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WELCOME TO THE DRILL,
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MESSAGE FROM THE CCO Dr. Anthony Naranja, DDS Chief Clinical Officer What a year we had in 2020! As I reflect back on the past year, I am filled with a sense of pride and amazement at the continual dedication of our network of dentists during such unprecedented times. Affordable is fortunate to have such passionate and committed clinicians. There were many days and weeks - perhaps months! - that challenged us all practice closures, staffing challenges, PPE shortages, new practice protocols, PPP loans (I'd personally like to forget those!) and so much more. Despite the dark times, each of you rose to the occasion in ways only a leader could. We all emerged stronger in ways we could have never predicted. I have also been filled with pride by the innovation and commitment from my Clinical team. Faced with challenge of supporting our practices virtually for the first time, we had to find creative and effective solutions. While sometimes difficult, we re-focused on what each of us is most passionate about - supporting dentists and their practices. With that
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in mind, our team reflected on how we can better support our clinicians and a new kind of practice support was born. We created the EPE program, a customized and highly-focused clinical support program that dedicates a specialized team to deliver solutions that are unique to each supported practice. We broadened and enhanced our clinical education programs and formed new partnerships with nationally renowned training institutes to deliver more robust opportunities for professional and clinical development. We sought out additional talent to grow our team in order to better ensure practices have the clinical support they need when they need it. We've reinstated our Strategic Clinical Council to give us candid feedback and serve as trusted advisors to our senior leadership team. We stretched ourselves, we challenged the status quo and we grew. I am grateful for another year together and every new opportunity to serve our doctors. I look forward to an exciting 2021!
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PRACTICE ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
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ENGAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY
INTRODUCING
EPE
Enhanced Patient Experience & Clinical Support
OUR MISSION IS YOUR SUCCESS The EPE Program is a comprehensive and customized clinical support program offered to a limited number of practices in the Affordable network. The goal of the EPE Program is to advance each participating practice by creating a collaborative partnership focused on the unique needs of each clinician. Each participating practice is supported by a dedicated EPE Support Team, who will deliver comprehensive training, resources and tools, tailored to the specific areas of highest opportunity and growth potential. We know our dentists are the heartbeat of our organization and we aim to support them as clinicians and leaders. Through the EPE Program, supported dentists are provided opportunities for accelerated clinical education, peer networking and engagement and best practice sharing. If you'd like to learn more about the EPE Program, let us know! Contact Emily Buechler, Sr. Manager of Clinical Operations at (Emily.Buechler@affordablecare.com).
EPE TRIBE
CONNECTING CLINICAL LEADERS
At a time when connecting is tough, EPE ensures you have the support and peer resources you deserve. EPE regional tribes offer opportunities to participate in virtual and in-person meetings, attend free continuing education events, and connect with fellow clinicians in our network. Tribe meetings include best practice sharing, case review, overcoming challenges, and much more. There is limitless potential when inspired leaders band together!
DR. DAN HOLTZCLAW MEET THE DOCTOR
Dr. Dan Holtzclaw recently joined Affordable Care as Clinical Director, Full Arch Implant Solutions. As a renowned leader in the field of periodontics and implant surgery, Dr. Holtzclaw brings his extensive knowledge and expertise to the ADI network. His vision is to round out the tooth replacement services that we currently offer. “The missing piece,” says Dr. Holtzclaw, “has been fixed arch solutions. Having this type of treatment incorporated throughout the network will really be the last piece of the puzzle. ADI will then be able to offer all solutions to all patients that walk through the door.” Including fixed arch solutions in the list of ADI’s offerings will reinforce our title as the leader in tooth replacement services. Dr. Holtzclaw, who joined our network in October 2020, has visited various affiliated practices, gaining an understanding of the Affordable way, while mentoring and assisting with intricate cases. The clinical and leadership teams have worked side by side with him, developing a strategic plan to commence a fixed arch solution pilot program, with the intention of taking this treatment nationwide. “Partnering with Affordable will expand the reach of this treatment to so many people across the country. More than I could ever do on my own,” admits Dr. Holtzclaw. Though excitement for this new program spans far and wide, the team is prudent in its release, as there is more to it than just surgical training. There is prosthetic training and sales training, financial considerations, supply and equipment management, marketing plans and beyond. Nonetheless, the excitement is there.
"When you see patients that get this treatment performed, it can be really life changing for them,” Dr. Holtzclaw continues, “I’m excited for those patients and I’m excited about being to help a lot of Affordable doctors and staff. The fact that they are going to be able to help these patients in that way, it will be so rewarding for them.”
About Dan Holtzclaw Dr. Holtzclaw is board certified by both the American Board of Periodontology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, textbook chapters, and books. Dr. Holtzclaw recently authored the very first textbook ever published on pterygoid dental implants. Over the past decade, Dr. Holtzclaw has provided 100+ lectures in a dozen different countries and has been honored as a “Leader in Continuing Dental Education” by Dentistry Today Magazine for the last 15 consecutive years. Dr. Holtzclaw served as the Editor-inChief of the Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry for 12 years and as an editorial board member/reviewer for multiple other dental journals including the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Journal of Periodontology, and Compendium. He is a past recipient of the Excellence in Research Award from the International College of Dentists and is one of only 10 clinicians recognized by the American Academy of Periodontology as an “officially recommended speaker” for craniofacial reconstructive surgery. Dr. Holtzclaw is a native Texan, raised in the tiny town of Humble, Texas. After attending Texas A&M University, he graduated with honors from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Dr. Holtzclaw attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander during 12 years of active duty service. During this time, Dr. Holtzclaw completed a one-year Hospital General Practice Residency (GPR) at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia and an additional 3-year residency in Periodontics at the National Naval Medical Center (“The President’s Hospital”) in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Holtzclaw was awarded nearly a dozen service medals and finished his naval career as the Periodontist for the world-famous US Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Dr. Holtzclaw has been married for 25 years to his college sweetheart and has two daughters. In his spare time, he likes to ride dirt bikes and smoke meat... Texas style of course, with real wood and no sauce!
ENLIGHTEN UNLOCKING PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
The past year challenged our Clinical Training & Development team to deliver needed practice support in new, creative methods. Since July 2020, the team has successfully launched a number of new training programs, enhancements and improvements on existing training, and delivery of virtual/remote training formats that allow flexibility during such uncertain times. We have been continually inspired by the patience, partnership and enthusiasm of our practices and we are excited to continue our growth in 2021!
DEENA ALI SR. MANAGER, CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCING
DENTAL BYTES LUNCH HOUR LEARNING FOR THE ENTIRE PRACTICE Take a "byte" out of continuing education at your practice! Dental Bytes are monthly lunch-hour webinars, open to everyone at the practice and offered at multiple times to accommodate most schedules. Dental Bytes education includes topics such as CBCT usage, home implant care, welcome calls, case acceptance, treatment planning, risk assessment, and much more. We hope you can join us!
Don't Forget! In addition to the Dental Bytes Series, we offer ENLIGHTEN Webinars monthly with after-hours options as well! All ENLIGHTEN webinars are free of charge and available to your entire practice. Learn from valuable industry experts, gain helpful tips and earn CE credits. Watch for the monthly webinar events email from Deena Ali!
MEET THE TRAINER ERICKA FESSENDEN
Hi! I'm Ericka! I'm from Leesburg, Florida, and joined Affordable in 2016. My favorite things about my job are being part of a purpose-driven company, helping others, and overcoming patient fears and obstacles. My goal each day is to ensure the practices feel supported and encouraged. I've been excited to see virtual learning come to life during COVID-19 times and I'm looking forward to more enhancements in 2021! My favorite quote: One step at a time (I even have a tattoo of this quote!) w... e in sno First tim !! BRRR!!
PATHway to Success New Hire Training Program One of the areas of greatest need is comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare new FDAs and DAs for a successful career with Affordable. To address this need, we designed Pathway to Success, a new hire training program delivered through a combination of independent learning and individualized coaching with a knowledgeable trainer. Pathway to Success includes education on each of the following: Understanding AD&I brand, products, and marketing; Navigating the practice website, Litmos, UltiPro, Dentrix and Inside Affordable; Scheduling basics and optimization; Treatment planning basics; Case acceptance; insurance, accounts receivable and 3rd party financing options; and much more. Pathway to Success is typically a 10-day program with daily dedicated training sessions one-on-one with a TPE. To learn more or reserve a spot for your team member, please contact us at ClinicalTraining@affordablecare.com.
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bone grafting excitement coming your way!
MEET THE TRAINER ANDREW GALLEGOS
I'm Andrew Gallegos from Pharr, TX, and I have been with Affordable for three years. My favorite thing about working for Affordable is definitely the PEOPLE I work with! I feel like we are a big family so it never feels like work. I find traveling to support practices fun and exciting - there is always something new to learn and something interesting about each practice. At the end of each day, it's always about seeing patients happy - gets me every time! My daily mantra is to stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with warm, positive and genuine people. See the opportunity not the obstacle!
NEWS WORTHY AROUND THE NETWORK
A SMILE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Dr. Curtis Broeker, DDS Practice Owner | Pueblo, CO Becky Powell and her husband, Roger, lost everything following a major car accident. “We lost our home, our cars, everything,” explains Becky, who, as a result of the accident, could no longer work and serve as her family’s sole source of income. The Powells then moved to Pueblo, Colorado, to live with their daughter and grandchildren. “Things are tight for us all, especially with the coronavirus,” Becky adds. After Roger broke his 20-year-old dentures, the Powells found themselves visiting the Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in Pueblo, owned by Dr. Curtis Broeker. “My daughter said, ‘Mom, go see what they can do to fix Dad’s teeth,’ so we went there, and they told us the price of everything,” shares Becky. “We were going to try to come up with enough money to get the cheapest option. Then to our surprise, they said they were going to take care of replacing the dentures for free.” Becky adds, “Things like this don’t happen to us. They were so friendly and were just nice people wanting to help us.” In early December, Becky and Roger visited Dr. Broeker’s practice again – this time to receive a very special gift of a smile in the form of Roger’s new, top-tier custom dentures (just in time for the holidays). “I don’t even know how to explain it,” says Becky. “This means so much to us because it is one less worry for us. My husband has the onset of Alzheimer’s and I don’t want him to shut himself off because he is too embarrassed about his teeth.” “This gift is the greatest gift anyone can give to us,” reveals Becky. “Knowing that my husband is being taken care of and that he can smile again and eat popcorn with his grandkids is something I will always cherish – it’s the little things that matter especially in a world like we live in now.”
THE WHOLE PATIENT MINDSET Dr. Daniel Driskill, DDS, FAGD Practice Owner | Durham, NC The “one tooth at a time” treatment plan just never sat right with Daniel Driskill, DDS FAGD. He did, however, understand this convention in the private practice sector, especially with insurance hovering, determining what is and, more importantly, what isn’t covered. Dr. Driskill, who began his career in general dentistry, witnessed time and time again how this created failures, pain, and frustration for his patients. He often found himself frustrated as well.
Forever believing in “treating the whole patient,” Dr. Driskill would call in reinforcements upon his recommendation of dentures and implants for his patients. Interestingly enough, he would refer them to a place right down the road from his office; an Affordable Dentures & Implants affiliated practice in Durham, NC. Little did he know the full circle that would come to be. Though a general dentist, Dr. Driskill was quite wellversed in dentures and implants. Upon graduating from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, he began his residency at York Hospital in York, PA, where he commenced a decade of extensive training in implant dentistry. “I believe implants are the standard of care for tooth replacement,” he continues, “To this day, we haven't come up with anything better.” In July 2019, when an opportunity with Affordable arose, Dr. Driskill jumped. “I went through the process and found out that it was exactly what I was looking for,” he recalls, “I got to focus on the clinical procedures, surgeries, my favorite parts of dentistry.” Dr. Driskill became the new practice owner of the affiliated Affordable Dentures & Implants - Durham location. Yes, that same practice, right down the road, where he referred his patients long ago. It wasn’t just what the opportunity at AD&I promised Dr. Driskill, but what the Affordable network promised patients, that sealed and sweetened the deal for him. The transparent pricing and treatment plans that patients are provided and encouraged to access means a great deal to him, as he firmly believes that patients deserve honesty, as well as definitive and upfront information. The Affordable way has given Dr. Driskill the freedom and simplicity that he was missing as a general dentist. “I got to leave all of the non-dental-related things behind and just focus on the craft,” he says, granting him the opportunity to serve more patients, to perform more surgeries, and to continue his training. In 2020, upon completing over 500 hours of continuing education he earned the status of Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment that only six percent of general dentists hold. Treating the whole patient is no longer only Dr. Driskill’s belief, but a mindset that has seeped into the very foundation of his practice. It is in everything he does, every patient he treats. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
NEWS WORTHY
STRIVING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE Dr. Nirjal Patel, DMD Practice Owner | Kinston, NC “I don’t like mediocrity...being average is not who I am.” says Dr. Patel, one of the newest dentists to join the Affordable Dentures & Implants network. “Would I want an average dentist working on me? No. I’ve never thought, let’s make an average denture.” Being unexceptional is unacceptable. His commitment to excellence is the reason behind Dr. Patel’s swift rise, not only at Affordable, but in the dentistry field at large. It was only two and half years ago that Nirjal Patel became Nirjal Patel, DMD, upon graduating from Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry. A mere nine months ago he became the practice owner of the AD&I affiliated practice in Kinston, NC. Talk about progress. Talk about achievement. Dr. Patel can recall exactly why and when implant dentistry became his calling. “It began when my uncle got dentures. Our family, we’d all sit around the dinner table, eating great food while he couldn’t...Then, he got implants...From that time, I wanted to be an implant dentist....someone who gives teeth back.” Affordable entered the picture two years into Dr. Patel’s career, while he was working as a senior associate at a prosthodontist office in Houston, TX. He joined AD&I in June 2020 and has experienced tremendous success already. Fortunate to be “on top of the world” he’s also ever-conscious of the downs that accompany the ups, telling his staff, “It’s just a valley” when those times come. When a peak is reached, it is celebrated. In early December 2020, for example, Dr. Patel was thrilled to learn that his practice ranked tenth in the nation and number one in North Carolina in regards to revenue. “I told my team, ‘This is an achievement’... I’m thankful for the lab...for the staff...It was a proud moment...like, we can do it. See! Here we are!” He was able to get here and experience success for a few reasons. First, by keeping his family top of mind, as he believes that treating patients like family is “when it becomes unique and that’s when you see success.” Along with patient care, another piece of the success puzzle is resourcefulness. Dr. Patel, the forever-learner, jumps at the many opportunities the Affordable network presents. “Learning from others is something that I do and I've done it here. I look at the other successful Affordable practices...I’ve seen what the doctors there have done, how the teams work, the attributes of Affordable and how to maximize potential,” Dr. Patel says. Completing the puzzle of success is talent and experience. Dr. Patel has over 500 hours of implant training. In only two months last year, he placed a whopping 70 implants. “Doing this more and more often...it just takes you to the next level in this discipline. It makes you a really good surgeon.” Mediocrity is restricted from entering the practice, but hard work, a never-ending willingness to learn and a patient-first attitude is required. By fulfilling what he out toOF achieve and arriving at Affordable, Dr. PatelTHAT is now able to live out this BEECHTOWN ISset FULL FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS new phase of life. “Finally, it has all come to fruition for me...now is the time to enjoy my life...I don’t think it gets any better than this.” NEWCOMERS WILL BE ABLE TO SETTLE IN RIGHT AWAY.
NEWS WORTHY
SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE Dr. Jamiah Dawson, DDS, MICOI, MAAIP Practice Owner | Newport News, VA “Are you sure you want to do this on your birthday?” Dr. Jamiah Dawson asked her patient. Torene Seats quickly replied, “Yes, this is my gift. THIS is my gift to myself.” Dr. Dawson met Ms. Seats for the first time in November 2020, her exam revealing a number of failed crowns and fillings, as well as both upper and lower missing teeth. “She told me that she wanted an option that didn’t involve removables. She wanted something that stayed in,” Dr. Dawson remembers, “I told her, ‘Yes. Yes. We can do that.’” And then, she had a thought. Dr. Dawson and her practice team were gearing up to host an in-office clinical and lab training course led by the newest leader to join our Affordable Care Clinical Team, Dr. Dan Holtzclaw. Among his many achievements, Dr. Holtzclaw is a specialist in pterygoid implants, the subject of the training and, oddly enough, the ideal treatment for Ms. Seats. It was meant to be. “I wanted to incorporate her treatment with this course because she was the perfect candidate,” Dr. Dawson says. The training, scheduled for December 16th, happened to fall on Ms. Seats’ 54th birthday. Not only would she receive fixed appliance tops and bottoms but also pterygoid implants. Dr. Dawson, Dr. Holtzclaw, and the clinical and lab staff at the Newport News, VA practice were joined by ADI’s Danny Vasquez, Travis Scott, and Todd Huffman, who attended to support and witness this initiatory training at AD&I. It was a long day at the practice, an entire day, in fact. “It was a long day, but we stayed until we got it done...It was a great experience for all of us,” Dr. Dawson recalls. And at the end of that day, her birthday, Ms. Seats was greeted with balloons and flowers from the entire team, who all joined together in singing Happy Birthday to her. “It just worked out that this very special patient was here on her birthday, the first time that we had this program. It was a complete life alteration for her. She received that smile she wanted,” says Dr. Dawson, as she holds the proof her patient sent her. Pictures of Ms. Seats, arm in arm with her granddaughter, both all smiles.
helping to evacuate troops near the end of the Vietnam War. “We saved a lot of lives during those trips but there are a bunch of names on that big black wall who I know,” shares Bruce, referencing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Like all Military Veterans, in order to qualify for full VA dental benefits, Bruce must be 100 percent disabled, having been a prisoner of war or having developed a dental condition during service. Bruce does not meet these requirements. “Bruce has been through a lot and it’s an honor for me and my team to provide dental care to him as a special gift for Veterans Day,” says Dr. Rodriguez.
THE GIFT OF A SMILE Dr. Alan Rodriguez, DDS, FICOI Practice Owner | San Angelo, TX
On Wednesday, November 11, the official U.S. observance of Veterans Day, Dr. Alan Rodriguez was on a mission to bring a much-deserved smile to Bruce’s life through the gift of free dental care.
U.S. Army Veteran Bruce Allred, of San Angelo, Texas, went into the service to become a mechanic and ended up training for and becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. He served off an aircraft carrier in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam,
Dr. Rodriguez adds, “We want to help Bruce have a beautiful smile again so he can smile confidently as he helps others. This is our way of saying thank you for the sacrifice he made in serving our country.”
NEWS WORTHY
Implant Pathway
Implant Pathway
Implant Education Co. Sinus Lift
Dr. Clark Damon's Advanced Cadaver
Implant Pathway
Implant Pathway
2020 Clinical Education
Dr. Clark Damon's Advanced Cadaver
Implant Pathway
Implant Education Co. Sinus Lift
Implant Pathway
Implant Education Co.
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. - Plutarch
Dr. Clark Damon's Advanced Cadaver
CLINICAL EDUCATION Introducing Learning for Every Level
IMPLANT ELEMENT I Dental Alveolar Surgical Techniques Anesthesia Establish hard/soft tissue post-extraction Bone grafting
IMPLANT ELEMENT II System clear treatment planning Elevated consult CBCT mastery Guided surgery
NOVICE
IMPLANT ELEMENT III Assessing potential implant sites Treating compromised hard/soft tissue Developing deficient sites for better long-term success
IMPLANT ELEMENT IV
IMPLANT ELEMENT V
A-Z Execution Room set-up Pre-surgical checklist pre-meds Comprehensive surgical protcols Troubleshooting & complications
Post-Implant Care Immediate post-op Prescriptions Short-term/Long-term followup protocols Advanced complications
INTERMEDIATE
WHAT'S NEW IN 2021 With the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, our clinical education strategy and event calendar were capsized in ways we could not have predicted. As the Clinical Team considered our next steps, we challenged ourselves to also think creatively about how we could improve our offerings beyond times of quarantine. We are excited to provide broadened clinical education in 2021, with the following enhancements: New partnerships with multiple nationally-renowned training institutes to satisfy all learning styles Beginner to Expert level educational to satisfy all skill levels Doctor-centric education with post-course support opportunities for auxiliary and lab staff Regional opportunities to minimize long-distance travel where possible Partnerships for supplemental training with key vendors, including BioHorizons, Straumann NeoDent, Carestream, Implant Concierge, Meisinger, CareCredit, and Zest For more information on upcoming education events or a copy of our 2021 event guide, contact: ClinicalEducation@affordablecare.com.
IMPLANT ELEMENT VI Overdenture Protocols Impressions Components Restorative Fixed Hybrid Protocols Conversion
ADVANCED
OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS
ELEVATE
LABORATORY EXCELLENCE IN IMPLANTS
Elevate Lab Implant Training Program 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, customized to your needs and delivered 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
Danny Vasquez
WELCOME NEW DENTISTS new to the network in 2021 Dr. Phillip Afshar, Kinston, NC Dr. Randy Bagay, Olive Branch, TX Dr. Whitney Taylor, Spartanburg, SC Dr. Poojah Chugh, Exton, PA Dr. Mickelle Pitt, Charleston, SC Dr. Rolando Reyes, Chantilly, VA Dr. Roger Campbell, Christiansburg, VA Dr. Hesam Feghahati, Rochester, MN Dr. Shane Handly, Camdenton, MO Dr. Shibin Yu, Belton, MO Dr. Sara Selah, Durham, NC Dr. Zoheb Jiwani, Birmingham, AL Dr. Prince Moses, Greenwood, SC Dr. George Rizkalla, Orland Park, IL Dr. Osama Abouelkair, Orangeburg, SC Dr. Waseem Mohiuddin, Lima, OH Dr. Eom Lee, Jeffersonville, IN Dr. Dhiren Kshastri, Tupelo, MS Dr. Lance Harrison, Clarksville, TN Dr. Seth Hintze, College Station, TX Dr. Henry Cook, Newnan, GA Dr. Kent Riley, Mobile, AL Dr. Chris Seivers, Columbia, SC Dr. Houssein Arm, West Chester, OH Dr. Hatem Gelani, Aurora, IL Dr. Emilio Jiminez, Dartmouth, MA Dr. Natalie Farber, Mentor, OH Dr. Houssam Elchecka, Menomonee Falls, WI
do you know someone NEWSWORTHY? Submit your story! Email us: (Emily.Buechler@affordablecare.com)