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
With over a billion active monthly users, Facebook continues to be the social media behemoth that is hard to ignore. Small businesses and professionals can leverage the power of Facebook to their marketing advantage. Many people use Facebook Graphic Search to get more information out about relevant products or services they may be looking for. … 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
To view this image, please click on the link: https://www.ekwa.com/infographic/oral-health-infographic-2.jpg
A new study which followed mortality of young Seniors over 5 years, found a significant predictor of death was the number of teeth. Even when allowing for other risk factors for mortality (gender, BMI, serum albumin level, current smoking status, education, number of family members living together, history of chronic disease), the risk of all-cause … Read more
Green Shield Canada, our fourth largest administrator of dental claims, has just published the list of the most commonly prescribed medications for Canadians between ages 50 and 70. These are listed below in terms of number of prescriptions. Note that 4 are for blood pressure and the most common drug is for mood disorders. Combining … Read more
The impact of today’s technology on your business… Social Networking is the dialogue used by one or all of the above to converse, communicate and contribute online. Social networking can re-connect someone with their past, update today’s world on your daily events, share opinions, experiences and insights to a virtual friendship that can reach many … Read more
One of the most popular articles in dentistry today is written by a pediatric dental specialist at the University of Washington. The article has a long, complicated title but upon reading it, I thought it should have been called “Dentistry 2.0″. Here are some excerpts which point to the new thinking in Dentistry 2.0: Historically, … 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
Andre Picard, the Globe’s healthcare columnist, recently wrote an article on the aging population’s impact on overall Canadian healthcare. But what about the impact of the aging Boomers on the dental care system? Many of you will already know — the older the patient, the less likely they are regular attenders and the more likely … Read more
Your critical area of focus… In today’s fast paced world of change, competition and customer (patient) sophistication, it is critical to focus on your service, reputation and referrals. Also critical, is to know how your patients feel about you, talk about you and express their dissatisfaction. A dissatisfied customer will tell 12 other people A … Read more
Are we beginning to see a change in how dentistry is pitching itself to the community? Perhaps, if this ad in a local newspaper is indicative. The ad says a lot and very little. “Complete health dentistry” is a new brand, one which responds to the overriding preferences of this aging and largely uninsured community … Read more
In the US, there has been a surprising level of shopping and switching health care insurance plans during this second season of renewals under Obamacare. Almost 1 in 3 changed plans on the public website for health care insurance (HealthCare.gov). And for those who switched, most saved money. We know that America is the land … 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
You probably have an established online marketing strategy for your dental practice already, including social networking via Facebook, Twitter or other social media. At least a few of your social media members may be commenting, sharing, retweeting or liking some of your social content. However, if you are not responding back to them or acknowledging … 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.