Hygienists think they communicate every day, and yet when asked what is the most challenging thing about dentistry, many of them say, “Team communication!” Communication is a complex and delicate process. To say one communicates with others and then still complains about the level of miscommunication says something about the kind of communication occurring and…
Read MoreThe dental community is among the first line of defense when it comes to early detection of disease. And with oral cancer being one of the highest-ranking killers, the ADA has assumed the task of increasing public awareness about this often underrated disease. Their efforts include taking a more aggressive approach to the importance of…
Read MoreIn observing thousands of patient exams and case presentations, I’ve come across the singular, biggest obstacle dentists have with case acceptance; they assume. They assume patients only want to focus on one thing or they assume patients want to focus on everything. They assume patients don’t have time or they assume patients can spend the…
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When you are torn on how to proceed with a patient’s treatment to either perform a restorative/elective procedure or giving the patient a chance to correct the condition with home therapy, it can be difficult to determine which is right for the patient. Instead of doing nothing in the face of making the wrong decision,…
Read MoreAs dental professionals sometimes we forget our job includes education. Even though many patients are aware of what we do, they don’t always practice it. It is important that we make a lasting impression on our patients so that we see positive results and progress at their next visit. The biggest assets that we have in…
Read MoreMyths, widely held yet false beliefs or ideas, are generated throughout dentistry by chronic fear, stress, and by having a negative filter of daily situations. They are perpetuated at study clubs and conferences, in message forums or chat rooms, masked as dentists offering their experiences and advice while dripping with cynicism and jadedness. Some…
Read MoreOne of the most common questions I get is, “How do I know my stress levels are too high?” It is a great question to answer because if you knew when you’re levels are high then you could start to do something about it before you surpass your stress threshold. It’s especially important to understand…
Read MoreIn my previous column, I identified and talked about the main reasons the holidays stress people out. In summary, often our fantasies and fairytales of the holidays get crushed by the predetermined outcomes we impose on them. Now I will talk about the top four ways and specific applications you can utilize to have a…
Read MoreHolidays Stressing You Out The holidays mean different things for different people. We all experience and celebrate in our own ways; threading in various traditions, scheduling festive occasions, and attending once-a-year events that fill our calendars from the end of October into the new year. We also carry around a high level of expectation for…
Read MoreNegative emotions arise easily when life doesn’t go as planned. What makes it even worse is when you’ve done your homework, thought through potential roadblocks, and prepared the team by sharing expectations. Still, things can go south. When this happens it evokes senses of failure, disappointment, and regret. There is another way to look at…
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