ANGELS!"The truth is that while most Americans brush daily, the ADA says that only about 12 percent floss daily, 39 percent floss less than daily, and 49 percent do not floss at all. To be honest, I was surprised that so many flossed daily. I was expecting far less than 12 percent.What is it about brushing that makes it so easy to be a part of our daily routine that flossing lacks? Is this just an American problem? What are some of the ways that you have been successful in helping patients grab for the floss before they brush every day?
Read more…

ADA Launches International Volunteer Web Site

Posted by Jamie Bull on August 13, 2009 at 2:41pm

The ADA recently launched a new international volunteer Web site as a resource for dental professionals looking to give back to others around the world. http://internationalvolunteer.ada.orgThe site is focused on sharing volunteer experiences, photos and connecting both seasoned and new international dental volunteers. It helps connect professionals with more than 100 organizations and volunteer opportunities around the world.Do you have some interesting international or local volunteering stories and pictures? We would love to see them here too!
Read more…

Academy of General Dentistry Supports FDA Ruling on Dental Amalgam

Posted by Divij Bhatia on August 13, 2009 at 12:06pm

After years of scientific research on the safety of dental amalgam, on July 28th, 2009 the FDA has re-affirmed that dental amalgam is in fact a safe dental restorative material.The FDA has created a classification system for the mercury based material. There are two classes; class I (low risk) and class II (moderate risk). This classification system places dental amalgam in the same category as gold fillings.The AGD has taken a hard stance in support of the use of dental amalgam. According to AGD President David F. Halpern, "The AGD has long supported amalgam as a safe and effective dental restorative material. The choice for restorative material is between the dentist and the prudent patient based on the treatment, needs and wants"Read the rest of the article here byDental economics
Read more…

Adult Braces On The Rise

Posted by Divij Bhatia on August 5, 2009 at 10:33am

There has been a slow but steady rising trend of adult braces in the country.As reported by the San Bernardino sun, there are over 1 million adults in the U.S with braces now.Also according to the recent survey taken, there is a 37% increase in adult brace's from 1994 to 2004.Most doctors are finding that the average customer is getting braces primarily for cosmetic purposes and for no other reason. According to Dr. Ricardo Suarez, ""More people are interested in cosmetic procedures,sometimes to get a job, or to just get in the door."Advances in technology have created new options to straighten teeth in less time, with less discomfort and less visibility. Braces are simply not what they used to be."Most of the cases I see are mild," said Suarez. "Many adults have had (the idea of) getting braces on their minds for a long time, and it just takes that spark to go do it."As dentists, have you noticed a steady upward trend in the rise of adult braces? If so, on average how many do you see per year and are they primarily for cosmetic reasons?You can read the full article from theSan Bernardino Sun here
Read more…

Defining The Dental Hygienist

Posted by Jamie Bull on July 31, 2009 at 9:30am
I recently came across this old, but really interesting and still quite relevant, article on the role of dental hygienists in the industry.Not only does the author raise questions about the lasting power of the profession, but describes it as the "maternal force" in dentistry and admits the he himself has difficulty describing the role.No matter where you stand, they are most often on the front lines of the twice-annual professional battle against oral pathogens.What do you think? Do hygienists own the "maternal" role in your practice? Do you work with any male hygienists? Have you found any unifying characteristic between all hygienists?
Read more…

Experiencing Cutbacks at the best time......

Posted by cherie tschudi on July 24, 2009 at 10:58pm
Today I ended my week with a very grueling few days! I have now decided to cutback to two days a week at my dental job. I have been there ten years so it was a hard, emotional decision, indeed. But transitioning to a business that me and my husband are proud of! Still being able to work with Dentists, Physicians etc in the health care field. I always want to be a part of that aspect. But now most of my week will be with those professional people that make my life brighter and full of potential. I provide them with a way to improve their own business so it is extremely rewarding. I still love the patient contact so I like that I can go to the office still too! Transition time!
Read more…

The Role of Dentistry in Healthcare Reform

Posted by Jamie Bull on July 24, 2009 at 9:00am
Recently there has been no lack of public attention to President Obama's push for significant healthcare reform by the end of 2009. The one thing that is significantly lacking is any direct attention of the need for the role of dental insurance in building a more efficient and less expensive healthcare system.We all know the facts about how oral health is tied to overall health, but does the added benefit of including dental coverage in healthcare reform justify the added expense?Delta Dental recently chimed in to the discussion with this blog post in the Asbury Park Press, but what do you think? What role, if any, should dental insurance play in the healthcare reform debate?
Read more…

Aloe Vera Good For Teeth and Gums?

Posted by Divij Bhatia on July 20, 2009 at 9:30am

The aloe vera plant has a long history of healing power. Its ability to heal burns and cuts and soothe pain has been documented as far back as the 10th century.A recent study has shown that aloe vera tooth gel is considered (by some) to be a replacement for toothpaste because it is as effective at cleaning the teeth and gums as well as fighting cavities. Aloe vera is also a great substitute for patients with sensitive teeth and gums. According to AGD spokesperson Eric Shapria, DDS, “Thankfully, consumers with sensitive teeth or gums have a number of choices when it comes to their oral health, and aloe vera is one of them”.What do you think? Do you think aloe vera is a suitable alternative to standard general practice in dentistry?Read the full story at the Huliq News
Read more…

Tooth Taxi Brings Dental Help To Kids In Need

Posted by Divij Bhatia on July 15, 2009 at 4:40pm

Talk about brushing your teeth on the go! The tooth taxi has landed in Dallas, TX and is helping local elementary school kids with educating them about proper hygiene as well as taking care of any of their dental needs. The tooth taxi program also spent over a year in Oregon, one of the nation’s highest populations with tooth decay.What about in your community? Do you think having a traveling tooth taxi would be a great way to have kids go to the dentist?Read the full story at The Dalles Chronicle
Read more…

A Third of Sheffield Does Not See Dentist

Posted by Divij Bhatia on July 13, 2009 at 9:00am
A Third of Sheffield Does Not See DentistThe UK Star recently reported that one third of the population of Sheffield, England does not go to a NHS dentist.These numbers are centered on the fact that more and more people have been going to hospitals for emergency dental surgery. According to Dr. Spencer Pitfield he states, “It's an alarming number of people. These figures underline once again the Labour Government's appalling failure on NHS dentistry”Do you think it is better to have government run programs or prefer private practices that can provide better care? Do you think it would be better to see a dentist or rather go to a hospital for emergency dental care?
Read more…

World dental congress Singapore 2009

Posted by Matthias Kaiser on July 2, 2009 at 9:59am
FDI World Dental Congress Singapore 2009Kaiser Dental Laboratories welcome dentists from all over the world in Singapore. They are invited to visit the laboratoy during the congressSince 1987 the laboratory has been working under the German management in order to produce high standard dentistry at competetive prices for dentists all over the world.(newsmax.de) More than 20 years the KaiserDental Lab. has been in operation under the leadership of German Master Dental Technician Christoph Kaiser and his wife Farida Kaiser. It is probably one of the most professionally run labs in South-East Asia. Today more than 75 well trained technicians produce crowns, bridges, inlays and all other dentistry for the international market, mainly Germany, Holland, Norway, Canada and other countries.The laboratory has been recently re-certified by the German TÜV organisation for quality management refering to the ISO 9001 system. All dental materials are directly imported from Germany to assure highest and certified quality.During this years FDI world dental congress in Singapore Kaiser Dental keeps its doors open for visitors who would like to see the lab in operation and can talk to the management concerning services and conditions offered.All dentists are welcome to contact the laboratory in advance to arrange for individual meetings.Please contact www.kaiser-dental.comKaiser Dental is an internationally well known dental laboratory in operation since 1998. Approx. 80 highly skilled technicians are trained by German standards. Serving dentists all over the world at very competetive prices.All information to be found at: www.kaiser-dental.comE-Mail: kdladmin@singnet.com.sgTel: + 65 – 6741 7588Fax + 65 – 6741 74 88Technical Director: ZTM Thomas FrerichsCEO: Mr. Hashim Pillai
Read more…

New York City to pull funding for free dental clinic program for kids

Posted by Jamie Bull on June 24, 2009 at 9:30am
The Daily News recently reported that a century-old program that provided New York City public school kids with free dental care may be coming to an end.The program that consists of 46 free dental clinics is on the chopping block as a part of the city's budget cuts. While it may save money on paper when looking at a short-term budget, you have to ask yourself how these savings compare to the long term costs associated with decreased access to affordable dental care.What about in your town? Have dental care programs been put on the chopping block? How has it impacted your practice?Read the full story at the New York Daily News.
Read more…

EXPLOITATION or COMEDY? You Tube "David after the Dentist Video" posted on WebDental by Jamie

Posted by Cary Feuerman, DMD on June 22, 2009 at 5:00pm

EXPLOTATION or COMEDY?
Interesting video post by Jamie. Even more interesting that the parents posted this and that it has been viewed over 23 million times on You Tube. For those of us in the profession, it might be seen as expoitation. To the rest of the world, it is obviously seen as comedy. Perhaps it is difficult for us to be objective. I am curious about what others think.

Read more…

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Posted by WebDental on May 9, 2009 at 9:00am
WebDental has posted an important update from the ADA regarding Swine Flu. http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/swine_flu.asp According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), laboratory confirmed human cases of influenza A/H1N1 have occurred in the United States. Status reports are regularly updated and available on the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) Web sites.1,2 Most cases experienced mild flu-like symptoms. All viruses have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing. The CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to Mexico. For updated travel information see http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ What is H1N1 Flu? H1N1 flu is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus, and is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. Previous variants of H1N1 are known since 1918 with the most recent major outbreak in 1977.3 How can Humans Become Infected? Transmission of all reported cases appears to have resulted from human-to-human contact through coughing or sneezing by the infected person. What are the Symptoms? Those carrying the virus can reveal typical flu-like symptoms: * fever (greater than 100ºF) * chills * head and body aches * fatigue * cough * stuffy nose * sore throat * vomiting and diarrhea More serious illnesses such as pneumonia or respiratory illness have also been reported. What are the Recommendations for Dental Health Care Workers? The CDC has developed recommendations to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections like H1N1flu in a dental healthcare setting. The CDC recommends that infection control measures be implemented at the first point of contact with a potentially infected person. Dental health care workers looking for guidance regarding prevention of H1N1flu can find the latest information from the CDC’s Division of Oral Health http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm in the document Prevention of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) in the Dental Healthcare Setting. What can the Dental Team do to be Prepared? * Close attention should be given to proper hand hygiene Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled. and coughing etiquette. The CDC has developed a poster for patients that can be downloaded and displayed in the dental office reception area or waiting room.4 * Employ appropriate infection control procedures as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention5 [Also for more information specific to H1N1flu see Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)] * Stay informed * Know the contact information for your local or state health department Link opens in separate window. Endnotes 1. http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/ (April 27, 2009) 2. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ 3. Nelson MI, Viboud C, Simonsen L, Bennett RT, Griesemer SB, et al. (2008) Multiple Reassortment Events in the Evolutionary History of H1N1 Influenza A Virus Since 1918. PLoS Pathog 4(2): e1000012. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1000012 Pathogens (April 27, 2009) 4. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/ (April 27, 2009) 5. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm (April 27, 2009)
Read more…