New Dentist Summer 2013

THE #1 JOURNAL FOR NEW DENTISTS

Adversity and Reward

Suddenly a Practice Owner Dr. Tesa Reeves

PLUS Can You Afford an $800,000 Practice?

What’s in ‘The Cloud’ for New Dentists?

SUMMER 2013

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See the unseeable.

RVG Sensors + Logicon: this, you have to see.

When combined with RVG sensors, Logicon caries detectorTM software is clinically proven to help dentists find up to 20% more interproximal caries on permanent teeth than traditional methods.* Get the “electronic second opinion” no practice should be without – learn more at www.carestreamdental.com/rvgpluslogicon or call 800.944.6365.

©Carestream Health, Inc. 2013. RVG is a trademark of Carestream Health. Logicon is a trademark of Northrup Grumman. *Gakenheimer, David C. “The Efficacy of a Computerized Caries Detector in Intraoral Digital Radiography”. Journal of the American Dental Association 133 (2002): 883-890.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

SUMMER 2013 PUBLISHER

Sally McKenzie Sally@thenewdentist.net DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Dear Readers,

Picante Creative http://www.picantecreative.com

Welcome to the summer issue of The New Dentist™ magazine.

Tess Fyalka Tess@thenewdentist.net

MANAGING EDITOR

A

fter a long, cold winter, most of us are ready for the warm, sunny months ahead. While cloudy days are unwelcome guests at summer celebrations, “cloud computing” is a technology bright spot that offers exciting options for the dental practice. In this issue, Dr. Lorne Lavine explains on p. 6 that you are already actively engaged in “cloud computing,” although you may not realize it.

Also in this issue, discover on p. 16 what three dentists consider to be the essential products and tools for battling oral health enemy #1: caries.

While some use rinses, others use technology, and each considers his/her approach to be highly successful.

You won’t want to miss Dr. Tesa Reeves’ inspiring personal story on p. 14; within months of graduating from dental school, she suddenly became a practice owner. This young Tennessee doctor discovered how to turn adversity into tremendous reward.

And if you’re frustrated that you are referring out more dentistry than you feel you should be, see what this edition’s guru, Dr. Kit Weathers, has to say about doing endodontics and other procedures in house.

Also in this issue, meet Advisory Board member Dr. Kevin Rhodes and discover what equipment purchase he considers to be “one of the best decisions” he’s ever made.

Finally, be sure to visit The New Dentist™ website at www.thenewdentist.net; take a moment to explore. In addition to regular practice management and clinical blogs, you’ll discover a wealth of FREE information and materials to guide you at every step throughout your dental career as well as hundreds of FREE continuing education opportunities using interactive web-based training provided by Viva Learning™, an ADA CERP provider.

Fondly,

Sally McKenzie, Publisher

New Dentist™ Advisory Board

Dr. Josh Austin San Antonio, TX UT San Antonio Dental School 2006

Dr. Charley Cheney III Dr. Katie Montgomery Newnan, GA Marysville, OH Tufts University School Ohio State College of Dental Medicine of Dentistry 2004 2006

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SALES AND MARKETING

For display advertising information, contact ads@thenewdentist.net or 877.777.6151. Visit our digital media book at www.thenewdentist.net/ mediabook.htm The New Dentist™ magazine is published quarterly by The McKenzie Company (3252 Holiday Court, Suite 110, La Jolla, CA 92037) on a controlled/complimentary basis to dentists in the first 10 years of practice in the United States. Single copies may be purchased for $8 U.S., $12 international (prepaid U.S. dollars only).

Copyright ©2013 The McKenzie Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by The McKenzie Company for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center.

Disclaimer — The New Dentist™ does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements contained in the publication and cannot take responsibility for any losses or other damages incurred by readers’ reliance on such content. The New Dentist™ cannot be held responsible for the safekeeping or return of solicited or unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photographs, illustrations, or other materials. The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and contributors in this magazine or on the companion website, www. thenewdentist.net, do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of The New Dentist™ magazine or The McKenzie Company.

Contact Us — Questions, comments, and letters to the editor should be sent to Tess@thenewdentist.net. For advertising information, contact ads@thenewdentist. net or 877.777.6151. Visit our website at www.thenewdentist.net to download a media kit.

Dr. Kevin Rhodes Round Rock, TX UT San Antonio Dental School 2005

Dr. Mary Shields Louisville, KY University of Louisville Dental School 2011

Dr. Jared Simpson Bakersfield, CA UT San Antonio Dental School 2005

Facebook.com/NewDentist

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMER 2013

FE ATU R ES

6 Cloud Computing: What it Means to Dentistry Lorne Lavine, DMD

8 Can I Afford an $800,000 Practice?

Tom Snyder, DMD, MBA

6

10 What is Curve Dental Doing for Today’s New Dentists?

13 Patient Communication: Keep

Your Practice Front and Center Zach Zavoral

14 Adversity and Reward:

Suddenly a Practice Owner Tesa Reeves, DDS

16 3 Dentists Aim to Conquer Caries Tess Fyalka

18 Consider This Before You Choose a Lab

22 Been There, Done That: Endo

Guru Urges Dentists to Keep it ‘In House’

24 Dr. Kevin Rhodes: Loving Life and Work

28 UCLA Dentistry to Develop Saliva Test to Predict PTSD

8

D EPA RTM E N TS 2 Publisher’s Message 32 Skinny on the Street 32 Index of Advertisers

18 32

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CLOUD COMPUTING: What it Means to Dentistry

By Lorne Lavine, DMD

A

s anyone who has to use technology daily knows (and that applies to everyone reading this article!), technology is a quickly moving target. Technologies that were so fresh and new just a few short years ago now seem passé and outdated as newer ones have come on to the scene. One technology that has emerged recently, which is likely to be around for quite some time, is the concept of cloud computing.

What, exactly, is “the cloud”? The answer really depends on whom you ask. In a recent survey conducted by a dental magazine, doctors were asked, “What are the general benefits of using the cloud to manage your practice?”

Unfortunately, more than half of the respondents said that they don’t know what the cloud is. Many people are unaware that they’ve probably already been using the cloud for years. We use the cloud every day when we access the Internet to shop online, to bank online, to buy a ticket to grandpa’s house, to send mail using Gmail, to socialize via Facebook, etc.

In its simplest terms, the cloud means web-based applications. To expand on that, it means that the programs that you would normally install and run on your computer are instead installed on high-end servers at another location. To access those programs, you simply need an interface to the data, and in almost all cases, this is a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome. So, you’re using the Internet to access the programs and files that you want to use.

So now that you know what the cloud is, what are the benefits of using it? Well, here are just a few: • You don’t need to install any special software or download any programs. For example, you don’t install Facebook, you just go to Facebook.com, sign in, and start using it.

• You never worry about backing up your data because 6 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

•

•

•

the data resides on servers somewhere else. Typically there are multiple copies of these servers all over the country and the world, so the risk of losing your data is very small.

Since the only thing you need to access the cloud is a web browser, you don’t need expensive hardware to run it. In many cases, even five-year-old computers that would choke on modern software would have no problem with cloud-based software.

You have the convenience and flexibility to access your data any time of day or night. If you’re shopping online, for example, you can do this when it’s convenient for you rather than when a typical store is open.

There are several cost savings with cloud-based software. Rather than a high initial cost to purchase CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

Lorne Lavine, DMD, is the founder and president of The Digital Dentist. Dr. Lavine holds two prestigious certifications, the A+ Certified Technician designation and the Network+ Certified Professional. These designations demonstrate proficiency in computer repair, operating systems, network design, and installation. The Digital Dentist provides dentists a full range of services relating to the implementation of technology. He can be reached at drlavine@thedigitaldentist.com, www.thedigitaldentist.com, 818-788-3958 or 866-204-3398.

Bank of America Practice Solutions Promotes Opportunities Purchase an existing practice or start a practice from scratch.

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Contact Ali Karjoo at 614.403.8295 or ali.karjoo@bankofamerica.com for more information. Or visit us online at www.bankofamerica.com/practicesolutions.

* All programs subject to credit approval and loan amounts are subject to creditworthiness. Some restrictions may apply. Bank of America Practice Solutions may prohibit use of an account to pay off or pay down another Bank of America account. ♥ Bank of America Practice Solutions makes no express or implied warranties with respect to any aspect of the Practice Heartbeat® program, nor does it guaranty any success or promise any results, and hereby disclaims the same to the extent allowed by law. The opinions of Bank of America Practice Solutions are based upon prior experience, and it makes no promise or guaranty that you will achieve any particular measure of success or results by participating in the program. You are not bound by any recommendations provided under this program and retain full responsibility for the results achieved by your professional practice.

Proudly endorsed by: † Bank of America Practice Solutions engages Scott McDonald & Associates, a national marketing firm specializing in demographic research, site analysis and profile reports for health care professionals to produce a demographic report to assist health care professionals in evaluating where to locate their professional practices. Scott McDonald & Associates charges a fee for this service, which is passed on to the customer.

Bank of America is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America Practice Solutions is a division of Bank of America Corporation, N.A. ©2013 Bank of America Corporation

CAN I AFFORD AN $800,000 PRACTICE?

BY THOMAS L. SNYDER, DMD, MBA

A

s dental education debts continue to rise, more recent graduates feel that purchasing a dental practice is an impossible dream. With the average dental school debt, as of 2011 at public institutions, averaging $178,000, and those at private institutions averaging $245,000, it is no small wonder why today’s graduates feel that way.

However, the good news is that all of the major dental lenders understand your plight and are willing to provide you a loan for a practice acquisition, as soon as two years after your graduation. These dental lenders are in the business of providing funds for dental practice acquisitions because you are their primary market. So, the ability for recent grads to obtain sizable loans to buy a practice is a reality. Bank underwriters consider several factors when you apply for a practice acquisition loan: your credit history, your outstanding debt, your clinical production history, and most importantly the financial condition of the practice you are purchasing. If your potential practice has a good revenue and net profit history, your credentials are solid. You are on your way to getting funds to purchase a practice.

Every entrepreneur has heard the adage, “you’ve got to spend money to make money.” The enormous benefits of acquiring a successful, profitable dental practice certainly can get you on the track to retire your student debt comfortably, as well as meet the financial obligations of purchasing a practice.

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Furthermore, if you have the clinical experience to produce in excess of $35,000 to $40,000 a month, start thinking out of the box and consider purchasing a $700,000 or $800,000 practice. In fact, you may even qualify to purchase an even higher-revenue-grossing practice, especially if the seller remains after the sale.

When you purchase a dental practice, you are purchasing a dentist’s historical earnings, as well as the goodwill that accompanies the acquisition. As long as you maintain the practice revenue initially, and eventually increase it, your financial success will be achieved.

STARTUP Before the Great Recession, many banks were funding numerous startups. Recently, practice startups have declined, particularly in economically depressed areas of the country.

However, given the increased number of dentists who have Dr. Thomas L. Snyder is director, transition services for The Snyder Group/Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions, a nationwide practice transitions firm. Henry Schein PPT provides a full range of services for new dentists considering purchasing a practice, practice valuation services, associate/partnership agreements, facility sharing arrangements, and practice transition planning services. He can be reached directly at 1.800.988.5674, tom.snyder@henryschein.com, or www.Snydergroup.net.

delayed their retirement plans over the last five years, there are markets where there may not be many practices available for sale. So if you are ready to purchase and desire to live in a particular locale, a startup practice may be your only viable option. Yet for many graduates, purchasing an existing income stream via a highly profitable practice is usually a winning proposition.

When comparing a “startup” option versus purchasing an existing practice, you must consider the long-term potential for wealth accumulation. To illustrate this point, assume that you purchase an $800,000 practice that has a profit margin of 40%. That equals $320,000 of income per year (before debt service). Over a 20-year period, without even considering any growth in your annual income, the total potential income that you can generate over that 20-year time frame translates into $6.4 million! Let’s assume that you paid

$560,000 for this practice (including working capital) and the loan term is for 10 years at an interest rate of 5.5%.

That translates into annual principal and interest payments of $72,597 over the course of the loan. So is borrowing $560,000 for a practice that can potentially produce more than $6.4 million in career earnings a worthwhile investment? The answer, of course, is yes. In fact, several national lenders now offer loan terms of 15 years, so your cash flow can be further enhanced. For example, that same practice acquisition loan for $560,000 at a slightly higher interest rate of 6.0% over 15 years would equal $56,425 per year over the loan term. So you can reduce your annual loan payments by 22% annually.

We often recommend that if you elect a 15-year term to increase your available net income (especially in the early years of ownership), you plan to repay the loan in 10 years, thus avoiding an

additional five years of interest.

Since many practice startups range from $250,000 to $500,000 (based on area of the country), the borrowing costs and perceived risk of a smaller loan may seem more attractive. However, if there are no patients at the onset, there is no income! It will also take a considerable number of years for you to “catch up” to the earnings stream that you will be receiving from the first day of ownership when purchasing a practice. In fact, you may never catch up, as far as your lifetime earnings potential is concerned.

Chances are purchasing a profitable practice may still offer the best alternative for many graduates.

With interest rates still in single digits for the foreseeable future, the time is right for taking advantage of these market conditions, which make investing in a high-grossing practice a real possibility. Lower interest rates translate into more purchasing power for you.

1

#

Website for

New Dentists New Dentist Buzz Blogs | New Dentist Article Library | New Dentist Magazine Library New Dentist FREE Podcasts | NewDentist Bookstore | New Dentist Resources W W W.T H E N E W D E N T I S T. N E T

SUMMER 2013

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What is Curve Dental Doing for Today’s New Dentists?

The New Dentist™ magazine recently spoke with Curve’s Andy Jensen, chief marketing officer, about what this company has to offer new dentists.

How does Curve Dental help new dentists become exceptional business owners?

Most new dentists do not fully realize they will be wearing so many hats and have so many different titles upon practicing on their own: dentist, business manager, patient educator, advocate, human resource manager, and so on. Curve can help new doctors in three key areas.

Clinical Management. Doctors will find a familiarity with Curve Dental because the software has that distinctive web look and feel. And familiarity reduces the learning curve. Doctors find the clinical charting surprisingly devoid of mystical charting buttons. Fewer buttons means faster learning. The chart is more accurate when it comes to selecting surfaces and has an intuitive workflow that results in faster charting and treatment planning.

Exceptional Business Owner. Curve Dental provides the key metrics required to successfully manage the practice.

A series of standard reports provides ready access to vital information. But Curve Dental also provides the reporting flexibility and power for the more business-minded clinicians to dive deep and find the information they really want to see.

Patient Educator and Advocate. Curve Dental provides a series of more than 60 fully animated patient education videos that are built into the clinical software. Having effective videos at their fingertips helps doctors leverage their role as patient advocates. The more clearly the doctor can explain what is wrong, why it is wrong, and how it can be fixed, the more likely the patient is to accept treatment. And better case acceptance equals better patient oral health.

What are new dentists looking for in products such as this?

Specific to technology and younger doctors, here’s what they really want: • Few Hassles. Installing software and maintaining a server is a hassle. Upgrading software is a hassle. With webbased dental software like Curve Dental, these hassles are greatly reduced.

• More Time. The era of client-server software has conditioned us to believe that taking nights and weekends to upgrade software is just a part of life. New doctors, familiar with “the cloud,” reject that notion.

• Less Worry. Backups and ensuring a workable, affordable disaster recovery plan are sources of stress. With their practices on the cloud, doctors never worry about 10 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Currently enrolled students in the U.S. and Canada can use the software without charge by going to www.curvedental.com/studentorange.

•

•

backups or waking to find their practice destroyed or burglarized.

More Money. Curve Dental will help a practice carefully manage receivables and stay on top of collections. Further, Curve Dental is purchased as a service, which eliminates huge upfront licensing fees and reduces the practice’s information technology (IT) expenses.

More Choices. This is a workstyle and lifestyle issue. Doctors prefer to work or play at their convenience and mix and match imaging devices. With Curve Dental, doctors can access data and information at a time and place convenient for them and use nearly every major sensor with the software.

How does Curve Dental help a new dentist reduce startup costs?

Web-based dental software like Curve Dental does not require a server. The “technology footprint” or infrastructure required to support web-based dental software is much smaller than it is for traditional client-server software. Building a new practice requires significant resources that can stress the resources of a new doctor.

Thus, being able to reduce the overall cost by several thousand dollars can be very beneficial. Additionally, workstations can be replaced with more affordable hardware because web-based software hardware requirements are less demanding. The new practice can expect the installation and configuration services of a professional IT organization to be lower as well. The IT expenses won’t be eliminated — and the practice will benefit from an experienced IT organization — but with no server or client-server software to configure, the practice should realize a reduction in these costs.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 >>

There’s only one way to help 20 million patients over 25 years.

By giving people what they want.

We’re here for one very simple – and important – reason: to help families get the care they want.

We’re also here to make it easy, because that’s what they want, too.

Today, 6,000 more families will get approved for CareCredit.

They’ll be able to get the care they want for their loved ones, without waiting.

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Cloud Computing continued from page 6

a program, in most cases, there are just affordable monthly subscription costs.

• Another cost savings would be a decreased need for information technology (IT) support. You don’t need someone to come in and install software and network the computers to a server, as everything is handled through a web browser.

• Finally, you can be assured that since the upgrades to the software are handled by the software company, you’ll always have the latest version.

There are obvious benefits to using cloud applications in our nondental lives, but what about in our dental practices?

Does the cloud make sense for a dentist? In a word: Yes. A well-designed dental cloud application can easily handle all the basic functions of a dental office, such as scheduling, billing, and charting. One area where many dental cloudbased programs have fallen short in the past is the ability to handle real-time management of images such as digital X-rays. However, advancements are correcting this. As I already mentioned, cloud-based dental programs eliminate many of the hassles of running a modern dental practice,

“A well-designed dental cloud application can easily handle all the basic functions of a dental office, such as scheduling, billing, and charting.”

such as software installation, IT support, and managing data backup or remote-access software.

Another area where cloud-based computing can really help is HIPAA compliance, and specifically the Breach Notification Rule. The Breach Notification Rule has been around since August 2009, but many dentists are unaware of it. You can read through the entire rule, but here’s what it says in a nutshell: If you become aware of a breach of your data, then by law, you must notify three separate parties about the breach: 1. You must notify EVERY patient of record by first-class mail. These individual notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay and in no case later than 60 days following the discovery of a breach and must include, to the extent possible, a description of the breach, a description of the types of information that were involved in the breach, the steps affected individuals should take to protect themselves from potential harm, a brief description of what you are doing to investigate the breach, mitigate the harm, and prevent further breaches, as well as contact information for the practice.

2. If you have more than 500 patients, you must have your practice listed on the Health and Human Services website.

3. If you have more than 500 patients, you must notify prominent local media of the breach.

The good news: If the data doesn’t reside in your office, then it’s highly unlikely you would ever have to deal with the Breach Notification Rule. This is another strong selling point for cloud-based software.

I’m often asked if cloud-based dental software is the future, and my answer is usually no. Why? Because the cloud is here now and has been here for some time; it’s not the future, it’s the present, and dental offices should seriously consider these types of programs if they want to future-proof themselves.

visit www.thenewdentist.net #1 Website for New Dentists

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ADVERTORIAL

PATIENT COMMUNICATION:

By Zach Zavoral

Keep Your Practice Front and Center

O

nce a patient leaves your office, you’re at a communication disadvantage. Encouraging payment on account balances and ensuring the patient returns for recare becomes like searching for tooth decay blindfolded. And it’s nigh impossible to get patients to post positive Google reviews of your practice, even when they’ve had a wonderful experience. Turn those patient communication challenges into opportunities to keep your practice front and center with patients and positive reviews front and center with prospects.

Pay the Bills First, you’ve rendered a valuable service; you want to make it easy for your patients to pay. While a friendly discussion, before the patient leaves the office, is the industry-recommended standard, circumstances don’t always lend themselves to this approach. So it’s good to have a reliable, cost-effective, 21st-century backup strategy.

Invite patients who are carrying balances on their accounts to log on to your practice’s patient portal or online bill-pay portal. Several software services provide secure, HIPAA-ready patient portals with online bill-pay features. In fact, you may already have that capability with your current practice management or patient communication software.

To increase patients’ likelihood they will pay their bills promptly, set up an automated, post-appointment text message and/or email that tells patients about your online portal and bill-pay programs. Patients appreciate personal, informative communications that are designed specifically to make their lives easier, and these messages cost your practice very little, especially if your communication software is also your patient-portal/bill-pay software, like Smile Reminder. It can yield fantastic results.

Recare Automated recare communication is proven to work with virtually any third-party software you use. What’s more, this is a huge timesaver over manual recare reminders, which not only flood your staff with monotonous labor, but also yield less-defined results and most likely won’t reach all of your intended recipients.

With an automated recare system, your patients receive texts, emails, and phone calls according to schedules that you determine. Every dentist should have the bare minimum recare reminder setup: An electronic communication is sent to all patients six months after their last visit, regardless of the procedures performed.

Automated recare systems bring back inactive patients.

Several dozen patients — possibly even hundreds — who have not visited your practice for a year or more are waiting to be tapped in your patient database. In most cases, it’s not that those patients have chosen another dentist. Rather, it’s more likely that other demands and priorities have distracted them. It’s time to reclaim their attention.

With educational recare messaging, remind inactive patients that their oral health is vital to everyday life. Seal the deal by offering the inactive patients a special offer if they come in within the next month.

The goal is to bring back the inactive patients and turn them into oral health fans.

Provide a positive experience when they return, and you’ll grow a strong foundation of loyal, lifelong patients. Automated recare systems give you an opportunity to turn “retained patients” into fiercely loyal patients.

And this is where Google Reviews come in …

Patient Reviews The hottest and most frustrating topic in dentistry today is Google Reviews. Only one surefire method increases your Google Reviews: Ask patients to review your practice on Google. Pretty straightforward, right?

Consider this multistep approach to encourage patients to follow through: • First, have your front desk invite patients to review your practice on Google after appointments.

• Second, include a link to your Google Places page in your post-appointment patient surveys. Invite patients to copy and paste their open-ended survey responses into a Google Review by “clicking here.”

Zach Zavoral Marketing commu• Third, send specific email invitations to nications specialist all Gmail-using patients to review your for Smile Reminder. practice on Google. In order for patients He can be reached CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >>

SUMMER 2013

at 801.331.7242.

WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET

13

Adversity and Reward: SUDDENLY A PRACTICE OWNER

By Tesa Reeves, DDS

I live in a scenic small town in rural America with all the benefits of small-town life … and all the challenges of a weak economy. In 2008, I moved back to my hometown after graduating from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center dental school. I also married, bought our first home, and was hired as a new dentist in an established practice. Then we discovered our first baby was on the way! It was an intense launch right out of dental school.

After a few months, I felt I had settled into my part-time employment routine, when something happened that would change my life.

The Adversity The dentist-owner of the practice where I was working — an athlete and runner who had just turned 50 — had chest pains one morning after a run on a country road. He drove himself to the ER, and within minutes had a massive, lifeending heart attack.

The office, as well as our small town, somehow coped with the shock and loss. Since my now-deceased boss and mentor was without immediate family or a practice transition plan, his elderly aunt and I began to figure out how to continue patient care at the office. That turned my parttime employment strategy into practice ownership practically overnight.

Every day of the first year of being a dental practice owner felt like the first week of dental school clinic all over again. I was anxious for the new, exciting challenges, and I relied on my training to help me feel confident with each patient.

As soon as I bought the practice, I began updating the facility with a three-phase remodeling project. Purchasing used equipment, learning how to manage my own books, and being cost-conscientious kept me from having to take on additional debt.

14 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

While I developed my new business, I envisioned and planned a day near Christmas to give back to the community through free dental care. The area has many out-of-work and underemployed citizens with serious dental concerns and little hope of solving their dental health challenges. With the help of amazing volunteer and staff support, the first community Free Dental Day was held just five months into my first year of practice. We saw nearly 100 patients and donated thousands of dollars of services working out of just four operatories.

The Reward The second anniversary of my practice found me again deep into the planning of our free event. The enthusiasm for the inaugural dental day had only grown; dentists, churches, and area businesses asked if they could help. It was obvious that our Free Dental Day would double in scope that second year.

There was also the constant hum of excitement in my daily life. During my second year of practice my patient numbers doubled. Seeing the needs of patients showed me that dental school fell short of the cosmetic training that my community needed and requested. In addition to practice growth, I was also craving professional growth and advanced clinical skills.

To continue my education, I needed to find a professional affiliation that could address the needs of a new smalltown dentist and provide learning opportunities that I could “grow into” as my clinical skills advanced. The organization that I was looking for needed to fit a busy rural dentist’s demands and be easy to access. It had to offer not only great CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 >>

Dr. Tesa Reeves earned her DDS from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She can be reached at drtesareeves@att.net.

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3 Dentists Aim to

BY TESS FYALKA, MANAGING EDITOR

1

Dr. Adam Kirkpatrick is passionate about detecting and preventing caries in his Lebanon, OR, dental practice. A 2010 graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, this native of the Northwest is committed to researching the latest advances in family and cosmetic dentistry and is a member of the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry.

“In my practice, we work very hard to make sure that we have all the science behind everything we do. And we are also looking at new and innovative ways of doing things that make dentistry faster and easier, more convenient for people, and with better results.” This self-described progressive dentist says that while he was in dental school, he became familiar with CariFree, which is a system of patient products and diagnostic tools that Dr. Kirkpatrick says can eliminate cavities.

The CariScreen Caries Susceptibility Test is a simple one-minute chairside bacterial test for assessing patients’ caries risk. “The device comes with swabs that look like Q-tips, which are used to collect bacteria from the patient’s mouth.”

The bacteria are then measured and the doctor is given a reading, which is designed to indicate the patient’s risk for developing cavities.

“What we know is if the patient has a score that is below 1,500, they are at low risk of developing cavities. If they are above it, they are at high risk. We are measuring the type of bacteria you have in your mouth. If the reading is above 1,500, you have bacteria in your mouth that love acid. These bacteria are only one of the factors, but this piece of it is super important because until now, the only way we knew if you were at risk for cavities was when you got them. Finally, we have an accurate way to figure out if patients are at risk. So then we can stop it.”

If patients are diagnosed to be at high risk for caries, they are placed on the CariFree system, which is based on

16 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

CAMBRA (Caries Management By Risk Assessment). “One thing I know is that the system works. Basically what it does is it kicks out the bad bacteria and arms you with a coat of armor that is good bacteria. We measure the patient’s bacteria level at every exam. It’s just part of the exam process in my office. All different types of people are at risk of getting caries. Where it becomes really valuable is measuring how well we are containing those risks, and helping us stop the cavity process.”

In Dr. Kirkpatrick’s practice, he and his team members routinely discuss the CariFree assessment and treatment procedures with patients along with the importance of home oral health care and diet.

He says that patients respond very positively to the service. “For patients who have gotten caries their whole life and didn’t understand why, for these people to know that there is a way to stop getting cavities, it can be life changing,” says Dr. Kirkpatrick.

He believes that the system sets his practice apart from others in the area. “If you are going to the dentist regularly, you brush and floss daily, and have good nutritional habits, but you still get cavities, that’s frustrating. Here we can help patients stop getting cavities.”

2 Logicon

Dr. Michael Friedman is a 2007 graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. He uses Carestream Dental’s Logicon Caries Detector Software in his Atlanta, GA-based

Conquer Caries practice. This software-based caries detector analyzes tooth density and demineralization patterns and highlights the decay sites on digital dental radiographs. “What I use it for is showing patients. It gives you credibility. Not only is the dentist telling the patient that they have a cavity, so too is the computer. And for a new dentist that can be very helpful.”

In effect, Dr. Friedman explains, the software often serves as a “second opinion” of sorts for new patients who might be questioning the doctor’s diagnosis. The software that he uses is particularly effective in identifying interproximal cavities.

It helps identify caries earlier and minimizes misdiagnoses of healthy teeth. Findings can be shared with patients immediately, and the software’s easyto-understand display helps dentists better communicate patient conditions and treatment recommendations.

As Dr. Friedman explains, the patient sees the digital radiograph, and on the image is a red outline of the area that the software has identified as having decay. “In addition to the red outline, there is a bar graph that will give the patient a probability of decay.

The other nice feature is you can save the results, so you can track the progression of a cavity. Say a patient has a very small cavity just in the enamel, I may not want to put a filling in at that point. In six months or a year when we take a new X-ray, we can go back and see if it’s changed at all.”

The software’s enhanced patient education leads to CariScreen Meter patients having more confidence and increases treatment acceptance. “It’s helpful when you have someone who doesn’t have a history of cavities or if you have kids just out of college who haven’t been to the dentist in a long time. They come in and have several cavities, and they’ve never had one before. When I show them where the cavities are using Logicon, they understand.”

As a new dentist, it’s not uncommon for patients to question the doctor’s knowledge and skills. Dr. Friedman finds that the Logicon is particularly helpful in validating his diagnosis in the minds of his patients.

He notes that in his office, the Logicon Caries Detector Software is designed to work with the high-quality images captured by Carestream Dental’s RVG sensors.

3 Spectra Caries Detection

Dr. Alexis Neuman has been using the Spectra Caries Detection Aid since she joined her father’s practice upon graduating from Detroit Mercy Dental School in 2012.

Spectra uses fluorescence to detect caries in fissures and smooth surfaces that may go unnoticed in X-ray images.

Dr. Neuman says she particularly likes the fact that it is noninvasive and quick.

“It’s really easy to use. It uses a digital image to show the patient exactly where decay is present on the tooth using a color-coded reading to indicate how much decay is present. It gives that visualization to the patient, which is really cool, especially when you put that visual next to an intraoral picture of their tooth. They can see where the decay is on the tooth and match it to the fluorescent picture. It makes it more real for the patient when they can see it.”

Additionally, Dr. Neuman Logicon Caries finds that the device helps to Detector Software detect caries at a much earlier stage, allowing the doctor to perform minimally invasive dentistry. “Detecting decay early enables you to save a lot of tooth structure. We find that the device is highly reliable.

When you see a suspicious area, Spectra gives you a reading on it, and you can determine if it is decay. It really takes the guesswork out of caries detection.

I find it’s a lot more reliable than tactile detection.”

The practice now has two of the devices, and they are used by the hygienists, assistants, and the doctors in all new patient and periodic exams. “We can store the images in the computer with the patients’ X-rays and monitor specific teeth over time,” explains Dr. Neuman. “It encourages patients to take ownership of their oral health. What’s more, in terms of treatment acceptance, the device paid for itself in a matter of weeks.”

SUMMER 2013

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17

Consider This Before You

W

CHOOSE A LAB

hen it comes to selecting a dental lab, new dentists have more choices than ever before. Should you choose a small local lab, a larger lab in another city, or a much larger national lab? Yet location is merely one aspect to consider.

There are a host of factors new dentists need to evaluate. The New Dentist™ magazine posed a few key questions to two top dental laboratories about what new dentists really need to evaluate when choosing a dental lab. Below are their responses.

1. What is the most important quality a new dentist should look for in a dental lab?

Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratory — Even with all of the advancements made over the past few years, dentistry is still all about relationships — relationships between dentist and patient, and between dentist and laboratory.

While there are many aspects of technology, service, cost, convenience, and much more that are important considerations in selecting a dental laboratory, it is the willingness to develop a true partnership between dentist and laboratory that will pay off for the new dentist growing his/her practice over time. Does the laboratory have that commitment, and the proven resources and support systems, to make that a reality? A key part of this effort is building an ongoing relationship between you and your team and staff at all levels, offering you the understanding of your needs and personalized customer service that makes all the difference. Larger laboratories are just as capable of providing this level of service as smaller ones; it’s all a matter of commitment.

2. How important is technology and equipment in choosing my dental lab?

Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratory — Technology should be a critical part of the decision process, today and in the future. Does the laboratory offer a full range of clinically proven restorative choices, allowing them to match the right material and technique to each clinical situation? Even more important, is the lab making continual investments in proven new technologies? For example, does it offer computer-based digital technologies (whether you choose to avail yourself of them now or not), such as digital impressions or CAD/

18 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

CAM milling covering the full range of restorative material alternatives? Digital dentistry makes case planning incredibly predictable for the entire restorative team (doctor and technician), cutting chair time; speeding up turnaround times; and delivering strong, functional, and esthetic restorations that fit reliably every time.

Finally, let’s not forget that dentistry is still very much about the artistry. Can the laboratory blend the capabilities of all the technology available with the proven abilities of talented technicians to create truly beautiful customized restorations — restorations that patients eagerly accept and build your reputation in your marketplace? The importance of this as a key part of building your practice over time cannot be understated.

3. How should a new dentist assess the quality of service in a dental lab?

Arrowhead Dental Lab — There is a simple question we ask doctors: “Are you becoming a better dentist because of the lab you use?” If the answer is no and all you get is a really good price, then you are being sold a bill of goods that will more than likely have you lost in the crowd of dentists who are all offering the same thing. The problem with that is the only thing the patient has to judge you on is price. We say that a dentist should feel that his/her dental laboratory is empowering him/her to do cases that s/he wouldn’t have done before and obtain extraordinary outcomes on a regular basis. That is the criteria a successful dentist will use to judge the quality of a lab.

4. Is location of the lab an issue that new dentists should consider?

Arrowhead Dental Lab — Location isn’t as big of a factor in today’s world. Many dentists use labs just down the street but have no closer a relationship than they would if the lab were in another state. The bigger issue is how close they feel to their lab. Is the lab a trusted partner in the doctor’s practice or a service provider who supplies a product to the practice? Some of our closest relationships are with customers in different parts of the country. At Arrowhead Dental Lab, we seek to make the dentist feel like we are part of his/her staff and a constant support in his/her office. The dentist should feel that about his/her lab regardless of the lab’s physical location.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >>

Adversity & Reward continued from page 14

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“To continue my education I needed to find a professional affiliation that could meet the needs of a new small-town dentist and also provide learning opportunities that I could ‘grow into’ as my clinical skills advanced.” continuing education, but in a manner in which I could participate. It needed to provide a community of mentors and members who were passionate about excellence and happy in their chosen profession.

Upon the advice of a trusted friend, I found the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). I was reluctant to attend my first Annual AACD Scientific Session because I thought my daily patient base would not need the services that I assumed were being promoted in the Academy.

During my first meeting, my worries subsided, and I knew that this organization was completely relevant to me. The first hands-on course I took taught me skills that I was able to use that next Monday at the office!

As I became more familiar with the organization and its people, I knew that the AACD fit my exact requirements for a professional organization.

Soon afterward, I started to volunteer and also became convinced that a professional goal of mine was to work toward AACD Accreditation and join cosmetic dentistry’s elite practitioners.

In 2012, after attending several key AACD meetings and becoming acquainted with many members, I formed mentorships and friendships.

I volunteered to take patients for the AACD Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile program, which restores the smiles — and the lives — of survivors of intimate partner violence.

I recently completed my first case.

I even traveled to China on a mission trip with an AACD-Accredited dentist. (Incidentally, while there I

Dr. Reeves and a grateful Free Dental Day patient.

decided to adopt, and we expect our 1-year-old son to arrive this June!) We discussed my Free Dental Day project and brainstormed how to involve others in the event. Soon, several AACD dentists embraced the idea of Free Dental Day and helped by coming to my hometown to participate. It was the largest event ever, and we treated more than 300 patients that day! The contribution of all the volunteers to rural public health on that one day alone was exemplary and unparalleled in the history of our community.

Looking Forward This marks the start of my fifth year in dentistry. And as I write this, the fifth annual Free Dental Day is still months away, and already many area dentists and dental specialists have signed on to help.

This event has become a pivotal event in my professional life because the quality of work that I witness there — and the depth of caring that patients experience — illustrates for me the importance of having colleagues to whom I aspire. It is essential for a new dentist, particularly in smalltown, rural America, to have inspirational, educational, and relevant interactions through professional membership, mentorships, friendships, and cooperative volunteer events.

I’ve settled into my hometown practice and am enjoying my home, my family, and my profession. The technology, the new procedures, new models of business management, and the tradition of taking care of the community’s public health all contribute to the excitement I feel about my career every day.

Dentistry just gets better from here.

The road less traveled IS OFTEN THE ONE PAVED WITH GOLD.

You are invited to explore the value—and many benefits—of membership in the AACD. Visit www.aacd.com/eGuide and download our free eGuide to comprehensive cosmetic dentistry education, inspiration, motivation, and profitability, and you’ll receive exclusive first-year member savings of $40.

(Offer not valid for current members.)

www.AACD.com

BEEN THERE, Done That

Endo Guru Urges Dentists to Keep it ‘In House’ When it comes to growing your new practice, dentistry’s leading endo expert offers this no-nonsense advice for dentists: “Do every procedure you can in house.”

Dr. Kit Weathers is a dentist, author, inventor, lecturer, magician, and internationally recognized dental educator. He has been offering endodontic continuing education classes to dentists at all stages in their careers for many years. This graduate of Emory University School of Dentistry acknowledges that dentists earn their DDS or DMD with very limited exposure to endodontic procedures. “Most dental schools don’t have the time to teach dental students how to do root canals. Then when the dentists graduate, they are overly cautious, and many of them end up referring cases that they should be able to treat. For that reason, many general dentists are referring out the equivalent of a brand-new Mercedes every year. What they get back is a ham or fruit basket.”

D

r. Weathers notes that the key to successful endo is case selection. “The problem is general dentists don’t know which cases to do and which to refer. If you look at an X-ray and the canal is sharp and distinct starting down the canal, but then becomes fuzzy or disappears altogether, that is almost a guarantee that the canal splits into two or more canals. If the dentist can’t see the canal all the way to the apex, the case should be referred. Finally, if you want to begin doing molar endo, start with lower molars because they are much easier and more predictable than upper molars.”

With regard to building strong practice/patient relationships, Dr. Weathers offers this kernel of advice for new dentists. “Doctors are often urged to call patients following more complicated procedures, and that’s good advice, but most of the time dentists don’t like to do this, so it gets delegated or doesn’t get done at all. What I do is a little different.

I give patients my cell phone number and tell them to call me directly if they have any concerns or problems. Patients love this, and they almost never call, but they appreciate the fact they can reach the doctor directly if they need to.”

Additionally, Dr. Weathers reminds new dentists that they cannot afford to put off continuing education. “There is so much they don’t get in dental school. Look for those

22 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

programs that other doctors you respect recommend and that are referred by trustworthy sources. Learn how to do straightforward endo procedures that will help fill the holes in the schedule. And if you do it well, you should be charging fees comparable to endodontists in your area. The specialists should be doing the more difficult cases and should be charging a higher “If you take advantage fee, but not 50% more of technologies such as than you would charge hands on Physics Forceps for a root canal,” notes seminars, Six Month Dr. Weathers.

Additionally, he Smiles, and of course has found adult ortho my endodontic Magic of to be very beneficial for Dentistry seminars, you his practice. “Six Month will be able to treat a large Smiles is one of my number of procedures you favorite continuing edupreviously had to refer. cation opportunities. If In these difficult times, you can straighten out you will be able to greatly the six anterior teeth on increase your bottom line, the top and the bottom, the patients just want to and your patients will be be pretty. If they don’t happier not being sent have TMJ or problems to a specialist. It’s a real with their bite and they win-win situation.” just want to look good, it’s a simple procedure that I would recommend new dentists look into. I would also strongly recommend the Physics Forceps. I wish I had had access to the Physics Forceps when I graduated from dental school. With this wonderful device, you can take a tooth out in a matter of minutes. The roots virtually never break, and it’s extremely easy to use.”

Dr. Weathers also likes the MagnaVu, which was designed to allow dentist and staff to perform most dental CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >>

Dr. Kit Weathers is a clinician, author, inventor, and international lecturer, recognized as one of the Top Clinicians in Continuing Education

by Dentistry Today every year since 1997. Dr. Weathers uses humor, magic, and 35 years of clinical experience to simplify and systemize all phases of dentistry.

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Meet Dr. Kevin Rhodes, Advisory Board Member Loving Life and Work

F

or New Dentist™ magazine Advisory Board Member Dr. Kevin Rhodes, choosing a career in dentistry just made sense. “It’s the only profession that allows me to capitalize on my desire to be a health care provider and use my hands to create something every day. I get to take something broken and fix it immediately.”

In addition to enjoying his role as a “fixer” of sorts, clearly Dr. Rhodes relishes the autonomy that the profession affords as well. “It’s the only career where you alone get to decide everything. Nobody tells you where to practice, what days and times you have to work, what procedures you have to do on what population of patients, or how much to charge for that matter. If you want to practice on the moon, work two hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays, see people between the ages of 24 and 42, make removable partials for $5,000 — you won’t have a successful practice — but you can do this if you choose to!”

A 2005 graduate of University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Dr. Rhodes opened his own practice, Royal Vista Dental in Round Rock, TX, in January 2011. He enjoys building relationships with the patients and families he serves and is committed to setting his practice apart from others in terms of treatment options, service, as well as technology. Dr. Rhodes is a certified CEREC instructor. He notes that investing in CEREC, which enables the doctor to fabricate all ceramic dental restorations for patients in one office visit, is one of the best decisions he has made. “I couldn’t practice without it. I’m sad at the end of the day if I didn’t make some restorations with CEREC. It’s just a good time!”

A student of the profession, Dr. Rhodes invests significant time and resources in continuing education in an effort to best serve his patients. He is “relentless” in pursuing the latest research to find proven evidence-based information regarding

Dr. Rhodes’ Go-To Products eMax cad ceramic blocks (Ivoclar) “Strong and beautiful ceramics that can be made in your office. You can stain and glaze chairside for a perfect match!”

Estellite sigma quick composite (Tokuyama) “My go-to for single shade posterior composites that disappear into the surrounding tooth structure. The only one I’ve ever used that I really have to look for the margins at recall.”

TF endodontic rotary files (Sybron) “It’s a simple and fast system.”

24 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

When not in the office or volunteering in his community, Dr. Rhodes and his wife, Emily, are busy enjoying their three children, Claire, Allison, and William.

technology and procedures to offer his patients. He continually studies and participates in extra continuing education courses, and he is committed to offering as many services as he can for patients. In addition to general dentistry, Dr. Rhodes does many of his own endodontic cases, oral surgery, as well as pediatric dentistry. And when considering continuing education options, he urges new dentists to find great mentors nearby, explore local branches of the Seattle Study Club, and he highly recommends Glenn Krieger’s Photography Continuum in particular.

While Dr. Rhodes thoroughly enjoys the practice of dentistry, he acknowledges its frustrations. Day to day, the ergonomics of dentistry can be challenging. “I’d like to work in a gravity-free environment.” Beyond the physical demands of the profession, he finds that sifting through the deluge of so-called educational opportunities can be overwhelming.

“Filtering out the useless information coming from everywhere is a real challenge.”

Beyond his practice, Dr. Rhodes is also actively involved in his community. He and his team speak regularly at the local elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition, he volunteers his time to go on mission trips and enjoys providing charitable dental care to those low-income persons who have no other resources to access dental services.

He offers this advice for his fellow new dentists: “Find what you enjoy in and outside the profession and do it!

Remember to be grateful for the opportunities you have.

Finally, make sure you maintain physical, mental, and spiritual fitness to keep having a good time at work and away.”

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Patient Communication continued from page 13

to review businesses on Google, they must have a free Google Gmail account. So invite the Gmail users you already have. Later you can send an invitation to all nonGmail patients inviting them to get a Gmail account and review you on Google. You will be surprised how many will do that just to make you look good.

• Fourth, place a link to your Google Places page in your email signature, in your patient e-newsletters, and even at the bottom of your appointment reminders. The link/ button should say something like “Click here to post a review of our practice on Google!”

More and more of today’s patients expect dentists to use modern communication tools, including automated patient communication services. Not only do patients expect it, they appreciate the ways in which it simplifies their lives. And experienced dentists quickly learn the effectiveness and profitability of a patient communication system for their own practices.

Choosing a Lab continued from page 18

5. What is the most important step new dentists can take to ensure a positive working relationship with the lab?

Arrowhead Dental Lab — One of the key steps to help ensure success in a new relationship with a lab is the understanding that the first three to five cases are an acclimation period for both the dentist and the lab. A successful relationship with a dentist is based upon a lab that is willing to customize the product to the practitioner. Many labs approach it from the standpoint of making a “widget”; the doctors who like their way of making the widget will stay, and those who don’t will go elsewhere. The riskier approach for a lab is to seek to deliver a product customized to the dentist’s way of practicing while at the same time helping him/her to improve his/ her craft. While it is riskier and requires more from the lab, Arrowhead believes this approach is one of the best ways to ensure a better experience both for the patient and the doctor.

We want to offer an experience that is above the status quo.

6. What really constitutes the cost of a dental restoration?

Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratory — The question of cost

visit www.thenewdentist.net #1 Website for New Dentists 26 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

is one that many dental practitioners struggle to define. It covers far more than the advertised price per unit you might see in a magazine ad or email blast. Yet it must be a critical part of selecting a laboratory. The danger is in making the definition too simplistic.

Ask yourself: What am I really paying for when I see that advertised price? Does that cost include free express shipping (one way or both), models, die, etc., or are you paying for all that bit by bit on each case? These hidden costs can dramatically escalate that original price far beyond the “more expensive” laboratory that offers one comprehensive price and full service. What about fast turnaround times you can count on? Can you (and the patient) wait for weeks for the case, or do you want to offer faster service to your patients? What about rush service for that emergency situation — is that always available on demand?

All of these factors, and more, must be part of the “cost” decision to a greater or lesser extent, depending on what you require in your practice. Many of them are powerful benefits that you can offer patients considering your practice for their dental care, so make sure you include them in your calculations.

For further information: Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratories, www.aurumgroup.com 800-423-6509 Arrowhead Dental Lab, www.arrowheaddental.com 877-358-0285

Endo Guru

continued from page 22 procedures from a more correct, heads-up, relaxed position, similar to medical surgeons. It produces precise, clear, highly magnified images, which often eliminates the need for magnified loupes or microscopes, and it reduces eyestrain. He notes that it can help doctors avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

When it comes to the topic of treatment acceptance, Dr. Weathers cautions dentists not to get into the practice of allowing patients to carry large balances on their accounts.

“I would suggest that with the economy the way it is, you want to give patients two or three options for treatment financing. Firms such as CareCredit are very good to work with. You don’t want to be in a position where your practice is like a bank and patients are allowed to owe you large amounts of money.” He also urges new dentists to invest in a website, establish a presence in social media, and communicate with patients regularly through practice email newsletters and the like.

Have a question for Dr. Weathers? Contact him directly at kit.weathers@gmail.com. He teaches new dentists how to eliminate the stress and mystery of endodontics, and after taking his seminar they actually look forward to doing root canals.

Make Even More People Smile.

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UCLA School of Dentistry

UCLA Dentistry to Develop Saliva Test to Predict PTSD

E

ach year, more than a million Americans are at risk of developing serious mental health problems after experiencing a terrifying event or serious physical injury.

Once manifested, these psychiatric illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, can be extremely crippling and difficult to treat and are a leading cause of disability in civilian, military, and minority populations. Recognizing these emerging disorders early on provides health care professionals the best opportunity for preventive interventions.

A team of researchers has received a $3.8 million research grant to develop a salivary-biomarker approach for identifying individuals at future risk of developing PTSD and depression following a traumatic event.

Cofunded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, the study seeks to develop a panel of salivary stress biomarkers that will allow early recognition of emerging mental health disorders and permit pre-emptive psychological care.

For the new five-year study, the research team, led by Dr. Vivek Shetty, a professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, will repeatedly conduct psychological assessments and obtain corresponding saliva samples over a six-month period among a group of 600 individuals who have recently experienced a serious physical injury or sexual assault.

They will use sophisticated analytical techniques to determine the levels of individual salivary biomarkers at different points over the six months and to compare the biomarker patterns of individuals who subsequently develop PTSD and/ or depression with those who do not.

The association of the biomarkers with mental disease would be used to develop mathematical models that utilize early stress biomarker levels to predict later development of traumatic psychopathology.

“Utilizing easily accessible saliva for evaluating stress reactions would allow front-line care providers to become more

28 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

involved and proactive in the management of post-traumatic stress disorders, moving the focus away from treatment of unmanageable, late-stage conditions toward early identification and targeted interventions of vulnerable individuals,” said Dr. Shetty.

“Enabling health care providers to objectively and readily assess the risk for future psychological problems will set the stage for integrated post-trauma care that provides for essential and tailored mental health interventions in trauma care centers, as well as timely referrals for psychological aftercare,” Dr. Vivek Shetty he added.

Beyond the civilian population, posttraumatic mental health disorders are a significant problem for the military. The scope of the mental health problem is increasingly obvious as thousands of soldiers are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. This grant allows Dr. Shetty to focus the skills and abilities of his team to help solve a very serious problem with advanced technology in the cutting-edge area of salivary diagnostics.

Information courtesy of the UCLA School of Dentistry.

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Curve Dental

continued from page 10

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Does Curve Dental have a web-based digital imaging solution?

With Curve Dental the doctor can capture digital X-rays directly to the cloud using many of the most popular sensors on the market today. The imaging capabilities within Curve are native to the software; they are not integrated or bridged, but rather just another feature within the software. This summer Curve will have completed a new TWAIN connection. Doctors will be able to connect pans, phosphor plates systems, and any other TWAIN-compatible device to Curve Dental.

What about smartphones and tablets? Is Curve Dental compatible with these devices?

Accessing patient data with a smartphone or tablet is a natural extension to web-based dental software. Patients calling their doctors after hours is not unusual. When a doctor is at the grocery store or away from home or work, the smartphone can provide basic patient information and scheduling capabilities. Having that information at their fingertips lets doctors continue to manage patient care and schedules. Tablets play a bit of a different role. They may be used for many different tasks, such as charting and scheduling.

Can students try Curve Dental without cost?

With this article, Curve Dental is rolling out a new program for dental students only.

Currently enrolled students in the U.S. and Canada can use the software without charge by going to www.curvedental.com/studentorange.

Certain restrictions apply, and the student will be asked to agree to certain terms and conditions. For new practices, Curve Dental offers substantial introductory discounts.

For more information about Curve Dental, call 888-910-4376 or visit www.curvedental.com.

visit www.thenewdentist.net #1 Website for New Dentists

30 WWW.THENEWDENTIST.NET S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

Are you buying a dental practice?

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The latest news on products and services for new dentists and their practices ClearTemp LC

MacPractice 4.3

Ultradent Products Inc. introduces ClearTemp LC, the only temporary cement on the market designed specifically for temporary veneers.

ClearTemp LC is engineered with precisely the right strength to ensure that temporary veneers will not fall off between appointments.

ClearTemp LC’s light-cured resin formula is both strong and esthetic. It will adhere more to the provisional than to the tooth, minimizing the time and effort required to remove it from the preparation. Its unique fluorescing properties cause it to glow under a black light for easy detection and complete removal. Learn more at www.ultradent.com, 801-553-4243.

With MacPractice DDS 4.3, MacPractice introduced apps for iPad that interoperate to eliminate data entry errors and redundancy, maximize staff time, improve the patient experience, and eliminate the use of paper.

Patients use the Patient Check In App to automatically change appointment status in MacPractice DDS and notify staff of their arrival. The MacPractice Clipboard App enables patients to register, take their photo, and sign HIPAA forms, which are automatically added to their record in MacPractice.

Dentists using MacPractice iEHR App can access medical histories that patients entered in Clipboard in their medical record. Learn more at www.MacPractice.com, 402-420-2430.

J. Morita TwinPower Turbine Basic The new TwinPower Turbine® Basic handpiece is offered at $595 and comes with a limited 30-day money-back guarantee*. It offers several features of the original TwinPower product line. Cutting efficiency remains equal to the standard head with the same double-impeller rotor design that produces high power and torque, up to 22 watts. A pressurized air system prevents suck back in the air line resulting in superior infection control. Other features include: ceramic bearings, rapid braking within two seconds, and a four-hole connection. *Money back guarantee valid for purchases between April 11, 2013, and May 31, 2013. Learn more at www.morita.com/usa/ twinpower,1-888-566-7482.

INDEX OF A D V ER TIS ER S Advertisers in this issue of The New Dentist™ have made it possible for you to receive this publication free of charge. Please support these companies. Contact information can be found below, or visit The New Dentist™ Resources at www.thenewdentist.net to receive information from more than one company.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry............. 21 www.aacd.com/eguide 800-543-9220 Arrowhead Dental Laboratory ........................ IFC www.ArrowheadDental.com 877-358-0285 Aspen Dental ...................... 15 www.aspendentaljobs.com 866-748-4299 Aurum Ceramic Laboratory .......................... 25 www.aurumgroup.com 800-423-6509

Bank of America ....................7 www.bankofamerica.com/ practicesolutions Matthew Christie, 614-623-5768 Ali Karjoo, 614-403-8295 CareCredit .......................... 11 www.carecredit.com/dental 800-300-3046 x4519 Carestream Dental.................1 www.carestreamdental.com/ rvgpluslogicon 800-944-6365 Curve Dental .........................5 curvedental.com 888-910-4376

Dental Dreams .................... 12 Danielle Tharp, 312-274-4524 Juliette Boyce, 312-274-4520

Midwest Business Capital ...... 19 www.midwestbusinesscapital.com 877-751-4622

Henry Schein Nationwide Dental Opportunities ....... IBC www.dentalopportunities.com 866-409-3001

New Dentist Website............... 9 www.thenewdentist.net

Ivoclar Vivadent.................. 29 www.ivoclarvivadent.com 800-533-6825 Live Oak Bank .................... 27 www.liveoakbank.com/ newdentist 866-484-1223 MacPractice......................... 23 www.macpractice.com 402-420-2430

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McKenzie Management ......BC www.mckenziemgmt.com 877-777-6151

Smile Reminder ....................... 3 www.smilereminder.com 866-605-6867 Viva Learning......................... 30 www.vivalearning.com Wood & Delgado Attorneys at Law ................... 31 www.dentalattorneys.com 800-499-1474

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Starting Buying

a Practice a Practice

My business knowledge prior to starting my practice was minimal. You have to make a lot of decisions and I didn’t have any experience with hiring my first employee, what my financial arrangements were going to be or even how to create a business plan. I didn’t realize how much the banks valued this service to include it as part of my start-up loan! My personal McKenzie Coach was there to help me from before I found my location to supporting me the entire first year. I am very comfortable and confident now in my ability to own a dental practice. I’m MUCH farther ahead with McKenzie Management as my trusted advisor than I would have been thinking I could do it myself. I understand, now, the difference between “I think” and “I know”.

Partnering with McKenzie Management was the best!

They helped me get financing for my new practice which included their expertise for my first year. Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. They helped through the acquisiton phase and then after I got the keys they were there to help get the existing staff on board. I knew that gaining the respect of the employees was not going to happen just because I signed their paycheck now. My McKenzie Coach went over all the business operations and developed a plan that enrolled them in the process, opened up the lines of communication and leveled the playing field for me as the “newbie” coming into their world. We had our new plan of action and the first year we increased the production by 23%! I haven’t worried one second about paying my loan! I have complete confidence in myself as a business owner thanks to McKenzie Management!

Helping Dentists For Over 30 Years For More Information Visit www.mckenziemgmt.com/cons-startup.php www.mckenziemgmt.com/practiceacquisition.php

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