You never think it will happen to your practice till it happens to you. What happens to a reactive practice when they’re impacted by a data breach?
Reactive Compliance: Are You at Risk?
One of the most common, yet dangerous, fallacies is that something could never happen to you. This misguided belief can be detrimental to your practice. For compliance, it is imperative to be proactive, ensuring everything is safe and secure before any issues arise. Investing in compliance software, IT support, and cybersecurity insurance is vital. It’s cheaper than scrambling later. Protect your reputation, empower your team, and streamline processes. Recovering from breaches is expensive, involving investigation fees, legal battles, and potential fines. Reactive efforts often lead to scrambling, incurring even higher costs. Reacting to issues often relies on manual and time-consuming workflows, hindering overall efficiency and effectiveness. The damage to your reputation also impacts all of your future opportunities. The consequences of reactive compliance are severe and can be seen in our case study.
What Happened?
So, what happened? Well, Abyde reached out to a practice to educate on HIPAA requirements for over a year. Abyde also attempted to meet with the practice at in-person events. The practice’s owner and doctor refused to review HIPAA requirements with Abyde, believing that the binder the practice used was sufficient to be compliant. Believing that their outdated form of compliance was enough and that their medical practice would not experience a breach was detrimental. Flash forward, and the practice experienced a ransomware attack at the beginning of 2024. As expected, the outdated compliance binder provided minimal support for this practice to navigate the aftermath of a breach. In the wake of a data breach, every second counts. The clock starts ticking on lost revenue, productivity and patients. You risk hemorrhaging sensitive information, eroding trust, and hindering internal operations. The practice now is facing an arduous task ahead, having to rebuild its operations while also seeing patients. The foundation of a compliant practice includes documentation like a Security Risk Analysis (SRA), data breach notifications, an incident response plan, breach risk assessment and training, and more. While no one is completely immune to a breach, your compliance software and IT support can minimize the impact the breach has on your practice. If this practice proactively addressed its compliance efforts, the impact of this ransomware attack could be minimized and handled quickly, allowing the practice to focus on what’s the most important: providing quality care.
What Can I Do?
As said, preventing breaches entirely is unrealistic, but recovery from a breach is in your hands. By proactively utilizing compliance software, like Abyde, having IT support, and cybersecurity insurance, you can mitigate the harmful impacts of a breach. After a breach, swift recovery is critical to minimizing the impact on your entire operation. Thankfully, Abyde is here to help you proactively establish a robust compliance program before risk incidents occur. Abyde offers a simple solution with our revolutionary software, saving you countless hours with our resources. Our software includes an intuitive SRA, dynamically generated policies and procedures for your practice, training, compliance expert support, and much more. With Abyde, your organization can be prepared for risks, and handle them with ease with the help of our software and team of experts. By proactively using compliance software, you pave the way for a culture of excellence that empowers your employees and protects your reputation and patients. Want to learn more about how Abyde can help your practice achieve compliance? Visit us at Abyde.com or send us an email at info@abyde.com.
By Carrie Millar, Director of Insurance Operations, Florida Dental Association Services
As hurricane season looms over Florida, casting a shadow of uncertainty, dental practices find themselves at a crossroads. Amidst the anticipation of turbulent weather, a persistent misconception lingers: “I don’t need flood insurance.” Yet, this myth crumbles under scrutiny in the Sunshine State’s tumultuous climate, where storm surges and torrential rains threaten to inundate even the highest ground. Now, more than ever, as hurricane season bears down upon us, dental practices must heed the call to secure flood insurance, recognizing it as an essential shield against the unpredictable forces of nature.
Myth 1: My office package insurance will cover flood.
Ah, if only it were that simple. While your office insurance might safeguard against many perils, it won’t hold water against floods. Flood insurance is a separate policy designed explicitly to protect your practice from the ravages of external rising waters.
Myth 2: My office is on high ground.
Yes, Florida boasts some elevated spots, but don’t let that fool you. The Sunshine State is known for turning even the driest corners into waterlogged landscapes during storm seasons. Remember the countless floods that have swept through Florida in the wake of past hurricanes? No dental practice is an island when it comes to the threat of flooding.
Myth 3: I don’t own the building; I don’t need coverage.
Think again. Just because you’re not the landlord doesn’t mean your business property is immune to flood damage. Your dental equipment, furnishings, and valuable assets are all at risk when the waters rise. You could be left high and dry without proper coverage, facing significant financial losses and operational setbacks. In Florida, where flood risks loom large, dental practices must heed the call to protect their livelihoods. Flood insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline in the face of nature’s unpredictable wrath. So, let’s dispel these myths once and for all and ensure our dental practices stand strong, come rain or high water. Click here to get a quick quote or call/text FDA Services at 850.681.2996.
The 2024 March/April issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! Check it out for great articles about the upcoming 2024 Florida Dental Convention (FDC) – including a Q&A with FDC2024 scientific program chair Dr. Olmos. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or click the cover image below to read the issue.
I grew up anxious and afraid of the dentist. I never was a difficult or uncooperative patient but never comfortable in the chair as a child. That was the impetus for me to dedicate my 41 plus year career to treating the Apprehensive, un-manageable and medically compromised patient. As a trained general dentist and dental anesthesiologist I will cover and review some of my tools from Tender Loving Care (TLC) to General Anesthesia.
Here are some useful ideas to help calm your patients down. I assume every patient is at least a little anxious. Create a welcoming environment. Ensure that your office has a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Use soothing colors, play relaxing music and provide amenities like magazines or a television to help patients feel at ease. Eliminate temporary restorations that contain eugenol.
Be an active listener: Start by probing into your patients concerns and fears. Give them the opportunity to be honest with you and be empathetic. Make sure you communicate clearly using simple terms, analogies, and non-technical language to explain procedures, potential discomfort and, and the steps you will take to minimize pain. I often will explain how I am able to give a painless injection. It’s not about the length or diameter of the needle but the pH of the local anesthetic. My first step is to apply a small amount topical anesthetic. Every patient understands the concept of topical anesthesia and I will leave it in place for a full minute. Step two: Utilize a small amount of Citanest (Prilocaine) 4% without a vasoconstrictor. Citanest plain has a pH of 7. Without fail this tip will be your largest practice builder. No pain and immediate onset.
You can offer distractions but let them know they are always in control. Televisions and headphones will work to divert some of your patients but reassuring them there will be frequent breaks and they can always raise their hand if they want me to stop. This will work for the average or mildly anxious patient.
Then they ask; What are my sedation options? These can range from nitrous oxide to oral sedation or conscious intravenous sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and the procedures being performed. Minimal sedation: formerly classified as Anxiolysis. Many states do not require a special license or permit to utilize anxiolysis. Having the patient take their own Zanax, Valium or other benzodiazepine you prescribe for them are examples of minimal sedation. MD Anderson Guide to Anxiolysis for the non-anesthsiologist The ADA Guidelines recommends all medications be administered in your office under direct supervision along with additional training specific to that class of medication. I would suggest additional training that includes the use of monitoring equipment and airway management. Nitrous oxide used alone is considered minimal sedation but because of the potential to potentiate other medications along with drug interactions, many states require addition training and licensure for the dentist and hygienist. When nitrous oxide is administered in combination with any sedative / hypnotic then this technique is considered conscious sedation and will require significant additional training and licenses. A small percentage of my adult patients and even smaller number of my children utilize nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide gives the patient a one or two beer buzz. Adult patients like the sensation they have when drinking alcohol so will request it to relax and calm them down for a procedure. Children don’t understand the high or buzz and it tends to disorient them. In low concentrations it tends to work and is utilized for the administration of local and then removed from the patient.
Oral sedation utilizes a class of medications that when taken by mouth may cause drowsiness and a degree of amnesia. The drugs tend to fall into the benzodiazepine class and limits the recall of the treatment. The intent of the provider is to keep them conscious, so the protective reflexes are always intact and they are easily aroused and respond to commands.
Intravenous or parenteral sedation is a deeper level of sedation; usually but not always given through an IV or injection. Medication reactions tend to come on slowly with oral sedation so you have time to prepare and reverse the patient if they become less responsive or unresponsive. Parenteral sedation can turn into general anesthesia with just a few drops of the medications. Complications can come on quickly and need to be treated immediately with reversal agents. Narcan if an opioid is deployed and flumazenil to reverse benzodiazepines..
Conscious sedation is very safe in patients of all ages and medical ailments. There are certain requirements for record keeping and monitoring in order to treat sick and older individuals but the inherent safety factor to conscious sedation is the patient’s ability to respond to simple commands, maintain their protective reflexes and can consciously override laryngospasm.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia utilizes the same medications as conscious sedation along with several others that are now reserved for oral surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Sedation dentistry can be beneficial for patients who have dental phobia, anxiety, a strong gag reflex or just have difficulty sitting in the dental chair.
Dr. Gottlieb will speak on this topic at the 2024 Florida Dental Convention on June 20-22 in Orlando. You can find more information on his courses at www.floridadentalconvention.com.
Crafting a Life of Excellence: Strategies for Personal Triumph
Embarking on the quest for personal fulfillment and success is a multifaceted endeavor, demanding determination, self-reflection and strategic action. This journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of growth, an unwavering embrace of challenges and a steadfast commitment to celebrating each milestone. It’s a path that unfolds through continuous evolution, resilience and the joy of achievement.
The Essence of Unyielding Determination
The road to your dreams is fraught with hurdles, yet your unwavering determination carves a path through the densest of adversities. Each obstacle encountered is not just a barrier but a chance to grow stronger and more resilient, teaching you that true strength is honed in the crucible of failure. Your persistence acts as the beacon that guides your journey, illuminating the darkness and transforming every setback into a steppingstone toward your ultimate goal.
Discovering Your Inner Landscape
Delving into the depths of your psyche illuminates the unique strengths and vulnerabilities that define you and serves as a voyage of discovery to your most authentic self. This exploration of self-awareness is crucial, unveiling the core desires and values that guide your life’s decisions. Aligning your actions with these deep-seated convictions ensures that your path is one of purpose and profound personal satisfaction.
Advancing Your Career with Knowledge
In an ever-changing professional landscape, continuous learning is a beacon of advancement. Undertaking further education, like a cybersecurity degree, sharpens your skills and significantly enhances your career prospects. Knowing how to protect computer systems and networks makes you a valuable job candidate in countless fields. The convenience of online learning makes it feasible to juggle work, life and study, offering a flexible route to personal and professional development.
The Enrichment of Personal Pursuits
Hobbies offer a sanctuary for the soul, where creativity and curiosity flourish without the constraints of obligations or expectations. These pursuits, be they artistic, botanical or musical, serve not only as outlets for stress but as wellsprings of joy and personal growth. They enrich your life, adding layers of fulfillment and connection to the world around you.
Radiating Confidence Through Wellness
A healthy smile is the foundation of confidence, profoundly influencing self-perception and our impressions of others. Prioritizing dental health transcends aesthetic appeal, embodying a commitment to self-care that bolsters self-esteem and enhances overall well-being. The radiance of a vibrant smile has the power to open doors and build bridges, fostering connections that enrich personal and professional lives.
Crafting Healthy Boundaries for Balance
Establishing clear boundaries is akin to drawing a map of your life, marking out territories for work, relationships and self-care. These boundaries are not walls but guidelines that help you allocate your time and energy according to what truly matters. By honoring these limits, you protect your well-being, foster healthier relationships and live a life that is authentically yours.
The Gift of Contribution
Volunteering extends your influence beyond your immediate surroundings, creating ripples of positive change in the community and within yourself. Giving is a profound source of fulfillment, offering a sense of purpose and interconnectedness. Whether through mentorship, charity or environmental activism, your contributions forge a legacy of compassion and civic engagement.
The art of living your best life is a continuous process of striving, learning and giving. It’s about crafting a journey that fulfills your aspirations and contributes positively to the world around you. By embracing persistence, cultivating self-awareness, developing hobbies, prioritizing health, advancing through education, setting boundaries and volunteering, you chart a life of depth, meaning, and excellence.
About the author: Karen Weeks is a Senior Lifestyle blogger. She struggled to find a new sense of purpose after retirement which made way to learn a new skill and took a computer course. She then created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies and spirits well.
It’s hard to remember a time when it’s been more challenging to recruit and retain dental assistants and dental hygienists. When persistent staff shortages make it more difficult to run your dental practice efficiently, you must maximize every clinical employee’s potential and contributions. That’s where the Florida Dental Association’s (FDA) online dental assistant radiography program can help.
A practice’s workflow can be improved substantially when it relies on a certified dental assistant to perform radiography to take X-rays chairside properly. Dental assistants can relieve hygienists of the responsibility of taking full-mouth radiographs, allowing them to fit more patients into their day. An assistant can also help the dentist when an X-ray is needed during treatment.
Florida law requires dental assistants to receive training and a certificate before performing radiography. The FDA makes it easy to provide the education necessary to obtain state certification with the MyDentalRadiography online training course. It consists of nine modules that can be completed anytime, anywhere, from any web-enabled device. A quiz follows each module to ensure the student understands the material. After all modules are completed, the student takes a final examination of all course material. A score of 80% is required to pass the test, and the test can be retaken until the student passes.
After the course is complete, the student must expose a full-mouth series of radiographs, including four bite-wings, with a limit of five retakes. The radiographs must be exposed under the supervision of the dentist for patient safety. When the dentist approves of the exposures, he or she signs off on the assistant’s training and the assistant can then apply for certification from the state.
The training costs just $285 per assistant for FDA members and $385 for non-members.
The supervising dentist starts the training process by visiting mydentalradiography.com/fda and creating a dentist account. After completing a brief tutorial overview of the training process, the dentist receives a supervising dentist’s ID and can purchase vouchers for the assistants to be trained. Each assistant receives an email welcoming them to the course and can begin studying at their own pace.
To learn more about the online training program, call the FDA at 850. 681.3629.
Ridge atrophy is well documented and dramatic. This is well illustrated in the prospective study by Schropp et al. which demonstrated changes of an edentulous site after tooth extraction over the period of a year (1). Edentulous ridges were shown to demonstrate an average of 50% loss of buccal-lingual dimension; the majority lost during the first 3 months. Studies by Iasella et al. also document significant changes in apical-coronal dimension of the alveolar ridge post-extraction (2).
The patient’s goals are discussed and which option(s) best suit the situation. In many cases options to replace an edentulous area may include: implant-supported restoration, tooth supported-fixed prosthesis, removable prosthesis, no treatment. Many patients may desire an option to most closely replicate the form, function, and esthetic capacity of the original tooth or teeth. An implant-supported restoration may prove to be the most desired optimal solution. For an edentulous site where there can be a significant compromise to native tissues and inadequate alveolar dimensions (such as a missing tooth for one year or longer), alveolar changes can complicate or rule out the possibility for placement of a dental implant.
Ridge atrophy frequently requires regeneration of oral tissues including preservation of soft and hard tissues in preparation for placement of a dental implant. This concept, called “ridge or site preparation/augmentation” (less appropriately “socket grafting”), has been well detailed in published texts by Suzuki and Misch (3) among a growing body of literature. Ideally this augmentation should be performed at the time of or within 8 weeks after the extraction to ensure preservation of the maximum volume of residual bony ridge.
Clinicians may predict the degree of successful defect regeneration with bone augmentation based upon the number bony walls present (which provide vascular supply and pathways for cells and biologic factors to stimulate regeneration). A four-wall defect is the most predictable (i.e. a completely intact tooth socket) and may not require bone augmentation if allowed to heal undisturbed long enough. One-wall or No-wall defects prove to be the most challenging scenarios providing the least number of vascular walls for reparative and regenerative potential. Augmentation of these defects may involve simple to multimodal techniques that incorporate one or any combination of a materials including: bone graft, cell-occlusive membrane, biologics, tacks, screws or meshwork barriers.
Combination grafting techniques tend to be most predictable when including the principle of guided tissue regeneration by employing an absorbable or nonabsorbable membrane. It is through this principle, well established in wound healing literature by Melcher, that regeneration of bone around compromised teeth with bony wall defects has been shown to promote reattachment of the periodontal ligament and regrowth of alveolar bone (4). This technique is also successful for extraction sockets.
When considering what types of graft materials are best to use for ridge preservation the clinician should consider what ideal material characteristics are most appropriate: absence any risk of immune rejection by the recipient, predictable long term preservation of the bone in the edentulous site, working ease. It has become commonly recommended to implement the following hierarchy when considering appropriate bone augmentation materials for implant site development:
Autogenous
Human derived allograft
Bovine, Porcine or Equine xenograft
Alloplast
Barrier membranes exclude surrounding, faster growing epithelium cells from populating an extraction socket allowing bone remodeling, deposition, and maturation. The addition of bone augmentation material acts as an osteo-inductive and/or osteo-conductive scaffold. Angiogenesis of new blood vessels into the site promote introduction of osteoprogenitor cells. These osteoblasts and osteoclasts utilize the mineral components of the graft material to deposit organized, osseous architecture over a period of three to six months. Angiogenesis can be enhanced with decortication of the existing bony architecture allowing enhanced bulk and density, a principle called “regional acceleratory phenomenon”.
After healing and maturation of the graft to turn over into native bone, dental implant therapy can be predictably implemented and an implant body positioned for the ideal restorative position. Implant dentistry has moved away from the historical approach of placing an implant body where the bone is most favorable. The paradigm has emerged where implant treatment plans should be driven from a “restoration driven” approach. The design of implant restoration and implant body position is dictated by the ideal prosthetic position.
Due to advances in CT scanning technology, reduced costs, and improved CT scan access the osseous architecture of a proposed implant site can be pre-operatively evaluated. Treatment plans may be determined and predict whether augmentation may be indicated in an edentulous site. If it is identified that there is not enough bone or it is not in the correct position to place an implant it is better to rehabilitate the ideal alveolar ridge form first. This will permit ideal implant placement in the most appropriate prosthetic position to restore without compromise or likelihood of increased stress or restorative shortcoming in the design of the implant-prosthesis system. As dental treatment plans continue to support patients’ clinical objectives for dental implants, ridge preservation and bone grafting following tooth extraction becomes a critical component of implant site preparation. Clinical outcomes are more predictable and successful with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of bone grafting and guided bone regeneration.
Conclusions: It is proposed to offer, as a standard of care, ridge preservation of extraction sockets and treatment planning for the option of future dental implant(s). Sound clinical research supports these patient therapies.
Figure Legend: A 38 y.o. white male patient presented with a chief complaint of persisting pain in the upper right area, ( tooth #5) for days. Diagnosis was endodontic lesion with a hopeless prognosis (Figure 1, 2). The tooth was extracted and Regional Acceleratory Phenomena performed (Figure 3), grafted with Allograft and Resorbable membrane (Figure 4 &5) employed for Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) and sutured (Figure 6). Four months post Extraction and Ridge Preservation surgery (Figures 7 and 8, Implant was placed (Figure 9) to be restored after osseointegration period.
Acknowledgements: contributions and support from Jon B. Suzuki DDS, PhD, MBA
Conflict of interest: Dr. Suzuki works as a consultant for Millenium Dental Technologies
Iasella JM, Greenwell H, Miller RL, et al. Ridge preservation with freeze-dried bone allograft and a collagen membrane compared to extraction alone for implant site development: a clinical and histologic study in humans. J Periodontol. 2003;74(7):990-9.
Misch CE, Resnik RR, Suzuki JB, et al. “Tooth Extraction, Socket Grafting, and Barrier Membrane Bone Regeneration.” Contemporary Implant Dentistry 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier, 2020. 870-904.
Dr. Suzuki will speak on this topic at the 2024 Florida Dental Convention on June 20-22 in Orlando. You can find more information on his courses at www.floridadentalconvention.com.
By: Kelsey Simmons, Communications & Media Coordinator, Florida Dental Association
As Spring nears, take the time to remind your patients that as they begin spring cleaning around the house, apply that to their dental routine as well. Freshening up your wardrobe and tidying up your closets should not be the only important routines. We have four items on that spring to-do list to help keep patients smiling all season long.
Replace Toothbrushes
The more you use your toothbrush, the more the bristles wear down. Bacteria and infectious agents can thrive among the bristles. Start the new Spring season off with a fresh brush.
Check the Expiration Date on Your Mouthwash
Some patients might not be aware that mouthwash has a shelf life. Continuing to use it past its expiration date can affect its taste as well as its effectiveness. Replenish with a new bottle and swish with confidence.
Restock Your Floss Supply
It’s just as important to floss as it is to brush. You don’t want to risk running out of it at an inconvenient time, so make sure you stock up!
Schedule a Dentist Appointment
Make sure you’re keeping up with your regularly scheduled check-ups. Seeing your dentist regularly is a great way to spot and prevent any problems before they become bigger, pricier and more painful.
You can also remind your patients that if they have any questions on dental health topics, to please ask. They can also visit mouthhealthy.org and choose any specific topic from A to Z.
Florida Dental Chatter is a private Facebook group designed for dentists to interact with other members, receive the latest updates and information and engage with Florida Dental Association (FDA) leaders and staff. Only those who are member dentists of the FDA and/or American Dental Association — as well as staff of the organizations — can join the group. Join today by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/floridadentalchatter/.
Among the many questions that are asked, one University of Florida College of Dentistry student posed the question, how do you handle sick children, parent-teacher conferences, etc. while working full time in a practice? Here are some of the responses:
“Lots of planning and communication! Recognizing that family comes first, and giving that same respect to your patients and your team makes any hiccups quickly and easily managed. Having a partner that’s a real PARTNER makes 100% of the difference! Flexibility and a sense of humor when all else fails!” – Dr. Becky Warnken
“One of the perks of having your own practice is the flexibility of making and adjust schedules as needed. Understanding staff and great support at home helps too. Also, make sure U and others realize u don’t have to be superwoman!” – Karin Irani
“You just do. Moms are superheros anyways and we always find a way. Take off for the important things. Life/schedule balance. Partner has to help too. At the end of the day your family comes first, dentistry second.” – Dr. Neila Bouchard
“Family help and we have an au pair that’s helps a lot. Blocking out the schedule early or scheduling conferences in evenings or Fridays when we are closed. But I agree that having a helpful partner with a flexible work schedule is the most important, choose your partner wisely.” – Dr. Jenna Schwibner
You can join in this conversation and others when you join the Florida Dental Chatter today!
When I became a dental hygienist in 1978, I did not foresee the “love affair” that loomed in my future, a love affair in treating periodontal disease. Nothing gives me more professional gratification than taking a patient with frank disease to a state of good oral health through a series of appointments.
Of course, there are many variables to consider in treatment planning comprehensive care, such as the patient’s medical history. How might my patient with a history of chemotherapy for breast cancer respond differently than a non-chemo patient? What outcomes should I expect and how should my care be modified for my diabetic patients? A challenging variable is the patient’s motivation and willingness to “own” the disease and exercise behavior change. Many patients have lifestyle factors that influence treatment outcomes, such as smoking and recreational drug or alcohol use. What about the patient’s diet? Can a person’s diet affect treatment outcomes? And finally, what factors determine when the patient needs specialized care from a periodontist? What about the patient that refuses a periodontal referral? These are all important questions.
One of my most memorable patients was a 35-year-old patient with moderate periodontitis. His pockets ranged from 5-7 mm, his oral hygiene was mediocre, and he was a former smoker. He also indicated he consumed alcohol on weekends. I completed his definitive care. The patient was very compliant, and his oral hygiene improved significantly. But at his first supportive therapy appointment, I noticed some of his periodontal readings had actually increased. This was not supposed to happen. Three months later, I knew something was not right, as his periodontal depths had not stabilized. We referred the patient to a periodontist who asked the patient, “Tell me, how many times do you typically get up during the night to use the rest room?” The patient replied, “Three times.” The periodontist suspected diabetes, and a subsequent referral to the patient’s physician confirmed the diagnosis.
My years of experience have taught me that customization is one of the most important considerations for patient success. After all, what works for one patient may not work for a different patient. Aspects of care that require customization include the treatment plan, the patient’s at-home oral care plan, and the supportive periodontal therapy required after the definitive care is completed. Understanding how to communicate with clarity, compassion, and grace goes a long way in establishing connected relationships with patients. When patients like you and sense your caring, they are more likely to comply with your instructions and recommendations for care. When everything is finished, how do you measure success? The measure of success comes over time. There will be no continuing loss of supporting bone and attachment. This outcome will not be seen in three or even six months, but in nine to twelve months following definitive treatment, the clinician will know. To achieve this success makes the job worth all the effort!
Ms. Watterson will speak on this topic at the 2024 Florida Dental Convention on June 20-22 in Orlando. You can find more information on her courses at www.floridadentalconvention.com.
Workflow in your dental practice impacts its productivity. If only you and your dental hygienists can expose radiographs, you’re losing time and money. Dental assistants whose skill set includes radiography can help the practice run more efficiently by streamlining everyone’s workflow. With the tight labor market, investing in your dental assistants and getting them certified to perform radiography makes sense. You’ll reap the benefits, and they will be more satisfied and fulfilled in their work.
Online radiography training is available from MyDentalRadiography.com
Florida requires dental assistants to become certified to take radiographs. Fortunately, the Florida Dental Association (FDA) has the necessary solution. MyDentalRadiography is an online training program that prepares dental assistants to be certified. FDA members can enroll a dental assistant in the training for only $285. Non-members pay $385 per assistant.
What’s involved in training?
The online training is accessible from any device that connects to the Web and is available 24/7. The training consists of nine modules, each with a quiz to check the student’s learning. A final exam consisting of 80 questions must be passed with a score of at least 80%. Students can retake the test until they master the material and receive a passing score. The next step is for the student to complete a full-mouth exposure, including four bite-wings, in five or fewer attempts under your supervision. Once you, as the supervising dentist, have signed off on the radiographs, a certificate is issued, and the student can apply to the state for radiography certification.
How to get started
Make becoming certified in dental radiography a performance goal of your dental assistants. Discuss the benefits of additional training with them and explain that they don’t need to travel to a class, take time away from the office, or learn on someone else’s timetable. With MyDentalRadiography, your dental assistants are in control of their learning and can complete the curriculum at their own pace. Here’s what you need to know to get your assistants trained.
First, you must go to mydentalradiography.com/fda and create a dentist’s account. You’ll view a short tutorial explaining how the program works and your responsibilities. After completing the tutorial, you’ll receive a supervising dentist’s ID number.
Then, you can purchase vouchers for each assistant you wish to train. You’ll need an email address for each assistant; they may not share an email account.
MyDentalRadiography then sends an email to each student, advising them to create an account and log in to begin their training. They will need your supervising dentist ID number to do so. The training platform keeps track of their progress, and each time they log in, it picks up where they left off.
Students will receive automated email reminders to create their accounts. You can monitor their progress by logging into your account.
When a student completes and passes the online portion of the program, you will receive an emailed notice that they are ready to expose the full-mouth X-rays under your supervision.
When the X-rays have been completed to your satisfaction, you sign into your account and certify that they have successfully completed that step.
MyDentalRadiography creates a certificate you can print, sign and present to the assistant.
The assistant then applies to the state of Florida for certification, following the directions MyDentalRadiography provides.
Get started now
Develop your dental assistants to provide maximum value to your practice. If you need more information, visit the Continuing Education section at FloridaDental.org, or call the FDA at 850.681.3629.
The 2024 January/February issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! Check it out for great articles, including a Q&A on Oral Pathology and a clinical reference guide to the treatment of common oral lesions. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or click the cover image below to read the issue.
By Samantha Kennedy, UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
The beginning of a new year is a popular time to focus on health-related goals, and good nutrition is an important aspect of good health. Proper nutrition is also tightly linked to a vibrant and healthy smile. The connection between what we eat and the well-being of our teeth and gums is profound, influencing not only the strength of our enamel but also the resilience of our gums and the overall health of our mouths.
The journey towards healthy teeth begins with the nutrients we provide our bodies. Calcium, an essential mineral abundant in dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts, is important for maintaining strong tooth enamel. Phosphorus, found in abundance in foods like fish, meat, and dairy, is another vital mineral contributing to enamel strength and the prevention of tooth decay.
Vitamins also play a pivotal role in oral health. Vitamin D, known for its role in calcium absorption, is vital for the development and maintenance of strong teeth. Two ways to boost vitamin D levels are exposure to sunlight (just 10 to 15 minutes a day) and including foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy in the diet. Vitamin C is another nutrient important to overall oral health, supporting healthy gums by promoting collagen formation and mitigating the risk of gum disease. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Maintaining a well-balanced diet not only fortifies our teeth but also acts as a preventative measure against gum diseases. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, contribute to gum health by combatting inflammation and protecting against infections. Conversely, a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates provides an environment conducive to harmful bacteria, fostering plaque buildup and increasing the susceptibility to cavities and gum diseases. Eating fewer foods containing added sugars can help reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis. Always check the Nutrition Facts label to see how much added sugar a food contains per serving.
Staying adequately hydrated is also important for both oral health and overall wellness. Water helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria, preventing dry mouth and the subsequent risk of cavities. Moreover, proper hydration supports saliva production. Saliva contains enzymes that neutralize acids and shield teeth from decay. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production, contributing to a healthier oral environment.
Eating the right foods has also been shown to support what is called the “oral-gut connection.” Recent scientific results have highlighted the intricate connections between gut health and oral health. A diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics – found in yogurt, kefir (a fermented dairy drink), and fruits and vegetables high in fiber – supports a diverse and healthy oral microbiome. A balanced microbiome is crucial for preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum diseases.
Establishing sound nutrition habits early in life is paramount to promoting lifelong dental health. By promoting and practicing these habits from a young age, we learn to embrace a lifestyle that nurtures not only our bodies but also our smiles for years to come.
The significance of good nutrition on both oral health and overall wellbeing cannot be overstated. From fortifying tooth enamel to preventing gum diseases, the foods we consume have an important effect on the health of our teeth and gums. By adopting a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and promoting good oral hygiene practices, we can build a strong foundation for a healthy smile and body that will last a lifetime. After all, a healthy smile is a reflection of a well-nourished life.
The American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association (FDA) and your local dental association work together to provide members with every level of service and support, including a career center. The career center was created to be utilized in the process of adding a valuable member to your team, job seeking and overall assistance in navigating through your career.
Career Center Benefits:
29,000 searchable resumes
800+ average monthly visits
384,000+ job views per month
200+ average view per jobs
Looking for Your Next Recruitment Solution?
Is your organization seeking high-quality, professional individuals to join your team? Expand your exposure through the FDA Career Center today!
Connect with our network of elite professionals through our state-of-the-art recruiting platform. Designed to match you with qualified industry candidates, no other commercial job board can deliver quality professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.
Quick and easy job posting.
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Dental practices around the country are struggling with staffing issues, which presents dental assistants with an opportunity to become even more valuable members of the team. Dental assistants whose skill set includes radiography can help the practice run more efficiently because they can streamline the dentist’s and hygienist’s workflow. Dental assistants certified to perform radiography derive more satisfaction from their work and are in demand by dental practices.
Why is radiography important?
A properly exposed X-ray of teeth allows the dentist to assess the integrity of the teeth and roots and the overall oral health of a patient. Taking an X-ray is different from taking a photograph. Skill is required to properly position the X-ray camera for the best exposure and protect the patients and yourself from radiation risks. Florida requires dental assistants to become certified to take radiographs. Fortunately, the Florida Dental Association (FDA) has MyDentalRadiography, an online radiography training program that prepares dental assistants to be certified.
What’s involved in training?
The online training is accessible from any device that connects to the Web and is available 24/7. The training consists of nine modules, each with a quiz to check your learning. A final exam consisting of 80 questions must be passed with a score of at least 80%. You can take it as often as necessary to pass. Then, you’ll complete a full-mouth exposure, including four bite-wings, in five or fewer attempts under the dentist’s supervision. Once the supervising dentist has signed off on the radiographs, a certificate is issued, and the student can apply to the state for radiography certification.
How to get started
Talk to your employer about becoming certified to perform radiography through MyDentalRadiography.com/FDA. Here are some facts you’ll need for your talk.
It costs $285 if your employer is a member of the FDA. It’s $385 otherwise.
The supervising dentist then completes a brief online tutorial explaining their responsibilities and obtains a supervising dentist ID number.
Then, the supervising dentist can purchase a voucher for your training.
You’ll receive a system-generated email notification that you can create your account and begin your coursework. You’ll need your supervising dentist’s ID number to create your account.
The training platform keeps track of your progress for you. Each time you log in, you will pick up your training where you signed out.
Get started now
Talk to your dentist today about becoming certified in radiography quickly, safely, affordable and conveniently by taking the FDA’s MyDentalRadiography training course. If you or your dentist need more information, visit the Continuing Education section at FloridaDental.org, or call the FDA at 850.681.3629.
January is a common time to plan for the New Year or beyond and, as may be expected, many in our field are considering what dentistry may look like in the future. They are using data and analytics to fashion predictions, which can be valuable. However, I firmly believe that our future is not pre-determined; it is in our own hands.
As president of the Florida Dental Association, I see lots of opportunities for dentists to thrive. We have an incredible inventory of professionals in our state. Many Florida dentists have formed personal networks with one another as classmates, peers or through their involvement with organized dentistry. These networks are great for sharing ideas, learning from each other and even socializing. I would suggest that they’re also excellent for sharing thoughts and ideas about the direction dentistry is moving as well as which trends are temporary and which will affect our trajectory. We should all be discussing ways we can impact and shape the change we know is coming.
Do young dentists need mentors? Is there a way to increase dental access and reimbursement rates for underserved populations? Can we continue to educate the public about the importance of oral health and having a dental home? Will changing or new regulations impact how we practice? There are lots of questions. We can find the answers together.
It is evident that our profession in general and organized dentistry specifically are facing challenges. Some that come immediately to mind are: incorporation of new and developing technologies; issues finding and keeping talented team members; and navigating third party payer issues. There are people who view consolidation as an answer. Yes, consolidation via small group practices, large group practices or DSOs is one method for achieving scale and certain efficiencies but it can also present its own frustrations such as lack of control and a loss of independence.
As a practicing periodontist for more than 30 years, I am proud that I have been able to build and own a solo practice that is thriving. I know of many other dentists in my area, throughout Florida and other places in the nation who are also achieving their versions of solo practitioner success. I believe that private practice is still a very viable model. This may not be the choice for everyone and, as a leader of the FDA, I view the diversity of practice—individual versus group, modality, style, etc.—as something positive for dentistry. There are many options for those graduating from schools of dentistry or for dentists who are navigating life and career changes. It is also excellent for our patients and the public to have choices.
No matter the practice type, let’s work to shape the future of dentistry together.
President of the Florida Dental Association, Dr. Terry is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery. Her practice, Miami Implant Perio, is located in Miami.
It is an exciting time for the dental profession! Many trends are converging to accelerate changes in how dentists practice, who goes into the dental profession, how dentists are paid, what patients expect from their dental care experience, and how dentistry is regulated as a health care service. There are also significant trends in who has had a dental visit over a year and who has not. I will share the latest trends nationally and in Florida, specifically at the Florida Dental Association’s (FDA) Leaders Emerging Among Dentistry (LEAD) program and with the FDA’s House of Delegates in January.
My hunch is that many trends emerging strictly from the data might make leaders in organized dentistry slightly uncomfortable. That is okay; part of leadership is confronting uncomfortable facts. Another aspect is what I call ‘letting go.’ That is, accepting that the status quo is not sustainable. Acknowledging that practice models are evolving and will continue to evolve – faster and faster, in my view. Patient expectations, loyalty to clinicians, and prioritizing convenience and costs are all changing among the patient base and are about to change faster. In my view, it is important for leaders in organized dentistry to look ahead to the next decade and proactively chart a new course for the profession.
There are so many opportunities to elevate dentistry. Less than half of Americans go to the dentist within a given year. Why? More importantly, is this an organized dentistry vision, or do we want millions more Americans in a dental home? In Florida, about 40% of new graduates practice in DSOs and large group practices. Practice ownership rates continue to fall, and solo practice continues to be less prominent, particularly among early- and mid-career dentists. Why? And, more importantly, why does this matter? Join me for a lively, provocative, data-driven discussion in Orlando in January. To hear Marko Vujicic and his sessions on the future of dentistry, register for the LEAD program at floridadental.org/lead.
Marko Vujicic currently serves as chief economist and vice president of the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association. Previously, he was a senior economist with The World Bank in Washington, D.C., where he focused on health systems reform in developing countries and directed the global health workforce policy program. He was also a health economist with the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. In these roles, Dr. Vujicic led large-scale strategic initiatives to bring cutting-edge data and research to specific health policy challenges.
Dr. Vujicic has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals such as Health Affairs, The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Health Services Research, Health Economics, Social Science and MedicineandMedical Care. He is also the lead author of the book Working in Health, which examines health workforce challenges globally and has written several book chapters on health care policy issues. His team’s work has been cited by CNN, The New York Times, NBC News, CNBC, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, PBS NOVA, and The Atlantic. He has been invited to provide testimony to federal and state legislative committees.
Dr. Vujicic holds several academic appointments. He is an adjunct senior fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, and affiliate faculty at the Center for Health and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago, as well as the Center for Health Services and Policy Research at the University of British Columbia. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and a visiting assistant professor at Tufts University.
Dr. Vujicic obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor’s in Business from McGill University in Montreal.
By Kelsey Simmons, Communications & Media Coordinator, Florida Dental Association
With three days left in 2023, it’s time to start looking ahead and planning for the new year. Maybe you have fitness, career or even personal goals you’re looking to meet. And while it may not always be easy, there are tips you can follow as you plan and navigate through 2024.
1. Take Stock of Relationships: Think about the people in your life and your relationship with them. How can you improve those relationships in the new year? Do you want more friends this year than last year? Are there some existing friends that you’d like to see more of? Set aside time to meet up, even for coffee and catch up. Go out a bit more and mingle.
2. Financial Planning: Is one of your goals for the new year better financial planning? Make a budget and stick to it. Decide how much money you want to allocate to different areas such as groceries, eating out, traveling and entertainment. Your budget will assist you in keeping you focused on your goals while allowing you to stay within your limits.
3. Make a Realistic New Year Resolutions List: Going into the new year, it’s easy to have a list of negative things you want to stop doing as soon as the clock strikes midnight. It can also be challenging to stick to that list. Instead, consider creating a list of positives that you want to achieve. Create a list of S.M.A.R.T. goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely.
4. Declutter Your Home: Get organized and remove anything you no longer need. Clearing the clutter can improve your overall productivity and well-being.
5. Focus on Healthy Habits: Make sure you’re getting a good sleep and eating as healthily as possible. Also, schedule regular appointments — including going to the dentist!
6. Learn Something New: A new year is a great time to learn a new skill. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? Or an activity you’ve never had the opportunity to try out? Now is your chance!
7. Write Your Goals: Jot down your goals so you can refer to them throughout the year. By recording what you hope to achieve in the new year, you create a blueprint for success that can be referred to for encouragement.
How can you be less stressed as a dental professional?
Well, it’s not easy and is multifactorial. There is no one-size-fits-all remedy. We are all different and unique individuals. We all come from different backgrounds and work in various styles of dental practices.
I write a lot about practicing stress-free dentistry, but is there such a thing? Probably not. It may sound oxymoronic, but the point is to understand that there will be stress and lots of it at times.
Stress is part of the gig that we signed up for. Dentistry is a high-performing high job. For those dentists who say they have never worked a day because they loved it so much, well, that was not me. Halfway through my career, I overcame a major case of burnout. Yet, I still experience stress regularly.
But I can guarantee that if you are feeling burned out, depressed, angry, or any other way, you have to take action. These feelings and problems aren’t going to go away on their own. Here are some tips that have helped me to tolerate stress and reduce burnout over the years.
Stay in your comfort zone.
Figure out what procedures you are comfortable with and enjoy doing. Focus on filling your schedule with these. It is equally important to avoid the procedures you don’t want to do. Repeat to yourself, “It’s okay to say no.” The same goes for a patient’s personality you don’t jive with. This means that if you are presenting a treatment plan to a patient or treatment that you feel uncomfortable undertaking. Best to refer them to a colleague. I say, Mr. Jones, this case is a bit out of my comfort zone, and I want to get you in the best hands possible and will refer you to my colleague. It’s as simple as that, and I no longer let patients try to pressure me into working on them if I don’t feel it’s within my comfort zone.
Find your peeps
Having a support group in dentistry is uber important. We live these parallel lives but often don’t engage with our peers enough — especially those in a solo practice. There is something so refreshing about sharing stories of successes and failures with your peers. Other great resources to reach out to are mentors, private social media groups, consultants, coaches and state dental societies. Going through this profession is difficult; going through it alone is ill-advised.
Don’t beat yourself up.
This could be the biggest takeaway of this article. We are all human beings, make mistakes and have less-than-ideal outcomes. This will never change or go away; nothing is wrong with you. Why? Guess who else has had a filling break, got a bad social media review, or had an unhappy patient? The answer is every other dentist in the history of dentistry. Failures are going to happen. Understanding that you are not alone and can’t be perfect is essential to being stress-free.
Conclusion
Take it from the stress-free dentist. There will be stress, but take some actions to minimize it and not let it ruin you. Focus on the many good things that happened and not the one or two negative ones. You only have one life and career, so enjoy it.
— Blocky out
Eric Block DMD, CAGS, FICOI, FICD, FAADS
Dr. Eric Block is a full-time practicing dentist in Acton, Massachusetts, husband and father of two kids. He graduated from the Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine in 2002 and then completed a 2-year Implantology Residency at Boston University in 2004. He is certified by the American Association of Dental Boards for continuing education.
He lectures nationwide, helping dentists become more efficient, productive and less stressed. He discusses clinical workflows, digital dentistry, guided implantology, 3D printing, practice management and health and wellness. He firmly believes in dentists re-energizing themselves and their careers through new treatments and technology.
He is the co-founder of the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches or IADLC.com. This organization is dedicated to supporting dental professionals and their well-being through the help of life coaches.
He is the host of the Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, where he interviews dentists and companies to hear their stories and how they can help dental professionals become more efficient, productive, and less stressed. In 2021, he authored his first book, “The Stress-Free Dentist: Overcome Burnout and Start Loving Dentistry Again.” He hosted The Get Stress-Free Dentistry Summit and founded The Stress-Free Dentistry Facebook Group. His books can be found at amazon.com/author/ericblock.
The 2023 November/December issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! Check it out for great articles about FDA membership matters. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or click the cover image below to read the issue.
The holidays are a great time to celebrate gratitude. I am grateful for my family, friends, clients (many are good friends too), vendors and all of you who take the time to read my blogs.
I discovered the power of gratitude when I learned about the neuroscience of emotional intelligence. Practicing a daily acknowledgment of who and what we are grateful for can be life changing. Studies have shown how gratitude can shield you from the blues, promote optimism and make you feel happier. In a nutshell, appreciation can be your antidote to fear and anxiety.
Practicing gratitude is a key component of emotional intelligence in two ways:
Emotional self-awareness: “Is your glass half empty or half full? Am I grateful or ungrateful?”
Emotional management: “How can I create a daily ritual and have my appreciation act as an anchor for myself and others?”
Having an intentional focus on people and things that you’re grateful for also strengthens empathy and helps build stronger relationships with others. Gratitude is a powerful human emotion and can be utilized to help us self-soothe when we’re feeling anxiety and fear.
Easy rituals like maintaining a gratitude journal, complimenting yourself or sending a thank you note can make you feel a lot better and enhance your mood immediately.
As you pause from the bustle of life this holiday season, I hope you can join me in acknowledging those cheerful moments with your friends and family. The simple act of gratitude has a far greater impact than you might imagine. Thanking yourself, others, God or Mother Nature will make you and others happier. At the Southwest Institute for Emotional Intelligence, we know that emotions are contagious so please share this blog post with your community.
Florida Dental Chatter is a private Facebook group designed for dentists to interact with other members, receive the latest updates and information and engage with Florida Dental Association (FDA) leaders and staff. Only those who are member dentists of the FDA and/or American Dental Association — as well as staff of the organizations — can join the group. Join today by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/floridadentalchatter/.
Among the many questions that are asked, recommendations were asked for how someone can get involved. Here are some of the responses:
“Volunteer to serve at Florida Mission of Mercy or Give Kids A Smile or Veterans Stand Down.” – Dr. Jolene Paramore
“Please be interested in serving more than in holding a position. Get to know everyone. Ask questions about the topics that are of interest to you. Be a great listener and hopefully, you will find that others also want to learn how you are thinking. We have a wonderful community of people that share so much passion for our profession and before you know it, they may become treasured friends for a couple of decades. Be inclusive – especially of people who think differently. Diversity of thought and respectful dialogue make us a stronger professional community. We have opportunities to enjoy some of the most rewarding experiences by serving members, patients, and the community. Serve your profession with sincerity and you will find your place. Smile and have a great time along the way!” – Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal
“Ask. Talk to volunteer leaders and/or executive directors. Don’t fear rejection. The higher you go….greater chance for rejection. If you keep asking you might be amazed by the opportunities!” – Dr. Bob McNeill
“Just ask… many times there are vacant spots in leadership, but you may not know this. Informing current leaders (local, state or National) of your interest in participating, may sometimes be all it takes to get started!” – Dr. Beatriz E. Terry
You can join in this conversation and others when you join the Florida Dental Chatter today!
Just how good is your Thanksgiving feast for your teeth? Learn the good, the bad and the MouthHealthy!
Turkey
The Good: This main course is packed with protein. The Bad: “Turkey can be difficult to eat because it sometimes gets stuck between your teeth,” says ADA spokesperson Dr. Kim Harms. “That’s where flossing can help.” The MouthHealthy: It’s the star of the Thanksgiving table. Gobble it up!
Cranberry Sauce
The Good: It’s a tasty Thanksgiving tradition. The Bad: Cranberries are naturally tart, so sugar or sugar substitutes are often added to recipes. This side dish can be sticky, acidic and may temporarily stain your teeth. The MouthHealthy: If eaten alone the sugar content, stickiness, tendency for the little berries to get stuck between your teeth and acidity make it one of those foods that needs to be eaten with a meal.”
Yams
The Good: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamins A and C, which help keep your gums healthy. They can also be prepared in many ways. The Bad: Candied yam recipes call for marshmallows. Sticky foods can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on your teeth longer than other types of food. The MouthHealthy: If candied, enjoy in moderation and drink plenty of water with your meal to help wash away any leftover food.
Green Bean Casserole
The Good: “Green beans are healthy, mushrooms are healthy, onions are healthy,” Dr. Harms says. The Bad: “It can be sticky and little beans may get stuck in your teeth,” Dr. Harms says. The MouthHealthy: Dig in! But you may want to keep a floss pick handy. “This is good stuff,” Dr. Harms says.
Macaroni and Cheese
The Good: Say cheese! Many recipes call for cheese and milk. The calcium from these ingredients helps strengthen teeth. The Bad: “Good cheese can be gooey,” Dr. Harms says. White pastas are also starchy and can leave sugar behind on your teeth. The MouthHealthy: As with many feast-worthy foods, eat a sensible portion and break out your brush and floss later.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
The Good: “Potatoes are an important dietary source of vitamin C, B6 and potassium,” Dr. Harms says. The Bad: Potatoes are starchy, and cavity-causing bacteria loves the sugar that makes up starch. The MouthHealthy: “If covered with gravy, the health benefits of the overall dish are diminished to some extent, but this is a holiday and only comes once a year,” she says.
By: Kristin Badeau, Foundation Coordinator, Florida Dental Association Foundation
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace the spirit of giving during GivingTuesday, the global day of charitable giving — Nov. 28, 2023. GivingTuesday is a day to give back to those in need and to support the causes that matter most to us.
This year, the Florida Dental Association (FDA) Foundation invites you to join us in celebrating GivingTuesday during the month of November. In celebration of the FDA Foundation’s 43rd anniversary as the philanthropic arm of the FDA, members are encouraged to donate $43 to support key dental access to care programs funded by the FDA Foundation.
Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday was created in 2012 to counterbalance consumer spending on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. According to Henry Timms, creator and co-founder of GivingTuesday, this day reminds us that the holiday season is not just about shopping for bargains but also about giving back to our communities and those in need.
Timms sought to create a day that would inspire a spirit of giving, rather than one of spending. In an interview with Harvard Business Review, Timms, the former executive director at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural and community center in Manhattan, said that he wanted to experiment with a new model of philanthropy. This new model would build a connection between people and philanthropy through community. “I was thinking about the calendar and there was Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two days really good for getting deals and then there was Tuesday,” Timm said. He didn’t want to see the Tuesday after Thanksgiving become commercialized so he decided “to turn it into GivingTuesday.” Timms and his co-creators of the movement sought to create a day that would inspire a spirit of giving, rather than one of spending.
Since its inception, GivingTuesday has grown into a powerful movement, inspiring countless acts of kindness, generosity and charity in 90 countries. GivingTuesday is an opportunity for individuals, organizations and communities to come together and make a difference in the world. The FDA Foundation proudly participates in the global event, contributing to a brighter and healthier future for Floridians.
The FDA Foundation invites all members of the FDA to join hands with us and participate in this incredible event by donating $43. This act of giving will help celebrate a significant milestone — the 43rd anniversary of the FDA Foundation’s role as the philanthropic arm of the FDA.
Your donation of $43 has the potential to create a significant impact, enabling the FDA Foundation to continue its mission of promoting dental care access for all Floridians. Whether you are a seasoned dentist or a dental student, your donation symbolizes the unity of organized dentistry and the dental community’s dedication to giving back.
Click HERE to make your GivingTuesday donation to support dental initiatives that reach Floridians throughout the state. Donations will be accepted during November, and all GivingTuesday donations will go towards the GivingTuesday total! Let’s come together to embrace the spirit of giving and continue to promote oral health care in Florida. Your generosity can help the FDA Foundation achieve our mission and bring brighter smiles to Floridians. Help make FDA Foundation’s 43rd anniversary a celebration of giving and kindness that will be remembered for years to come.
How to Take Advantage of the Section 179 Tax Deduction in 2023
Owning and running a profitable dental business in the US can be challenging. There are many factors to consider, such as employee salaries, running expenses, utilities and rental payments. More importantly, a significant portion of a dentist’s income goes into paying relevant local or federal taxes.
So, one has to be a seasoned business owner to generate a profitable income from a dental practice. But is there any strategy available to help dentists enjoy a maximum tax deduction?
Yes, there is! Have you heard about Section 179 tax deduction1 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? It’s your key to optimize your investments and maximize your practice’s income.
What is the Section 179 Tax Deduction?
The Section 179 tax deduction of the IRS is designed to aid small- and medium-sized businesses. This Federal rule applies to tangible property, such as equipment or machinery, purchased or leased for use in a business or trade. As we can see, this section applies to your dental businesses as well!
How Does the Section 179 Tax Deduction Work?
Any dental business filing a US Business Income Tax Return for 2023 can enjoy the said tax deduction. The equipment or machinery to be considered under this tax deduction scheme must be purchased or leased in 2023 and should be placed in service or installed no later than Dec. 31, 2023.
I Recently Bought New Equipment for My Dental Practice. What are Things to Consider?
Here are a few things that you should consider to benefit from this tax deduction.
Plan in Advance – After purchasing the machine or equipment, coordinate with the seller to ensure that the machine is installed before the end of the year. Lead times get tighter as the end of the year approaches.
Staff Training – If the equipment requires training your staff before using, such as an autoclave or a 3D printer, ensure the training takes place in time so the machine can become functional before the year-end deadline.
Bear in mind that if you have paid for the machine or equipment in advance and fail to get it installed by Dec. 31, 2023, you will not be eligible for the Section 179 Tax Deduction for 2023.
What Kind of Equipment Qualifies for this Deduction?
Virtually all the equipment you will lease or purchase for your dental office should qualify for this tax deduction, provided it is used more than 50% of the time by the business in a work year.
According to the Business News Daily,2 some examples of qualifying purchases include:
Vehicles purchased for the dental office.
Improvements to existing facilities of the office, such as HVAC, security, fire alarms and roofing.
Computers.
“Off-the-shelf” software for your dental business.
Office furniture, including patient chairs, cabinets. and tables.
Electrical appliances and small equipment for the waiting area, such as TV or music system.
Things to Remember
Retaining your Purchase Documents – during an IRS audit, your freight and lading bills from dental manufacturers will be reviewed. So, make sure to retain them during the financial year in case of an audit.
Section 179 Tax Deduction Limits – for 2023, the maximum tax deduction available is up to $1,160,000. Furthermore, this tax deduction is valid up to an annual maximum spending of $2,890,000.
Whom to Contact?
To know more about Section 179 tax deduction, contact your CPA or tax professional. They will help you determine whether your practice is eligible for this tax deduction and whether it is the right choice. They may also help you benefit from other tax provisions that will help you maximize your earnings.
For many families, Halloween means bags of free candy and a chance to stockpile sweets for the winter. But this sugar-powered holiday can also trigger concerns about children’s dental health. How can you let your kids enjoy Halloween while preventing cavities later on?
Here are seven healthy tips for Halloween and all year long:
1. Enjoy Halloween treats with meals
When it comes to sweets and your teeth, timing is everything. If you have a little candy with meals (or right afterward), you’ll benefit from the extra saliva your mouth automatically makes while you’re eating a full meal. This helps rinse away leftover bits of candy and the cavity-causing acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.
2. Don’t snack on sugar
Frequent snacking can boost your cavity risks, and it’s double trouble if you choose sugary treats like Halloween candy. If you need an energy boost, go for low-sugar options such as nuts, fruit, veggies or crackers. (Here’s how to read nutrition labels for total sugar content.)
3. Skip sticky or sour candies
Avoid hard candy and sticky, gummy sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. These can cling to your teeth, elevating cavity risks. Unless they’re sugar-free, it’s a good idea to skip these candies altogether.
Sour candies are high in dietary acids that attack the hard, protective coating on your teeth (enamel). They’re tasty, but they’re some of the worst offenders when it comes to tooth decay.
4. A little chocolate is fine
As sweet treats go, small amounts of chocolate are a decent choice. Chocolate is the most popular kind of Halloween candy and it doesn’t stick to your teeth as readily as other candies. If you like dark chocolate, that’s even better, since there’s less cavity-causing sugar in semisweet and dark chocolate than in milk chocolate.
5. Don’t keep a big stash of candy on hand
It’s tempting to keep Halloween or other holiday candy around, but your teeth will thank you if you don’t. Have your family pick their favorites and donate the rest. Organizations that send candy to troops overseas, like Operation Gratitude, will be glad to receive your extra supply.
6. Chew sugar-free gum with the ADA Seal
Enjoying sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating helps prevent tooth decay, because your mouth makes extra saliva as you chew. This cleanses away food and neutralizes cavity-causing acids (and freshens your breath, too). Look for brands that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
7. Choose fun giveaways that aren’t candy
At Halloween or any time, the sweetest gesture might be a longer-lasting item like themed stickers, coloring books and crayons or pens and pencils. There are many great choices you can share with trick-or-treaters or party guests. (Keep in mind the age range of children you’re treating and have a few options on hand that are rated safe for toddlers or preschoolers.)
The 2023 September/October issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! Check it out for great articles about how to keep your practice protected from cybersecurity threats, the importance of cyber liability insurance and more. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or click the cover image below to read the issue.
By: Larry Darnell, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Technology, Florida Dental Association
You hear it all the time. This company got hacked. There was another data breach at that bank. Entire government entities have had to shut down because of cybersecurity events.
In the early stages of a cybersecurity event, no one is saying exactly what has happened because, honestly, they likely just discovered something bad has happened. They are not even certain of the scope of the event yet.
I have seen it happen to our local hospital, a local school system and our parent organization, the American Dental Association. It is becoming all too common these days. What you seldom hear is what really happened.
Let me demystify some of these cybersecurity events for you. Most entities fall victim because one user account or email is compromised. I know it sounds crazy, but that is literally all it takes.
Once they have access to one account, the bad actors will work at accessing what data and influence they can from that access and likely gain access to more resources until they have all they need to do what they want with your computer systems.
You need to recognize that the information in your computer systems is way more valuable than you realize. Private health information is considerably more valuable than just basic financial data.
You can often turn the siphon off on financial data loss, but private health information is nearly impossible to pull back.
I know you think the bad guys are after the big companies with more assets and records. Now think about how many patients you have as well as your employees and then all those families with information that can be compromised by just one mistake with a click or one bad sign-in.
Truth is, it is a matter of when, not if, you will experience some sort of cybersecurity event. The key is to truly believe it can happen to you.
Educate the people who work with you and for you to be always aware. Make sure your family knows the risks. I have three daughters. I taught them early and often about the risks of strange emails, phantom texts or Instagram/Messenger Direct Messages. I even caution my 86-year-old mother about the risks now too.
It is almost better not to trust anyone than to be overly trusting and blindly clicking on anything and everything. I can tell you that I personally know of businesses that have been compromised by employees looking for coupons, music lyrics and even just clicking on an advertisement on a legitimate website.
Searching for anything on the Internet carries risk. Pay attention to what you are clicking on. If it can happen to them, it can happen to you. Identify your weakest link. Train them up and educate them about the risks. We can no longer turn a blind eye and just say it won’t happen to us because it is now more likely than ever.
Report to your information technology (IT) people anything that seems off, out of the ordinary, or questionable. We don’t mind people being overly cautious.
Ask yourself and others what you would do in the case of a breach of your business or private health data. You must have an action plan.
Practice what you preach. If you tell your employees, family, etc., one thing, don’t get caught doing the same thing you told them not to do. Doing as I say and not as I do will get your data breached quickly.
Get cyber liability insurance. It is going to happen. It is better that you and your company are protected when it does. Call FDA Services about our Coalition Cyber Coverage policy.
Recommend you use credit monitoring services to protect yourself and your business and personal assets from the aftermath of an attack before the attack comes.
Don’t think there is not a risk on your phone or other devices used outside of your office. Any device connected to you in any way is a risk to your business data. We live in a connected world.
Think before you click that link, provide that information, or install that app. Ask yourself, what is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
By: Scott Ruthstrom, Chief Operating Officer, FDA Services, Inc.
Introduction
In our high-tech world, where even toothbrushes have Bluetooth capabilities, dental offices face a unique set of risks when it comes to cyber threats. From rogue hackers to pesky ransomware, the dental industry has become a battleground for cybersecurity. To ensure they have a fighting chance against these digital adversaries, dental offices must arm themselves with the ultimate weapon: cyber liability insurance. In this article, we’ll dive into why dental offices need this insurance superhero, covering everything from lost business income to patients holding a grudge, and we promise to sprinkle in some laughs along the way.
Loss of Business Income: When the Drill Goes Silent
Picture this: You arrive at your dental office, ready to tackle the day’s challenges. But wait, your computer systems have been hijacked! Your schedule is in disarray, and patients are left hanging like a loose tooth waiting to be extracted. Without cyber liability insurance, this nightmare scenario could become a reality. Your business could suffer a financial blow that hurts more than a root canal. But fear not! With cyber liability insurance, you can bounce back faster than a patient bounces back from anesthesia. It covers lost revenue and the costs of restoring your systems, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best: making smiles brighter.
Patient Trust and Confidential Information: A Tale of Trust and Tell
In the age of digital communication, patients trust dental offices with their most confidential information. But what happens when that trust is broken? A cyber breach can leave patients feeling as betrayed as when they find out the tooth fairy isn’t real. Not only will they question your ability to protect their data, but they might also take their business elsewhere, leaving your practice feeling as empty as a cavity-ridden tooth. That’s where cyber liability insurance swoops in like a dental superhero, ready to save the day. It covers the costs of notification, credit monitoring, and even public relations efforts, helping you rebuild trust one dental visit at a time.
Cost of Cyber Ransom: When Hackers Get a Little Too Demanding
Ransomware attacks have become more common than the elusive search for the perfect toothpaste. Cybercriminals encrypt your dental office’s data and demand a ransom. It’s like having a thief break into your practice and hold your dental instruments hostage until you pay up. But cyber liability insurance acts as the ultimate hero, donning a digital cape and swooping in to cover the costs of negotiation, legal fees, and the painstaking process of recovering your data. With this superhero by your side, you won’t have to sell your dental chair to save your business.
Cyber liability insurance may not have the charm of a smiling toothbrush or the glamour of a sparkling dental mirror, but it’s a superhero your dental office can’t afford to overlook. With the potential loss of business income, compromised patient trust, and the looming threat of cyber ransom, dental offices need this insurance warrior to fight off the villains lurking in the digital shadows. So, dear dental professionals, protect your practice, shield your patients’ trust, and embrace the power of cyber liability insurance—because in this digital age, a little insurance humor goes a long way towards safeguarding your smile-worthy success.
Scott Ruthstrom was first hired by FDA Services in December 1994 and he has held a series of increasingly responsible positions ranging from customer service, sales, management, and executive leadership. Since being named Chief Operating Officer in November 2010, FDA Services has experienced significant growth in policy count and increased revenue.
The journey to becoming an associate dentist is an exciting and pivotal step in your dental career. However, when prospective employers request a working interview, it’s crucial to approach the situation with careful consideration. In this blog, we’ll delve into the top three things associate dentists should keep in mind when asked to participate in a working interview.
Liability and Legal Considerations:
One of the most significant aspects to contemplate during a working interview is liability and legal concerns. Understand that any actions you take during the working interview could potentially expose you and the dental practice to legal and liability issues. In the event of an accident or error, both you and the practice might be held accountable. To safeguard yourself, make sure you have malpractice liability insurance coverage in place before the interview. Also understand the protocols in place to handle any adverse events. Familiarize yourself with local dental regulations and ensure that the working interview adheres to all legal requirements.
Patient Safety and Quality of Care:
Dental procedures are intricate and demand meticulous attention to detail. As an associate dentist in a working interview, your priority should always be patient safety and delivering high-quality care. Before agreeing to participate, inquire about the clinic’s infection control protocols, sterilization techniques and patient safety measures.
Clear Communication and Documentation:
Effective communication is paramount throughout the working interview process. Before starting, discuss with the prospective employer the specific procedures you will be performing, the expectations for the working interview, and what the patients will be told. It’s essential to document all communication and agreements in writing, including details about compensation (if any), liability coverage and the scope of your responsibilities. Clear documentation can provide clarity, protect your rights and serve as evidence in case of any disputes or misunderstandings.
Participating in a working interview can offer valuable insights into a potential dental practice and help you make informed career decisions. However, it’s imperative to approach such opportunities with a keen awareness of patient safety, legal implications and effective communication. By prioritizing these considerations, you can navigate the working interview process confidently and set the stage for a successful and ethically sound start to your journey as an associate dentist.
Techniques for Success with Implants in the Esthetic Zone offers a detailed exploration into the world of anterior implant placement, catering to both new graduates and established practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise in this niche area. The textbook primarily focuses on anterior implants, yet it goes beyond the scope of mere aesthetics, delving into the placement techniques themselves, bone grafting vs. immediate placement, uncovering techniques for implants, and much more.
The layout and flow of the book is well organized and easy to follow. There are times when the authors present a problem, and then go on to explain how one could solve said complication, which was a nice touch and helped keep the reader engaged. Additionally, at the end of each section, there is a conclusion portion that summarizes the main ideas discussed, which makes quick reference very easy, allowing the reader to recap and emphasize key points.
The most notable aspect of this textbook is its utilization of images and actual cases to aid in conveying concepts. The inclusion of these images undoubtedly assists in clarifying the discussed topics, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Readers are provided with a visual companion that facilitates their comprehension of the intricate procedures associated with anterior implant placement.
Although centered on esthetic considerations, the book manages to touch on the broader process of implant placement. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers not only grasp the superficial aspects but also develop a deeper understanding of the underlying procedures, allowing for informed decision-making and successful outcomes. While this book is very informative, one should not use it as their sole source of information on the subject of implants, but rather as an adjunct.
A strong emphasis on evidence-based practice is evident in the frequent referencing of meta-analysis articles throughout the book. This practice lends credibility to the techniques and suggestions presented, encouraging readers to adopt a scientifically grounded approach to their clinical practice. However, a note of caution arises when considering certain techniques, such as the Buccal Shield Technique. The textbook admirably addresses the intricate nature of these techniques, emphasizing their sensitivity. This awareness is an essential reminder that while the book provides valuable insights, not all techniques may be suitable for every practitioner’s skill level. As an example, the book briefly covers CTG (Connective Tissue Grafting) and bone grafting from the retro-molar region of the mandible, which is likely too complex for the average general practitioner. That being said, the other 85% of the book can be applied by the GP and would be seen as useful and valuable information.
In summary, Techniques for Success with Implants in the Esthetic Zone provides a useful resource for those interested in anterior implant placement. The integration of visual aids, the exploration of implant procedures, and the reliance on evidence-based references make it a valuable addition to the field. While not without its limitations, the book remains a recommended read for those seeking to enhance their understanding of anterior implant placement techniques.
The most successful brands are dynamic and ever-changing – constantly evolving to keep up with market trends and customer preferences. This evolution involves not only updating their product or service but also changing up their brand – their very identity – to make a bigger splash in the market and foster stronger, more meaningful connections with customers.
If you’ve been in the dental business for a while, it’s likely in your best interest to rebrand. The Florida Dental Association (FDA) explains why rebranding matters and how you could effectively rebrand below.
Why Does Rebranding Matter?
Brands that don’t change with changing times risk becoming obsolete and going out of business. It can and does happen to the most prominent brands: USA Today offers some examples here. Market conditions are never static – they change with changing customer values, innovations, preferences and other factors. With rebranding, businesses can remain relevant.
A good example is sustainability (or eco-friendliness). Some brands are being forced to become eco-friendly to satisfy eco-conscious customers (who will drop them otherwise). Another good example is being web-ready, as customers want businesses to be online (via websites, apps and other means). The Blue Frog Team explains other benefits of rebranding, like connection to a new audience, differentiating yourself from the competition and boosting your bottom line.
Below, we offer some suggestions on how to rebrand yourself effectively.
Create a Solid Rebranding Strategy
Rebranding is complicated. It’s not just changing your colors or business name – much more goes into it than you think. A rebranding plan can help you consider all the important details and give yourself concrete goals. Your rebranding strategy should revolve around your reason(s) for rebranding.
Do Market Research
Doing targeted market research can give you the data you need to create an effective rebranding strategy. You can gather customer feedback, check market trends, check up on the competition, pinpoint problems, and generally identify productive rebranding opportunities.
Reassure Current Clients and other Stakeholders
Springing a rebrand on customers (and employees or investors) out of the blue might not be the best idea. Many people don’t like change – they may lose faith in your company if you change everything without good reason. It’s important you get your stakeholders on board with the rebranding. Communicate the necessity and walk them through your overall strategy and vision. Give them a timeline. Don’t make significant changes (like a name change) without good reason.
Revamp Your Website
Websites are critically important in this digital age, where customers prefer to research businesses and transact online. Revamping your website to reflect your rebranding efforts is an excellent way to publicize and gain stakeholders’ buy-in. You may want to create a brand-new website to better suit your new image. Keep your old website for existing clients (to avoid disrupting your business).
Create Content About Your Rebranding
Create engaging and informative content to build trust and credibility with your audience as part of your dental business’s rebranding-focused content marketing strategy. This will ultimately lead to a raised profile, more transparency about the rebranding and increased sales. To learn more about content marketing, you can consult online resources.
Market Your Rebranding on Social Media
Marketing your new brand on social media is a good idea. It’s cheap, effective and makes you accessible and transparent. When publishing content on social media, encourage people to leave feedback and ask questions. Also, besides detailing your business offerings, share other valuable and engaging content. You can link this content back to your website.
Redefine Your Company’s Mission and Values
Your company’s mission and values are at the core of its identity. As your business changes, you may find that your initial mission or values no longer align perfectly. Recalibrating your mission, value and other aspects of your business culture is essential to rebranding. Ask yourself what is your current purpose for being and what matters to your company the most now.
Change Your Logo, Brand Colors, and Packaging
Every brand has a tangible sensory identity that comprises elements like logos, names, colors, slogans, tunes and packaging. You may need to recalibrate your sensory identity too. For instance, consider making your packaging eco-friendly or changing your business name to be more catchy and relatable. Make sure these changes are uniform across all channels. If you change colors on your packaging logo, for instance, change the colors on your website logo too.
Use a Market Automation Platform
Marketing (of which branding is a part) is a complicated process. Using software and tools can help you successfully meet your marketing goals. A marketing automation platform could keep your marketing team in sync, organize your marketing goals and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort. Look for a platform that features marketing analytics and allows you to customize campaigns and create automated tasks that respond to different customer needs throughout the purchasing cycle.
Keep Your Marketing Documents Organized
An efficient way to organize your marketing campaign materials is to convert your files to PDFs. This helps ensure your content is easily accessible and shareable while maintaining the formatting across various devices and platforms. When you go with a PDF maker, you can create a PDF from scratch or convert another file type (like Microsoft Word or Excel) into a PDF file.
You can effectively rebrand by having a clear branding strategy, communicating with your customers every step and ensuring your website and other channels effectively reflect the change. Using helpful software like a marketing automation platform can make it all more accessible, as can working with professionals (like web developers or branding experts).
The FDA is a statewide professional membership organization representing Florida-licensed dentists. Contact us today to learn more! 850.681.3629 or 800.877.9922
About the author: Karen Weeks is a Senior Lifestyle blogger. She struggled to find a new sense of purpose after retirement which made way to learn a new skill and took a computer course. She then created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies and spirits well.
Most healthcare professionals and dentists place patient care first. What happens when stress and mental fatigue happen to the ones in charge of providing healthcare to others? How do you identify burnout with dental professionals, and what can you do to sustain it?
The pandemic has sped up the rate of change in our world, which was already experiencing an extraordinary speed due to advances in technology and changing ideas. Today, leaders and their organizations are forced to address increasingly complex challenges as well as grow with uncertainty. The key to sustaining during times of unpredictability is emotional mastery and building your immunity against “Learned Helplessness”.
Failure is a familiar trauma in life, but its effects on people differ widely. Some reel, recover, and move on with their lives, while others get bogged down by anxiety, depression, and fear of the future. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, has spent three decades researching failure, helplessness, and optimism.
What is resilience and optimism?
Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; think along the lines of toughness. When discussing resilience, it’s important to define optimism as they often work in tandem.
Optimism, like self-regard, reflects how we believe in ourselves and how we view the world. It’s hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. Optimism is also believing that you bring your best self to the table.
What is learned helplessness?
Martin Seligman shares key findings from his study on how humans and animals become passive when they experience failure and feel powerless. He discovers that we develop learned helplessness when we expect failure again. In his study, a third of the researched group of animals and people who experienced continuous failures never become helpless; Seligman attributed this to optimism.
How to become an optimistic and resilient leader
Believe in yourself – Believe you have the power to change a situation for the better.
Spread positivity – Speak positively about yourself and others. Don’t let negative talk of yourself or others sabotage your performance. Share your experience with others.
Fail and recover fast – Try to see the good in situations. Believe that problems are short-lived and won’t affect everything you do.
Stop, breathe, ask – Manage your emotions and setbacks with the SBA™ tool: Stop, Breathe, Ask.
Stop the negativity in your mind and be in the present moment.
Breathe and take 3 deep belly breaths before responding to someone or something.
Ask open-ended questions and seek contribution, don’t blame others.
Approach uncertainty and don’t give up – Experiment with uncertainty. Move forward with emotional tolerance and a gut feeling to approach uncertainty with excitement.
Optimists are purpose driven
Be the example to others when faced with challenges or pressure. It’s not what you do, it’s how and why you do it.
You can’t control others, but you can control how you react to a situation and your mindset. Remember: When you’re experiencing a setback, remind yourself that it’s temporary, local, and changeable—you have the knowledge, toughness, and power to overcome it or solve it.
For dental professionals, it is also important to maintain relationships with their peers and involve themselves in dental associations or other groups to share their experiences. According to a Mayo physician clinical trial, “An intervention for physicians based on a facilitated small-group curriculum improved meaning and engagement in work and reduced depersonalization, with sustained results 12 months after the study.” In this trial intervention, rates of burnout and emotional exhaustion decreased significantly.
If you want to learn more about how to be a more resilient, optimistic leader, join us for our next EI Online Leadership Course on August 15, 2023. Here is a link to our Emotional Intelligence Online Leadership Programs. At check-out, please add 15Off in the Coupon Code area.
Bobi Seredich is the Founder of the Southwest Institute for Emotional Intelligence in Phoenix, Arizona. She can be reached at bobi@swiei.com.
By Carrie Millar, Director of Insurance Operations, FDA Services, Inc.
Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) have a unique opportunity to contribute to organized dentistry and shape the future of the dental profession. Making the right choices in selecting partners and services can significantly impact the advancement of organized dentistry.
In this article, we will explore why DSOs should choose FDA Services (FDAS), the wholly-owned insurance brokerage of the Florida Dental Association (FDA), as their insurance broker to support organized dentistry and the benefits it brings to the dental community.
Aligned with Organized Dentistry: FDAS understands the importance of organized dentistry and actively promotes its growth and success. By partnering with FDAS, DSOs demonstrate their commitment to the principles and values that drive our profession forward. Supporting an insurance broker aligning with organized dentistry’s goals reinforces the collective efforts to advance the dental community.
Expertise in Dental Practice Insurance: With more than 36 years in the dental industry, FDAS possesses specialized knowledge in dental practice insurance. They understand the unique challenges and requirements faced by DSOs, ensuring comprehensive coverage and tailored solutions that align with their specific needs. By choosing an insurance broker with expertise in dental practice insurance, DSOs can know that their practices and employees are well-protected.
Advocacy and Representation: FDAS actively advocates for the dental profession and works closely with top insurance carriers to get policies and coverage customized to dentistry. For example, their malpractice program with The Doctors Company (TDC) is based on dental malpractice claims only (not other medical professions), ensuring that the coverage provided is specific to the needs of dental professionals. Premiums today are 20% lower than 36 years ago when the brokerage was created. By partnering with FDAS, DSOs contribute to a collective effort to improve the malpractice insurance landscape for dental professionals.
Boutique Brokerage with National Presence: FDAS stands out as a boutique brokerage with a national presence in the dental malpractice insurance industry. Their dedication to serving the dental community has positioned them nationally as the top dental malpractice insurance broker with TDC. Additionally, FDAS is recognized as one of the top twenty medical malpractice brokers with TDC nationally. This national recognition and reputation demonstrate their expertise and ability to provide superior service to DSOs nationwide.
Support for FDA Members in DSOs: For DSOs with dentists who are members, partnering with FDAS is a natural choice. It supports organized dentistry and provides an avenue for FDA members working in DSOs to contribute directly to their professional organizations. By choosing FDAS, DSOs allow their dentists to actively participate in organized dentistry initiatives and support the dental community.
Conclusion: Choosing the right insurance broker is a critical decision for DSOs as it protects their practices and employees and demonstrates their commitment to supporting organized dentistry. FDAS, with its alignment with organized dentistry, expertise in dental insurance, advocacy efforts and support for FDA members in DSOs, provides an ideal choice for DSOs looking to make a positive impact on the dental community. By partnering with FDAS, DSOs can contribute to the advancement of organized dentistry, ensuring the growth and success of our profession.
If you are an FDA member working in a DSO, I encourage you to urge your human relations or chief financial officer to contact FDAS for a proposal. Together, we can support organized dentistry, secure the lowest premium possible for the DSO as we do for our members and make a difference in the lives of dentists, patients and the dental community.
By Carrie Millar, Director of Insurance Operations, FDA Services, Inc.
Why Dentists Should Choose The Doctors Company for Malpractice Insurance
When protecting your dental practice from the risks and uncertainties of malpractice claims, selecting the right insurance provider is paramount. The Doctors Company (TDC) is a leading malpractice insurance provider designed for health care professionals. In this blog post, we will explore the top three reasons dentists should consider TDC for their malpractice insurance needs.
Tribute Plan: Unrivaled Financial Rewards:
One of the standout features offered by TDC is its Tribute Plan — a unique financial rewards program that sets it apart from other insurance providers. Under the Tribute Plan, dentists are eligible to receive a remarkable 10% return of the premium they paid upon retirement. This unrivaled benefit helps dentists secure their financial future and rewards them for their loyalty and commitment to the profession. TDC’s dedication to supporting dentists’ long-term financial goals makes it a compelling choice for malpractice insurance.
Financial Strength:
Choosing an insurance provider with robust financial stability is crucial for dentists seeking reliable coverage. TDC boasts an impressive financial strength rating, providing dentists with peace of mind that their claims will be handled competently and their practices will be protected. With more than 40 years of experience and a solid track record of financial stability, TDC has proven itself as a reliable partner for dental professionals.
True Consent to Settle:
Dentists deserve a say in the resolution process when facing a malpractice claim. TDC offers its policyholders the invaluable benefit of true consent to settle, empowering dentists to participate in the decision-making process regarding claim settlements actively. This feature ensures that dentists’ voices are heard, and their interests are protected, aligning the insurance provider’s goals with those of the insured. True consent to settle demonstrates TDC’s commitment to putting dentists in control of their malpractice claims.
Selecting malpractice insurance is a critical decision for dentists seeking to protect their practices and secure their professional future. TDC stands out as a premier choice for dental professionals for several compelling reasons. Its Tribute Plan offers unrivaled financial rewards by returning 10% of the premium paid upon retirement, providing a unique opportunity for dentists to build a stronger financial foundation. With a proven track record of financial stability and an unwavering commitment to true consent to settle, TDC ensures that dentists’ interests are protected, and their voices are heard. By choosing TDC, dentists can confidently safeguard their practices and focus on providing quality patient care.
Call FDA Services (Dentist Insurance Services) today to learn more 850.350.7155.
By Carrie Millar, Director of Insurance Operations, FDA Services, Inc.
Transitioning from dental school to the professional world is an exciting and pivotal moment in a dentist’s career. As a dental student, planning and making informed decisions about crucial aspects such as job hunting, applying to general residencies and acquiring essential insurance coverage is important. This blog post provides a helpful timeline to guide dental students through these significant milestones.
Job Hunting:
During the final year of dental school, typically 9-12 months before graduation:
Begin researching potential job opportunities and practice settings.
Attend career fairs, dental conferences and networking events to connect with potential employers.
Update your resume and prepare a cover letter tailored to each job application.
Consider creating a professional online presence through platforms like LinkedIn.
6-9 months before graduation:
Start applying to job openings and submit your application materials.
Schedule interviews with prospective employers.
Consider externships or shadowing experiences to gain exposure to different practice settings.
Applying to General Residencies:
Around the final year of dental school:
Determine if pursuing a general residency program aligns with your career goals.
Research and identify residency programs that match your interests and provide the desired learning experiences.
Familiarize yourself with the application requirements and deadlines for each program.
Prepare a strong personal statement and gather letters of recommendation.
Submit your application materials within the specified timelines.
Visit ASDA for a list of all programs.
Acquiring Disability Insurance:
During the final year of dental school, as you near graduation:
Begin researching disability insurance providers.
Understand the importance of disability insurance in protecting your income and future financial stability.
Assess various policies and coverage options.
Obtain disability insurance coverage that suits your needs and budget before entering the workforce.
Make sure you complete all enrollment and financial deadlines for guaranteed-issued plans. They can often require enrollment within 30 days of graduation.
Purchasing Malpractice Insurance:
Shortly before obtaining a dental license, before beginning practice:
Research reputable malpractice insurance providers for dental professionals.
Compare coverage options, limits and premiums.
Consider joining professional organizations that offer discounted insurance rates to members.
Things to look for in plans:
Is the carrier financially strong?
Do they have good claims experience?
Do they write nationwide in case you plan on moving states?
Do they offer claims-made and occurrence form options?
Do they support organized dentistry?
Are they publicly traded or a mutual company?
Navigating the transition from dental school to professional practice requires careful planning and timely decision-making. Following this suggested timeline, dental students can efficiently approach job hunting, applying to general residencies and acquiring essential insurance coverage. Initiating these steps at the appropriate times ensures a smoother transition into the dental profession and sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling career. Remember to seek guidance from mentors, professors and industry professionals as you embark on this exciting journey.
The 2023 July/August issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! This issue takes a dive into how Dental Service Organizations are significantly changing the dental practice landscape as well as workforce problems and solutions right here in Florida. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or just click the cover image below to read the issue.
By Dr. Jaqueline Plemons, Florida Dental Convention 2023 Speaker
Introduction
Figure 1
The mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity provide a canvas for a variety of common and some not-so-common oral lesions and conditions. Mucosal diseases vary greatly in appearance and can present as red, white and/or ulcerative areas affecting a single or multiple sites. They may be asymptomatic or cause discomfort that negatively affects quality of life.
Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions appears to vary with age affecting approximately 5% of people in their 20’s and increasing to nearly 20% of individuals aged 70-80 years.1 Numbers can be significantly higher in certain populations.
Figure 2 Figure 1 & 2: Lichen planus occurring on the gingiva (desquamative gingivitis) and tongue (plaque-like form).
The etiology of oral mucosal diseases and conditions includes infection, trauma, altered immune-response and neoplastic changes. A detailed patient history is often critical to establishing a definitive diagnosis. Patients most commonly seek care for oral mucosal pain from their general dentist.
This paper explores mucosal changes seen with dermatologic diseases such as lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris; recurrent aphthous and herpetic stomatitis; and oral contact or allergic reactions.
Dermatologic Conditions:
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting from an abnormal T-cell mediated immune response to a yet unknown lichen planus specific antigen. It can cause skin and/or mucosal lesions, affecting slightly more females than males. Symptoms vary from mucosal sensitivity to continuous debilitating pain, however, some patients are asymptomatic and unaware of their lesions prior to clinical examination.
Lichen planus affects 0.5-2% of the general population.2 The buccal mucosa is the most affected site followed by the tongue and gingiva. Lesions may persist for years with periods of exacerbation and quiescence. Lichen planus is occasionally associated with diabetes and hypertension, and more recently with hepatitis C infection. Lichenoid changes are also seen with drug reactions, contact reactions and chronic graft-vs-host disease.
Figure 3
Lichen planus presents in various forms in the mouth including reticular, plaque-like, papular, atrophic, ulcerative, and bullous forms. Lesions range from asymptomatic, white lacy lines (Wickham’s Striae) in the reticular form and dense thickening of the mucosa in the plaque-like form to erythema and ulceration in the atrophic and ulcerative forms. In the former, patients may complain of sensitivity to spicy, acidic and rough-textured foods as well as difficulty with oral hygiene. (Figures 1-2)
A diagnosis based on clinical examination is often acceptable in patients with reticular lichen planus, however, histologic evaluation may be necessary to arrive at definitive diagnoses for the other forms. Direct immunofluorescence may be useful when distinguishing between lichen planus and other oral desquamative diseases.
Figure 4
The cornerstone of treatment of oral dermatologic diseases including lichen planus is the use of high potency topical steroids such as clobetasol and fluocinonide. With severe episodes, tapering doses of systemic steroids are often prescribed as well. Topical steroid therapy can be enhanced by using steroid delivery trays, and intralesional steroid injections may be considered for ulcerative lesions on movable mucosa. Other immune suppressants, both topical and systemic, are used in refractory cases where collaboration with a physician is warranted. Patients often benefit from avoiding products that may irritate the oral tissues including strong flavored toothpaste and mouth rinses as well as spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods.
Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Figure 5 Figure 3-5: Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) presenting as desquamative gingivitis; poor plaque control resulting from the inability to brush comfortably; patient responded well to topical steroids applied in delivery trays.
Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder that affects the oral &/or other mucosal surfaces. It affects women twice as often as men and occurs most frequently in the 5th to 7th decades of life.2 Clinically, MMP presents as desquamative gingivitis (bright red gingiva) often showing a positive Nikolsky’s sign (sloughing of the outer surface of the oral mucosa with slight rubbing). (Figures 3-5)
Vesiculobullous lesions occasionally occur on other mucosal surfaces such as the conjunctiva, genitals, skin, nares, esophagus, urethra, and rectum. Symblepharon formation (scarring extending from the conjunctiva to the eyeball itself) can lead to blindness. (Figure 6) It is wise to refer patients for an evaluation by an ophthalmologist following diagnosis. Biopsy for routine histology and direct immunofluorescence is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Specimens will show a clean, sub-basilar separation of the epithelium from the underlying connective tissue.
Treatment of MMP usually begins with medications and techniques previously described for oral lichen planus – topical and/or systemic steroids applied via various techniques. Systemic therapy with doxycycline or dapsone has shown value in the management of patients with MMP along with other medications which are prescribed by physicians due to their complex side-effects and monitoring demands. More recently, biologics have been used in patients who have not responded to more conventional therapy or have high risk side effects.
Figure 6: Symblepharon (scar) in a patient with MMP extending from the conjunctiva to the eyeball.
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris is another autoimmune blistering disorder affecting the skin and/or oral mucosa. Autoantibodies against proteins in the skin called desmogleins are produced causing a suprabasilar separation of epithelial cells from one another. Approximately 50-70% of patients with pemphigus vulgaris develop mucosal lesions.3 Middle-aged and older adults are most often affected, males and females equally. A mortality rate of approximately 5-15% has been reported.
Oral manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris include bullous lesions, erosions with ragged borders, desquamative gingivitis and a positive Nikolsky’s sign. (Figures 7-8) Multiple large lesions on the skin can result in fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance, septicemia and death.
Diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris is determined by routine histology and direct immunofluorescence following biopsy. Treatment of minor lesions confined to the oral mucosa may initially be managed with topical and/or systemic steroids, however, patients often require other systemic immunosuppressants or biologics. A team approach to treatment including both dentists and physicians is required.
Figure 7
Recurrent Oral Ulcerations
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) are common oral lesions affecting mucosal surfaces (labial/buccal mucosa, tongue, soft palate and floor of the mouth) in approximately 20-30% of the population. Most patients experience lesions prior to the age of 30 (80%), and the problem often runs in families.4 Patients may experience only an occasional aphthous ulcer; however, some suffer from multiple painful recurrent lesions that negatively affect quality of life. It is these patients who seek care from their dentist.
Figure 8 Figure 7 & 8: Erosions with ragged borders seen with pemphigus vulgaris.
Minor aphthae occur as single, or multiple painful circular/ovoid ulcers with fibrinous coatings surrounded by erythematous borders. They range from 2-3 mm in diameter (<1cm) and typically persist for 7-10 days. Major aphthae are larger, deeper, and often last for weeks. (Figures 9-10) Patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise, and lesions are said to heal with scarring. Herpetiform aphthae are far less common and present as multiple very small ulcerations (clinically similar to herpesvirus lesions) which may coalesce forming larger areas of ulceration.
Factors associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis include tissue trauma, psychological stress, gastrointestinal disease, blood dyscrasias, vitamin deficiencies, immunosuppression, food reactions, medications (NSIAD’s) and oral hygiene products (sodium lauryl sulfate). A thorough medical and dental history is paramount to the successful management of patients with chronic oral ulcerations.
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis often begins with the use of topical agents such as chlorhexidine or steroids including triamcinolone, fluocinonide or clobetasol. Systemic steroids are considered in severe cases along with other immune modulating drugs prescribed and monitored by physicians. Intralesional steroid injections are useful for isolated refractory lesions. Vitamin supplementation and diet manipulation may be useful along with discontinuation of targeted medications. Several over-the-counter products are marketed for treatment of aphthous ulcers, and patients may benefit from laser therapy.
Recurrent Herpetic Stomatitis
Figure 9
Recurrent herpetic stomatitis represents the attenuated form of the primary infection with Herpes Simplex 1 virus, usually occurring in childhood. After initial exposure, the virus remains latent in the trigeminal ganglion and uses the axons of sensory neurons to move back and forth to the skin or mucosa. Recurrent (secondary) herpes infection occurs with reactivation of the virus.5
In contrast to recurrent aphthous stomatitis, recurrent herpetic lesions occur unilaterally on non-movable keratinized tissue that is attached to the underlying bone (hard palate and attached gingiva). Ulcerations are preceded by multiple small vesicles which quickly rupture forming ulcers that coalesce creating larger ones. (Figure 11) Lesions are usually painful and last around two weeks during which time transmission may be possible. Patients often experience a prodrome or warning of an impending lesion characterized by tingling, itching, or burning. Herpes labialis occurs in the same manner but is not included in recurrent herpetic stomatitis because it affects the outer portion of the lips.
Figure 10 Figure 9 & 10: Minor aphthous ulcer presenting as a small painful lesion with a fibrinous coating and erythematous border inside the lower lip. Second picture shows a large painful ulcer consistent with major aphthous stomatitis which has been present for several weeks.
Reactivation of the virus is associated with stress, fatigue, fever, upper respiratory tract infections, trauma, sunlight, hormonal changes and foods. It is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. Information regarding reactivation or triggering of the virus should be explored during patients’ health history.
Treatment of recurrent herpetic stomatitis includes prevention as well as topical and systemic medications. Lesions may be preempted by avoiding sunlight or using a protective sun blocking agent, avoiding triggering foods or drinks, and taking lysine. Once a lesion has occurred, there are several over-the-counter products such as 10% docosanol that provide symptomatic relief as do prescription topical medications including 1% penciclovir and 5% acyclovir. Systemic therapy with acyclovir and valacyclovir is the cornerstone of antiviral treatment.
Contact Reactions
Oral Contact Stomatitis
Oral contact stomatitis is an inflammatory condition caused by exposure of the mucosa to a variety of substances resulting in pain, burning, swelling, erythema (oral and perioral), peeling, and blisters/ulcerations. (Figures 12-13) Reactions often begin within minutes to hours. The most common sites affected include the buccal/labial mucosa, lateral borders of the tongue, gingiva, and hard palate. Clinical changes can be localized, follow the shape of oral appliances, or can be more generalized such as that seen with exposure to mouth rinses or toothpastes.
Signs and symptoms of acute contact stomatitis usually develop shortly after exposure to irritants while the chronic form occurs in areas of long-term exposure to materials such as dental restorations and appliances.6
Contact stomatitis in the mouth occurs less frequently than contact dermatitis on the skin due to saliva, which constantly dilutes offending agents, and the relatively short time substances have in contact with mucosal surfaces as a result of the high degree of vascularization in the mouth.
Figure 11: Recurrent herpetic stomatitis – multiple small ulcerations on the hard palate.
Summary
Common causative agents associated with oral contact stomatitis include oral hygiene products; candy, gum, or mints; sodas; flavorings agents (cinnamon) and preservatives (benzoic acid); foods such as processed tomato products; and dental materials.
Diagnosis of oral contact stomatitis is based primarily on history of present illness and clinical examination. Treatment begins with changes in oral hygiene products and an elimination diet which should result in improvement or resolution within two to four weeks. Topical steroid therapy may be useful for more severe cases, and biopsy confirmation may be indicated to rule out systemic disease. Patch testing can be of benefit in identifying causative agents, and replacement of dental restorations may be considered if lesions are consistent in location.
Clinical evidence suggests that oral mucosal lesions and conditions may be more prevalent now than in the past. Diagnosis can be difficult as signs and symptoms of oral mucosal lesions are often similar, making diagnosis a challenge. Patients often seek care from multiple dental and medical providers before receiving a diagnosis and effective treatment. Knowledge of oral mucosal diseases will not only help patients but will also give dentists the tools to provide optimal care.
Figure 13
Figure 12 Figure 12 & 13: Generalized diffuse erythema consistent with oral contact stomatitis associated with use of cinnamon-flavored chewing gum (before and after discontinuing product).
REFERENCES
Splieth CH, Sümnig W, Bessel F, John U, Kocher T. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in a representative population. Quintessence Int. 2007 Jan;38(1):23-9. PMID: 17216904.
Schlosser BJ. Lichen planus and lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa. Dermatol Ther. 2010 May-Jun;23(3):251-67. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01322.x. PMID: 20597944.
Schmidt E, Groves R. Immunobullous Diseases. In: Griffiths C, Barker J, Bleiker T, Chalmers R, Creamer D, editors. Rook’s textbook of dermatology. 9th Ed. Singapore: Wiley-Blackwell 2016; 50.1-.57.
Barrons RW. Treatment strategies for recurrent oral aphthous ulcers. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2001;58(1):41–50.
Arduino, Paolo Giacomo, and S. R. Porter. “Oral and perioral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) infection: review of its management.” Oral diseases 12.3 (2006): 254-270.
LeSueur, Benjamin W., and James A. Yiannias. “Contact stomatitis.” Dermatologic clinics 21.1 (2003): 105-114.
June marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared for the 2023 hurricane season with the FDA Service’s hurricane guide! Check out articles about disaster preparedness, loss or damage, insurance resources, claims and what to do after the storm.
Did you know that proper dental hygiene and care during pregnancy could benefit your child’s teeth development later in life? Pregnant women undergo hormonal changes that health experts associate with a risk of certain dental-related diseases. Here are a few of them, courtesy of the Florida Dental Association.
Common Dental Problems During Pregnancy
Gingivitis – Nearly two in every three pregnant women suffer from gingivitis during their pregnancy. This inflammation of the gum requires treatment to prevent severe gum disease. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the gum, bleeding when brushing teeth and shiny gums.
Gum Disease – This is also called periodontitis. It arises if you leave gingivitis untreated for too long. The gums become seriously affected to the point where the bones that support the teeth weaken. In effect, the teeth become loose and require extraction. Periodontitis can also lead to bacteria getting into the bloodstream.
Tooth Erosion – Vomiting due to morning sickness exposes teeth to stomach acid. Sometimes, the acid can lead to enamel erosion, which is the hard white surface of the teeth.
Pyogenic granuloma – These are non-cancerous tumors that present as lumps in-between teeth. They bleed easily and are often a result of an accumulation of plaque.
Symptoms Of Dental Problems
If pregnancy is taking a toll on your dental health, you may notice specific symptoms:
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Receding gum
• Tender gums
• Toothaches
Risks Associated with Poor Oral Health During Pregnancy
According to the CDC, periodontitis in the mother can lead to low birth weight and sometimes pre-term births. Children born of mothers with untreated cavities are three times more likely to suffer tooth cavities as they grow up.
Preventing Dental Problems During Pregnancy
One of the major causes of poor oral health is stress, which often builds up during pregnancy. Eating comfort food, which is usually high in carbs and sugar, could lead to a significant build-up of plaque. Stress also causes your mouth to dry up. Usually, saliva cleans and keeps the enamel moist while fighting bacteria in the mouth.
To reduce stress during pregnancy, it’s advisable to let in as much natural light in your house as possible. Declutter your living space and introduce houseplants into your home. Go for walks and enjoy sunlight, which is essential for bone health.
If you’re at a high risk of developing oral health problems during pregnancy, perhaps after experiencing symptoms in a previous pregnancy, it’s essential to consult your doctor. If the symptoms are due to a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as iron or a vitamin, they will recommend supplements. Still, a well-balanced diet is the best way to prevent nutrient deficiency during pregnancy.
Doctors recommend brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. It’s also important to floss at least once a day. You should also schedule a dental check-up at least once every six months, even when pregnant. During check-ups, doctors are likely to spot early signs of gingivitis before it develops into gum disease.
Take Care of Your Dental Health
A lot of your overall health begins with a healthy mouth. You shouldn’t discount the importance of getting dental care. Take measures to ensure your oral health, and don’t shy about contacting a dentist for regular check-ups!
About the author: Karen Weeks is a Senior Lifestyle blogger. She struggled to find a new sense of purpose after retirement which made way to learn a new skill and took a computer course. She then created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies and spirits well.
The 2023 May/June issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! This issue introduces the FDA’s Communities of Interest – an online platform focused on active discussion and sharing of information about specific topic areas. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or just click the cover image below to read the issue.
This book is a comprehensive review of current techniques and efforts for the future of regenerative surgical procedures. It is a series of 23 short review articles by international researchers. While directed primarily to periodontists and oral surgeons due to the depth of background information needed to fully appreciate the implications of the future techniques presented, it is also fascinating reading for all doctors to see where the profession is heading.
Topics covered include all types of bone grafts; guided tissue and guided bone membranes; bone adhesives; osseo-conductive and osseo-inductive protein matrices; several bone morphogenic proteins; existing and future enamel matrix derivatives; hyaluronic acid; and future gene therapy for growth factors.
The most intriguing chapters review the newer regenerative techniques. The articles alternate between the hard biochemical science and clinical research and applications. Each article is highly referenced. The reader will notice a wide variety of references from many journals most clinicians would miss which makes this publication a very good start for literature reviews and background material for new papers. There are caveats, however. While the main author/editor of this book is undoubtedly prolific and at the forefront of research in regenerative techniques, the citations are fairly heavy with his own publications. Furthermore, disclosures of financial conflicts of interest by the authors/editors, if any, were not presented as they are when new materials are published in peer reviewed journals. It must be assumed those disclosures were noted in the original source publications that are summarized in this book.
The reviews are exhaustive and very revealing. Please note that this is not a “how to” surgical manual. Research about individual regenerative materials, as well as combination of materials, is meticulously presented and analyzed in a very orderly way. Tables and charts are nicely presented to compare findings. Quick reference for the reader as to what materials work and do not work can be made at the conclusion of each article, with a final chapter presenting clinical recommendations and guidelines for selecting the best combination of biomaterials for specific cases.
Publications of this type are critical to bring practicing clinicians who may not have access to all publications up to date so application of new proven techniques and materials can be more rapidly incorporated into practice, ultimately to help our patients gain better oral health.
Thurs., June 29 – 7 AM-8 PM (City Hall Lobby) or 4-9 PM (Hotel Lobby)
Fri., June 30 – 7 AM-6 PM (City Hall Lobby)
Sat., July 1 – 7 AM-3 PM (City Hall Lobby)
If you are registered as “Exhibit Hall Only,” you will pick up your badge at the first-floor rotunda outside the Exhibit Hall on Thurs., 10 AM-5 PM, Fri., 8 AM-5 PM or Sat., 8 AM-1 PM.
2. FREE OFFSITE PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE
Free parking and shuttle service to the Gaylord Palms will be available for attendees at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports (700 S. Victory Way, Reunion, FL 34747). Please allow ample time, at least one hour prior to course start, for parking and shuttle service.
Shuttle Hours:
Thurs., June 29 – 7 AM-11:30 PM
Fri., June 30 – 7 AM- 11 PM
Sat., July 1 – 7 AM-6 PM
3. FDC2023 FREE MOBILE APP
Download the mobile app by searching “FDC2023” in the Apple App store or Google Play one week prior to FDC. To view your personalized course schedule and course/event location you must be logged into the app with your registration ID and last name.
You can also download handouts, search exhibitors, view the event schedule, access the Gaylord Palms maps and more with the app! Be sure to turn on your notifications for on-site updates.
4. COURSE HANDOUTS
Course handouts will be available within your online registration dashboard two weeks prior to FDC.
In an effort to “go green,” FDC will not provide handouts onsite. Please print, download on your mobile device or view in the mobile app on-site.
Note: some handouts may be too large to view within the mobile app. Please download and save to your device or print ahead of time.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Take a break from your busy day and visit adorable puppies at our Puppy Cuddle Break on Friday, June 30 from 3-5:45 PM in the Exhibit Hall and experience the joy and comfort of cuddling with these furry friends. Adoptions will be available for those who feel a connection.
6. SOCIAL EVENTS INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION
Make plans to attend the social events included in your registration*
Thurs., June 29
Welcome Cocktail Reception – 4-6 PM (a drink ticket for this event will be loaded on your badge)
LIVE! at FDC Party– 8-11 PM
Guitarist in Wreckers – 10 PM-1 AM
Fri., June 30
Alumni Receptions – 5-7 PM
Out of This World Party – 7:30-10:30 PM
The After Party – 10 PM-1 AM
* Events are not included in the free “Exhibit Hall Only” registration.
7. ATTENDEE LUNCH VOUCHERS
If you have purchased a Thursday morning and afternoon course or have signed up to be a speaker host, you will receive a $20 lunch voucher for Exhibit Hall concessions. Vouchers can be used in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM-2 PM.
Your lunch voucher will be automatically loaded onto your badge. Just tap and go during checkout to use.
8. CE VERIFICATION/REPORTING
Per the Florida Board of Dentistry, you must be present in a course 50 of 60 minutes to receive 1 hour of CE credit. Your badge will be scanned when you enter and exit a course to calculate your hours attended.
Your CE certificate will be emailed to you by Monday, July 3. CE certificate printing stations will be available on-site Thursday and Friday, 9 AM-6 PM and Saturday, 9 AM-5:30 PM.
CE credit will be reported to CE Broker for all Florida-licensed attendees by July 29, 2023.
GET STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS AT THE GAYLORD PALMS
Need help navigating to your FDC courses at the Gaylord Palms? Download the “Gaylord Hotels” app in the Apple App store or Google Play upon arriving at FDC.
Select the hotel “Gaylord Palms” and then click “Find My Way” to have the app access your location and give you step-by-step navigation to your courses.
Over the past couple of years, telehealth has revolutionized the healthcare industry, including dentistry. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes and the healthcare landscape evolves, the telehealth waivers that allowed dentists to provide virtual care through non-compliant platforms are expiring. Let’s explore the implications of these expiring waivers and how dentists can navigate the future of remote dental care.
The Rise of Telehealth in Dentistry:
Telehealth emerged as a crucial tool during the pandemic, enabling dentists to connect with patients remotely for consultations, follow-ups, and non-emergency care. These waivers expanded access to dental services, particularly for underserved populations, reduced unnecessary in-person visits, and improved overall patient experience. Dentists embraced telehealth to ensure continuity of care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission.
Implications of Expiring Waivers: Using platforms like Apple Facetime, Skype, Zoom, and other non-public facing platforms were part of the Notice of Enforcement Discretion the OCR laid out in March of 2020. Now that virtually every EHR/PM solution and other technologies have emerged over the last 3 years, practices can easily implement compliant solutions.
Dentistry will always predominantly be an in-person health care service but with the expiration of telehealth waivers, those dentists that found telehealth an important addition to their practice need guidance on which compliant platforms to use. Dentists must evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and patient satisfaction associated with virtual care. Additionally, they should consider the legal and regulatory implications of providing telehealth services without waivers and adapt their practices accordingly.
• The first step is assessing risks and vulnerabilities through a Security Risk Analysis. This knowledge will help dentists adapt their practices and comply with existing laws.
• Second would be to have policies in place to ensure the telehealth services these dentists provide to patients is telling the story of how they are protecting that sensitive patient information.
• Finally, investing in technology and software solutions that facilitate secure and efficient virtual consultations can enhance the patient experience and practice efficiency.
Conclusion: While the expiration of telehealth waivers poses challenges for dentists, it also presents an opportunity to evaluate and refine the role of telehealth in dental care. By staying informed, embracing hybrid models, and leveraging technology, dentists can continue to provide high-quality care while adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.
Questions regarding HIPAA and OSHA Compliance, please email Abyde at info@abyde.com or call (800) 594-0883
Beyond the Bite 