Lauren Krzyzostaniak

	Dentistry was one of the first industries to be severely impacted by 3D printing.

	As 3D printing combines with oral scanning and CAD/CAM technology, more and more dentists and dental laboratories are seeing how digital dentistry continues to dramatically affect the oral healthcare industry.

	Take this short quiz to see if you're keeping up with advances 3D printing is making in the dental industry.

	Before printing, computers create a model of the item on a 3D scale with three coordinate axes. Printers create layers drawn on the X and Y axes (the Z axis being the height of the object, or the combination of all of the layers). 3D printers often use a support material that is printed with the model, which is to be removed after printing by either snapping it off or dissolving it, depending on the material used.

	If more than one item can fit on the same printing plane, it is possible to print more than one at a time. However, they would both have to be made of the same material and would share the same support structure. Only after printing would you recognize that they were two separate items. Often this is done to print something with multiple parts that are separate but designed to work together. (

	The Objet30 OrthoDesk creates as many as 20 models per print run. (

	The days of taking a physical impression to create a plaster stone model for teeth have been on their way out for a while, thanks to CAD/CAM technology. 3D printing expands on the capabilities of CAD/CAM and makes the process of creating original, custom materials even quicker and easier than before.
	
	Now, dentists can take a 3D scan of the patient's mouth, use a digital 3D image to plan appliances or get a second opinion, send the 3D CAD file to a 3D printer, which will create the model from thin layers of material.


	Oral scanning, CAD/CAM technology and 3D imaging means that dentists and orthodontists can now do almost everything in-house because the new model creates the full range of orthodontic appliances. (

	Correct answer: The cost is about the same

	Most labs affirm that the cost of creating stone models, including the cost of labor and materials, is about the same as printing the same models, according to Weng Lam, dental sales manager at Stratasys. The convenience and efficiency of 3D printing, however, far outweighs that of traditional stone model making.

	This is tricky. Though the FDA approves certain biocompatible materials, it does not issue "blanket" approvals for materials with a variety of uses. Instead, the FDA evaluates materials only within the confines of their intended use.

	An article from the Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry website states it clearly: "Just because a raw material is biocompatible does not necessarily mean that the device itself will also be biocompatible." The FDA encourages manufacturers "to evaluate the impact of the production process on materials." The FDA recently published a guide for how to evaluate medical devices called "Use of International Standard ISO 10993, 'Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing.'" (

	Once periodontists perform a CBCT scan on their patient, they can integrate that file into any guided surgery software program. Once there, they can choose the type of implant system and size to create a surgical guide, which is then exported to a 3D printer.

	"I can use any implant system and customize the guides to the way I want them to be and as I see it best suits for my patient's needs and their desired outcomes," said Dr. Richard Nejat, DDS, a diplomat at the American Board of Periodontology and a periodontist in New York. (

Articles

Quiz - Test Your Knowledge on 3D Printing Materials in Dentistry

	While we don’t expect you to declare your thanks for a dental product at Thanksgiving dinner, we do know there are products out there you can’t live without, and those deserve some recognition.

	In the spirit of the season, see what products these 10 dentists are most thankful for.

Continue to Page 2 to see the products ...

 is that I can be assured it always has a full charge when I’m using it, and the energy is always consistent and reliable. The dependable power I get with the Demi Ultra is an anomaly. For that feature, you’d have to use a curing light with a cord because other cordless lights don’t offer that consistency. I appreciate the peace of mind that I get from knowing the power level is consistent. I also appreciate that it charges quickly in only 40 seconds. Plus, it has such a modern esthetic, which is very attractive. What I love most about the product, though, are the ergonomics; it feels great in my hand and balances easily. Plus, the system functions are easily accessible. I think the Demi Ultra is a smart buy for any dentist. You’ll never find yourself having to pause in the middle of a procedure while everything is ready to go because your curing light isn’t charged. You can also use the unit in multiple operatories because of its quick charging time, saving on cost.

	Dr. Sheri Doniger - Air Techniques CamX Luna HD

	The one product I am most thankful for is my 

CamX Luna HD intraoral camera by Air Techniques

. The phrase “seeing is believing” certainly works in our office. It is very eye-opening for patients to see what we are looking at in their mouths.

	Historically, we have relied on the two-mirror manipulation: The patient held the hand mirror while we held the mouth mirror and played the game of “Can you see this?” Now, it is simple to show patients what is going on in their oral cavity. The CamX Luna HD offers visualization through a continually focusing camera with an easily manipulated focus ring, a portrait or arch to a bridge or a single tooth to a macro version of any area you really need to get up close and personal to. The pictures offer great clarity and are instrumental in supporting treatment discussions. We use our CamX Luna HD during several different patient appointments: from the initial oral evaluation to periodontal follow-up. It is very enlightening for the patient to see the level of calculus buildup on the lingual of their mandibular anterior teeth or the leaking amalgam on the maxillary first molar. It is also great for procedural show and tell. In addition to patient demonstration, the photos are integral for documentation and support with dental benefit claims. Setup is very simple using USB connections to a PC or laptop in the operatory.  Patient acceptance of treatment is one of the most difficult components of our practice, especially in a down economy. This single device increases the dental IQ of our patient through education and treatment acceptance because they can see of problem areas. When they see it, they believe it needs to be restored. I am thankful to have the CamX Luna HD in my practice!

	Dr. John Comisi - Pulpdent ACTIVA BioACTIVE Restorative/Base Liner

	I love bioactive products, especially products that can help form apatite. Products such as 

 are all great bioactive products. These bioactive materials stand out because they essentially can help stop gap formation. These materials have the ability because they either have calcium and phosphate ions or work well with the tooth structure to interact and create a natural tooth structure by creating an apatite link between the material and the tooth structure unlike anything we’ve had before. We’re always looking for ways to repair the damage that unfortunately occurs in ourpatients during the decay process, and having materials that are more compatible and harmonious with the nature of the structure we repair is important. So why not use materials that can help heal the dental structure that has been damaged? Using bioactive materials, in my opinion, is part of a really important component of what dentistry is supposed to be doing. As health care providers, we pride ourselves on being prevention-oriented, and now we have materials that can help us do it better. It’s a positive for our patients and profession.

	Dr. John Flucke - ACTEON SoproCARE & SoproLIFE

	When you are as lucky as I am and always get to play with new products and tools, it can be hard to pick a favorite. For a number of reasons, I’d go with visual digital caries detection products such as Air Techniques’ CamX Spectra and 

ACTEON North America’s SoproCARE and SoproLIFE

. They are affordable devices that almost any practice can purchase and implement right away as long as they have the IT infrastructure in place (by that I mean computerized operatories). They are also so easy to use. Just take a picture of a clean tooth and see where decay is hidden in the pits and fissures. The amount of knowledge gained is immense and key to understanding where the decay resides. It’s also such a great benefit to the patient. Finding problems early and eliminating them before they become big issues is a huge plus for patients and helps them view what we do in a positive light. My own patients are thrilled with our ability to often treat them with no anesthetic simply because we can fix things while they are still small before they would require extensive treatment.

	Dr. Alan Wickenhauser - Kerr SonicFill™ 2

	I have always been a big believer that transformative products can lead the way in better dentistry-not only for the profession but the patients we serve. On that note, there is no question that the SonicFill platform has been a true game-changer in the delivery of posterior resin restorations. The bulk fill, along with the expedited dispensing of the SonicFill through the specialized handpiece, has cut out both the dreaded voids and time to deliver highly functional and esthetic results. I also find it useful in core buildups as it serves well in supporting crowns due to its superior strength. As for the new 

, the product does not depart from the game-changing platform Kerr brought in its innovation of SonicFill. The SonicFill 2 is an improvement upon sculpting and polishing. In sculpting, we find more ease in carving the critical anatomy for function and esthetics in less time. The nanofill-refined particles in SonicFill 2 have even more luster in your polish phase with amazing esthetic results. The end result is Kerr’s never-ending quest for excellence delivered to the profession, making what I feel is a must in the dental office even better. To be able to produce a long-lasting, durable, esthetic and reliable posterior resin restoration while saving in cost and time is a reprieve from the daunts of reduced insurance reimbursementsthat plague our offices and tighten our overhead. Time and money are critical today, but we don’t have to sacrifice those critical factors with SonicFill 2. Instead, we can rely on superior outcomes that satisfy patient demands and even the most discerning dentist.

. I have given up using traditional retraction cord and totally rely on Expasyl now in my practice. I like that it’s a rigid paste with a putty-like consistency. It is injected into the sulcus and retracts the gingiva away from the tooth, and the retraction qualities are excellent. It can be placed in a wet environment, and the moisture is actually ideal for placement. Expasyl is much easier and faster to place than traditional retraction cords and is more precise. The hemostatic qualities of the aluminum chloride work great, and once you rinse the Expasyl from the area, it doesn’t leave debris, which is unlike most hemostatic agents. I find it works wonders on damaged tissue in areas where the gingival health has been compromised and bleeds easily. This is also less damaging to the tissue because you don’t have to force it into the sulcus like you do retraction cord so there is less chance of disturbing the epithelial attachment. Once rinsed, I’m left with a clear, clean margin to take my impressions with. Whether you use traditional impression materials or CAD/CAM, your margins are clearer with Expasyl.

	Dr. Bob Mongrain - Logicon Caries Detector Software

, a software analysis tool from Carestream. Logicon works as a module in the company’s X-ray system and analyzes the image for interproximal caries. Research shows dentists looking at a digital radiograph are accurate only 50 to 60 percent of the time, and they often detect a lot of false positives and miss lesions that need to be restored. The beauty of Logicon is that it takes the accuracy rate from about 50 percent to 90 percent, and that’s published data. If you see decay, it’s decay, but sometimes you’re unsure if it’s caries or not. So instead of guessing, I work with my hygienist to do the analysis, which takes about 30 seconds. It takes the guesswork out of it. So instead of wondering, I’m confident in my diagnosis, and I can talk to patients with confidence and know I’m providing the best level of care for them. I also increase revenue because typically most caries is underdiagnosed. Once I diagnose it, it’ll be a standard Class II composite I’ll restore with TPH Spectra and Prime&Bond Elect.

	Dr. Parag Kachalia - Orascoptic XV1 with EyeZoom technology

	I love Orascoptic’s loupes, particularly the 

. We can only treat what we can see, and we want to be as minimally invasive as possible. So to keep things small, we need to see things early with magnification. We also want to balance the ability to change magnification with ergonomics, and Orascoptic XV1 is currently the only product on the marketplace that allows a variable magnification. They’ve also built in a headlight so it’s not just seeing but seeing an illuminated field. In the past, lights had cables and battery packs, and you kind of felt connected to a wall. Now everything is self-contained, which ultimately helps practitioners follow conservative treatment options in a comfortable position. Dental loupes had been stagnant for many years, but Orascoptic is starting to evolve. This is not a one-stop product, but it’s a sustained path of innovation over many years.

Bien-Air iOptima electric handpiece and motor

. The Bien-Air motor, coupled with the iOptima controller, allows me to perform restorative dentistry much more efficiently and with less stress than with an air-driven handpiece. The ability to customize the exact RPM for the job at hand and increased torque makes for better dentistry. Plus, the same handpiece can be used for endodontic procedures so I no longer have to switch controller boxes when doing operative or endodontic procedures. The patients comment on the controller because it looks like an iPhone. They all ask questions about what it does, and I get to explain the high tech advantages of an electronic handpiece. The iOptima allows me to pick up the iPod touch and bring my custom settings to any operatory in the office when docked in the controller box. With an electric handpiece, patients experience less noise and a smoother cut, making for a better patient experience.

	Dr. Ari Dubov - Triodent V3 Ring Matrix Kit

	Ever since I transitioned from amalagam to composite restorations, it has always been a challenge to achieve good posterior contact. Various systems came on the market through the years, but none really got it. When I was first introduced to 

, I was skeptical, but after several tries and a short learning curve, it was smooth sailing. Some of the V3 system’s highlights and benefits include a waved anatomical wedge, which inserts smoothly and recreates a natural contact; perfect tooth separation; stability; isolation; predictable, consistent results; a reduced flash; and NiTi bands, which create ideal contacts. 
	 

While we don’t expect you to declare your thanks for a dental product at Thanksgiving dinner, we do know there are products out there you can’t live without, and those deserve some recognition.

Products to be thankful for

	You may or may not remember the huge marketing fail in 2012 that was the 

	While marketing pens that appeal specifically to women (as well as other coed consumables, such as razors, notebooks, wallets and pretty much everything else that we buy) is not a new idea, the message is implicit. There are lots of razors that are for women’s use (they’re usually pink or purple), while others are implicitly for men (those are usually some shade of blue or gray).

	But instead of implying that these more delicate, prettier pens were for women, Bic tacked on “For Her” to the front of the box, which lead to a sarcastic and scathing 

 that started a domino effect of both men and women speaking out about the absurdity of marketing a pen to women. Even Ellen DeGeneres made fun of the marketing scheme on her show. (“Can you believe this? We’ve been using man pens all these years!”)

Related reading: Announcing Dental Product Report's Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2015

	So when we asked female dentists what goes in to picking out a handpiece and if they thought there were different marketing tactics for men and women, I was happy, but not completely surprised, that one dentist, Christine Scott, likened the question to the infamous lady pens that are still for sale today when she responded, “I don’t see that there’s a bias in the way products are marketed to men verses women. Remember a few years ago when Bic regrettably marketed a 'Pen for Her?' It’s not a gender preference; it’s individual.”


	There was one instance in which a difference between men and women could be relevant to choosing a pen, according to DPR Ergonomics Editor

	“The diameter must fit the dentist’s hand," she says. "A petite female dentist will not be comfortable using the same handpiece that comfortably fits the hand of a large male dentist.”

	At the same time, one could say, “a petite dentist will not be comfortable using the same handpiece that comfortably fits in the hand of a large dentist,” and Dr. Valachi’s sentiments remain the same. It’s our fault for presenting the question as if one’s sex influenced the ergonomics of a handpiece. This was the only reply we got that hinted that it might.

See last year's winners: The Top 25 Women in Dentistry 2014

	“Historically, men and women used the same handpieces [in dental school],” says 

Sheri Doniger, DDS, president of the American Association of Women Dentists

	She went on to say that women were concerned with practice longevity and ergonomics, but one could say that men, who also would like to work comfortably for as long as they want and make money for as long as possible, would also be concerned with ergonomics and longevity. Hand size, an immensely important consideration when selecting a handpiece, may not directly relate to one’s sex, as most dentists realize.

	“To feel like I have full control, I personally do not like large, heavy handpieces. This may or may not be an issue for men,” says Staten Island Dentist Dorothy Lee, DMD.

	Indeed, one’s preference for a handpiece is highly individual, as we heard from several dentists.

More on women: The best and worst states for female professionals

	“Selecting a handpiece is really a personal choice, like choosing a tennis racket or a golf club,” says Georgia Dentist Christine Scott, DDS. “The most important considerations are fit, feel, and maintenance or brand reputation.”

	Indeed, these considerations were echoed by nearly every single dentist we asked, whether she had been practicing for more than 20 years or only a few months.


	“Personally, I like titanium handpieces. They are lightweight, quiet and fit a smaller hand.” –Sheri B. Doniger, DDS

	“The basic quality I look for in a handpiece is weight. High speed handpieces are typically much lighter than older, slow speed handpieces. Lightweight tubing is important as older tubing can create strain on the wrist and hand.” –Bethany Valachi, DDS

	“I like my handpiece to be light and have adequate torque so that it does most of the work.” –Dorothy Lee, DMD

Related reading: The best and worst states to work in a dental practice

	“Personally, I like my handpieces to be a little bottom-heavy. You also want it to fit in your hand well. It’s not gender preference; it’s individual.” –Christine Scott, DDS

	"In dental school, our class was required to buy a kit every year. Ours included a set of preselected handpieces, including a high speed handpiece. I always liked the model; it felt very sleek and lightweight.” –Lauren Wallace, DMD


	“Lighter weight, less torque on the wrist from back-heavy handpieces, lower noise and smaller head size are important.” –Sheri B. Doniger, DDS

	“A swivel-cord attachment is imperative so the operator won’t have to continually contort and twist the hand and wrist to angulate the piece. Cordless handpieces are a great idea, but weight should be carefully assessed in relation to the benefits of the cordless feature. Be careful of articles that tout the ‘vibration’ aspect of the handpiece as a risk factor. No study has absolutely confirmed this in dentistry.” –Bethany Valachi, DDS

Related reading: Brasseler USA® hosts its inaugural "Women in Dentistry" Advisory Board Meeting 

	“It should feel comfortable in your hand, allowing you to focus on prepping rather than how you’re holding the drill. It should never make your hand cramp. It should be so easy to hold and use that it feels as if you’re using a paintbrush. The bur should do the work, and you shouldn’t have to use any extra force.” –Dorothy Lee, DMD

	“You also want it to fit in your hand well. My advice for a new dentist finding the right handpiece would be to go to a dental convention and try them out. Look for fit and feel and ease of care, and consider how long it will last.” –Christine Scott, DDS


	“Dentists should always try before they buy by either visiting a trade show or asking their dental rep to sample different handpieces. As with dental stools, one size does not fit all. Dentists should never be afraid to ask to try out a handpiece. They are investments both in price and in longevity. If we are not using instruments that comfortably fit our hands, we will be shortening our careers due to iatrogenic repetitive stress issues on our wrists, forearms and shoulders.” –Sheri B. Doniger, DDS

Study: Is there a link between Alzheimer's and oral health?


	“I look for something that is as quiet as possible. Most dental-phobic patients find the sound of the drill to be most traumatizing (after the injection).” –Dorothy Lee, DMD


	“The most important considerations are fit, feel and maintenance or brand reputation. I don’t mind paying more for a handpiece if the brand has a good reputation. That way, I know the product will last with proper maintenance. That being said, the proper maintenance should be easy to do.” –Christine Scott, DDS

Research: Study finds home care of children crucial after oral sedation

	“I’m a new dentist so I haven’t picked out my own handpiece yet, but when I start to look, I think I will pay attention to weight, ease of maintenance and cleaning and the company’s reputation for customer service.” –Lauren Wallace, DMD

	Indeed, weight, fit and feel, ease of care, and a company’s reputation and customer service are all the first things that come to mind for many dentists when selecting a handpiece whether male or female. It looks like there’s no need to market a smaller, pink handpiece.

Related reading: Is dental anesthesia destroying children's teeth?

You may or may not remember the huge marketing fail in 2012 that was the Bic For Her fiasco.

What do women look for in a handpiece?

I have a secret. I once worked in a dental office, for about a 

 Seriously. I couldn’t take it. (Being a writer is 

Most office managers aren’t worried about hiring someone who will quit in a week, though, because it rarely happens. A bigger concern is having an excellent team member who isn’t happy in the long run. You can give them money, you can give them a great team, or you can give them opportunity for growth, but unless they have all three, they’re probably going to search for greener pastures. (Check out this Venn diagram and explanation of what I’m referring to on 

With that said, we reached out to top dental consultants and asked, “What are the most common reasons an employee gives for quitting?” Unsurprisingly, they confirmed what The Curious Dentist hypothesized years ago, elaborating on the areas that force a practice’s greatest asset to find a new path.

From my conversations with dental consultants, money is the least important of the three (you’ll see why in later sections). That being said, it still talks, as they say.

“Even though my production increased every year, I never got a raise in eight and a half years,” said JaNetta Gibbs, RDH. “I realized I was working harder, but wasn't benefiting from it. So I took the leap to something different.

, suggests conducting employee reviews and offering raises based on merit. “Even if the employee hasn’t earned a raise, conducting the meeting is a positive experience for everyone.”

Related reading: 3 questions dentists should ask before giving raises

It’s easy to slip into a routine in any career, especially one in which job duties and expectations are as strictly defined as they are in dentistry. Don’t let that keep you from offering your employees the chance to continue to develop their skills and take on professional challenges.

“In the dental industry, we have very specific job descriptions that often require specific types of training,” said Kim Miller, a consultant at 

. “Once trained, there is very little opportunity for growth or advancement within a dental office. Feeling as though you are in a dead-end job can lead to dissatisfaction.”

It has been repeatedly acknowledged that people leave mostly because of personal fulfillment. Often, they feel like they can’t contribute, they’re not respected or they’re not growing, said Ishimoto. “Employees want to learn but have no way of doing so if training opportunities aren’t provided.

To combat this issue, Miller adds that dentists should encourage team participation in continuing education, arranging a continuing education trip every year. “It doesn’t have to be extravagant,” she adds, “but it should be clinical in nature and provide an opportunity to grow and learn.”

Sticky situations: What to do when the dental assistant says she "feels like the maid" 

Continue to page two to see the top reason for quitting....

Every consultant we asked mentioned this as a top contender for why good employees disappear. “In the long term, high salaries, great benefits and the promise of bonuses and profit sharing don’t outweigh the basic human desire to feel appreciated on a daily basis,” said Miller.

, told a story that embodied what happens when employees feel underappreciated. 

“A few years ago I was contacted by the treatment coordinator of a successful practice I had consulted with previously,” he told me. “She wanted to ask my opinion about leaving for another opportunity. We had a long conversation about why she wanted to make this move even though she was paid extremely well and had a very valuable part of the practice for her responsibility. Fundamentally, however, she felt no level of appreciation from the two doctors she was working for. She took the other opportunity and left an enormous hole in the practice.”

Communication in the dental practice ... It's overrated, right? 

Your employees have to feel valued, but extra zeros on a paycheck won’t make up for issues elsewhere. A lot of dentists attempt to show their appreciation and gratitude for a job well done with bigger paychecks, but without a simple verbal acknowledgement, their efforts are wasted.

Spiel says he sees the theme repeated constantly. Money talks, but it’s not a genuine motivator, he says. “What does motivate good team members is sincere appreciation, clear expectations and accountability, and being allowed to problem solve and have a voice in how to their practice runs. To paraphrase H.J. Heinz, the best practices run on heart power.”

Tell your team members when they’re doing a good job. You may expect excellence from them, but they still need to hear that you recognize it. Take the time to hold annual performance reviews, which are a great opportunity to communicate with your team members and realign the needs of your practice and your employees every year.

Trending article: Why women don't get along in dental practices

The 3 big reasons why your team members are quitting

	When I moved to New York, I was still on the insurance plan of my company, which was headquartered in Oklahoma. What was a great benefits package in Oklahoma was slim pickins in New York City, and I was forced to choose between two or three dentists within all five boroughs who would accept my insurance. Naturally, I chose the one closest to me (after checking his Yelp reviews, of course).

How should you handle a negative online review?	We have some advice from an expert.

I walked into the smallest dental office I’d ever seen. The walls were wood paneled and the carpet really needed to be replaced, but the office manager was friendly as could be, the hygienist was kind and gentle, and the doctor took X-rays and a mold of my mouth (for a nightguard that I requested) without trying to sell me a pricey procedure that would take me months to pay off.

I compared that experience to the one in Oklahoma, six months before, in which I filled out my new patient forms on an iPad and stumbled over the question, “What’s one thing you’d like to change about your smile?”

Uh, well, my teeth are a little crooked after not wearing a retainer consistently and I’ve had some kind of stain on my bottom tooth since I was a child, but other than that, I think it’s ok.

Wrong. The dentist took a picture of my smile as it was and then brought me his predicted “after shot” of what he could do to give me a celebrity smile. It would take some orthodontia and a couple thousand dollars. When I told him I earned $10 an hour as an intern, he didn’t take the hint. He was all about that upsell, but I just wanted my teeth cleaned and 

Free On Demand Webinar: Understanding medical billing and its relationship with 3D

I didn’t care about the iPad, watching TV from the exam chair, or the garden view in the exam room. He wasn’t listening to me. I would take uncomfortable film in my mouth and wood-paneled walls over office esthetics and pricey gadgets any day, as long as I didn’t feel like I was walking into a car dealership every time I got my teeth cleaned.

So let’s say you are a great dentist with adequate people skills and you still want to know how to impress your patients. I have five tips:


	The first thing a new patient judges about your office is the waiting room. They’re going to make assumptions about your competency and cleanliness by the state of that front room, so make sure that it’s welcoming, clean, and comfortable. Most people are still afraid of the dentist and you want to try to help with their anxiety as soon as you can.
	
	


	The first people your patients talk to are the ones behind that front desk. I’ve decided 

 to go to a dentist based off of how I was treated on the phone and how easy or not easy it was to make an appointment. There are plenty of dentists to choose from, and I won’t waste my time if every aspect of his or her office – making an appointment, dealing with insurance and payments, and waiting for my exam – isn’t a pleasant experience. All you have to do is look at reviews for dentists’ offices on Yelp to see that I’m not the only one.

Uh-oh: The 5 worst things that can happen when a patient walks into your practice

Offer patients the chance to “freshen up”


	You know we all floss the night before and brush 

 hard the morning of our dentist appointment because we think you won’t notice our less than perfect oral hygiene habits … so why not give us one last chance to try to undo the damage of the last six months before you see it? I always appreciate when a dental office has toothbrushes and mouthwash in the bathroom, even though I know you see right through my last-minute efforts. It makes me feel a little better, though, and that’s what’s really important, right?
	
	


	Yes, I’ll sit through biting those uncomfortable pieces of plastic while you take pictures of my teeth if I like you, but why make me go through it? You know developing film takes extra time, effort, and space, and with digital radiography, there’s just no need. There’s no better way to show your patients that you keep up with advancements in dentistry (and, therefore, have your patients’ best interests in mind) than by having the latest technology. No, you don’t have to buy a new handpiece every time one comes out (how would I know?), but make sure you aren’t putting off a vintage vibe, if you know what I mean.

Learning opportunity:	Check out this evidence-based e-book on digital radiography

Stop upselling and focus on patient education instead


	Yes, I know, you’re running a business too, but when you’re trying to sell me expensive cosmetic procedures to bring the look of my teeth up from a solid B to an A+, I’m just not into it. Tell me why it’s important for my overall health to have something done, and I’ll listen. Listen to me complain about pain in my jaw and frequent headaches and you can absolutely tell me about TMJ and suggest a mouthguard. But also recognize that if I tell you I don’t have money to spend on extras, I don’t have money to spend on extras. If you don’t respect your patient’s limits, they’ll find a dentist who does.

 When I moved to New York, I was still on the insurance plan of my company, which was headquartered in Oklahoma. What was a great benefits package in Oklahoma was slim pickins in New York City, and I was forced to choose between two or three dentists within all five boroughs who would accept my insurance. Naturally, I chose the one closest to me (after checking his Yelp reviews, of course).

5 ways to impress your dental patients (from me, your patient)

	Good news! This year’s spring and summer fashion trends are something any 

The underlying theme in the seven trends highlighted here is low maintenance style (fashion designers on the runways made the models look as if they’d styled their hair themselves) so it’s never been easier to try new trends. Plus, the patterns and cuts from the latest runway looks can be worn to flatter all body types. Check it out-the easiest fashion trends ever:

The great thing about this trend is that you probably already have it in your closet. Even better: you can pair it with mismatching patterns, such as plaid or stripes. Just tone it down a bit with the opposing pattern: A good idea is to keep the second pattern small and monotone, 

The easiest and lightest summer material is back, baby! Gingham is everywhere-from 1960s-era matching top and short sets to loose-fitting button-ups à la your boyfriend’s closet. Pair it with a great leather jacket for a night out or with a pair of your favorite skinnies for weekend errands (Check it out at 

Related reading: Fashion with a bite: Creepy or cool?

Rompers made a comeback for grown women around 2012, but they are all over the place now. From teeny little things that look like pajamas to the sexy take on a pantsuit, rompers are easy pieces to accessorize and wear. What’s better than a one-piece outfit (Check it out at 

This one takes many forms right now: From the air-dried look to low and loose ponytails and braids, styling your hair as if you weren’t even looking in the mirror is the trend (and that’s not a bad thing!). This is a great thing for those of us who’ve been growing our hair out to keep up with the Kardashians’ luscious locks (don’t lie, you know you want Kim’s old hair). Even if you can’t get your strands to stay in a braid or look alive in a low pony, the point is this: Unplug your hair tools and go with what you’ve got (Check it out at 

Related reading: Move aside designer bags and make room for designer toothbrushes 

This is my absolute favorite trend to play around with. Let’s say you’re not great at applying eyeliner (it can be very tricky!) but you still want to have inky black eyes. Start here: Apply the eyeliner to the top lash line only, focusing on the other edge and drawing the line out and up just a bit to create a small wing. This opens your eyes, making them look bigger (and your face a bit younger). The best part: There’s no smudging or running at the end of the day, as will often happen with a bottom lash application. 

Check out Sephora for these great application tutorials.

With crazy manicures everywhere on social media (looking at you, 

), it’s refreshing to see such a simple style come into vogue. Forget about spending lots of time and effort creating a Nicki Minaj-inspired pattern because soft pinks and beiges were all over the runways for spring lines. Three cheers for easy, natural-looking nails (especially in a clinical setting!).

Do red lips really ever go out of style? I think not. There are so many great shades available that every woman can find her perfect hue and rock a Marilyn pout (Monroe not Manson). No time for applying a flawless winged eyeliner? No problem! I love pairing a bare face with glamorous red lips for a quick, beautiful look. Just toss the lipstick in your purse and go (Check it out at 

Related reading: Top 25 women in dentistry in 2014

 Good news! This year’s spring and summer fashion trends are something any woman can get excited about.

7 spring fashion trends you should know about

	You don’t have to look too hard to see a popular image of a famous person with a gap-toothed smile, because rocking a natural diastema is gaining popularity. From Live! with Kelly and Michael’s own Michael Strahan and Coldplay’s Chris Martin to Madonna and Brigitte Bardot, the gap tooth has made its presence known and appreciated for years.

But now the look is even gaining popularity on the runway and the sidewalk.

A quick Google image search of “gap” will autocomplete to “gap tooth model” and turn up several articles praising the space between the maxillary incisors and the Calvin Klein, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret models who have one. “Fashion goes for gap teeth and attitude as quirky becomes the new beautiful,” The Guardian published in 2013, three years after Tyra Banks

 sent a contestant on America’s Next Top Model 

to the dentist to have the gap in her teeth widened.

While most gaps are treated with orthodontics, more people are now fashionably wearing their authentically flawed smiles. Their willingness to wear a cosmetically imperfect smile has been met recently with admiration from audiences in the beauty industry, and it’s no surprise, really.

Fashion and beauty always has to have a flaw, that quirky little thing that, instead of decreasing the value of the total package, makes it that much more appealing. (Think Cindy Crawford’s 

Another possible factor for the recent popularity is the body positivity movement that has taken off in recent years. Body positivity started with a push not only to accept but also praise women of all sizes, not just those that fit the standard.

Of course, the standard is different for a runway model than it is for a pop star, but perhaps that also served to help the body positivity movement. “Let’s not redefine the standard,” the pushback said. “Let’s eliminate one altogether.”

It’s no surprise then, to see that the gap-tooth smiles that helped to define certain models and actresses (Georgia May Jagger, Lara Stone and Lauren Hutton, just to name a few), are back in vogue.

Free On-Demand Webinar: Understanding medical billing and its relationship with 3D

It’s less likely a result of body positivity and more about a trend, said one fashion expert.

“I feel like it could just be another phase, another delusion of the fashion industry,” said Justice Kwesi Kwarteng, Founder of Colorado Fashion Week. “It’s also a result of the world becoming more connected. I think through technology we have the ability to explore different cultures, and it makes people a little more receptive of other standards of beauty.”

As cosmetic surgery has gained popularity in the United States and fewer unique smiles are seen, more people are opting out of perfecting every part of their appearance, choosing instead to stand out the most authentic way possible: by not trying so hard.

 You don’t have to look too hard to see a popular image of a famous person with a gap-toothed smile, because rocking a natural diastema is gaining popularity. From Live! with Kelly and Michael’s own Michael Strahan and Coldplay’s Chris Martin to Madonna and Brigitte Bardot, the gap tooth has made its presence known and appreciated for years.

Gap-toothed smiles are in, but that doesn’t mean bad business for cosmetic dentistry

 is soon to make history again with its presidential elections by having two women serve as presidents of the organization for two years in a row. 

 is serving for the 2015 year, and president-elect 

 is preparing to take over in 2016. Before Dr. Feinberg, only two women had served as the president of the ADA.

We asked President Feinberg if she was surprised there had been so few woman presidents for the ADA or if it was expected, as dentistry had been a male-dominated field for so long. (Prior to the early 1970s, dentistry had been almost exclusively male, maintaining the lowest percentage of women dentists in the Western world.)

“I think it’s a combination,” she said. “Part of it is that the demographic has changed. I think when I graduated from dental school, my class increased the percentage of practicing women from 1.5 percent to 2 percent. Now, with 50 percent of the class being women and the diversity in the classes today, it was just a matter of time.”

Related reading: Top 25 women in dentistry 2014

Dr. Feinberg demonstrated an optimistic outlook on women in dentistry serving in leadership positions.

“I think that soon we won’t have to discuss this anymore," she said. "I’m hoping that young women entering the profession today will be as committed as my colleagues were and will start taking more and more leadership roles in all aspects of organized dentistry.”

There have been only three women presidents of the ADA in its 156-year history, starting with 

 in 2005. The fact that both the president and the president-elect of the American Dental Association in 2015 are both women could signify a change happening within the organization, as well as the entire industry, as Dr. Feinberg says, but the organization also went a decade without a woman president from 2005-2015.

Of course, you can’t argue that change 

 was elected as the first woman executive director of the American Dental Association in 2009 and still serves today alongside Dr. Feinberg and Dr. Summerhays. 

 was elected as the first woman president of the 

 in 2014. Although it’s something Dr. Feinberg doesn’t consider spectacular – it could be, after all, merely a representation of the changing demographic of dental professionals as she says – some of her male colleagues might not be as unimpressed.

More from the ADA: ADA launches benefit plan analyzer powered by Sikka Software

“To me it’s very threatening,” said Dr. Gene Wurth, executive director of the American Dental Association Foundation, while laughing. “We have Dr. Feinberg, Dr. Reyes, Dr. Summerhays, Dr. O’Loughlin - I’m looking around going, ‘How many males are left around here?’”

Despite taking more than 130 years to elect a woman into a leadership position, the ADA proves to be more progressive than the nation in general: before we’d ever elected 

 in 2008 and ended a series of white male faces on the wall of history, the ADA had already elected an Asian-American of Japanese descent, 

 (that was in 2002). Soon after President Obama took his seat in the White House, the ADA elected its first black president, 

Whether it’s a symbol that represents the inevitable changes taking place in the industry or an intentional move to get more diversity in the highest ranks of the organization and its foundation, we’re seeing the effects. More women and people of color are climbing the ranks and taking leadership roles, and it’s bound to become the norm: Something we indeed won’t have to talk about anymore, like Dr. Feinberg hopes.

Related reading: ADA 2014: Big launches and must-see products at the annual session

 The American Dental Association (ADA) is soon to make history again with its presidential elections by having two women serve as presidents of the organization for two years in a row. Dr. Maxine Feinberg is serving for the 2015 year, and president-elect Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays is preparing to take over in 2016. Before Dr. Feinberg, only two women had served as the president of the ADA.

How the ADA, the leader of a field historically dominated by men, came to be governed by women

) has brought on a new member of the team: 

 – a champion of the race tracks and of pediatric health.

, Gordon will add pediatric dentistry to his expanding list of causes.

A media event was held earlier today to announce the latest numbers for this year’s national kickoff event, to be held at 

Media representatives looking forward to learning more about the program and its newest team member, Gordon (who recently announced that 2015 would be his last year to race competitively full time), gathered at 

, and to learn more about the upcoming event.

From 2014: Give Kids a Smile event proves big success in St. Louis

Spirits were high as Dr. Feinberg outlined the history of 

National Children’s Dental Health Month

, which began as a day in 1959, expanded into a week in the 1970s and is now a month during which health initiatives such as Give Kids a Smile (often referred to as GKAS) aim to improve the oral health of American children through large-scale volunteer events.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner Jeff Gordon signs an autograph for ADA Foundation President Dr. Reneida E. Reyes.

Before introducing Jeff Gordon, a supporter of children’s health and a general philanthropist in his spare time, Dr. Feinberg read a letter from 

 Entering its 13th year, the Give Kids a Smile program (an initiative of the American Dental Association) has brought on a new member of the team: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner Jeff Gordon – a champion of the race tracks and of pediatric health.  