Why do I need to use special custom abutments for the restoration of my implants? I have been using stock abutments for a long time and I have cases that are 20 years old. I am not having any problems. Stock abutments are cheap, and I use the prosthesis to develop the emergence profile for … Read more
Introduction Modern implant dentistry has been shown to yield excellent well-documented long-term results, with 10-year success and survival rates above 95%.1 Dentists now have the choice of using an array of preoperative planning tools, both conventional and computer-aided, to help them assess potential rehabilitative treatment solutions for their patients. Diagnostic wax-ups have been a critical … Read more
It has been eight years since we published our Supportive Periodontal Implant Maintenance Protocol1 which has been shared and implemented in dental practices and hygiene colleges across the globe. With the exciting new periodontal and peri-implant classifications published simultaneously by the American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology, we felt it was necessary … Read more
In 2017, the world of periodontology was redefined with significant updates to the classification system for periodontal and peri-implant disease. The work of more than 170 leading clinicians, scientists, and educators from around the globe culminated in the publication of 17 articles and four consensus statements summarizing a contemporary, evidence-based and clinically relevant system. This … Read more
Over the years our profession has managed to confuse patients by what we call ourselves. Can you tell the difference between dentists with various letters after their names? What is a bona fide (Latin for “in good face”; legal meaning “sincerely, without deception”) specialist and a generalist? Today, I am afraid, we may have confused … Read more
Don’t underestimate the willingness of your patients when it comes to dental insurance. Most patients have it (more than you think) and if presented with a treatment that would be covered, even partially, are willing to use it. Open the dialogue around the topic, whether it’s you, your office manager or front desk staff, to … Read more
With the rise of clear aligner therapy in dentistry, it has become increasingly common for general practitioners (GPs) to provide orthodontic services like Invisalign. Offering orthodontic services is a differentiating factor for general practitioners and can help set practices apart in today’s highly competitive market. On the other hand, orthodontic care is a specialization that … Read more
A strong brand image is high on the agenda for most dental practices. Forward-thinking practitioners know how an out-of-date website or a poor email newsletter can paint the wrong picture of a brand in a matter of seconds. But building a brand isn’t just about how a company looks. How a dental practice sounds to … Read more
Our love of video is much older than the internet. From the first motion pictures and reel-based home movies to VHS, DVD, and beyond – people have been obsessed with video for generations. The popularity of this media format is much older than the internet, and it isn’t likely to fade anytime soon. Video marketing … Read more
Social Media is hard to get right, but easy to get wrong. Everyday users send 500 million tweets, make 4.5 million likes on Facebook, and upload 95 million photos and videos to Instagram. Social media is a powerful influencer. Everyone is doing it, using it and viewing it; the largest to the smallest businesses, governments … Read more
Dentistry is a special and exciting career for people interested in medicine, oral health, and helping others. Although becoming a dentist requires many years of education, our challenging yet rewarding field can make the effort well worth it. The Learning Curve for graduates transitioning into private practice is steep; and very rewarding for those who … Read more
Since Oral Health Office is dedicated to all things business related, I thought this would be the perfect platform to share some exciting (non-dental) news with you, our dedicated readers, about our media company, Newcom Media Inc. If you are not aware, Newcom Media produces magazines, websites, trade shows and events for the dental, automotive, … Read more
Have you ever asked for a raise and been declined? What about benefits, new equipment, fancy scrubs or lab coats? I’m guilty. We all have needs and wants. Practice owners have moments of splurge when the cash in pouring in, and the next moment could be a drought. The conversation around money always rears its … Read more
Pediatric patients in the dental office create an interesting environment that can be both exciting and chaotic. Often times, the parents can be far more dramatic than the patients themselves. Parents are trusting your office with their most prized possession. It is imperative for teams to connect both with the parents as well as with … Read more
The integration of services is a route increasingly taken by healthcare organizations to improve outcomes and access, and to reduce costs. A new American study has shown, for example, a greater level of integration in medical services and a focus on patient outcomes can reduce costs significantly.1 Starting in early 2019, new preventive oral healthcare … Read more
As a profession, dental hygiene is at a tipping point. We are balancing on a scale. On one end, the occupational model of practice, and on the other end, the professional practice model. The past 30 years have been a period of sustained growth for the professional model of practice. Dental hygiene professional practice has … Read more
A recent study from the Oral Health Foundation caught my attention. According to the study, evidence suggests that office workers are the most likely to eat sugary food and drinks as a result of stress – rather than those out of work. As a result, the Oral Health Foundation is calling for ‘stress-free working environments’ … Read more
I’m a sucker for custom shirts. I enjoy the process of selecting the fabrics, getting fit by my tailor, Jean Paul, and wearing the final product. They fit perfectly and I feel great when I wear them. I buy four to six shirts a year and I take really good care of them. In doing … Read more
The practice of dentistry has changed from the time I entered the profession 42 years ago. Change is important, for without change there can be no progress. On the other hand, not all change is good and we must be able to recognise when changes are not making positive improvements and re-think. We have witnessed … Read more
Orthodontic treatment in adults is very different than that for adolescents. A significant number of finished ortho cases, are in truth, not finished in the eyes of the patient. Patients that have undergone oftentimes lengthy orthodontic treatments are typically motivated by dental health and esthetics. It simply doesn’t make sense to these patients to be … Read more