Compiled by Thais Carter

The Pride Institute "Best of Class" panel explains why they chose this year's winners. This month features the only six products that have been recognized by the Pride Institute as "Best of Class" multiple years in a row.

July through October we highlighted a handful of the 18 Pride Institute "Best of Class" honorees leading up to the ADA Annual Session.

Interviews, education and hands-on demonstrations at the “Best of Class” Technology Fair at this month's 

 in San Francisco will allow you to experience each product on your own and decide if it’s a good fit for your practice.


	Air Techniques Spectra caries detection device features fluorescence technology that indicates the extent of decay with color and numerical readings, helping to eliminate the guess work for early caries detection.

With impressive, information-rich images, the technology is said to be a valuable tool in enhancing case acceptance. Early detection means more restoration and less excavation, and Spectra can be used during the actual caries removal process to ensure all carious dentin is removed.

Compatible with virtually any patient management software, Spectra connects to the computer with a USB cable and then lets dental professionals store and compare images over time to track the effects of treatment.

Q: How did you find out about this product?


	A: I have been using the product since its release.
	
	

Q: Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.


	A: I use this product in my practice for caries detection and patient education.
	
	

Q: In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?


	A: Spectra is the only device that provides caries detection with a graphic overlay to assist in monitoring caries.
	
	

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what would you highlight?


	A: Through fluorescence technology the extent of decay is determined with color and numerical readings. This helps to eliminate the guesswork for early caries detection. The information-rich images enhance case acceptance by allowing the patient to see the weather radar like caries detection.


	As one of the only scanner systems in the market to utilize parallel confocal imaging, the iTero system utilizes laser and optical scanning to capture the contours of the patient’s dentition, gingival structures and the bite. The scanner captures 100,000 points of laser light in perfect focus without the use of powder to coat the teeth which allows for contact of the wand and tooth, resulting in an accurate 3D digital impression – ready in just minutes for viewing on the screen.

The 3D digital model file can then be used for various procedures and services including milling of physical dental models for use by labs to create restorative units such as veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, implant abutments and implant crowns; Invisalign digital impression submission; digital records storage; or orthodontic diagnosis and computer aided placement of traditional braces.

The iTero intraoral scanner consists of a mobile computer unit and scanning wand to scan and capture a patient’s dentition (full or partial dental arch). System software features include the eraser tool, edge trim tool, real-time modeling and option to submit scans for Invisalign treatment.

The iTero operates on an open architecture platform, providing doctors and labs with the ability to export custom and generic STL (stereolithography) files of their digital impression to use with other third party dental service providers. This allows the digital impression to integrate with cone beam CT images for implant and orthodontic treatment planning. Align provides in-office training on the system and features after the unit is delivered to the practice.


	A: I have been watching the product evolve over the years at various trade shows.
	
	


	A: I have been given many private demonstrations as the software has evolved.
	
	


	A:  iTero has set the standard for dedicated intraoral scanners. It has easy access to second molars and can be used with Invisalign for your orthodontic cases. Scanning can be accomplished in many cases in less time than waiting for impression material to set. In addition, the resulting .stl files an be used/integrated into any CBCT scan.
	
	


	A: First of all, the device is very easy to use. Second, iTero gives a real time digital display along with its analytical tools to assist in locating issues such as inadequate preparation immediately, thus allowing prep alteration before the digital impression is sent to the laboratory. Third, you obtain an extremely accurate impression as compared to traditional impression materials which reduces insert appointment times and minimizes occlusal adjustments.


	The VELscope Vx is LED Dental’s newest model release of the VELscope system. The VELscope Vx is cordless, compact and affordable-even for multiple operatories. A powerful tool available for assisting in the discovery of oral abnormalities, the unit’s distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissues of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues fluoresce in distinctive patterns-patterns that are visibly disrupted by trauma or disease. Using the VELscope, a wide variety of oral abnormalities can be discovered-often before they’re visible to the unassisted eye-potentially saving lives through less invasive, more effective treatment.

Described as completely safe and simple to use, the VELscope Vx requires no unpleasant rinses or stains. The simple exam is said to take approximately two minutes.

The Panelist’s Perspective:
	Dr. Parag Kachalia


	A: I first heard about VELscope nearly a decade ago at a trade show. The concept of enhancing our oral cancer examinations seemed great; however the older version of VELscope quite frankly was very costly to incorporate into the new practice I had just started. In addition the first generation required a fairly large footprint of space and portability between operatories was somewhat clunky. When VELscope Vx came out a couple of years ago I became very interested in the technology again.
	
	


	A: I personally use the product everyday in my practice. Essentially every patient that comes in for a recall visit into our practice has both a traditional oral cancer examination as well as an enhanced examination with VELscope Vx. We do charge a nominal annual fee ($15) for this examination; however very few individuals balk at the cost. The average doctor probably spends somewhere between 3-and-5-minutes on looking into the oral cavity on a recall examination and soft tissue lesions can easily be missed even with the best of intention. In our practice VELscope Vx is used to alert us to potential problem areas. The technology does not diagnose oral cancer rather it visually highlights areas that we must take a second look at it. When a patient does have a suspicious looking area we simply see them again in two weeks and check again. If the problem does not resolve we share our VELscope photos or our unit with our local oral surgeon who may choose to biopsy the area. By incorporating VELscope Vx into our practice it allows us to hopefully catch lesions when they are stage 1 and 2 versus stage 3 and 4. We have also found the technology useful in terms of finding sore spots that may be caused by removable prosthesis. Traditional pressure indicating paste can be hard to read at times; however areas that are being traumatized clearly show up under VELscope Vx.
	
	


	A: A dentist should consider incorporating VELscope Vx because, first and foremost: it could help you save somebody’s life. Second, the product is very portable, so travel between operatories is simple. Third, most patients have no idea their doctor is even doing an oral cancer examination. By using the VELscope Vx your patients will know you are doing an examination and that you have invested in a technology to do an enhanced examination.

Sirona Dental Systems' CEREC with Bluecam


	The CEREC AC with the CEREC Bluecam captures highly detailed images using a powerful blue light-emitting diode (LED). Rapid, easy imaging results in a quantum leap in CAD/CAM precision, clinical reliability and efficiency.

The high-precision lens system of the CEREC Bluecam sets a new standard in measurement accuracy and delivers an unprecedented level of precision. The high-performance diode emits blue light with a short wavelength. The resulting optical impressions are extremely accurate. This applies to single-tooth as well as multiple images.

Since it was featured as a winner in September of 2011, CEREC has continued to evolve. That same month, it released CEREC® Software 4.0, a major re-engineering of the platform, which is said to derive the full potential of the CEREC AC Acquisition unit and Bluecam imaging technology.

Enhancements include: multiple restoration design; the ability to work direct on the tooth; intuitive workflow; and streamlined restoration design. The software is designed to deliver increased productivity and efficiency. Older CEREC units can take full advantage of the software features as well.

More recently, at the CEREC 27.5 event this summer, Sirona launched the OmniCam, which continues the innovative leadership Sirona brings to this category.


	Digital impression systems are one of the most sought after high tech products and processes in dentistry today. Comparisons of the systems are sometimes rational with clinical testing and often emotional as each system seems to garner a passionate fan base. In reality all of the current systems have proven accuracy of the impressions and the technology. Two of them currently allow for practitioners to create restorations in one visit. CEREC and E4D have been jockeying back and forth to lead the race in restoration design and ease of use. The E4D software had a number of features, including easy design of multiple restorations, but at the time of our voting, CEREC had released version 4.0 which along with the speed of the MXL mill gave it an edge with our committee. As these companies watch the end users’ requests as well as each other’s improvements, they are constantly changing so it behooves the readers to watch all of the changes to make the most educated decision.
	
	At press time, CEREC just introduced the new Omnicam. This acquisition unit which is powder free, full color and full motion capture has certainly put it in the front of the entire digital impression field. All of the other ELEVEN systems have certainly taken notice so only a guess will lead us to what is in store for 2013.


	With the new Freedom, Orascoptic has developed the industry’s first light system that does not employ belt-packs, long electrical cables or buttons. The differentiating features of the Freedom system include:

Lightweight battery pods that connect to the temple arms of the loupe, rather than heavy belt-packs employed by traditional LED systems. Moving power to the loupe itself eliminates the issue with long dangling electrical cords that are prone to getting caught on chairs, doorknobs and cabinets in the dental office; a robust yet simple universal mounting clip securely fastens the lightweight headlight to virtually any TTL loupe on the market; Capacitive touch technology eliminates the need for any buttons, knobs or switches, but more importantly, allows the practitioner to control the light while holding instruments in both hands. Capacitive touch also eliminates bacteria traps associated with traditional light system controls, making the Freedom easy to disinfect and maintain; weight-neutralizing counter-balance between the battery pods and the headlight relieves forward pressure on the nose.

Q:  How did you first find out about this product?


	A: I first saw the Orascoptic Freedom as a prototype at the ADA meeting in Orlando in the fall of 2010. I was immediately blown away by a light system that was truly cordless and helped balance the weight of the surgical telescopes on my nose.
	
	

Q:  Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.


	A: I have been using the Freedom system in my practice since April 2011. I have found it to be well balanced, easy to use and a great way to increase my field of view. The light has been a regular part of my treatment protocol for about 18 months.
	
	

Q:  In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?


	A:  The best part about the Freedom is its self-contained battery system that eliminates a cord and battery pack that the user must wear on the waist. The batteries are contained in “paddles” that are actually attached to the glasses. This helps make the system easier to put on, and the weight of the batteries actually helps decrease the weight of the glasses on the user’s nose.
	
	

Q:  If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?  


	A: The balanced weight is really nice. If you are using high magnification, the weight on your nose isn’t negligible, but the Freedom helps balance that. It is also nice that there are no cords or battery packs to bother with.


	SonicFill is described as the only easy-to-use, sonic-activated, bulk fill composite system for posterior restorations that requires no additional capping layer. Proprietary sonic activation enables a rapid flow of composite into the cavity for effortless placement and optimal adaptation. It’s that fast, easy and effective­­­-greatly reducing procedure time. Now you can go from placement to a polished restoration in less than 3 minutes on cavities up to 5mm in depth. SonicFill Advantages include: effortless placement; optimal adaptation; easy contouring without stickiness; no need for 2mm incremental layering; no final capping layer required; and 20-second full depth of cure.

The Panelist’s Perspective:
	Dr. Marty Jablow


	A: I had the benefit of seeing SonicFill through part of the development process and it’s commercial release.
	
	


	A: I use this product in my practice for single bulk fill placement of posterior composite restorations.
	
	


	A: SonicFill makes placing posterior composite restorations a pleasure. You can normally place (up to 5mm) composite in a single increment. SonicFill uniquely combines the attributes of flowable and a universal composite. By activating the composite with sonic energy, fill and adapt at low viscosity, then press and sculpt at high viscosity.
	
	


	A: SonicFill provides for fast composite placement with a single step filling for up to 5mm increments. The composite has great adaptation with low shrinkage so there is no sensitivity. Carving the composite is easy as the sonic energy decreases the viscosity of the composite increases making placement of anatomy into the restoration simple.

Articles

The Elite Dental Technologies from the Pride Institute's "Best of Class"

Daniel G. Lebryk took to Amazon.com to boast about how the Philips Sonicare AirFloss has provided him with an alternative to flossing that works.

For this month’s column, we looked to one of the forums patients use most to share their opinions on products of all kinds: Amazon.com. Lucky for us, and for other smart consumers, people like Daniel Lebryk are putting together comprehensive reviews that offer real value. Here, he describes his experience with the Philips Sonicare AirFloss.


	I like this product. The gadget aspect of it is nice. The handle is about the diameter of two Sonicare toothbrushes, it’s pretty big, but feels really good in my hand. My teeth felt like I had been to the dentist for a cleaning. The AirFloss does power through built up food nicely. I didn’t floss for a few days, and all the spices, little bits of food, and Wonder White bread stuck between my teeth came right out. I can reach to the back of my mouth really easily, those molars tend to never get a flossing, they will now.


	This is one of the best dental appointments I have ever had. My experience with the AirFloss is outstanding. I started using this device the day of my last check up 6 months ago. I have used it religiously for the past 6 months, and today is the day I got the results of using this. There is absolutely no question about it: my mouth and teeth are much healthier than they have ever been. Normally my gums show some bleeding during the cleaning, and they are usually somewhat red. Today, they were healthy and pink, with very little bleeding. The hygienist normally spends a long time scraping my teeth, today she spent maybe half the time. Both my dentist and hygienist said the device works and are happy with how much better my gums and teeth look; they will begin recommending it to their patients. I have a lot of trouble flossing or even remembering to floss (actually I pretty much hate flossing), I have no problem brushing my teeth twice a day. Adding this 15-second* step to my routine, and I can get a great check up -I’m totally sold.


	My teeth have never felt cleaner now that I use this at least daily, sometimes twice per day.
	A lot of different people could use the AirFloss: People with big hands who find flossing rear teeth difficult. People with a disability where a caregiver needs to floss for them, or have difficulty holding floss with two hands.


	The AirFloss takes some practice. My first few times I managed to drool all over my shirt and completely wash down the bathroom mirror. The secret is to hold your lower lip up, and make sure the little head is seated between your teeth and not on an angle. It’s also important to hold the unit with the tip up.

The device is incredibly simple. The instructions allow for water or mouthwash in the reservoir. I like the idea of mouthwash; it feels really great in my mouth.

*Sonicare suggests that the proper use of AirFloss takes 60 seconds. 

A dental patient shares his experience with Philips Sonicare AirFloss

There is no group of products quite like the “Best of Class” honorees, in large part because it would be almost impossible to recreate the process by which they were selected. Chosen by a distinguished panel comprised of some of the most forward looking dentists in the industry, this year’s winners were narrowed down through lively debate and discernment.

In each issue between now and October we will highlight a handful of the 18 honorees. You’ll find both general information about the product as well as feedback from one of the panelists on what helps the product stand out in its competitive set.

Interviews, education and hands-on demonstrations at the “Best of Class” Technology Fair at this year’s ADA Annual Session in San Francisco will allow you to experience each product on your own and decide if it’s a good fit for your practice.

Lighthouse 360 is a comprehensive automated patient communications system written exclusively for dental practices, designed to take the best features available in competitive systems and go a step beyond.

Able to integrate seamlessly with Dentrix, Eaglesoft, PracticeWorks, and 17 other practice management systems using TrueTime™ Data synchronization, Lighthouse 360 highlights include: AutoConfirm™ to confirm appointments automatically, rather than require a manual step for each appointment; Perfect Recall™ to totally automate any schedule of recall messages the practice desires-something no other competitor can do; the ability to send families a single, combined message for all family members; four Facebook apps and Twitter integration with RateADentist.com reviews; a mobile app for data access from your smartphone; and the ability to post patient reviews to Google, Yelp, Yahoo!, Dr. Oogle, RateADentist.com, and any other review site the practice thinks is valuable.

Better than any one feature, Lighthouse 360 is able to reach 100% of patients with email, text messages, automated phone calls, postcards and letters.

For more information, visit LH360.com or follow them @LighthousePMG on Twitter.

The Panelist Perspective: Dr. John Flucke

Q: How did you first find out about this product?

A: I learned about Lighthouse about four years ago while wandering the exhibit floor at the California Dental Association meeting in Anaheim. I had heard some buzz around this company before the meeting and had decided to check them out for myself. After some discussions with them and a brief demo, I became a client.

A: I have been using Lighthouse since that time and have been impressed with the ease of integration/installation as well as the services provided. Lighthouse performs our confirmations via email, text and even postcard. The company also provides patient satisfaction surveys that allow us to fine-tune our systems by giving patients a chance to let us know what we are doing right, as well as where we could improve. This type of feedback has proven invaluable to our practice.

A: The key feature that has made a tremendous difference for us is integration with Eaglesoft. Lighthouse sends confirmation emails to our patients. These emails contain a link that a patient clicks to confirm his or her appointment. When this link is clicked, Lighthouse is alerted that the patient has confirmed. Once this happens, Lighthouse comes in over the Internet and changes the Eaglesoft schedule to indicate the patient is confirmed. This is all done seamlessly with no staff time or intervention needed.

A: The fact that the product does so much with so little time or effort required of the staff or doctor makes it a winner in the panel’s eyes.

Glidewell Laboratories' BruxZir Restorations

BruxZir® Solid Zirconia is a monolithic zirconia restoration with no porcelain overlay. More brawn than beauty, you’ll be impressed by the esthetics of BruxZir crowns and bridges when prescribed instead of metal occlusal PFMs and full-cast metal restorations. BruxZir restorations are virtually chip proof, making them the optimal restorations for bruxers, implant restorations and areas with limited occlusal space.

BruxZir Solid Zirconia crowns and bridges are made from the highest quality zirconia powder from Japan. Glidewell chemically and physically reprocesses the powder to further reduce the zirconia particle sizes. BruxZir milling blanks are then created through a unique patent-pending process. Unlike conventional high-pressure milling blank manufacturers, Glidewell’s processing gives BruxZir restorations improved light transmission, which provides a lower, more natural shade value.

Patients benefit from a chip-resistant, natural-looking restoration with no porcelain overlay that is glazed to a smooth surface to reduce plaque accumulation.

For more information, visit glidewelldental.com or bruxzir.com.  

The Panelist Perspective: Dr. Marty Jablow

A: I first found out about BruxZir crowns from advertisements sent to me by Glidewell Laboratories.

A: I have been using BruxZir crowns in my office as a cosmetic replacement where previously I was using full gold or metal occlusals because of concern for porcelain fracture. This is especially true in the region of second molars, where the occlusal stress is greatest.

A: BruxZir restorations started the monolithic zirconia restoration revolution. The ability to place a full coverage ceramic restoration in high stress bearing areas allows for the dentist to feel confident that the restoration will last, and the patients love the improved cosmetics.

A: The first reason is strength-BruxZir crowns can be used in any area of the mouth along with fabricating bridges because the material is that strong. Second is wear-although we would normally think the stronger material would wear the opposing dentition more than regular dental porcelains, the studies show that zirconia crowns are kinder to enamel. The final reason is BruxZir crowns require no special preparations, you can even prep a shoulder with a bevel as the material is that strong, along with a reduced cost compared to gold and improved fit.

The patient communication suite Guru5 was created with the lofty goal of redefining patient education. A recent study conducted by the Wharton School of Business revealed that audiences found visual presentations to be 70% more persuasive. Working on this principle, Guru’s redesigned user interface sets a new benchmark in usability and user experience while greatly reducing the learning curve.

Loaded with hundreds of state-of-the-art animations, Guru5 now features predefined case presentations and one-click operation, making it more simple than ever to present compelling treatment plans in seconds. Guru5 also includes new billable procedures, informed consent forms and a customizable look and feel.

For more information, visit thehouseofguru.com

A: I heard about Guru 7 to 8 years ago. When I first saw the product in action I knew the team at Reality Engineering (makers of Guru) was on to something. It was completely different than any patient education product I had seen. It was customizable, interactive, flexible, and focused on visual teaching and interactive learning.

A: In supporting our clients at Pride, we are fully aware that conversion of elective procedures can be challenging. Roughly 70% of all proposed treatment plans never get completed. Guru is one of very few tools that can increase patient acceptance significantly.

A: Guru is made up of hundreds of small educational video clips that can be shown independently or stitched together for a more exhaustive presentation and treatment plan. It is not a “one size fits all” approach. You can simply pull in the patient’s very own x-rays, intraoral camera shots and digital photos, making it unique to every patient. It has the ability to play a voiceover explanation, or you can turn off the volume and speak to each video yourself.

It allows you to stop each video, draw using the system’s easy-to-use drawing tools and save each additional note or comment. When completed, you can easily print a brochure, have them sign an informed consent form, and email exactly what you discussed, so your patients can discuss their situation in the comfort of their own homes, with all the information available both visually and verbally by your own voice. There is truly nothing like it in the industry.

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?

A: There is no better way to teach than visually-83% of all human learning is visual. Guru, with its Pixar-quality 3D animations, creates a compelling story using intuitive, simple-to-use software.

In addition to that, dentists do not like the idea of “selling.” Guru is an educational tool that helps take the pressure off selling dentistry and shifts the relationship to teaching as a “trusted advisor/educator.” Guru is a state-of-the-art tool that not only enhances patient conversion through education, but reflects on the practitioner as a provider of the latest in technology. Using this teaching tool-never seen before by most patients-will absolutely translate to increased referrals.

There is no group of products quite like the “Best of Class” honorees, in large part because it would be almost impossible to recreate the process by which they were selected.

Top Technologies Explained

Sirona Dental Systems' launch of CEREC Omnicam

, we look at technologies that take dental care to the next level. The criteria for the list is simple:  Does this product make clinical care better - more predictable, more efficient, more comfortable? Are you and your patients better off for incorporating this technology into the practice?

We firmly believe that, in the case of these five categories, the answer is yes.

Digital impressions and CAD/CAM technology

Dr. Sameer Puri on the brand new CEREC Omnicam...

Digital impressions and CAD/CAM technology.

 There are numerous benefits to digital impressions, including the elimination of patient discomfort common to traditional impressions. 

Better for the patient, the technology also allows the impression to magnified and enhanced, giving dentists the opportunity to better evaluate preps and improve their own skills. This fosters better communication with the dental lab and the type of detail that leads to better overal results and a noticeable reduction in remakes.

As part of the wider CAD/CAM workflow, the technology makes it possible for patients to receive same-day dentistry without sacrificing the strength or beauty of a restoration.

 Less radiation, no chemicals, savings in time and productivity are just the tip of the benefits iceberg. 

The ability to enhance images and see more than what was ever possible on a film makes this technology truly valuable.

 Useful in a variety of procedures, dental lasers can help dentists practice more 

conservative dentistry with increased comfort and safety for the patient. Other practical benefits include less bleeding, lower risk of bacterial infection and faster healing.

 The ability to know the exact spatial and dimensional placement of teeth and related 

structures makes 3D imaging a crucial tool in endodontics, implants, treatment of sleep apnea and other procedures. Treatment planning is transformed by the amount of detail available.

 The beautiful thing about this piece of technology is how it allows the patient to become a co-collaborator in his or her treatment 

plan-seeing what they need and better trusting the dentist's recommendation. Now, many intraoral cameras  also include caries detection, helping patients to better understand the need for preventive care.

On the event of Sirona Dental Systems' launch of CEREC Omnicam, we look at technologies that take dental care to the next level. The criteria for the list is simple:  Does this product make clinical care better - more predictable, more efficient, more comfortable? Are you and your patients better off for incorporating this technology into the practice?

Top 5 Game-Changing Dental Technologies

 journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links...

This is a super short post that packs a powerful message: Find a message worth winning. In this case, proximity is not as valuable as quality. What are you highlighting to potential customers?

We talk a lot about managing your message to clients, but it's just as important to think about the message you send to your team. This piece on building 

 is definitely worth the read. Understanding how common culture facilitates engagement and productivity is essential, and author Brad Federman makes it easier to grasp.

12 Most Inspiring "I" Indicators of a Great Leader

Are you looking for a little inspiration? An interesting website, 

, is working on a series that highlights 

, one letter of the alphabet at a time. We happened to jump into the series on the "I's." Ones worth reading: The importance of impartiality and being imperturbable.

9 Tips for Business Success from Costco's Jim Sinegal

You may be wondering what Costco's business model has in common with any in the dental industry. While there may not be a one-to-one correlation, Jim Sinegal has a lot of wisdom to offer and no one can doubt the company's performance. This interview summarizes 9 keys to success. A couple you should take note of: Valuing suppliers and offering the best.

Are you looking for answers to your practice management questions? Give us a head’s up in the comments section below and we’ll find an answer for you!

We go through leading small business journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links... What's Your Competitive Advantage?

This week's best small business links

What your brand can learn from political rhetoric

Whether you've been following along with the 2012 election or not, there are some simple tips you can pick up from this article featured on 

. The main take-away? Framing matters. In order to position yourself as the best choice, you need to help shape the conversation about what matters. Not to give away the best parts of the article, but traditionally, 

5 Tips for creating great video marketing

This piece not only extols the virtues of video 

 - great interaction, providing useful information, easy way to hear your message - it also provides practical advice for how to create video you'd be proud to share through your 

Start our selling your services: The first 5 days

The opening paragraph to this article is a case study in good hooks: "How many times have you sat down at your desk in the morning and wondered: what’s next?  Where will I find clients?  Now, that I have my own business, how am I going to persuade people to buy?" Author Pawel Grabowski offers a great outline for how to sell your services through good targeting.

Why mentoring is essential to your business


	
	This entire mentoring series is worth the read, but this installment - Part II - is helpful as it breaks down different types of mentoring, providing you with options for how to pour into your team in a strategic way.
	
	

We go through leading small business journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links... What your brand can learn from political rhetoric

This week’s best small business links

We go through leading small business journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links...

Set Boundaries on the Sacrifices You’ll Make for Work

 tells you that you may be working too hard, it’s worth paying attention. HBR uses the story of Steve the CEO to help illustrate a process every business leader should consider when establishing professional boundaries: Learn. Identify. Discuss. Decide. The complete article is definitely worth a read.
	
	


	
	Author Bernd Geropp starts with a principle you may not want to hear: “We all need criticism just as much as we need to have our egos buttered up.” When you’re the boss, however, it can be hard to get staff to talk straight. There are a variety of reasons a team member might be hesitant to share his or her critique. Geropp uses a case study of one Managing Director to help demonstrate how even nice guys can improve and get the feedback they need.


	
	Everyone could benefit from a little Conflict Resolution: 101. Even if some of the advice seems repetitive-address conflicts immediately, find common ground-it’s the hard lessons make it worth the read. The “Looking for the win for both parties” section is, standalone, worth the read.
	
	


	
	Geared more towards inspiration than advice, this quick post asks how limited engagements can help spur a longer commitment. In an era where “free” offers and Groupon discounts dominate the discussion, it’s helpful to think of how offering something-something people pay for-in a small window of time can drive new buzz.
	
	

This Week’s best small business links

 probably aren't new to you. This piece, however, offers a practical approach to making your mark as a leader when so much of what you accomplish is usually hidden within the results of a more effective team. They identify three main challenges: competency, doing, and control.

Dreams of early retirement may have been put on hold for a lot of business owners, including dentists, but according to the 

, most Baby Boomers will only have to work until they are 70 to retire comfortably. Their

 shows that if they wait until 70 to retire, 86% of Boomers will be able to do so comfortably. Find out more.

	Our Small Business Video Pick!
	Motivating employees to work as hard as you do – what you can learn from this entrepreneur.

7 Deadly Sins of Online Marketing for Small Business

These aren’t just common mistakes to avoid. 

 looks at the missteps that will help you better control your 

 and make sure that every digital dollar spent is worth your while.

Thinking Entrepreneur: Will This Business Ever Make Money?

 small business blog interviews Leah Rosch, founder of  “

” an artisanal, decorated-cookie business, specializing in party favors. If you're wondering what a dentist can learn from a cookie business - you'd be surprised. The interview looks at the real reason why business struggle - marketing, management, finance - and how you can help turn things around.

Are you looking for answers to your practice management questions? Give us a head's up in the comments section below and we'll find an answer for you!

We go through leading small business journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links...  

We go through leading small business journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links:

Keep your employees motivated this summer

Not all the advice is applicable to dentistry, such as offering remote work options, but thinking about summer hours, and using downtime in the office creatively are valuable pieces of advice for any boss.

Basic social media mistake everyone makes

 in which he reveals that the biggest mistake in social media marketing is that companies focus too much on telling people who they are. “That's backwards. Realizing that social media is a mirror forces companies to think not about what they want their brand to be, but what their brand says about the individual.”

The importance of positive dental staff members

Dr. Edward Logan doesn’t share anything you don’t already know about managing a team, but offers a helpful reminder that dentists need to make sure they’re focused on more than just the clinical aspects of their work.

Resilient in Hard Times: The family business

We stumbled upon this article a little late – it was originally published in 2009 – but the perspective it offers on family-run businesses is both helpful and hopeful. With so many intergenerational connections in dentistry – on the dental practice and dental lab sides – this article is a must-read.

We go through leading small business journals and websites so you don't have to. Check out this week's best small business links: Keep your employees motivated this summer

This week's best small business links - July 12, 2012

For the dads in your practice and the dads in your life, check out the slideshow to the left for five great products to consider recommending to keep their smiles healthy and handsome.

 is an important subject, and one worth highlighting year-round, not just Fathers' Day weekend. If you're looking for resources to share with male patients, sons, brothers and uncles (because why should dads have all the fun?), check out these helpful links below:

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) on 

Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Essential Products

And, for those looking to have a little fun - Esquire has an annual "Grooming Awards" issue. Unfortunately, the last year they had a 

 category was 2007, but the products are still available. 

If all else fails, let Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions make the case for you. See below!