5 Ways That Dentists Can Build a Great Team

As you well know, clinical competency is not enough for a successful dental practice. For a truly outstanding business, you should offer comfortable amenities, a good chairside manner, and good communication skills. Of course, a friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable office team is also essential. The ability to assemble and develop a great office team is one of the marks of good dentist leadership.As a dental coach, I see far too many dentists who struggle with their office teams, hygienists, and assistants. They bemoan their team's inefficiency, incompetence, or lack of people skills. The truth is that, many times, dentists themselves bear some responsibility for their problems. Insufficient training, lack of communication, or errors during the hiring process could all be partially to blame. The five steps listed below can help you build a better team for greater practice growth.1. Establish Guidelines for Your Team."My assistant never does her job. She always leave loose ends for me to finish up!" "My office manager is so inefficient when it comes to scheduling. We always wind up over or under booked!" Do these complaints sound familiar? Yes, your employees could be at fault. On the other hand, perhaps they simply don't know what it is they are supposed to do. For a smoothly running practice, it is important to set specific guidelines for each of your team members. Establish these parameters before you even begin the hiring process. That way, you know exactly what you are looking for, and there will be far less confusion in the office.2. Be Selective in the Hiring Process.Sometimes, your team may not function smoothly because they are simply not right for the job. It is important to be cautious and thorough when you are looking for new team members. In addition to having clearly defined job guidelines, you should work with a potential new hire for at least a day to make sure your working styles line up. You should also solicit opinions from existing team members. Do they think this new individual would be a good fit? Conduct background checks and contact previous employers before making a final decision.


3. Create a Nurturing Work Atmosphere.Once you've chosen your team, you are largely responsible for their workplace happiness. Yes, some people will just be negative no matter what you do. For the most part, however, people want to be happy in their jobs. Do everything you can to make the office a welcoming, inviting place. Establish practices that support a work-family balance. Make your office a gossip-free environment. Celebrate personal and practice milestones. Above all, maintain open communication with your team.4. Encourage Employee Involvement.When employees feel like "dental practice drones," their performances will suffer. Everyone wants to have creative outlets and means of self-expression. Respect their individual working styles, as long as they do not interfere with practice operations. Organize and encourage team participation in community service and charitable events. Allow your employees a voice when it comes to major decisions that could greatly affect the practice.5. Provide Honest, Meaningful FeedbackAs part of your commitment to open communication, it is important to provide routine feedback for your employees. When coaching new clients, I encourage them to forgo traditional performance reviews, in favor of more open, productive "Growth Conferences." At these meetings, you and your employee will discuss areas of improvement, and you will set specific goals for greater professional development. At the same time, your team member will have a chance to voice his or her concerns. You should be prepared to undertake honest self-assessment and set goals for your own improvement. Of course, you should also take the time to acknowledge your employee's accomplishments and abilities.By following these five tips, you will create a stronger, more efficient team. When your whole office works together well and truly feels challenged and stimulated, your patients will notice the difference. In turn, you could enjoy increased business and a more profitable practice.

Be Aware of These Dental Problems

It is important to take good care of your teeth. Make sure to see the dentist on a regular basis. As the famous maxim goes, "On ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Brush your teeth properly at least two times daily. Likewise, floss each day and eat a wholesome. It is also important to be aware of common dental issues.Bad breath is a widespread predicament with slightly more than 80 percent of people affected by halitosis. This condition is quite discomforting. It can be caused by improper brushing, decayed teeth, gum diseases, oral cancer, dry mouth, and microbes on the tongue. Most individuals use mouthwash to cover up this problem. However, it is not a permanent solution since oral rinse cannot cure this disorder. You need to seek dental assistance.Dental cavity or caries take place when plaque (bacteria) which is sticky and yellow in color forms on your teeth. The condition becomes serious once cavities blend with starch, sugar and other food particles. The end product is acid that undermines teeth enamel. It is the hard substance located in the shell of a person's teeth. Try to stay away from sugary snacks and beverages. Get dental check-ups regularly. Periodontal disease is associated with the gums but ends up eventually in tooth loss. The initial stage is gingivitis or swollen gums around the roots. Periodontitis is more serious since severe infection can impair soft tissues and destroy bones that support the teeth. You can help avert cavities through flossing and brushing.


Oral cancer is an acute ailment. In fact, it is a problem for millions of people globally. It affects the lips, mouth and throat. However, this cancer is curable if detected and treated early. Mouth cancer is common for persons more than 40 years of age. Majority of cases are connected to consumption of alcohol and smoking. Too much exposure to sunlight also enhances the risk of this malady. Mouth sores are annoying but usually disappear after some time just like ulcers and cold sores.Tooth erosion refers to the loss of the structure. It is normally produced by acid that also damages the enamel. Symptoms include sensitivity to more serious problems like breaking. On the other hand, sensitivity also affects many people. You can suffer from occasional pain from sweets, hot and cold drinks as well as ice cream. Sensitive teeth can be cured by dental experts.

The DentalVibe

What does the DentalVibe do?This award-winning device, designed and patented by dentists, is an injection comfort system that blocks the patient's sensation of pain through the use of vibration. The DentalVibe has become a highly recommended alternative to the standard injection procedures, providing an easy way to inject anesthesia or antibiotics.Why was DentalVibe needed?The product's target is to include a way to eliminate and dispel the old fear of dental visits involving an injection. This need seemed inherent and the product offers a way to finally place peoples nerves just a little more at ease prior to their procedure.What makes DentalVibe work?Through the use of vibrations called VibraPulse, the area is counter-stimulated in a synchronized and changing pattern resulting in the blockage of pain. Part of what makes this work is the fact that the vibrating sensations reach the brain twice as fast as any pain signals ultimately alleviating the brain from its presence. The device relies on the stimulation of the sensory nerves creating a calm and soothing atmosphere. The DentalVibe is equipped with an automatic pressure sensor which prompts a shut off if excessive force is applied around the injection site while in use. Its dispensing time completes an injection within thirty to sixty seconds on any patient.What are some DentalVibes features?· A faster anesthetic experience· A chargeable, cordless device· LED illumination in the handle provides high visibility levels· Its design is lightweight and compact with finger grips for easy control· The soft buzzing sound that it emits further helps in distracting patients· Comfort tips hide the needle tip reducing anxiety· Safe for children and adults


· The rechargeable battery works at full capacity until it is completely depletedWhat is the experience like?The sensations and sound of the vibrations create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, even during procedures like root canals, lulling the senses into a pain-free distraction. Children are presented with finger puppets for an additional fun distraction prior to administering an injection. Pain is replaced with a pleasing soft vibrating hum.Do dentist require additional training to use DentalVibe?No training is necessary to utilize DentalVibe and is in fact designed to be easy and simple to use. The device is ready to go after receiving its initial 24 hour charge. The charging base need only to be plugged into any standard electrical outlet making it extremely portable and convenient. Install a comfort tip and the unit is ready to start the procedure. An instructional video is included from the company to provide support and a smooth transition.What types of injections can DentalVibe be used for?The device has been designed to administer any intraoral injection. Included in its abilities are, maxillary infiltrations, mandibular blocks and palatal procedures.Is the DentalVibe safe for me to use?The product is extremely safe, injection procedures are performed just like an ordinary injection would work. Provided with DentalVibe is the comfort, ease and alleviation of fears associated with having an oral injection before any cosmetic dentistry.If you have any additional concerns, or questions, please seek consultation with a dental professional today. Inquire about the benefits of using DentalVibe, and if it's right for you.

Which Appliances Does An Orthodontist Use?

An orthodontist is the best professional capable of improving the appearance of your teeth and their function. This specialist corrects any anomalies in the arrangement of your teeth by straightening and moving them using different types of appliances.Here are two types of appliances commonly used in orthodontic treatment:1. Elastics (Rubber Bands)According to the Australian Society of Orthodontists, rubber bands may be a necessary extra attachment to braces for providing the much-needed force for correction of your bite. These elastics are normally stretched between lower and upper braces, with hooks providing an attachment to keep them in place.Your orthodontist will recommend the proper method of placing and using this appliance. You must strictly follow such recommendations to ensure the fasted possible duration of tooth correction. Remember that you may feel some tenderness in your teeth, which shouldn't cause any concern since it's simply a sign that your teeth are moving. Normally, such tenderness will fade away after one or two days.Despite the fact that tooth movement during orthodontic treatment is harmless, complications may arise if an oral condition already exists. To avoid such an occurrence, you must always follow the appropriate oral hygiene practices. By doing this, you will prevent a buildup of bacterial plaque, which has the potential of causing loss of supporting bone and inflammation in your gums. Most of all, you must maintain regular visits to your orthodontist.2. HeadgearIf you already have a fixed appliance such as braces, other orthodontic devices such as headgear, may be attached to it to pull on your teeth, as well as the supporting jaw. In certain cases, the attachment may be used on removable appliances such as plates. Normally, such an additional attachment is used in severe malocclusions.


Different varieties of headgear will produce different direction of pull on your jaw. One common type goes around the back of your neck, which produces a backward pull on your upper teeth. Another type of headgear goes round the back of your head, which produces an upward and backward pull.Normally, this appliance is used to curb forward growth in case of a prominent upper jaw. However, it may also be just as effective in anchoring your back teeth in order to maximize the retraction of prominent front teeth. In other instances, headgear can help in moving your teeth backwards with an aim of creating space for teeth in the front part of your mouth.An interesting variation of the backward-pulling headgear is the reverse-pull headgear. This appliance is typically worn on the front part of your face, which facilitates its forward pull on your upper jaw.Understandably, such an appliance is normally worn during the night. However, you can opt to wear it even during the day, which will make your teeth movement even more effective. If you do wear it during the day, you might need to take extra precautions to avoid any harm to your face (the Australian Society of Orthodontists warns that such headgear should not be worn during boisterous or competitive activities).

What Is The Difference Between General Dental And Preventive Dentistry?

Dentistry is a medical practice that serves to prevent, diagnose and treat all manner of conditions affecting the gums, teeth and jaws. Advancements in this medical practice mean that you not only have the option of getting general dental care, but also receiving specialized preventive care. This guide will give you further insight on the difference between general dental and preventive dentistry.1. General DentistryThe Dental Board of Australia records that Australia had 18,324 general dentists by June 2014. This represents a significant proportion of all the practitioners offering dental care, mainly because such professionals provide primary dental care to all patients.A general dentist will diagnose, treat and coordinate a variety of services in catering to your oral health needs. The dentist will also coordinate with other professionals, in case you need further specialized care.What Does A General Dentist Do?Being the primary care-givers catering to your oral health doesn't mean that general dentists aren't highly trained. On the contrary, these are highly trained and well-educated medical personnel who can competently provide a wide range of services, including:• Crowns and bridges• Cosmetic procedures• Dental implants• Gum disease treatment• Dentures• Mouthguards• Home care instruction• Nutrition counseling• Orthodontics• Oral surgery• Partial dentures• Root canal therapy• Restorative care• Sealants• Tobacco cessation• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ) therapy• Teeth cleaning2. Preventive DentistryPreventive dentistry is a more specialized form of dental care. Such care is essentially meant to prevent a patient's need for extensive procedures, whether restorative or cosmetic. Preventive dentistry utilizes regular maintenance procedures to avert poor oral health caused by decay and disease.


Which Procedures Are Applied In Preventive Dentistry?In pursuit of preventive care, a special set of procedures are applied, including:(I) Professional Cleaning:Professional cleaning simply involves polishing and scaling. The main purpose is to curb build-up of plaque. Due to the simplicity of such a procedure, it may be done by either a dentist or dental hygienist. However, you must ensure to comply with regular routine treatment every six months, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes.(ii) Comprehensive examinations:A comprehensive exam must be carried out using such advanced technology as digital; x-rays. This procedure is an effective method of monitoring the condition of your teeth, as well as early identification of decay. Using this method, periodontal disease would be detected early and treated.(iii) Treatment Of Gum Disease:An unhealthy periodontium (collective term for ligaments, gums and bones surrounding the teeth) can easily jeopardize your teeth. In fact, neglecting early treatment of gum disease may even necessitate extraction or surgery. Hence, treatment of gum disease plays a critical role in preventive dentistry.(iv) Dental Fillings:Dental filings are instrumental in closing up cracks and spaces in your teeth. Such cracks and spaces are likely to harbor harmful bacteria that can damage your teeth.(v) Sealants:Sealants serve the purpose of filling up narrow grooves in teeth, which normal brushing cannot clean up properly.(vi) Screening For Oral Cancer:Using advanced technology, abnormalities can be detected within the mucosal tissue of your mouth, lips and upper throat.

Treat Yourself This Halloween to Invisalign

Whether you're a kid or an adult, there's a good chance you'll indulge in some Halloween treats this month. How would you feel about treating yourself to straight teeth this season?With the innovative Invisalign system, patients enjoy the effectiveness of traditional braces, but without the noticeable brackets and wires. These clear aligners are formed using the latest technology to position your teeth comfortably and efficiently. Those wearing Invisalign can even remove the aligners while brushing their teeth and eating.Let's say that your 14-year-old recently went to the local orthodontist for a consultation. After the completion of x-rays and looking at their teeth, the orthodontist explained that your child's teeth were too widely spaced and that traditional braces could reposition the teeth easily.This is how many consultations go at the orthodontist office. But when asking your child if they're ready to move forward with braces, they tell you that they want straight teeth without anyone noticing.You may later do some of your own research on Invisalign and see it's more convenient than metal braces. This means you can spend less time going to appointments and more time doing what you love. Plus, Invisalign is perfect for those who play sports. Therefore, your son won't have to worry about busting a bracket while playing football.


Keep in mind that this is just a fictitious example. But the reality is that many patients and their parents fail to realize they could be a good candidate for Invisalign. The cost for treatment is very similar to traditional braces and the results leave patients amazed.Take the hassle out of orthodontic treatment and choose one of the up-and-coming treatment options out there. Enjoy a customized treatment plan that ensures perfectly accurate tooth movements in a short amount of time. Depending on your orthodontic needs, some patients have successfully completed their Invisalign process within one year!Don't trick yourself into thinking you can't achieve straight teeth this Halloween. Contact an Invisalign provider today and see if you could benefit from these clear aligners.It's been proven that straight teeth leads to a greater sense of self-confidence, provides an edge in the workplace and puts you at ease when meeting new people or dating. There's no need to feel scared about your teeth this Halloween. Invisalign providers offer revolutionary treatment options using precise skill and the utmost compassion to those who qualify as good candidates.

Straighten Teeth Easily And Comfortably With Invisalign

It has been common to see people wearing a mouthful of braces to try and straighten crooked teeth. However, it is now possible for you to straighten your teeth in a more comfortable and easy way thanks to Invisalign. This is a system that has eliminated the mouthful of metal that individuals have to keep up with to achieve desired results. The system uses removable clear trays referred to as aligners to handle the straightening. The trays are designed to take care of crowded teeth and for closing spaces too among other dental conditions.The trays are made of plastic making them clear and undetectable unlike the traditional metallic braces. They promote gum health besides improving your smile through proper alignment of teeth. Invisalign trays are designed in such a way that they create minimal pressure on the teeth, but at the same time move them to their right position. This way, minimal soreness is experienced making the treatment comfortable.How They WorkThe Invisalign aligners work by moving the teeth gradually and comfortably, thus leaving them straightened and perfectly aligned for a beautiful smile. Invisalign dentists make a series of aligners to fit your teeth well with each lasting for two weeks before another one picks the straightening process to move teeth. This means that you will be required to discard a set if the aligners that you have worn and wear a new set for another week. Each set offers gentle pressure to the teeth even though not evenly. The amount of pressure one tooth receives will depend on the amount of moving that is required for the case at hand.


This treatment can last anywhere between 9 months to 12 months. However, this time frame will depend on the amount of correction that is needed. The secret is to wear the braces as often and long as possible.The Benefits

The Invisalign aligners are invisible thanks to the material that is used in making them. You can therefore enjoy the convenience of wearing it without anyone even noticing that you have braces on.

They are made to be removable; hence, you can remove to enjoy your treats and foods before wearing them back. They are easy to wear and convenient to suit your needs

They do not need any special cleaning procedures. You only need to brush and floss just as usual and they are good to go
When They Are Used An Invisalign treatment can be enjoyed by different people suffering from different dental issues. The treatment can be used to correct orthodontic problems which are common. They include underbite, overbite, crowding, spaces, open bite and deep bite. The success rates are high with the treatment. Orthodontic treatment is important since the problems can lead to extreme pain as it is the result with crowded misaligned teeth. Eating and speech difficulties can also be experienced with spaced teeth. The aligners are suitable for both teenagers and adults to keep such issues which can lead to serious health problems at bay.

Types of Braces

If you're thinking about getting braces, you've probably already done some basic reading on the different types available out there.A brief Google search for "types of braces" will give you a ton of results, and it can all make your head spin.In reality, only some of the braces you see will actually be offered by your local orthodontist. That's because although orthodontics is a part of the dental profession (orthodontists are dentists but with 2-3 years of extra specialist training), it's private companies that create the actual braces. So as with any private industry, companies compete with each other to market and sell their product.In North America, there are less than a handful of companies that actually manufacture braces, with many being built in the heart of America's Midwest, such as American Orthodontics in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.It's the job of these manufacturers to come up with new and innovative technology to supply marketers and distributors, who then pass them on to orthodontists.Most companies market several types of braces, and some even market certain types as being their own when they're actually made by one of their competitors.Orthodontists are always getting approached with the newest and latest in technology, but it's their job to see through the sales pitch, do the research, and only offer the products that will best serve their patients. For that reason clinical research is completed on the various types of braces to ensure patients are receiving the best treatment.So when you're shopping around for an orthodontist you shouldn't be surprised to find different brands being offered. But keep in mind clinical research has yet to show that any one brand is better than the other.So, now that we know how certain braces make it to your orthodontics office, let's take a look at the most popular types of braces on the market in North America today, as well as their pros and cons.


Metal bracesThese were once the first and only choice in braces. Today's version are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be. They've all also stood the test of time and they're proven to work quickly and effectively.Some popular brands of metal braces include: Victory Series, Damon, In-Ovation and Ormco Mini's.Ceramic bracesMade of translucent (clear) material, ceramic braces are less visible than metal braces. They work just the same as metal. However, in most cases they work faster and on more people than Invisalign, and you don't have to come in for visits two times a month like you do with Invisalign.Some popular brands of ceramic braces include: Mystique, made by GAC; and Clarity and Transcend, made by 3M Unitek.InvisalignA relatively recent introduction to the marketplace, these clear aligners were an instant hit because they are pretty much invisible throughout treatment. However, Invisalign has major limitations and can only be used on minor orthodontic problems, so don't be surprised if your orthodontist doesn't offer them to you as an option.So far, there is only one common brand of clear aligner braces, and we're pretty sure you know what it is.Lingual (behind the teeth) bracesNewer to the market, lingual braces are braces that are placed behind the teeth, so in most cases they are even less visible than Invisalign. They are more demanding for the orthodontist to use and tend to be used in treating less complicated cases. They also tend to be mechanically less efficient.Now armed with a little bit of info on the braces market and the different types and brands of braces, you can go about the research on your ideal braces. Just keep in mind your orthodontic is a trained professional and at the end of the day, we advise you trust them to make the decision on what will work best for your unique orthodontic situation.