Fear stops about 20% of patients from visiting the dentist. This statistic is pre-COVID-19, according to Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, Dean University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine. In a recent webinar, Dr. Wolff shared, “Whether real or perceived, fear of the unknown, not knowing what to expect – not to mention fear of … Read more
Dental practices worldwide have adapted and adopted new processes, protective measures and steps within the patient appointment to align with recommendations, mandates and regulations that experts are instructing to keep doctors, team and patients safe during this time of COVID-19. As practices reopen and begin seeing scheduled patients once again, the questions are beginning to … Read more
Life Dentistry is a new 6-operatory, 2,300- square-foot dental clinic located in southeast Edmonton. The partnership of Dr. Brett Shkopich and Dr. Saud Ahmad included a vision that was dynamic in colour with timeless architectural features for their first clinic build. Life dentistry looks to pair life balance with inspiration from nature and integrated technology … Read more
Not everyone will come back. It’s a simple fact that every business owner must come to terms with, but the percentage for dental practices is higher than many industries. According to some reports, an attrition rate above 20% is normal.1 Of course, that means it is higher in some offices and lower in others. Improving … Read more
This month’s issue of Oral Health Office is a perfect snapshot of fall 2020, with articles on COVID-19, patient retention, and taking better advantage of social media. These are three separate pieces, but I can’t help but see the narrative thread connecting them. Putting the health and safety of our patients first has been a … Read more
Whether you’re a dentist, dental hygienist or assistant, you work in a fabulous profession! Dental professionals take care of people for a living, our industry is relatively recession-proof and the dental field enjoys a well-deserved prestige. While clinical practice can be very rewarding, it can also take a physical toll on our bodies with the … Read more
Infection prevention and control (IPAC) has never been discussed or read about more until now. The pandemic, caused by COVID-19, is having a devastating impact on our world. Will you and your staff carry on business as usual when you reopen? In principle, the answer to this question should be yes but the reality is, … Read more
No employment relationship lasts forever. Sometimes, employees leave of their own volition. People find other jobs, retire, or pass away. At other times, the employee is fired because they are incompetent, unmotivated or a thief. There can be sizeable financial implications to how an employee exits, and the purpose of this article is to assist … Read more
Dentistry is finally back after a historical and unprecedented shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitions Group, whose mission was to remain open as an essential service to support dentistry through this pandemic, lived it for 100 days and nights building a live COVID-19 survival guide. We are proud of the camaraderie and collaboration that … Read more
The first new dental clinic build for Dr. Nathaniel Wong, Floss Dentistry, is an extension of his passion for his craft, the ongoing technological advances in dentistry fused with high design. Located in the new community of Chappelle in Southwest Edmonton, Floss Dentistry is 2,700 square feet and includes six generously sized private operatory rooms, … Read more
As the COVID-19 curve flattens, communities across North America are cautiously lifting restrictions, and health services are among the first to resume in most regions. Odds are, your dental practice recently reopened, or you are preparing to do so soon. However, the new normal does not look anything like the old normal. While your first … Read more
Everyone will go through trying times – often alone. For the first time in many of our lives, we are collectively going through the same trying time – together. It has been fascinating to watch reactions to the evolving COVID-19 situation. Some reactions were completely unexpected and seemingly out of character. Some pulled relationships apart. … Read more
Routine and elective dentistry came to a screeching halt in March. Across the country, we sheltered in place, waiting for the storm to pass. Fortunately, Phase 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. Now, it is time to get back to work, but dentistry has changed. Although this crisis began abruptly, public health experts … Read more
Word of mouth can be considered the oldest form of marketing, dating back to the 1600’s. Originating with the town crier, word of mouth marketing has evolved throughout the years from storytelling and street plays to modern social media. In today’s hyper-connected world, the impact of information spread through word of mouth is amplified and … Read more
Social media has been popularized in dentistry for peer-to-peer exchange. But, the role it plays for dentist-patient exchange has been overlooked and may be preventing dentists from engaging in social media activities that benefit both themselves and their patients.1 During these unprecedented times, when many dental clinics have been forced to close, social media offers … Read more
As provincial economies begin to re-open in the wake of COVID-19, dental employers are preparing for the re-opening of clinics. However, the re-start of operations brings with it an abundance of employment law issues that must be carefully addressed in order to avoid employer liability. To help employers, we have summarized many of the most … Read more
No matter how disaster-proof your practice was believed to be, COVID-19 hit and proved us to be vulnerable in unimaginable ways. The widespread economic effects of COVID-19 took many dentists by surprise. Is it because we live in a safe place like Canada that made us think it was a “them” problem that would stay … Read more
Located in Bradford, Ont., Dentistry on 88 is a technologically driven facility with state-of-the-art equipment that enhances the quality of patient care and experience. With pops of purple throughout the office, it provides a friendly atmosphere. The office has a separate check-in station for a designated scheduling co-ordinator, along with two check-out stations for financial … Read more
While no one can predict the long-term social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have already seen significant job losses and economic turmoil. Dentistry, like most industries, has not been spared. Amidst these challenges, many practice owners are asking themselves if it is still a good time to sell. The answer to that … Read more
The Oral Health Group has a fantastic resource on its site, curating several helpful news items and “what-comes-next” features all related to COVID-19. A number of the headlines reflect both frustration about the lack of clear reopening guidelines in different areas, as well as anxiety about the cost of reopening before patient capacity is back … Read more