(by David Harris) When we use the word “articulation” when speaking with a dentist, inevitably we evoke an image of the mandible and maxilla functioning in harmony. There is a second concept of articulation in dentistry, and it is one that most dentists have not been exposed to. This second articulation, which is labeled “financial articulation” is a quick and …
Prioritize Wellness as a Dental Practice Owner
(by Valerie Woo, DMD) How dental owners can understand rest, boost productivity, stay calm, build sustainability in practice leadership & wellness. Understanding Rest vs Burning Out As a dental practice owner, you may think rest is something you “get to” after you’ve burned out: once all the emergencies are handled, once every patient is scheduled, once the books are balanced, once you’ve worked …
The Many Benefits of Merging Dental and Electronic Health Records
(by Ann-Marie C. DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd) Integrated electronic health records can bridge dentistry and medicine – enhancing care, coordination, and outcomes through global collaboration and standardized oral health data. I received an email several weeks ago from the FDI World Dental Federation that included a consensus statement on integrated electronic health records (EHRs.) Since I have an interest in …
Wait… AI Just Referred Me?
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) This week, something surprising happened. Twice. Two different professionals – unrelated, on different days, in different states – shared with me that they’d asked ChatGPT how to get started speaking in dentistry. And guess who the AI recommended? Me. Don’t get me wrong. I’m honored. And delighted. And I’ll admit, it made me giggle-snort a little (because …
The Hygiene Department: A Business Within the Business
(by Kathryn Gilliam, BA, BSDH, MAAOSH, HIAOMT) I never thought about the business of dentistry early in my dental hygiene career. I prided myself in caring deeply about my patients and delivering the utmost skilled care to each person I served. My production and profitability never entered my mind. The only way I measured my value as an employee was …
Not My Poo. Not My Problem
What Dr. Wayne Dyer Taught Me About Emotional Sovereignty (by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) Dr. Wayne Dyer was one of my earliest self-development mentors… though he would’ve had absolutely no idea. I’ve listened to every audio version of every book he recorded at least once, and most of them many times. His voice was one of the first to accompany me …
Beyond Dentistry: Achieving Personal and Professional Balance
(by Laura Brenner, DDS) What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say, “You can have it all?” I get it. Right about now, you’re probably thinking I’m delusional. It’s impossible to balance work, kids, family, rest, and fun – right? What if we changed the cliche to, “You can have what you want!” Does that feel a …
You Didn’t Get It Wrong. You Got a Mirror.
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) There’s a conversation that keeps finding its way to me lately. Quietly at first, then louder, then impossibly clear. It’s a whisper from within and echoed by others – the reminder: What if this is all happening in service of my growth and development? Not in a toxic positivity kind of way. Not in a “just be grateful” …
Finding Light in the Liminal
(by Dr. Lori Noga) The Tibetan word “bardo” describes the space between spaces—the liminal realm… …between death and rebirth. …between one life phase and the next. …between who you were and who you’re becoming. Here’s what the ancient texts don’t fully capture: how suffocating it feels to actually be there. If you’ve ever found yourself caught between jobs, relationships, identities, or …
Marketing Strategies for Female Dentists: The Secret to Creating a Successful Dental Practice
(by Valerie Woo, DMD) Marketing a dental practice can be a confusing task. As a dentist, you follow procedures that lead to predictable outcomes. Marketing can feel more like a crap shoot. However, standing out in a crowded market is crucial for attracting and retaining patients. In this blog, I’ll explore an unconventional yet highly effective marketing strategy that helped create …