Cyber Security Tips from Canada’s Largest DSO With the rise of technology in healthcare, it is more important than ever to protect your data. Technology is a key enabler and advantage in the delivery of optimal patient care, but the systems we use can introduce additional vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. The convenience of … Read more
Some years ago, a widely read magazine published a writer’s first-hand account of going to 50 dentists and getting almost as many different diagnoses and treatment plans, ranging in cost from under $500 to nearly $30,000. The author’s conclusion, no doubt shared by millions of readers: “Dentistry is a stunningly inexact science.” The kindest interpretation … Read more
At Cellerant, I am privileged to be surrounded by innovative technologies that set a standard of quality over a wide range of categories. Whether I am in conversation about which products will meet Best of Class standards or just meeting with technology manufacturers, I know that innovators will drive the conversation about how dental practices … Read more
By now, most, if not all practices, utilize automation as part of their workflow. However, can automation seek out revenue opportunities beyond what you expect from automated messages? RecallMax™ has identified three gaps in patient engagement that come from not using automation to the fullest extent. Gap 1: Limitations with automated messages Given the recent … Read more
‘‘We’re at the beginning of a golden age of AI. Recent advancements have already led to inventions that previously lived in the realm of science fiction – and we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible.” Jeff Bezos, 2019 Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are permeating all aspects of our daily lives. Everything from … Read more
Thorough disinfection has always been problematic in all areas of healthcare, especially in the oral environment. In endodontics, laser energy has been used in the past in an attempt to aid in the disinfection and/or irrigation of root canal systems with less than desirable results. Some of the various techniques used in the past included … Read more
How social media tactics can help market and grow a dental practice When we think of technology and its impact on the dental industry, we can’t ignore the importance of social media. Has your dental practice already jumped onto the social media bandwagon? Are you looking to steer your office’s presence in a more professional … Read more
Much has been discussed recently about the challenges of finding new team members and retaining current ones. The pandemic has shifted perspectives, and what teams needed in the past has now changed. Among the top stressors reported during the pandemic are finances, social isolation, and the health of family members. In any given year, 1 … Read more
Dr. Tracy Dawes Riverside Dental Centre, Red Deer, Alberta How would you define or summarize your practice philosophy? My practice has always been relationship based. Taking time with my patients has always been very important to me, even if it might put me a little behind at times. I think patients appreciate that they know … Read more
Restorative dentistry and periodontology have always been and forever will be inextricably linked. Integrating all elements of dentistry is an art and the science and is salient to long-term success of dental restorations and patient care. When placing a restoration, one must consider its effect on the entire stomatognathic complex. Case in point, the placement … Read more
Chronic Diseases and Periodontal Health Every 24 hours, 480 Canadian men and women are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D).1 In 2019, 11 million Canadians were diagnosed with T2D or pre-diabetes.2 The high prevalence of this disease equates to a high economic burden. For example, treatment costs in Canada reached approximately $30 billion in 2019.2 … Read more
The American Dental Association (ADA) is an international authority guiding dentists in safeguarding personal health information (PHI) and protecting its members from cyber threats. On May 26, 2021, the ADA published a bulletin for its 161,000 members to increase awareness of potential ransomware issues affecting dental practices.1 Around April 21, 2022, the ADA was the … Read more
Gum disease affects 70% of Canadians and is associated with many systemic diseases for which the benefits of plant-based diets have been well-established.1,2 In ‘A Plant-Based Diet and Periodontal Health’,2 published in last year’s October edition of Oral Health, we discussed the findings and potential implications of studies that have reported the association between plant-based … Read more
Many psychotropic drugs cause dry mouth, most commonly due to anticholinergic effects. Xerostomia a common issue in dental practice, affecting about 1 in 4-5 adults.1 It can cause a range of signs and symptoms, from a mild sensation of dryness and stickiness to more serious effects such as difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and speaking.2 If … Read more
We trust our dentists to tell us the best oral health care routines, and based on our dentists’ recommendations, we teach our children about oral health care. Our pets do not have any oral care capability and rely on us to keep their mouths clean and healthy. Dentists are often asked by their patients about … Read more
In baseball, triple plays are rare. They are game changers that can make all the difference. Candid brings that same energy to orthodontics. Candid is distinguishing itself from others by its Transformative technology Commitment to service Dedication to support Transformative Technologies One of the company’s software tools is the CandidMonitoring, which allows patients to scan … Read more
Little is known about why people living with HIV have a much higher rate of oral human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) than the general population. And it’s not only those with advanced untreated HIV infection, known as AIDS Supported by a five-year, $3.9 million RO1 grant from the National Institutes of … Read more
A vast amount of my career has been spent on defining our powerful role as dental hygienists in the earlier discovery of an abnormal lesion through effective visual and tactile examination of the structures of the head, neck and oral cavity. Frankly, the omission of a thorough and effective extraoral/intraoral examination can cost a life. … Read more
There are times when tradition is to be embraced – a marriage ceremony, a parade or a graduation. And there are times when doing things the way they have always been done just doesn’t cut it. If you are a practising or retired dentist in Canada, there is good chance you are familiar with the … Read more
Now that Defy Gravity, the University of Toronto’s new campaign, has been launched, the faculty has put together a Campaign Cabinet of alumni who want to help the school achieve its goals. This volunteer group is made up of nine individuals who exemplify service to the school and have not only expressed an interest in … Read more