Features Archives - Page 102 of 222

Does Selection of Different Restorative Materials Affect the Amount of Tooth Structure Saved for Crown Preparations?

Introduction Aesthetic tooth-colored restorations for both anterior and posterior teeth have been in the highest demand in recent years. This increasing demand motivated the dental industries to enhance the aesthetic and mechanical properties of restorative materials. These efforts lead to the introduction of contemporary ceramics such as lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (also known as IPS e.max … Read more

The “Silent” Dental Partner: The Laboratory Technician

Upon insertion of a newly fabricated dental prosthesis, it drops intraorally and fits perfectly requiring minor adjustments. The patient looked in the mirror following this insertion and was delighted with the final aesthetics results. The patient states, “It looks and feels perfect, just like my natural teeth”. As dentists, we take full credit and thanks … Read more

You Manage Things; You Lead People

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Oral Health Office focuses on the practice management side of dentistry and each time I sit down to write my editorial, I aim to shed light on the positive benefits of working as a team. Leadership and coaching, strategizing and collaboration, and the overall benefits of working collectively to ensure that happiness, and the dedication … Read more

ADL Dental Laboratories Inc.: One Big Family

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Given the opportunity to create a state-of-the-art dental lab facility from the bare walls, ADL set out to achieve this dream and inspire our team of dedicated technicians with a clean, streamlined, modern workplace – a bright, open yet inviting lab that provides ample natural light and a comfortable work environment. The design process was … Read more

Sentiment Analysis as a Unique ‘Smile Improvement’ Technology for Dentists

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For dentists, advanced technology means using the latest treatment tools, such as digital X-rays, diode lasers, CAD/CAM, etc., but something like Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a practice assistant, I bet most of us never gave much thought to the idea. Nor did I, but that was before I implemented a sentiment analysis program at my … Read more

How to be a Good Online Storyteller to Promote Your Dental Practice

There is one online dental marketing strategy that is often not spoken about – the art of storytelling. This is not about actual bedtime story-reading sessions, but about giving your brand a method of communicating that immediately makes its presence felt in the heart and mind of the audience. The reality is that brand stories … Read more

Bullying and Abrasive Leadership Syndrome

Do you manage someone who has “bullish” behaviors or is abrasive? Work with someone who is abrasive? Work for someone who is abrasive? You are not alone. Just say the word “bully,” and most people imagine a childhood playground and stolen lunch money. As traumatic as childhood bullying can be, workplace bullying can have an even more significant impact … Read more

What If They Say, “No”?

Dr. Sylvia Ha purchased a practice, and, like many dentists in that situation, she inherited the staff. As is also, unfortunately, still quite common in the dental industry, none of the staff had written contracts. Dr. Ha maintained that status quo initially, but on the advice of her accountant and peers, she sought out specialized … Read more

Betterment Begins With Attitude

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You want the best for yourself and your practice, but the first step toward getting there is developing the right mindset. Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it to the very top in dentistry? I’m not talking about being a great clinician and having a good practice, but really having it all: … Read more

Strengthen Your Business Skills to Protect You and Your Practice

You probably aren’t looking to return to school anytime soon, but as dental professionals across the world know all too well, attending continuing education courses is essential to your growth as both a practitioner and business owner. 38.1 per cent of Canadian dentists* are interested in attending a CE course on running a small business. … Read more

A Rapid Review on Radiation and CBCT in Dental Practice

Exposure to ionizing radiation and its potential risks are often major concerns of our patients. Ambiguity and confusion exist among the general public, mainly due to the risks discussed in the media and from spurious online information. This leads to confusion, fear, and avoidance by the patient. Therefore, this review aims to attenuate the ambiguity … Read more

Safer Implant Treatment

Knowledge is forever advancing. In my early days when my computer froze, I used to think “What did I do wrong now.” Today I think “What is wrong with this computer!” No, it’s not always the clinician that is to blame for problems. Many systems that we have come to use daily, are simply flawed. … Read more

Critique of the RCDSO Draft Document on: “Standard of Practice: Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Office”

Preamble Recently, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) welcomed comments on its draft document “Standard of Practice: Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Office.” This critique is based on a thorough reading of the proposed Standard of Practice (referred to as the Standard) and its accompanying references. In addition, the author … Read more

Nutrition Update: Dietary Protein for Periodontal Health

Diet and Peridontal Health Many epidemiological studies have shown positive associations between specific nutrients – including calcium, vitamins C and D, specific fatty acids – and periodontal health. 1,2 Protein is a much less studied nutrient from this perspective although it serves as a building block for bone and the periodontium, and also assists with … Read more

RCDSO Mandatory PET exam and Mandatory Category 1 Con Ed requirements. Why Not?

In 2013 the RCDSO introduced the mandatory Practice Enhancement Tool (PET) for licenced Ontario dentist to be exercised every five years: “a computer based self-assessment program … that allows members to evaluate and assess their practice, knowledge, skill and judgement”. 1 At the same time the RCDSO introduced the mandatory requirement for 15 Category 1 … Read more

The Intra-Oral Mandibular Ramus Block Autograft: Still a Relevant Procedure Today?

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Introduction With advances in dental materials, instruments, imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques, one may question the use of the intra-oral block autograft as a practical and relevant method of ridge augmentation. This article will discuss a case report outlining pre-operative and surgical protocols for performing the mandibular ramus block autograft and shed new light … Read more

The New Global Classification System for Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases: An Executive Summary for the Busy Dental Professional

Editor’s note: Please click tables to see an enlarged version. These are exciting times in the world of periodontology. The 2017 World Workshop, a combined collaboration by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), has culminated in a new classification system for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. This … Read more

Improved Long-Term Treatment Outcomes of Teeth with Deep Pockets and Reduced Periodontal Support by Periodontal Regenerative Surgery

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Introduction Periodontal regenerative medicine encompasses a spectrum of procedures that restore lost tooth-supporting hard and soft tissue, thereby reversing some of the damage caused by periodontal disease. This is in contrast with repair of periodontal tissues that was the staple of periodontal treatment for decades. Regenerative surgery involves the reflection of the gingival tissue and … Read more

“The Future Is Not What It Used To Be”, Or Is It?

Iran this line by ten colleagues. All – with the exception of one – interpreted it in a negative way. They felt that it referred to a gloomy future; when things have gotten worse rather than get better. In their view, the future will be darker than their memory of the past. Yet, the statement … Read more

Pick One: Balancing Practice Operations or Meeting Patient Expectations

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What’s more challenging: Finding qualified Level II Assistants, or keeping up with patient expectations? It’s a trick question because they’re both vital to the success of your practice. However, based on our recent survey*, we probably could have predicted your response based on your practice’s revenue. We found Canadian dentists who earned less than $500,000 … Read more