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...

A Common-Sense Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Weekly Case Reviews with Dr. Lee Sheldon

Posted on January 15, 2021May 20, 2021 by Lee Sheldon DMD PA

Most webinars explore new, innovative, fabulous procedures. What about the day-to-day procedures such as the new patient, the periodontal case, or the restorative case? What about the basics? • How to communicate to the patient? • How to prioritize to make dentistry within reach of the average person? • How to gain greater case acceptance? • How to remove the insurance obstacle? Dr. Sheldon brings his whole team approach to patient management and communication to his new webinar series....

Chronic Anterior Inflammation Finally Resolved

Posted on January 8, 2021May 20, 2021 by Daniela Yanez RDH

Challenge: The patient's main concern was to reduce chronic inflammation around tooth #8 and #9. The patient previously had received treatment at a general dentist and a periodontist without significant improvement. Background: A new female patient, age 28, was last seen by another dentist on 12/5/2018. Her home care consists of brushing twice daily with Tom's of Maine® toothpaste and a Sonicare™ power toothbrush, and Crest® Pro-Health™ rinse with occasional flossing. Her family history i...

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...

A Clinician’s Resistance to Acceptance in One Case

Posted on December 18, 2020May 20, 2021 by Ashley Abrams DDS

When I opened my practice almost two years ago, I was introduced to OralDNA® Labs’ testing services. I believed the value of laboratory testing would provide a higher quality of care for my patients; however, I was hesitant to incorporate something new into my patient case conversation. My hesitation stemmed from a belief that my patients would think we were adding another “cost” to their treatment plan and that made me uncomfortable. I continued to practice without OralDNA® Labs testing, unti...