Re-assess and Re-focus in 2021

Posted on March 19, 2021May 20, 2021 by Jeanette Kern DDS

When it comes to your profitability and production for 2021, how are you doing so far this year? Are you on track to do what you hoped? And most of all, have you determined what improvements you want to incorporate into your practice for 2021? Many of us had the feeling that a giant pause button was pushed during our COVID lockdowns. How did you use that time? Did you take time for yourself? Did you reprioritize your relationships? How about your health, did you do any self-love or was it...

How Do You Speak Testing?

Posted on March 5, 2021August 14, 2024 by Leslie I. Bautista RDH

A common question of everyone doing something for the first time is “How?” Clinical laboratory testing is standard of care in the medical profession and while completing their degrees, our medical colleagues learned the “How.” For dental professionals, clinical laboratory testing is a newer concept. Clinical lab testing in dentistry marks a paradigm shift. We hope this series “How to Speak” provides insights into how to talk with your patients about optimal care. The guest author has...

The Amazing COVID Comeback: Part 2

Posted on February 26, 2021May 20, 2021 by Sheena Hinson RDH

Last week in Part 1, I introduced you to my team’s success during the difficult year of 2020. I delved into some of our practices and now you must be wondering, how in the world do I start with all of this?!? I am so glad you asked! I would love to help you! Start by establishing your vision. Then, look at where you are, review the information that you have and evaluate the statistics. Next is reviewing and, when necessary, revamping your training. Ask yourself the following questions: ...

The Amazing COVID Comeback: Part 1

Posted on February 19, 2021May 20, 2021 by Sheena Hinson RDH

2020. What a year, right? For many offices, 2020 meant survival. For ours, what started as a traumatic year with a pandemic and the tragic, unexpected loss of one of our beloved doctors, turned into a year of thriving. By committing to focus on constant and never-ending improvement, our office was able to consistently meet and exceed our goals. In 2020, revenue produced in our hygiene department alone increased by nearly 40%. In fact, had we not encountered a 6-week hygiene shut do...

It’s Not JUST About the Science

Posted on February 12, 2021May 20, 2021 by Michael Goldberg DMD

At a time when “evidence-based” everything is all the rage; I would like to share my experience and philosophy in regard to salivary diagnostics. My approach comes from a non-scientific perspective garnered from my 40+ years of clinical experience. I come at it from both a trained scientific, human, psychological, patient management and pragmatic mindset. Several years back, I had a discussion with a well-respected career academic and journal editor about “evidence-based” medicine. He qu...

MyPerioProgress: Features and How-To Video

Posted on February 5, 2021June 1, 2021 by Diane Larson RDH, BSDH

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of a posttest is “a test given to students after completion of an instructional program or segment and often used in conjunction with a pretest to measure their achievement and the effectiveness of the program.” When an OralDNA® provider performs a pretest MyPerioPath®, applies periodontal therapy, and then performs a posttest MyPerioPath®, a comparison report called MyPerioProgress® is generated. This can be used to measure the effectiveness of t...

Accountability in Your Office

Posted on January 29, 2021May 20, 2021 by Jeanette Kern DDS

Are your employees busy all day? But some of the things you want to get done are not getting done? Nobody seems to notice when there is a problem such as voids in the schedule, patients leaving without accepting treatment, operatory drawers not stocked, etc. until it is too late. Whenever you come across these difficult situations, you have choices. Do nothing or do something. Webster's Dictionary defines “accountability” as “the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or wil...

How to Hire the Best Dental Staff in the Everchanging COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on January 22, 2021May 20, 2021 by Reza Sanjar DMD

The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives, from grocery shopping to socializing with friends and family. The way we work has changed, too. Working from home is now an option for many. However, dentists, hygienists, and assistants providing emergency treatment and elective treatment from their homes is impossible. Working in dentistry during this time has been a real eye-opener. Many dental professionals have adapted while some have left practice en...

Interview with Lori Appelhans RDH

Posted on January 1, 2021May 20, 2021 by Lori Appelhans, RDH

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me why you started to use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Lori, RDH: We were frustrated with inconsistent periodontal results, and began incorporating OralDNA® into our practice. Prior to starting, some patients returned for their post periodontal therapy check and there were still significant signs of disease. We wanted more for our patients. We started using the MyPerioPath® salivary test pre- and post-periodontal therapy and for gingivitis therapy too. Salivary diagn...

A Total Health Approach at a Reasonable Price: An Interview with Dr. Isaac Comfortes DDS

Posted on December 25, 2020May 20, 2021 by Isaac Comfortes DDS

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA salivary diagnostics. Dr. Comfortes: I started utilizing salivary diagnostics in 2013. Since then, my approach has concentrated on total health, which I discuss during every patient consult. Without the use of OralDNA® salivary diagnostics, the total health conversation would be difficult. First, I ask the patient if they understand the importance of the test. Then I address the levels of bacteria and how that is expressed in their gum health. We d...