As many as 1 in 4 older Canadians are diabetic, or in danger of this chronic disease. Likewise, more than 1 in 4 older Canadians have high blood pressure. The overlap of these conditions is common and makes for a lot of high risk adults sitting in the dental waiting room. A new study reports … Read more
Recently, I reviewed the spending on healthcare benefits by a mid-sized Canadian employer. In particular, I looked at the dental plan and the drug plan. Here is what I found: dental spending grew by 12% over the past year at a time when the number of employees was stable dental spending surpassed the combined cost … Read more
A recent survey of American adults found that 1 in 4 did not purchase needed dental care last year, because they couldn’t afford this service. Dentistry was, amongst all healthcare services, the least affordable (see chart). And this was when the American dental waiting rooms have never been emptier, and dental incomes at their … Read more
American insurers are now using sophisticated computer algorithms to predict who, amongst their clients, will require early re-admission to hospital or who will have difficulties with their diabetes. For those who are predicted to get sick (again), the insurers offer additional services such as a health coach or more more home care. Our Canadian medical … Read more
This may be habit forming … I have to share the prescription I received last week from my medical doctor upon completion of my annual physical examination. My doctor stated that he was going prescribe a rare and unique script for me that I will be required to adhere to for the remainder of my … Read more
Treatment of acute dental problems in the Emergency Department of hospitals has been growing relentlessly in Canada and the US for several years. A new study in Health Affairs shows that dental visits are impacted by government coverage of dental services for those on low income. Withdrawal of such dental coverage results in a higher … Read more
Have you been following what Tesla (Elon Musk) is doing to electricity markets with its new Powerwall battery for your garage? This new technology promises to disrupt the source, distribution and use of electrical power and give the household new options as both a consumer and a supplier of electricity. It redefines what we know … Read more
As a busy dentist, it can be very challenging for you to find time to manage your social media networks effectively. The easier way may be to delegate the task to a professional social media management firm or hire an in-house expert to handle your online promotion strategy. However, if you are keen to manage … Read more
I am always amazed when I visit the U of T dental school that the biggest room ever is dedicated to drilling and filling. Seemingly hundreds of chairs over which are bent hundreds of dental students practicing their techniques on folks who need low cost care. And I ask myself, is this where the profession … Read more
A new study found that Parkinson’s patients have up to 10 times more untreated decay than a healthy peer. And they live in the community on average for 15 years before being institutionalized. So, most every dental team has a few Parkinson’s patients, or at least, patients with preclinical symptoms to Parkinson’s. A recent study … Read more
Attached are 2 photos of our recent annual trip in January 2015 to Quesada, Guatemala. This is part of an official Canadian charity (12+ yrs going) called Health Outreach (founded by Dr. Tim Lee, Mississauga), where the volunteers (dentists and support personnel), provide free dental work to needy children. In our 6 days of work, … Read more
My community newspaper recently featured a story about an overload of patients visiting a non-profit community dental clinic. The irony of this story is that most dentists in my community have fewer and fewer recall patients. Most want and need to get busier. My community’s struggle to access dental care – Partners in Prevention So … Read more
Oral Health Group had the opportunity to participate in the US Pavilion at IDS 2015 which took place in Cologne, Germany. Be sure to look out for the next IDS – the 37th International Dental Show – is scheduled to take place from 21 to 25 March 2017.
American companies are getting tough on disease. Increasingly, they incent their employees to participate in wellness programs by connecting healthy behavior to lower cost healthcare insurance. In some cases, poor health behavior leads to increased premiums. They are following the lead of some German insurers who limit dental coverage for those who skip their hygiene … Read more
The shingles vaccine provides a good model for a new kind of dental care which is emerging to better serve an older, more knowledgeable and sicker population. The shingles vaccine is indicated for those at high risk of this acute infection — those over 60 years of age (older folks have difficulty generating immune cells … Read more
Recently, I received a petition by nurses and hygienists which argued for OHIP payment for hygiene services. It seems the petition was started by nurses who were frustrated with the growing demands of ER patients experiencing dental problems. So, what are the chances that OHIP or any medical system will pay for regular hygiene care? … Read more
Supporting and Enforcing Your Cancellation Policy.. One the quickest and easiest way to begin supporting your Cancellation Policy is to STOP accepting appointment changes and cancellations to be left with your service or on your voice message service! Many patients will leave a message after practice hours to avoid facing the music of their last … Read more
A majority of large, medium and small organizations as well as professional practices have recognized the importance of digital transformation to stay ahead in the information age. It is time to take a close look at your dental marketing approach and strategy to determine whether your practice is geared up to engage effectively with potential … Read more
Some trend predictions for smiles and cosmetic dentistry according to Dr. Harvey Silverman, creator of the EasySmile LifeLike Veneer System, an innovative, non-invasive new method for achieving better smiles. According to Dr. Harvey Silverman– Top Smile Enhancement Trends predicted for 2015: More effective at-home tooth whiteners (professional systems adapted for at-home use) with less tooth … Read more