Dr. Amel Hassan & Team (Winter Haven, FL)
Dr. Ramzy Lotfi (Orlando, FL)
the drill
Dr. Ahmed Tarek (Providence, RI) & Dr. Khalid Ragab (Toledo, OH)
WELCOME TO THE DRILL,
THE NEWSLETTER JUST FOR DENTISTS. 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E
I I I
IN THIS ISSUE N e w s w o r t h y
N e w s w o r t h y
S p e c i a l
M e e t
t h e
i n
R e p o r t :
D o c t o r :
F a v o r i t e
C l i n i c a l C l i n i c a l
t h e
I n t e r n a t i o n a l
D r .
T o m
S m i l e
D a y
K e n n e d y
T h i n g s
S u p p o r t
E d u c a t i o n ,
N e t w o r k
N e w s :
E n l i g h t e n
&
F i x e d
A r c h
S o l u t i o n s
MESSAGE FROM THE CCO Dr. Anthony Naranja, DDS Chief Clinical Officer It's hard to believe we are in the final months of 2021! This year has flown by, and yet it seems like just yesterday that COVID-19 was first upon us. In many ways, we've come so far from 2020, with busy practices, the ability to travel and see loved ones, and businesses reopening. In other ways, it seems time stood still this year. We continue to be challenged with practice closures from exposures and illness, lack of staff, supply delays. What is normally a time of excitement and anticipation for the new year may bring a bit anxiety for some, as we ponder what 2022 will hold. While the future is always uncertain, I remain confident. I've had the privilege of seeing the undeniable strength of the Affordable network throughout this last two years. Our clinicians and practice staff members continue to rise to the occasion, meeting challenges with grace and dedication. Our patients continue to steadily walk through our doors. We continue to be the leader in the market of tooth replacement, and the future is bright - we have just begun to scratch the surface as we expand our clinical offerings and grow organizationally by leaps and bounds.
the drill
Personally, this time of year is one of reflection and gratitude. I am grateful to my Clinical team for passionately supporting our practices every day. I am grateful to Affordable for the opportunity to provide services unlike any other DSO and for continuing to invest in our practices and people. Most of all, I am so grateful for each of you - our dentists - for the life-changing work you do every day for your patients. I hope each of you take the time to celebrate your successes this year and spend time with those you love. May each of you have health and happiness in 2022!
for l u f rate c and g o sti ms I a nthusia s - you t e and ntis our e n d u f ing day car y r feel ! e v I e . e u ding port yo mak r a rew to sup r d chle e e s u s yB cal ble mil lini
I am thankful for the relationships I'm developing with our dentists! You help me better understand how I can provide the best support for your practices! - Deena Ali Director, Training & Development
C -E tor, ons c e Dir rati Ope
I am tha . nkful for e f i l n c i o n the oppor g t r n i i b t u a t r e b t o tunity to e l t e h e growth dc n a a n d g h o f e n i lp m y fellow co exponenti g, serv n i a lleagues a w ll j y o n i r m a g p r r a o o r v f o N e f t h t l y h e u ir patient e ankf nthon s across t quality of life I am th - Dr. A ical Officer he nation - Dr. Dan n i l . C f i e el Fenton Director, Chi Clinical E ducation & Trainin g
Honored to work with and thankful for ALL the people in our company, we collectively C.A.R.E. - a culture for longterm success. - Jim Smyros Sr. Director, Implant Services
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CHEERS TO YOU IN '22!
nity to provide tu or p op e th r fo I am thankful ho give patients w s n ia ic in cl k networ n. support to our across the natio ay d y er ev e il a reason to sm e Adedoyin - Dr. Jumok ical Relations Director, Clin
dentists r ou lp he to y it un rt po op e th r I am thankful fo t to their en tm ea tr ne O n-I ll A g in ng ha bring life-c patients! - Dr. Dan Holtzclaw utions ol S t an pl Im h rc A d xe Fi r, to Direc
I am th ankful fo r having the opportu nity to connect amazing dentist s with p atients in need to bring their sm iles back ! - Sallie Henry Director , Clinical Recruitin g
NEWS WORTHY AROUND THE NETWORK
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE Dr. Adil Khan, DMD Practice Owner | North Lauderdale, FL The American Dream. At an early age, Dr. Adil Khan, the oldest of five children born to Pakistani immigrants, was encouraged toward higher education in pursuit of that dream. Combined with his natural passion and desire to “to do life-changing work,” it is no surprise that Dr. Khan’s journey would lead him to outstanding achievement. Dr. Khan’s road to success in dentistry was not a direct path, however. He entered college with his sights set on becoming an ER doctor, but while a college sophomore, his experience as an ER medical scribe forced him to change course. “You have to be a unique individual to be successful in that environment. You see a lot of tough things. You have to be jaded,” he remembers. Dr. Khan couldn’t imagine himself becoming numb to another’s pain, so he sought out other career opportunities that would better allow him to empathize with his patients and treat each individual with care and compassion. An encounter with an oral surgeon shifted Dr. Khan’s medical focus to dentistry. “Medicine is just treating disease. It’s very rare that you cure anything,” he says. With dentistry, on the other hand, “you’re able to take something that’s broken and fix it.” This seemed a natural fit for Dr. Khan. Having grown up in his father’s auto body shop, he is no stranger to fixing things. Dentistry seemed to have the familiar artistry and precision of his upbringing in mechanics. Dr. Khan began his dental career in Pediatric Dentistry in Dallas, TX, but realized quickly it still lacked that feeling he craved to “fix something.”
Continuing to seek out that perfect fit, Dr. Khan enrolled himself in an implant course with Dr. Virgil Mongalo in Nicaragua, where he placed 25 implants. Just two months later, in March 2020, COVID forced his practice to close and Affordable entered his journey. When a colleague recommended Dr. Khan for an ownership position at an Affordable Dentures & Implants affiliated practice in North Lauderdale, he accepted the offer. After training with Dr. Daniel Fenton for a few brief weeks, Dr. Khan felt certain he had finally found his calling - even forgoing his trip back to TX to pack and move. Since then, success has followed. Implants have been a major component to his rapid success. Prior to Dr. Khan’s arrival, the practice produced 90-120 cases/month. Today, Dr. Khan and his team produce 350 cases per month on average, with implants accounting for approximately 30% of his practice’s overall revenue. Dr. Khan credits the success and high volume having “100% to do with implants and referrals. I don’t spare any expense as far as providing the best care. The materials we use, the quality service we provide. We just take care of our patients and none of it is possible without a team. From front to back, we have a very tightknit structure.”
Adil is the epitome of an admirable success story. We shared the commonality of first generational doctors within our families, which strengthened the connection between us as mentor and mentee. Moreover, his desire to master his craft, unrelenting pursuit of exceptionalism, and ability to uplift those around him is certainly hereditary and inspiring. His future will be exciting to witness as he continues to provide optimal, compassionate care to his patients.
- Dr. Daniel Fenton
Dr. Khan has continued to focus on broadening his clinical skills, proactively seeking out educational opportunities to enhance the quality of care and treatment he provides for his patients. He and his team have a strong sense of pride in the variety of treatments they are able to offer, from single implant cases to All-In-One Solution fixed cases. This practice transformation has also served to motivate and inspire his team members. Dr. Khan notes that his lab manager, a forty-year industry veteran, feels “rejuvenated” by the new services he is providing. Success does not lie solely in services, case numbers, and dollars, but rather in the impact Dr. Khan has on others and hopes to sustain. In addition to serving his patients and staff, Dr. Khan is always seeking out the next opportunity to change lives, dedicating his free time to philanthropic causes. In 2019, he donated his pediatric skills to children at a local orphanage in Haiti, care that he deems “life-changing work”. More recently, he provided free overdenture services and implants to an ex-drug addict turned motivational speaker, who works with the local halfway house near his practice. “Dental care was the one thing holding him back from taking the next step forward. He has since referred a ton of folks to us. He’s been an amazing friend to the office,” Dr. Khan says. “Our goal is to penetrate more into the local community where we can provide value. That’s on the horizon.”
Director, Clinical Education & Training
A true testament to the ideals they’ve instilled in their children, Dr. Khan’s parents have much to celebrate. Just this past summer, Dr. Khan’s brother, Dr. Omair Khan, graduated dental school himself and joined the North Lauderdale practice as an Associate. Remarkably, another one of Dr. Khan’s brothers, Qadir, is in his second year of dental school. “I’m hoping he specializes in oral surgery,” Dr. Khan says, revealing his family dreams of opening a non-profit dental clinic one day with a proud smile. Dr. Khan is grateful and elated at the success he has made for himself. With his brothers in tow, he believes, “there’s nowhere to go but up.”
Dr. Khan & Patient (see story above)
NEWS WORTHY
THE MAKINGS OF A MENTORSHIP Dr. Ben Mehta, DDS Practice Owner | Rockford, IL
& Dr. Ravi Patel, DDS Practice Owner | Oak Park, IL It’s no secret that our clinicians lead busy lives with jam-packed calendars and constant activity. Two Affordable network dentists, however, carve out time for one standing obligation: a monthly dinner. Catching up over a meal has been a permanent fixture on their calendars since their mentor-mentee relationship unfolded seven years ago. Back in 2014, Dr. Ben Mehta’s phone rang. Dr. Ravi Patel, just one year out of dental school, was calling to inquire about his experience with Affordable. Strangers at the time, these two clinicians were unaware of how this phone call would lead to a meaningful mentorship and deep friendship. Dr. Patel had been working at the North Shore Dental Clinic when he was contacted by an Affordable recruiter. Dr. Patel’s interest was piqued upon learning about the Affordable model, one that he found ideal but hard to believe. “When he told me the prices they were able to charge for extractions, I thought it was a joke,” recalls Dr. Patel. Intrigued, he researched Affordable and came upon Dr. Mehta, a 30+ year practicing dentist and practice owner in nearby Rockford, IL. “He confirmed that the model was legit and that they were performing quality work and delivering phenomenal care to patients,” says Dr. Patel. Dr. Mehta remembers the call vividly. “I told him that this company is on the up and up and the next thing I know,” he laughs, “they sent him to my practice.” Dr. Patel was one of three clinicians in consideration for practice ownership at the Oak Park, IL practice, located just outside of Chicago city limits. When Dr. Patel arrived for his clinical assessment, Dr. Mehta took notice. No stranger to mentoring up-and-coming dentists, Dr. Mehta believes for success to unfold in this field, it takes “an open mind and an eagerness to learn,” and he saw that immediately in Dr. Patel. “I just explained the ins and outs of what we do here and he soaked it up like a sponge,” Dr. Mehta says. Upon accepting the practice ownership offer, Dr. Patel spent more time with Dr. Mehta in training. “One day he killed it with production. I knew that Ravi had all of the skills and the bedside manner necessary for this role,” Dr. Mehta says. “He’s the best trainee I’ve had.” When the time was right, Dr. Mehta was ready to give him the reins. “He just had me run the clinic. He said ‘Just do it,’” Dr. Patel recalls. “It was my show, but if I needed anything he was there.”
As Dr. Patel settled into his role as owner of his new practice, he went from trainee to mentee, leaning on Dr. Mehta for advice and reassurance. Their relationship expanded into friendship and they continue to make time for one another, coordinating seminars and trainings to attend together in addition to their monthly dinners. Wherever they go together, their laughter permeates. “I’m very lucky to have him in my life,” Dr. Mehta says. “He’s like another one of my kids. You want to see people that you care for and love succeed. I'll always be there to help him in any way I can. “
He has taught me to look out for people. To share your wisdom, even if you have nothing to gain from it. Dr. Ravi Patel, on Dr. Mehta's mentorship
Dr. Ben Mehta
Dr. Mehta’s approach to mentorship stems from the guidance he received growing up. “To this day the one person I always credit was my high school biology teacher, Bob, a patient of my Dad’s who passed away when I was in college. He pushed me. I always think of him,” Dr. Mehta remembers. “You get mentors along the way and they become such special relationships.” The impact of mentorship has inspired Dr. Patel to extend his reach within Affordable. Over the past year, he participated in the Affordable Strategic Clinical Council, which allowed him to influence the network beyond his practice walls. He frequently connects with other young doctors who are new to the network in a concerted effort to pay it forward. “You can be hands-on with patients, and at the same time impact them in a meaningful way in other things you do.” Dr. Mehta’s mentorship and influence continue throughout the network as he currently serves as a faculty member at Implant Pathway and also assists with implant cases at local Affordable practices in the Chicago area. Though Dr. Mehta began as Dr. Patel’s mentor, the mentoring is reciprocal, each positively influencing one another, a huge perk that comes with being a part of the network. “Ravi is special. He keeps me youthful,” Dr. Mehta says. “His surgical skills are incredible. He’s just killin’ it. And he’s mentoring me now. It’s great!”
Dr. Ravi Patel
From strangers to colleagues and mentorship to friendship. Today, their monthly dinners revolve around more than their cases and practices. While dentistry is always a topic of conversation, they never fail to catch up on their personal lives: Dr. Patel’s recent wedding, Dr. Mehta’s children and grandchildren. These are evenings filled with life and laughter and gratitude for one another.
For Dr. Patel, the impact of his relationship with Dr. Mehta is unquestionable. “He has taught me to look out for people. To share your wisdom, even if you have nothing to gain from it.” It is this wisdom that has influenced Dr. Patel’s skills, contributing to his achievements and what lies ahead. Dr. Mehta proudly reflects, “With dedicated, skilled, and ethical doctors such as Dr. Patel, the future of our profession, and our organization, in particular, is in good hands. The future is very bright."
NEWS WORTHY
TIGHT BONDS IN BEAUMONT DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions Beaumont, TX Dr. Ali Irani, DMD & Holly Hall, Regional Manager The foundations of a strong dental practice are rooted in excellent communication and teamwork. This is especially true at the DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions practice in Beaumont, Texas – just ask Regional Manager Holly Hall and Dr. Ali Irani. From their very first day as colleagues, they put any apprehension aside and, instead, chose to trust one another, putting their shared goals at the forefront.
Dr. Ali Irani and Holly Hall
To see the team in action, it could easily be assumed this well-oiled machine has been running for many years. However, Dr. Irani first met Hall in December 2019 upon joining the Beaumont practice, when he was the new kid on the block. Hall, who began her dental career as a dental assistant in 2009, had been serving as Regional Manager of the DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions practices in both Beaumont and Lake Charles since 2016. Prior to joining, Dr. Irani began his career in general dentistry, but his interest in implant dentistry led him to the Affordable network. It was then that Dr. Irani’s and Hall’s paths crossed. “Holly is full of energy. When we met, she introduced herself, asked me about my background, and told me that she was here to support me in any way she could,” Dr. Irani recalls. “What I realized immediately was her dedication to the office. It was her baby.” As for Hall, she was nervous about “filling those shoes” of the previous provider, Dr. Song, who had served the practice for nine years and whose presence would understandably be missed. Hall’s concern was mirrored by Dr. Irani’s, who quickly agrees that “Dr. Song was not easy to replace.” Dr. Irani was mindful of the challenges that lay ahead, balancing his own methods with those established within the practice. “At the time, most of the team had been here for six to eight years,” Hall remembers, noting that it might have proved a difficult transition if not for Dr. Irani. Yet, she remained positive, reminding the team that with any new doctor comes adjustments, and that by showing support, a solid rapport would follow. They need not have worried. Hall found it came naturally for her to support Dr. Irani. “He is very personable, which helped create our bond and took a lot of my stress away,” Hall says. “He was open and humble and learned a lot from the team.”
Dr. Irani also learned how valuable Hall was to the success of the practice. “Her understanding of dentistry is so profound. If I give her a treatment plan, she knows exactly what I’m talking about. That really makes a difference when going through difficult cases.” Hall was intent on synchronizing with Dr. Irani, as she knows the impact great teamwork has on the practice. She and Dr. Jonathan Callahan, DDS, a dentist at the Beaumont practice since 2017, had formed a solid work relationship of their own. “Holly treats me as an equal, routinely asks for my input, and has created a great work environment,” Dr. Callahan says. With the addition of Dr. Irani, the strong duo quickly became a stronger trio, stemming from the same shared goal: “to run a smooth and thriving practice where patients love to come and employees love to be,” Dr. Callahan says.
We can get through anything. I just know they have my back and I will do everything I can to have theirs. - Dr. Ali Irani, on his relationship with
Led by Dr. Callahan, Dr. Irani and Hall setting the tone for the entire staff - welcoming one another with open communication, patience and respect - the team followed suit to seamlessly move forward together. Dr. Irani notes how much of the practice’s successes are due to Hall. “I have realized that this is someone who has the doctor’s back, who will never stop pushing the practice to do better. You need that drive to keep moving during the tough times.” And the tough times came.
Dr. Jonathan Callahan and Holly Hall
COVID seemed to close the practice just as Dr. Irani joined. Hall swiftly flew into action, providing daily updates to staff, taking care of their personal needs and the needs of the office itself. Once the practice reopened, Dr. Irani says, “We came out boots on the ground, ready to go. We were trying to maintain quality of care. Holly was the leader through that.” Another challenge struck, as a hurricane damaged Hall’s Lake Charles office, closing it for three months. In the interim, the Beaumont office welcomed the displaced Lake Charles patients. Managing this was quite the endeavor for Hall, but she credits the team for the success. “Dr. Irani and Dr. Callahan were there to help and were so supportive.” Through shared goals, open minds, dedication to one another, and a continued focus on great patient care, Dr. Irani, Dr. Callahan and Hall have created something special. The Beaumont practice is work environment where they each feel they are at their best while also in sync with a supportive team, all focused on the best quality of care for their patients. The Beaumont Team
“We've been through some hard times together,” Dr. Irani acknowledges, reflecting on their journey together. “We can get through anything. I just know that they have my back and I will do everything I can to have theirs.”
NEWS WORTHY
celebrating
our
dentists
INTERNATIONAL
SMILE
day!
Delivering Smiles. We hear that phrase a lot at Affordable, perhaps so often that we occasionally forget the incredible life-changing impact it means for our patients. Certainly, there is no shortage of patient success stories - we hear daily how patients are relieved of oral pain, able to eat their favorite foods again, feel a new sense of self-confidence, seek employment, and pose in a family photo, These are the life changes that patients seek as they walk through the doors of our practices - but the patient benefits of our dentists delivering smiles extends far beyond just the delivery itself.
In case you missed it, October 1 was International Smile Day - an entire day devoted to smiling! While that may seem silly, the simple act of smiling has tremendous long-term health benefits. When you give a patient the ability to smile again, your gift is so much more than a beautiful photograph or a delicious steak dinner. Smiling has physiological, emotional and psychological health benefits, and even positively affects those around you. The physical act of smiling activates neural messaging that increases our brains' health - releasing neuropeptides that drive away stress, as well as "happy hormones" - neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Smiling, even when forced, elevates your mood, alleviates stress, and relaxes the body. Because of YOU, patients have the opportunity to experience a healthier, happier life. Now THAT is something to smile about!
Smiling leads to longer lifespan
A 2010 study by Wayne State University found that people who smiled more intensely were associated with longer life.
Smiling boosts mood
The physical act of smiling releases endorphins, dopamine and seratonin - even if the smile isn't completely genuine. It is our bodies' natural anti-depressant.
Smiling relieves stress & anxiety
In addition to releasing endorphins, smiling releases neuropeptides - tiny proteins that improve your neural communication and lessen stress or anxiety.
Smiling lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart disease Smiling lowers stress and anxiety and makes you feel more relaxed, which can positively affect your blood pressure. - and since high blood pressure is a key risk indicator for heart disease, smiling can reduce your risk.
Smiling strengthens the immune system
Smiling, laughter and positive thinking can increase immune response, making you less prone to illness and disease.
PATIENT TRANSFORMATION: SMILING AGAIN IN PORT ST. LUCIE, FL Wayne Gilleo felt like the odds have been stacked against him. For years, he has struggled with diabetes and blood pressure complications, as well as copious dental issues as a child, which resulted in his teeth deteriorating. “They would just crack or break off,” he explained, his mouth was full of abscesses. He had difficulty eating, felt self-conscious, and was in a lot of pain due to the broken teeth. “I was afraid to smile.” After a difficult divorce, Wayne moved in with his parents to help care for them, while also taking a job at the local hospital. He visited Affordable Dentures & Implants in Port St. Lucie, FL, for a consultation but was disheartened by the price of the procedure he needed, so Wayne didn’t plan to follow through with the surgery.
Dr. Chris Rodriguez and Wayne Gilleo
Office Manager Holly Rivera, however, couldn’t stop thinking about Wayne and his journey. She contacted him and asked him to be patient and not get discouraged, hoping she could get his case done pro bono. “I could just tell he was a great guy, and he really needed it.” Sure enough, Wayne was approved for a pro bono case. When Wayne found out, he was shocked. “I actually cried. Things like this don’t happen to me.” After the surgery was complete, Wayne said he struggled to smile right away, but after seeing his new teeth, he was thrilled. Since his surgery in October, things are looking up for Wayne. “I hit rock bottom for a while, and now that I’m able to smile again… I can feel my self-confidence come back. Things are turning around.” He was so impressed with his experience at the Port St. Lucie practice. “Doctor Rodriguez was awesome,” he said, explaining the doctor was patient, kind, caring, and was willing to modify and adjust his final prosthesis as many times as necessary, which made him feel valued and important. “Holly even called and texted me a few times, and they all went out of their way to help me.” Wayne said the hardest part, besides the pain from his broken teeth, was the lack of self-confidence and the inability to meet new people. “You don’t want to meet new people or go anywhere, because you don’t know how you’re going to be judged based on your appearance.” Now that he has his new smile, he feels amazing and is excited about getting out and doing things and meeting people again. “I smile and my whole face lights up, and I can feel my self-confidence come back. And I can’t wait to bite into a good steak again.”
Wayne - Before
Dr. Chris Rodriguez, Wayne Gilleo and Holly Rivera
Wayne - After
NEWS WORTHY
Engel Institute
All-In-One Prosthetics
Engel Institute
All-In-One Prosthetics
Implant Pathway
Implant Pathway
Engel Institute
PICTURE WORTHY Our Dentists in Action Engel Institute
All-In-One Observation
Engel Institute
All-In-One Prosthetics
Implant Pathway
Engel Institute
Implant Pathway
Engel Institute
Implant Pathway
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Implant Pathway
Learn as if you
were to live forever. - Mahatma Gandhi
DR. TOM KENNEDY MEET THE DOCTOR
As a founding father of DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions in 1987, Dr. Tom Kennedy is no stranger to the evolution of dentistry – especially where it meets innovation. A self-proclaimed “out-of-the-box thinker,” Dr. Kennedy has never shied away from innovative thinking and progressive ideas. Even in the face of COVID-19 and an ever- changing industry, Dr. Kennedy has always maintained his excitement and enthusiasm about what the future holds. Today, Dr. Kennedy holds the title of Clinical Director of PLLC Support, responsible for managing the hundreds of dentists who work in Affordable practices under a PLLC model practice. It is a role by which Dr. Kennedy has a wealth of experience and expertise, as he’s been providing such support and clinical guidance to dentists since DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions was created. And its creation is truly where he begins – it’s the concept of the PLLC model practice that is the true origin of DDS itself. “When I left Washington University dental school, I had an excellent clinical education,” Dr. Kennedy recalls. “But I knew nothing about running a business, except maybe that a credit was good and a debit was bad.” He chuckles at the memory. Dr. Kennedy observed his colleagues in the dental field, whom he deeply respected for their clinical skills and expertise, going bankrupt or experiencing financial woes despite being great caregivers. In contrast, his father-in-law, who was a physician, was able to practice his craft while relying on the hospital administrators to manage of the business aspects of healthcare. Dr. Kennedy was convinced the same model of focused clinical care and savvy business management was viable in the dental industry. During this same time, statistics demonstrated that over 50% of the U.S. population was not receiving basic dental care, and yet, laws prohibited from advertising dentistry to prospective patients.
With a desire to provide life-changing care and an overwhelming market in need, Dr. Kennedy was ready to give his idea a chance. He reached out to a respected friend, Luke Sharpe, who held a Ph.D. in marketing, to pitch the idea of this new model of dental practice. Sharpe was eager to partner, and the first DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions (then called Dentures + Dental Solutions) was launched. The thoughtful creativity didn’t end there. Much like the Affordable Dentures & Implants model, DDS offered streamlined denture delivery and on-site dental labs to ensure dentures were easily accessible and affordable to patients. DDS eventually expanded into implant dentistry and beyond, gaining significant momentum with over 60 practices in multiple states. With so much in common, Affordable Care acquired DDS in 2019, building a strong partnership with both brands and models operating under one umbrella. No one could have been more thrilled at this than Dr. Kennedy himself. The real value of all these changes, according to Dr. Kennedy, is that “it’s brought a tremendous service to our patients.” Shortly after the merger, COVID-19 struck, presenting unforeseen challenges as the companies were just beginning to come together. While certainly difficult and disruptive, Dr. Kennedy reflects on the time with a great deal of pride. “We had a huge adversary with COVID. While our parents’ and grandparents’ generations had been through depression and war, we hadn’t seen those times. We faced this monster, and it gave us a keener appreciation of the opportunity to be in the practice taking care of our patients. It also gave us more appreciation for each other,” he recalls. Dr. Kennedy continues to strike at the heart of what we do – serving the patients. Dr. Kennedy’s vision of his role is “to put dentists in a position where they can best succeed,” with the over-arching belief that by doing so, everyone wins. He takes visible pride in the clinicians he serves, often getting emotional when speaking of their achievements. “Their success is my success. When I see our dentists succeed, my smile gets broader,” he says.
About Tom Kennedy Dr. Tom Kennedy is originally from Alton, Illinois. Raised a “blue-collar kid”, Dr. Kennedy was the first in his family to go to college, working his way through school as a laborer on construction, “digging some of the finest ditches in southern Illinois.” He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology from Wabash College in Indiana and went on to earn his DDS from Washington University School of Dentistry in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kennedy saw a need and an opportunity for a better dental practice model and recruited business partners to found Dentures & Dental Services in 1987, which would later become the first DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions practice. When Affordable Care acquired DDS in 2019, Dr. Kennedy remained on to serve as Clinical Director of PLLC Support. Dr. Kennedy has been married to Betsy, a musician, for 76 years (38 for her, 38 for him) and resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has two sons, Tom Jr. and Joe, and a daughter, Kyra. In his free time, Dr. Kennedy enjoys acting in community theater productions, his favorite role being Atticus Finch, and boasts that his one musical appearance was "not as offensive as people expected.” He also is looking forward to competing in track & field in this year's Senior Games.
favorite things THESE
ARE
A
FEW
OF
MY
Viscous Lidocaine Utilized for pre-surgical intraoral analgesia prior to localized anesthesia administration or post-operatively for palliative discomfort mitigation Prescription (Viscous Lidocaine, Disp. 1 bottle, Sig: Swish and Spit 1 teaspoon for 30 seconds PRN, pain)
Dental Vibe Proprioceptive retractor used during injection to create distraction/disruption to neuro-pathway via vibration to local anesthesia site (held next to needle during injection) resulting in decreased injection discomfort
Round Scalpel Handle Increased grip control for surgical incision and flap design
Full Mouth Retractor Placed within buccal vestibule to circumfrentially provide separation of lips, tongue, cheeks and soft tissue within surgical field Autoclavable
Anglevators FEATURING
Dr. Daniel Fenton DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING
"All in One" luxator, elevator and periosteal reflector Optimal atraumatic tooth extraction(s) Sharp edges provide direct access to PDL space and interproximal access for prompt engagement of purchase point
CLINICAL EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
WHAT'S NEW IN '22 2021 was an exciting year of growth and expansion for Clinical Education, with more than four times the sponsored training events offered at multiple expertise levels, new training institute partners, post-course auxiliary training programs, and the creation of Fixed Arch Solutions training programs. As the year nears to a close, the Clinical Team is thrilled to report that over 250 total dentists have participated in a training event this year. When Dr. Daniel Fenton joined the Clinical team as Director of Clinical Education and Training earlier this year, his first priority was to continue the momentum. "I believe education and training are the cornerstones of Affordable's progress. It dictates the extent of our clinical capabilities, quality of the treatment we provide, and pace at which we evolve as individuals and as a company. The abundance of 2022 course offerings, caliber of educators, and comprehensiveness of the content translates into a national CE format that is unprecedented among Dental Service Organizations. I am very proud of the emphasis we've placed on training in 2022 and excited to see the profound impact it makes on the invaluable doctors of this network." says Dr. Fenton. To prepare for 2022, Dr. Fenton and the Clinical Team critically evaluated each course offering, meeting frequently with training institutes, vendor partners and industry experts to uncover opportunities for improvement. Courses have been reconstructed and re-formatted to ensure the best possible curriculum was delivered in a way that builds the attending dentist's skills and confidence while ensuring the right amount of experience for success. New curriculum concepts will be introduced that have never been offered before in our network, including Implant Restoration, GBR, PRF and Single Implants with Immediate Placement. Course formats continue to simulate real world experience, ranging from hands-on models to cadaver and live patient surgery. After many months of planning, the Clinical Team will officially launch the 2022 Clinical Education Calendar in December for dentist registrations. With 37 unique training events planned, 12 nationally renowned training partners, and even more on the horizon, it is sure to be the best year yet!
OUR 2022 TRAINING PARTNERS
ENLIGHTEN UNLOCKING PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
MORE THAN A PATIENT Committing to providing a caring, compassionate environment for the people you serve
DEENA ALI DIRECTOR, TRAIINING &
Serving patients: this simple concept is most likely the most important part of our professions. Many of us put tremendous energy into growing our clinical skills, and while certainly important, it is just one component of what makes a practice truly successful. One other critical component to our success is often less easy to achieve – strengthening our skills to truly serve the PERSON.
DEVELOPMENT
What makes a “great” patient experience? We could try to quantify this, but in the simplest terms, I typically narrow it down to this idea: it was likely a person that either made the experience outstanding, or perhaps ruined it entirely. The weight each of us have on impacting people it is powerful! Unfortunately, the emotional and psychological side of treating a patient is often easy to overlook - the “tasks” of patient care can overpower the more important outcome of achieving an outstanding patient experience. I recently had reason to reflect on these concepts during a hospital stay when I was a patient myself. While my caregivers were generally kind and my life wasn’t at risk, I will never go back to that hospital. During my stay, I never felt treated as a valued person nor were my emotional needs considered. My nurses were rushed and distracted, and I was in pain but too embarrassed to admit it because I felt I was already a burden to them. It was evident they were not communicating with one another as I would have to repeat myself over and over again. I often felt alone, belittled and uncomfortable. The medical staff’s lack of personalization, empathy and willingness to do more than their jobs required made me doubt myself as well as the quality of their care for me. Since that experience, I have realized that as caregivers, we must treat the person as a whole and not just as a patient. Like each of us, patients are complex and unique individuals – full of hopes, dreams, insecurities, life experiences. Our patients assess our performance not only by the outcomes of the clinical work, but also – and perhaps more importantly - by how we made them feel in the process. I am making a personal commitment to be a more empathetic caregiver in 2022 and working to dedicate the extra attention and energy needed to foster a lasting relationship with each patient I serve. Below are some tips I have found helpful, and perhaps you’ll find them useful as well in your practice!
1
Be Self-Aware
2
Set Personal Goals
3
Nominate a Role Model
4
Practice Empathy
5
Demonstrate You Care
6
Practice Gratitude
Observe your own behavior. How do you react to stress, cope with loss, manage anger, or express happiness? Is it easy for others to understand how you feel? Reflect on your communication style and consider how you might make improvements Once you’ve self-assessed, where do you desire to see improvement? Determine a few goals for how you can connect better with others. If it helps, write them down on a piece of paper, or better yet, start a journal to document your progress. Find a source of inspiration who motivates you to be your best self! Every person has struggles and insecurities - understanding this will help you be more sensitive toward others’ feelings, learn to bond and feel less isolated. Treat each patient as you would wish to be treated in return. Do this genuinely! Do not tell patients what you think they want to hear, but instead offer kindness, compassion and honesty. Studies show people who count their blessings tend to experience less stress, feel more optimistic and have more energy. Focus on how many patients you’ve helped - what an amazing opportunity to change lives! Appreciate those around you who have served as a positive force in your own life.
I hope this reminded you of the important role you play in changing your patients' lives for the better. Patients have many choices - most often, it isn't the price, materials or location that determines their choice - it is you! Thank you for your commitment to your patients, staff, and most importantly, to yourself!
MEET THE TRAINER
MEET THE TRAINER
NATASHA MARSHALL
PATRICIA MONIZ
Natasha is quick to say how much she loves her job as a Case Acceptance Specialist - which , as she puts it, is the heartbeat of the practice. She believes every patient interaction is a New Patient Experience and an opportunity to connect - once we have connected with the patient, case acceptance will take place. With the tools and products that Affordable possesses, it is sure to be a win win every time. True connection is measured on different levels: immediate, future, retention and referral. Natasha truly believes that Affordable has the best network of doctors, FDAs, DAs, lab, support staff and products in the market. According to her, the only thing left to do is to figure out the needs of the patient, answer the questions before they are asked and make connection. "Community is in the heart of what I do. I have partnered with the state of Kentucky to help prisoners transition back into society. Every one is assigned a counselor and gets an assessment to determine their specific needs. It is very rewarding and keeps me grounded and busy."
Patti has been working in the dental field since "the earth was cooling," as she likes to put it. She started with Affordable as a lead assistant in 2013 in Springfield, OR, and moved on to a TPE role from there. Patti's favorite part of her job is getting to know the dentists and practice staff and watching them succeed and grow. She loves to teach and train DA's and FDA's, and enjoys watching the practice learn to work together in harmony during surgeries. She loves seeing the Patient Welcome Calls in action and seeing the benefits of it when the patient says yes to treatment. When she's not hard at work, Patti spends her time with family playing games with her children and grandchildren, and entertaining a hobby as a photographer. She lives on the Oregon Coast and loves to take in the beauty of nature around her. "I genuinely love my job and I'm grateful for the Clinical Team I am surrounded by!"
INTRODUCING THE AFFORDABLE CO-MANAGED CARE PROGRAM Making the "Impossible" - Possible!
DR. DAN HOLTZCLAW, DDS, MS DIRECTOR, FIXED ARCH SOLUTIONS
Do you have patients with bone loss so severe that they have been told there is no possibility for dental implants? Do you have dental implant patients in your office whose treatments are not progressing well? Clinicians often inherit these cases from other providers, but the practice still needs to help these patients complete their treatment.
Unfortunately, many of these patients are sent out of ACI practices as their surgical treatment options have become too complex. For such situations, I am excited to provide you with a preview of a new program the ACI Fixed Arch Team will soon launch for all ACI practices! The ACI Co-Managed-Care Program (CMC) allows any ACI office the opportunity to work directly with Austin Dental Implant Center (ADIC) to provide surgical care for difficult cases. Over the years, the board-certified specialists at ADIC have treated thousands of patients in these exact situations. With the CMC program, assistance is provided for your patients to travel to Austin, Texas for surgical treatment. Typically, these difficult cases are treated with zygomatic and pterygoid dental implants under general anesthesia. After a few days of healing, your patient returns home and your office will continue and complete the restorative care. This is a win-win for everyone involved! Your patients receive highly complex world-class surgical care from ADIC while your office retains the ability to restore the case in-house. Everything stays in the ACI family! Complete details about the CMC Program will be released soon!
WORKING
SMARTER ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES THE FIXED ARCH PROSTHETICS COURSE This past August, an exciting new training initiative was launched in Fixed Arch Solutions: the All-in-One Prosthetics course. Affordable has partnered with Dr. Brandon Kofford of Smart Denture Conversions to create a unique training event exclusive to our network which provides comprehensive education for simplifying fixed complete dentures, from the All-In-One surgical conversion bridge to the final restoration. "The great part about this course," Dr. Dan Holtzclaw explains, "is that it allows our network dentists to have the flexibility to offer fixed arch solutions in their practices regardless of their expertise level. This course provides the restorative training components for dentists who are doing fixed arch surgeries, as well as dentists who are using a roving specialist or are sending referrals to the Austin Dental Implant Center for the surgery itself." The All-In-One Prosthetics course covers both the clinical and laboratory workflows using the Smart Denture Conversions process, which cuts down the All-In-One transitional conversion time by at least two-thirds, reduces the fracture rate and produces a more esthetic restoration. The process is easier to learn and master than conventional methods. In addition, the course covers the process of fabricating the final All-In-One prosthesis, including obtaining the clinical records for the lab process, determining proper vertical dimensions of occlusion, and how to make esthetic and functional changes. Both the dentist and lab manager or technician are included in the course itself, with curriculum that features hands-on models, a starter kit and live patient demonstration.
ELEVATE
LABORATORY EXCELLENCE IN IMPLANTS
The Elevate Lab Implant Training Program is growing! With five laboratory implant specialists located across the nation, Elevate is focused on training your lab team to achieve the highest quality of lab support for implant-related services, including: Single Unit Implants Implant Bridges Implant Overdentures Implant-Supported Fixed Full Arch Prosthesis
Elevate is customized to your practice and delivered through a combination of onsite and virtual training formats, tailored to your needs by our team of highly-trained experts. Together, we can reach your lab's potential! To learn more about the Elevate Program, please contact Jim Smyros, Sr. Director of Implant Services, by email at Jim.Smyros@affordablecare.com. If you are an EPE participant, please contact your Regional Implant Specialist.
The Elevate Team
Caroline Petrozzino
Erik Smyrnoitis
Jessie Byrnes
Ray Salermo
Danny Vasquez
THE AFFORDABLE CLINICAL TEAM News & Announcements
2022 CARE CONFERENCE Connect. Accelerate. Recognize. Educate. The Affordable CARE Conference is our network's elite event focused solely our network of dentists. At CARE, dentists are offered industry-leading clinical education programs, vendor networking and resources, and a chance to celebrate their amazing successes.
SAVE THE DATE: October 6 - 8, 2022
Bones about it!
No
we're excited about bone grafting!
Have you participated in a monthly No Bones About It training session yet? If not, you're missing out! No Bones About It features live practice education delivered virtually for your whole team, as well as a practice kit - complete with product samples and information, pricing and coding information, bone models for patient use, case studies and much more. Training is offered monthly to a limited number of practices. Email us at ClinicalTraining@affordablecare.com to learn more!
AFFORDABLE IS HIRING! The Affordable Clinical Team loves our dentists - we appreciate your talent and passion for changing patients' lives. That's why we want YOU to help us grow!
CONTACT US!
The Affordable Dentist Referral Program would love your referrals for friends, past co-workers, or dental school alumni to enjoy a rewarding and successful career in our network. For referrals with successful placements, we offer a referral bonus of up to $5,000!
DENTIST CLINICAL EDUCATION
For more information on our current openings or to make a referral, contact Sallie Henry, Director of Clinical Recruiting.
DEVELOPMENT
ClinicalEducation@affordablecare.com PRACTICE TRAINING &
ClinicalTraining@affordablecare.com
WELCOME NEW DENTISTS new to the network
Dr. John Fullington (Oklahoma City, OK) Dr. Raouf Morcos (Leesburg, FL) Dr. Michael Hsu (Jessup, MD) Dr. Anisa Kasiri (Chester, VA) Dr. Lora Sitton (Florence, KY) Dr. Muhammad Omari (Oak Park, IL) Dr. Carolyn Ash (Medford, OR) Dr. John Reed (Appleton, WI) Dr. Chris Coshatt (Cullman, AL) Dr. Omar Khan (North Lauderdale, FL) Dr. Omar Morell (North Lauderdale, FL) Dr. Paul Denemark (Bluff City, TN) Dr. Alexandria Chren (Albuquerque, NM) Dr. Alex Hang (Wilsonville, OR) Dr. Thanh Trund (Cypress, TX) Dr. Chanda Medlock (Hardeeville, TN) Dr. Mariam Bawany (Boubonnais, IL) Dr. Mead Lyons (Jacksonville, FL) Dr. Jimmy Patel (Kannapolis, NC) Dr. Theodore Limerick (Winston-Salem, NC) Dr. Austin Rodenberg (Florence, KY) Dr. Scharla Collins (Sioux Falls, SD) Dr. Monique Hudson (Charlotte, NC) Dr. Amin Heravi (Bellmead, TX) Dr. Daniel Cho (Arlington, TX) Dr. Roxana Chavez (Granbury, TX) Dr. Eric Amundson (Gainevsille, FL) Dr. Joseph Hashim (Granbury, TX) Dr. Moh Alroshaidan (Green Bay, WI) Dr. Sean Sullivan (Lincoln, NE) Dr. Euisuk Jung (Champaign, IL) Dr. John Downey (Memphis, TN) Dr. Daniel Senderak (York, PA) Dr. Ziaullah Haqqani (Harrisburg, PA) Dr. Carl Fairchild (Independence, MO) Dr. Katrina Co (Commerce, GA) Dr. Behaylu Dametew (Clinton, MD) Dr. Amstrong Njinguet (Vero Beach, FL) Dr. Mohamed Rashad (Exton, PA) Dr. Darren Ramsey (North Raleigh, NC) Dr. Alfons Bucaj (Vero Beach, FL) Dr. Erin Pilling (Richmond, VA) Dr. Mohammadreza Alizadegan (West Chester, OH)
do you know someone NEWSWORTHY? We would love to feature your story! Email: Emily.Buechler@affordablecare.com