A dentist sells their dental practice for (hopefully big) money. A significant chapter of their life has ended, and another one has just begun. But now what? In this article, we look at what dentists may want to do if they did an ASSET sale – meaning their dentistry professional corporation (“corporation”) sold the dental-specific … Read more
When government budgets are announced, they generally try to answer two questions: 1) How do we raise taxes? 2) Who will pay for these taxes? The “Who” part is easy: It’s the rich and wealthy or those perceived as rich and wealthy (e.g. dentists.) The answer to the “How” is less certain. In 2016, they … Read more
THE WHY: Background Story Dr. Greg Dugas, the visionary behind “iSmile Orthodontists,” completed his specialty training in 2009 at the University of Toronto after five years of enjoying clinical practice as a general dentist. Fate would have it that just prior to graduation, a local equipment sales representative made him aware of an opportunity to purchase … Read more
For every practitioner, there comes a time when they realize it is time to let go of the reins. For me, it was after 48 years of “riding the horse” of a successful, private, fee-for-service general practice. I had an associate I thought would buy the practice. My lease was coming due when I thought … Read more
As dental professionals, we see patients up to three or four times a year. In retrospect, as per CDHA (Canadian Dental Hygienist Association), Registered Dental Hygienists see a larger population versus other medical professionals. We often work with patients who have complex medical histories, and often present with risk factors that require an interdisciplinary approach.1 … Read more
Planting the Seed For 5 days in August 2023, Fanshawe College dental hygiene professors Kelly Turner and Shelley Getty helped run a pilot sealant project for Grenada’s children. Grenada, the “Isle of Spice” in the Caribbean, boasts a population of approximately 125,000 beautiful souls. It’s known for being safe and politically stable and full of … Read more
Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Paulette Dahlseide, owner of the mobile clinic Providence Dental Hygiene and passionate volunteer in the Alberta Metis community. Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? Truly, I stumbled or, more aptly I suppose, I was led into the profession … Read more
The most common odontogenic infection is that of the periapical tissues most frequently caused by dental caries, a deep restoration, or failed root canal treatment.1 Apical periodontitis (AP) has been found to have a prevalence of 50% in patients under the age of 50, and the prevalence and risk of AP has been found to be … Read more
Repetitive work trauma is a phrase that recently came to my attention. I did not have to hear the definition to understand the meaning. Why? Because I live it each week! I feel its effects in my body everyday. My lower back, and hips feel eternally tight with a ball of pain that usually centers … Read more
The goal of endodontic treatment is to prevent or cure, when present, Lesions of Endodontic Origin, at times referred to as apical periodontitis. The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of endodontic disease is well established, and therefore, it is critical to eradicate these pathogens by employing the highest level of presently developed standards. This … Read more
Irrigation of root canal systems is the most important aspect of RCTT 1,2,3, yet it may also be the least understood thing we do inside these complex spaces.4 Evidence for that statement is the fact that, to this day, very few endodontists understand how the introduction of rotary shaping files caused an increase in our irrigation failures,5 not to … Read more
The internet has made the world smaller, connecting us in ways unimaginable just a decade ago, and this has served to forever change the endodontic educational model. Specifically, online endodontic education takes on a variety of forms, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Additionally, online education is offered on discussion forums and … Read more
This paper is written from my perspective as a “wet-fingered” GP engaged fully in private practice. As dentists, our technical excellence involving hand-eye coordinated skills is highly valued and therefore often our primary focus throughout the educational process and in daily practice. This is one foundational pillar for efficacious care. A second pillar is a … Read more
In modern endodontic practice, the focus has shifted from traditional cleaning, shaping, and filling methods to prioritizing conservative canal shaping first, opening the canals, and using advanced disinfection protocols with irrigation, enabling more effective cleaning before three-dimensional filling.1 To be more accurate and descriptive of root canal anatomy, it is recommended to use the term … Read more
An accurate endodontic diagnosis is based on a variety of clinical tests, including thermal and electric pulp testing, percussion, bite stick, periodontal probing, and palpation. However, each of these subjective tests is prone to both false positive and false negative responses that could result in the inability to get an accurate diagnosis or the treatment … Read more
The ultimate goal of endodontic treatment is the prevention and/or treatment of apical periodontitis such that there is complete healing and absence of infection1 while the overall long-term goal is the placement of a definitive, clinically successful restoration and preservation of tooth structure. Successful endodontic treatment depends on a number of factors, including proper instrumentation, successful … Read more
Everything happens for a reason…” People reach for it when something horrible happens, and they don’t know what else to say but want to sound hopeful. Failure and loss are inevitable. Things happen randomly and often unfairly. It’s part of being human. A cancer diagnosis, the unexpected loss of a loved one, a failed business … Read more
Many dentists practice as an associate before purchasing their own practice while some go straight into owning. Depending on your path to practice ownership, there are a few different challenges to keep in mind as you prepare. For those who do not work as an associate before buying their practice, the largest challenge is finding … Read more
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A “career” is an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress.1 But how does one ensure not just progress but fulfilment and happiness? Having worked as an endodontist for more than 30 years and completed more than 50,000 treatments, I have evolved and expanded my approach and philosophy … Read more
Managing costs is a perpetual challenge for independent hygienists running a busy practice. Every penny counts, especially when it comes to your dental office lease. Here are five strategic tips for minimizing expenses and safeguarding against financial pitfalls. Negotiate Rental Escalations Wiseley Your “Annual Base Rent” is the amount that you agree (or agreed) to … Read more