Friday, February 28, 2020
A dental office manager in Pennsylvania was sentenced to jail and ordered to pay approximately $250,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from her former employer, according to a news report.
Healthcare organizations, including dental practices, have become the targets of choice for cybercriminals. Offices must step up their cybersecurity measures to prevent falling victim to hackers and cyberattacks.
Jefferson Dental Care Healthcare Management was struck by a phishing attack, forcing the Texas-based dental support organization (DSO) to begin notifying 45,748 patients that their personal health information may have been exposed.Thursday, February 27, 2020
The Vermont Board of Dental Examiners has revoked the license of a dentist for using unsterilized tools and also his history of "unprofessional conduct." His license is one of only nine that has been revoked in about 60 years, according to news reports.
In this Second Opinion, Dr. Jeff Summers discusses the surprising results from a recent adult-focused survey on orthodontics and why some of the results should be alarming for all dentists, including orthodontists.
The hemorrhaging of dentists from solo practice to dental service/support organizations (DSOs) doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. The number of dentists in solo practices has declined by 11% in the past 10 years, according to a new report from the ADA Health Policy Institute.Wednesday, February 26, 2020
ASDA alumni band together to serve after Hurricane Maria
Terrible winds and harsh rain battered Puerto Rico in September 2017 as Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, leaving destruction in its path. Thousands of residents were affected as homes and businesses were destroyed, with many left without access to food, drinkable water or electricity for months at a time. Puerto Rico also faced a health care collapse. With the lack of medical supplies and access to suitable working conditions, many providers could not offer their services.
Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal, a general dentist in Florida, quickly offered his expertise and assistance in the matter. While studying at Case Western Reserve University, he got involved with ASDA. Through the organization, he met Dr. Liliam Ortiz Galarza and Dr. Scott Szotko. An instant connection formed and led to friendships that have persisted far beyond their dental school days.
“The relationships we forge during dental school as leaders of ASDA are so powerful,” Dr. Kalarickal says. “They have led to meaningful impacts throughout our careers as dentists [even] 20 years later.”
Together the trio departed on a humanitarian relief effort to provide free dental care in clinics on remote parts of the island. Joined by a team of 24 dentists and over 40 volunteers from the United States and Puerto Rico, their effort was made possible by a non-profit organization called Dentistas Misioneros de Puerto Rico, or Missionary Dentists of Puerto Rico, founded by Dr. Ortiz Galarza.
“Humanitarian efforts are part of who we are as a caring profession. It is rewarding to practice dentistry, but uniquely special to take care of patients who are unable to have the opportunity to get that kind of care,” Dr. Kalarickal says.
The team found themselves in Culebra and Vieques, small islands off the eastern coast of the mainland. Frustration and anguish were a shared feeling among the inhabitants, who felt as if the government and the rest of the world had forgotten about them in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The community did not have proper access to dental care, but fortunately these clinics arrived to address the concerns of the community. Dentistas Misioneros de Puerto Rico also provided basic dental education to school children in Culebra.
“The severity of the cases was quite remarkable. We did everything from teeth cleanings to periodontal surgeries. By coming together, we were able to make a positive impact,” Dr. Kalarickal says.
He credits his passion for helping others through the friendships and connections he formed in ASDA. The shared compassion to help others and tackle real-world issues drives these three doctors to address the needs pf others around them. Dr. Kalarickal recommends that dental students find something they care about and empower people to make a difference in their communities. In addition to mission trips, Dr. Kalarickal actively helps out with Florida Mission of Mercy as well as with Stars, Stripes and Smiles, an event geared towards serving veterans.
“We are fortunate to [be part of our] profession and to be able to provide an impact in this world,” Dr. Kalarickal says. “But we can amplify that impact when we collaborate with our friends from college and ASDA. Such an experience is personally fulfilling and rewarding.”
Dentistas Misioneros de Puerto Rico has a goal to provide at least two clinics a year in Vieques. They will continue their commitment with a mission trip this April.
Puerto Rico is still recovering from the natural disaster they faced almost three years ago. The friendships we form in ASDA can – and do – bring us together so we can make a bigger impact in the communities that have a need for the service we bring to our patients.
~Ashley Mathew, Texas-Houston ’23
A woman in Ohio was arrested for striking an employee and ransacking a dental exam room, forcing the space to be shut down to patients. An argument over dental services triggered the violent outburst, according to news reports.
Have you ever wondered how an employer-sponsored, qualified retirement plan would affect your dental practice? You have probably wondered about which plans are best and how to choose one. Certified public accountant Bruce Bryen offers his thoughts and some advice.
DrBicuspid.com presented the Dental Excellence Award trophies at the Chicago Dental Society's 2020 Midwinter Meeting. The annual awards recognize outstanding new products and services.
A dentist and his practice in Massachusetts have agreed to pay $135,000 to resolve allegations that they operated an illegal kickback scheme in which patients won prizes, like Apple TVs and gift cards, for more appointments and referrals and led to improper reimbursements from the state's Medicaid program.Tuesday, February 25, 2020
A St. Louis-area dentist has pleaded guilty to defrauding Illinois Medicaid out of about $700,000, according to news reports. He will lose his license to practice dentistry in the state and pay restitution as part of the consent decree.
There are a lot of average dental practices out there. These offices do OK, but they're certainly not reaching their full potential. Don't let your practice fall into this category. Instead, focus on creating an excellent practice that truly stands out. When you do, dentistry becomes more fun and more profitable, writes practice management consultant Sally McKenzie.
A North Carolina oral surgeon must pay $4 million in a civil suit filed by one of his former patients who accused him of sexual assault while she was sedated, according to news reports. The surgeon had been suspended from practicing since he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting about 20 patients while they were sedated.Monday, February 24, 2020
5 things to expect at 2020 Annual Session
ASDA’s Annual Session is less than two weeks away, and for those attending, there is a lot to look forward to: electing new leadership, meeting dental students from across the country, learning about the latest tools and technologies on the expo floor and more.
Here are five more highlights you can expect during this year’s meeting in St. Louis:
1. For this first time, ASDA will be using electronic voting during the House of Delegates meetings. First and second delegates from each chapter will use this to vote on who will fill the roles of the ASDA Executive Committee and Speaker of the House and to vote on resolutions.
2. As part of ASDA’s wellness initiative, Annual Session will feature five-minute chair massages and therapy animals during the Dental Expo. Take part in these activities to get that extra boost you need.
3. Annual Session will have over 20 educational sessions, covering a variety of topics — from debt management to nutrition in dentistry — in different formats that’ll keep you energized throughout the meeting.
4. The conference is being held at the historic St. Louis Union Station. It was founded in the 1890s and was one of the largest and busiest rail terminals in the world at the time. Its Grand Hall features stained glass, a 65-foot vaulted ceiling and plenty of other social media-worthy touches (including the infamous Whisper Arch).
5. The hotel is in the heart of a growing entertainment district in St. Louis. After Annual Session’s scheduled programming, take your experience to new heights on the St. Louis Wheel, have a splashing good time at the recently opened St. Louis Aquarium and end your night with the fire and light show.
Learn more about what you can expect at this year’s Annual Session. See you there!
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media provide excellent opportunities for sharing news about the practice, giving valuable advice about oral health, and much more. However, it should not be done "on the fly," notes Dr. Roger P. Levin. Develop a plan, decide which team member will be in charge of handling social media, and establish your practice's online presence as soon as you can.
How do we stop the negativity that happens so often in our places of business and lives? Often, we can't change the people who are negative, but we can certainly ensure that their impact on us is minimal at best. On a recent podcast, DrBicuspid.com Editor-in-Chief Kevin Henry offers five pieces of advice that can help.
Which intraoral scanner (IOS) brand is the most accurate for single-tooth impressions? Most systems came up short in a new study, published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Only one type of Dentsply Sirona scanner rivaled the accuracy of conventional impressions.Friday, February 21, 2020
Steve Jensen of Dental Intelligence believes certain practice management numbers can, when dentists and dental team members know them and how their business is growing or struggling, make all the difference between being good and being great. He talks about one of those numbers in this video.
The simple truth is that hygiene impacts every department. Hygienists also benefit when they realize that their department is essentially a business within a business, and they need skills in that area as well, writes Fred Joyal and Shannon Richkowski.
A U.S. judge has ordered a Pennsylvania prison to get an oral surgery consultation for an inmate who has experienced pain from an impacted wisdom tooth for about half a year, according to a recent court opinion.Thursday, February 20, 2020
Are you addressing the often-overlooked components of patient comfort: the senses? What do your patients smell? What do they hear? What do they see? Consultant Andrea Greer has some thoughts on why the senses are so important for your patients when they are in your practice.
During the recent Seattle Study Club Symposium, nationally known lecturer Dr. Diwakar Kinra shared his thoughts on which trends will be important in endodontics in this decade.
Clinical notes have always been a standard for creating narratives that get claims paid because they support the necessity for the services rendered. "If it isn't written, it didn't happen" still rules the courts when it comes to proper documentation of care, writes Dr. James Anderson.
Maximize dental implant therapy when it is your best option. Maximize Mother Nature when her solution is superior. This is the advice from Dr. David Rice, clinical editor for DrBicuspid.com.Wednesday, February 19, 2020
The Florida Board of Dentistry has closed its investigation into SmileDirectClub's business model and marketing practices, landing the clear-aligner company another victory against traditional orthodontics.The fundamentals of HR in dental practice
Few things are as professionally rewarding as opening your own practice. Leading a team. Seeing your branding vision come to life. Your name on the sign.
But the process isn’t all enjoyable. It comes with some challenging questions: How many employees do I need? How do I find a good employee? And, once they’re in place, how do I keep them?
The human resources element of owning and managing a dental practice can frustrate any dentist. “It’s the hardest part of owning a practice,” says Dr. Katie E. Stuchlik.
She would know, as Dr. Stuchlik established her own practice — Dentistry of the Oaks in Houston — with her good friend and dental school colleague in October 2018. She described the saga of securing a front desk receptionist during her first year of business:
- The first person hired never showed up for work, so friends helped for the first month by working the front desk.
- The next hire was a great fit, but she only stayed five months because she found a job closer to home.
- The third candidate was fired within her first 90 days because she wasn’t the right fit.
- The fourth hire didn’t show up to work on her first day.
- The fifth hire was fired within her first 45 days.
- Dr. Stuchlik is on her sixth receptionist. So far, so good.
As Dr. Stuchlik’s example shows, hiring — and keeping — good employees can be overwhelming. But fortunately, this doesn’t have to be your experience. Dr. Stuchlik shared the top five hiring and team-building tips she’s learned in her first year of practice ownership.
Read the rest of this article in February 2020 Contour magazine.
Sugar, sweet drinks, and other fermentable carbohydrates may promote the development of both cavities and periodontal disease, according to recent research. These diseases may both emerge in response to nutritional imbalances in your patient's mouth.
You likely have a solid understanding of why it's beneficial to migrate away from manual, paper-based processes in your practice, but have you considered a safe way to implement your day-to-day communications? Christine Alfano of Vyne shares eight reasons why you should adopt an encrypted email and electronic claims attachment services.
A dental assistant in Florida was arrested on February 13 for allegedly sexually assaulting a sedated 18-year-old girl that he was prepping for third-molar extractions, according to news reports.Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Changing the student loan landscape
Last year we heard from ASDA, current dental students and their financial aid officers that there was a need for a better option to cover the cost of dental school. We’ve also worked with thousands of doctors and dentists in our refinance business, so we knew the challenges they face in paying for school and wanted to help lower the cost.
At CommonBond, we’ve been supporting students with better student loans for years. We have deep experience working with investors to build programs that offer great rates to students based on their strong prospects. We are proud to continue offering our in-school loan option for dental students. In fact, dental students that borrowed last year with CommonBond are on track to save a significant amount of money.
A gap in the market
Many students are familiar with the Federal Grad PLUS loan. What most don’t realize, however, is that the federal government offers the same interest rate to all graduate students, regardless of the student’s course of study or future earning potential. The current Federal Grad PLUS loan carries a 7.08% interest rate and 4.236% origination fee. Dental students are not your average student, so a one-size-fits-all loan doesn’t seem right.
Dental students are a high-achieving group, and we recognize how competitive it is to get into dental school, the high rates of graduation, employment and strong earning potential. A dental career is a smart investment for you, and we believe it’s a smart investment for us because we understand the great prospects dental students have.
How CommonBond is different
CommonBond is a new kind of student loan company. We look at each borrower as an individual and use technology to offer dynamic pricing that’s personalized to your unique situation. In addition, while we were creating this new product, we worked with ASDA to build our student loan specifically for dental students. We thought there should be a better option that reflects the great prospects dental students have.
CommonBond’s dental loan variable interest rates start at 4.98% APR, and only carry a 2% origination fee.* A student that takes a 10-year fully deferred loan with CommonBond could save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.** We’re excited to partner with the next generation of dentists and help today’s dental students invest in their future.
Your CommonBond loan is ready: Get started today.
– Pete Wylie, Chief Operating Officer at CommonBond
*Offered terms are subject to change and state law restriction. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
**Savings of $7,994 assuming a $50,000 fully deferred 10-year loan with a 48-month deferral period plus a six-month grace period with a single disbursement with CommonBond loan at a fixed 6.08% APR and 2% origination fee versus a Federal Grad PLUS at an interest rate of 7.01% APR plus a 4.236% origination fee.
Loans are offered through CommonBond Lending, LLC (NMLS #1175900).
This blog post was sponsored by CommonBond.
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