Articles

Showcasing the articles that garnered the most attention this year. 


The top 5 Digital Esthetics articles of 2018

	With 2019 quickly approaching, we decided to take a look back and showcase the articles that made a big impact this past year.

Trending article: 3 MAJOR challenges when creating dentures

	This year, you, our readers, were most interested in ways to get involved with digital dentures, the worst states to be a lab technician, materials that lab techs need to know about, and more. We’re excited to see what next year brings for the dental lab industry, and we’re looking forward to keeping you up to date with engaging content.

	Click through the slides to read the most popular Digital Esthetics articles of 2018.

	5 ways to get involved with digital dentures

	Digital design and manufacturing technologies have been slowly developing in our industry for over 30 years.

	The majority of crown and bridge restorations are now metal-free - a trend that has largely been influenced by the shift to CAD/CAM and the streamlined precision that it offers. CAD/CAM removables have been slower to develop, but recent advancements have generated enough buzz to help them go mainstream in the near future. With more than 36 million fully edentulous Americans, here’s a look at how labs can get their feet wet and prepare for the coming onslaught of digital denture technologies.

	The top 10 worst states to be a lab technician

	Americans take a lot of pride in the state they call home. Maybe your state is home to Abraham Lincoln (Illinois), maybe your state is home to the fi rst man who walked on the moon (Ohio), or maybe your state is home to the country’s largest pumpkin (Washington). For whatever reason, we embrace the best that our states have to offer.

	On the other hand, there are some states that aren’t ideal for everything. For example, dental lab technicians may have a tougher go at it in some states as opposed to others.

	We compiled data on areas such as employment, wage, healthcare, affordability and other statistics to identify which states were the toughest for dental lab technicians. Is your state on the list?

	6 materials lab techs need to know about

	There’s no dearth of materials at labs’ disposal. And with all of the different fabrication methods, a lab technician’s material options only broaden.

	Whether creating restorations through conventional methods, milling or even 3D printing, there are several material options that labs should keep in their arsenal. Here are the top six materials lab techs definitely need to know.

	5 things you need to know about 3D printing

	You’ve been hearing it for years by this point: “3D printing will revolutionize the industry,” “This technology is going to make this other product obsolete,” “Invest in 3D printing before it’s too late!”

	3D printers aren’t new, but they’re continually being made cheaper, better and more accessible than ever. This means that not only do you have to track the 3D printing revolution as it relates dental industry, but you also have to track the revolution being brought to 3D printers themselves. It’s a lot to take in, but we’re here to help.

	Here are five things you need to know about where 3D printing is now - what it’s being used for, how to best utilize it - and where 3D printing will be in the future. 3D printing shouldn’t be intimidating, so here’s how you can stay on top of the 3D printing revolution.

	As an expert on dental prostheses and restorations, you might take it for granted that you do excellent work.

	But there’s an entire corner of the internet that says, “I don’t need an expert for that; I can do it myself.” Here’s what happens when non-experts try to get into the dental game.

	You’ve spent years training to use the best materials and techniques to create the best product that’s esthetic, safe and (most importantly) functional. The following groups of people spent a few hours using household objects and YouTube guides to make or fix their dentures.

	After seeing some of the worst denture tips and “hacks” from across the internet, you’ll agree that the phrase “leave it to the experts” has never been truer.

	Not only will these tips not create something long-lasting or beautiful, they may just be the worst thing a patient could put in his or her mouth. They might be cheaper in the short run, but these could end up costing patients a lot more in wasted materials or health problems.

	It’s the December issue and you know what that means! In addition to all the other great products mentioned in this issue, I get a chance to tell you about some of my favorite products that I had a chance to test and tinker with over the past year.

One of the best things about my job here at Dental Products Report is that I have the opportunity to get a really unique view of products both on the market and in development. I like to say that I get to see things all the way from the “duct tape and zip tie stage” to the completed product. Because of that, I get to see some incredibly cool products, and I’m also one of the first to get to see product upgrades.

Trending article: The top 10 most-read articles of 2018

	One quick disclaimer; this is not an all-inclusive list. I get to see a lot of great products every year, but these just happen to be the ones I thought you, the readers, would want to be aware of. So, with all of that in mind, let’s take a look at my top Test Drives.

	Vista Dental Products has come up with a pretty unique way of providing a platform to place warmed composite. The Phasor is a composite “gun” dispenser that actually warms the composite just prior to dispensing the material into the preparation. It utilizes near-infrared technology to rapidly warm the composite and keep it at the set temperature as it’s extruded. The entire warming process takes 20 seconds. As I start to etch the prep, I turn the Phasor on and the system is done heating by the time I’m ready to place the material.

Read more: Using Phasor to create flowable composites

	The Phasor contains a rechargeable battery and an auto shut off function, which powers the unit down if it’s accidentally left on longer than three minutes. The device has three heat settings with the highest being 66°C. The device accepts any composite capsule and greatly simplifies placement.

	When warmed, composite is much easier to place and much easier to sculpt. As previously stated in this article, I truly believe that warming composite is a subject that all clinicians should be exploring. I’ve become a huge advocate of this subject and welcome any technology that makes the restorative process easier and more predictable.

	For the first time that I can remember, I’ve got two products in this list from the same company. The first is Calset, and the second is Bio/Screen.

	The Calset is a device whose time has truly arrived. It’s a device that plugs into an AC outlet and gently warms composite capsules and/or syringes as well as the necessary placement instruments. According to AdDent, warmed composite shortens curing time by 80 percent, improves composite flow by 68 percent, reduces microleakage and decreases shrinkage stress. The product consists of a cylindrical base that warms and accessory trays that sit on the base that allow different setups to be used.

Related reading: Using detection tools to prevent oral cancer

	The base has three different temperature settings of 37°C, 54°C and 68°C. The warming causes greater movement of the molecules in the material and thus cures faster and stronger than if it’s at room temperature. More and more, science is revealing the advantages of warm composite. This is definitely a subject all of us should be interested in.

	The Bio/Screen is a device used for oral cancer exams/screenings. It’s a well-balanced handheld device that uses five violet LEDs to illuminate the oral tissues. When tissue begins to undergo neoplastic changes, there’s a change in the nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio. This means that at a very early stage, these changing cells have the potential to be detected. This change in cellular anatomy causes tissues to lose fluorescence. Basically, that means that when exposed to the violet light of the Bio/ Screen, tissues that have lost fl orescence appear black. This greatly increases the accuracy of oral cancer screenings.

	In the United States, one person per hour dies of oral and pharyngeal cancer. We owe it to our patients to do everything we can to help catch this debilitating and disfi guring disease at its earliest stages and the Bio/Screen does just that.

	I’m a big proponent of lasers in dentistry. It’s a rare day in the office that I don’t reach for a laser multiple times. I’m always on the lookout for the newest and most forwardthinking lasers available. Right now, I’m impressed with the Epic Pro

	The device is designed around its core technology of a Super Thermal Pulse diode laser. The laser engine has six high-performance diode emitters that provide peak power over 15 times higher than other standard singleemitter diode laser systems. This means that the Epic Pro has power and variabilities that other lasers on the market can’t deliver.

Read more: The benefits of a better laser

	One of the features that diodes have lacked over the years is the ability to provide Super Thermal Pulse power. Basically, this power lets a laser deliver a tremendous amount of power in a very short amount of time. This allows the laser to cut extremely effi ciently and with minimal drag. The Epic Pro can deliver up to 150W in 10 millionths of a second. This is a feature that previously had only been available in lasers with a much higher price tag.

	The device also has a feature called Automatic Power Control (APC). This feature provides a thermal feedback loop that’s computer-controlled in real time. The tip in contact with the tissue uses the feedback to provide a near constant temperature control. This allows for immediate adjustment of the cutting power if the tip encounters different types of tissue, colorations or bioburden on the tip. Since the temperature remains constant, the cutting is identical no matter what clinical situation the tip encounters. If you’re concerned about overheating the tissue, then remember that the power is adjusted at the tip and since this is a contact laser, the small area in contact with the tip is the area affected as long as the tip continues moving.

	Ultradent has been setting the standard for curing lights for the last several years. I’ve been a big fan of their curing lights since the original VALO hit the market, and each time I see the newest generation, I think to myself “How could they improve this?” Fortunately, I have yet to be disappointed by their research and development.

	This time, they’ve crushed another home run with the VALO Grand. One of the major improvements with the Grand is an area that curing lights in general have been lacking and that is square-millimeter coverage of the curing area. While many other lights have an average area of 46 mm

. The signifi cance of this is that the entire occlusal surface of a molar can be covered by a single curing cycle. The 46 mm

 area requires the light to be placed over the distal portion and then the mesial portion to ensure proper curing. This means that on larger restorations, curing cycles must be doubled.

Related reading: VALO Grand curing light launched by Ultradent

	The VALO Grand also carries the power needed to cure any and all restorations. It has three power modes that provide intensity of 1000mW/cm

 also has a curing spectrum of 405 nm to 465 nm, which means it will cure any and all photoinitiated composites on the market.

	The device is created out of aerospace-grade aluminum and designed to take the abuse (including being dropped) that everyday use entails.

	I mentioned this product last year, but due to the price point and customer service, I felt it deserved another mention. I’m a big fan of intraoral imaging. Humans perceive about 87 percent of the environment through their eyes, so anything that helps patients see their conditions better helps them understand your diagnosis and treatment plan better.

	In the past, one of the biggest problems of providing intraoral images was the cost of the intraoral camera. In an office with multiple operatories, having a camera everywhere you needed one could often be cost prohibitive. To the rescue comes a company called MouthWatch.

Read more: How to enhance communication and collaboration with teledentistry

	The idea for the MouthWatch camera is that by making the devices more affordable, more doctors will use them, hence selling more cameras. The imaging is superb, the installation is easy (a simple USB connection), and the price of $299 for one camera means there’s no reason you shouldn’t have one in every operatory. Oh, and the price gets better if you buy more. If I haven’t convinced you to get out your credit card yet, I don’t know what else I can do!

	The company also has a software product called TeleDent that greatly facilitates practices that perform dentistry in off-site locations such as nursing homes. The program allows for live video or still photos that can be viewed from a HIPAA-compliant, secure server. This means that specialists, mobile hygienists or even other healthcare providers can connect to you via livestream videoconferencing or by sending images that you can look at by logging into the secure server. It also allows providers to store and forward exams as well as share all relevant patient information and clinical data.

	So, there’s the list for 2018. Overall, I continue to be impressed with the advancements we see in our profession. One of the big pluses I’m enthusiastic about is the number of new products that I’ve been evaluating over the last two to three years that don’t require a major financial investment. The products mentioned is this article are defi nitely in the category of “buy as many as you need.” Always remember there are plenty of technologies that can improve your practice, improve patient outcomes and still allow you to maintain a healthy retirement account.

Dr. Flucke, chief dental editor and technology editor at DPR, breaks down the products that blew him away this year.

The top 5 product test drives of 2018

	In 2018, the dental industry saw major developments in research and technology that led to revelations about oral-systemic health, treatment practices, opioid trends and more.

Trending article: The WORST infection control breach stories

	While there were many important discoveries this year, these five stood out as the most influential, all of which are paving the way for what's sure to be an exceptional next year of dental advancements.

	Click through the slides to read about this year's top dental discoveries.

	Study finds link between oral bacteria and increased risk of esophageal cancer

	Oral bacteria has been linked to a wide range of serious medial conditions, including pancreatic cancer, stroke and lung cancer. New research shows that oral bacteria may also be linked to esophageal cancer.

	Esophageal cancer makes up about 1 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 17,290 new esophageal cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2018.

	Have scientists finally solved tooth decay?

	The cause of tooth decay has long been known - two kinds of bacteria (

) create a biofilm and acid that damages teeth.

	Those two bacteria are often linked together by researchers in a group simply called mutans streptococci, since they both work together to form dental caries. However, much more is known about 

 is more prevalent than its caries-causing twin and is more stable, making it much easier to study.

	Can opioids prescribed for wisdom tooth extraction lead to long-term drug use?

	While more awareness is being spread about opioid abuse, the opioid epidemic remains a significant problem in the United States. Fortunately, the percentage of opioid prescriptions prescribed by dentists has fallen to 6.4 percent as of 2012, but the fact remains that dentists are typically one of the first medical professionals to prescribe opioids to teens and young adults for the treatment of acute pain, such as wisdom tooth removal. And according to new research, young people who fill an opioid prescription after wisdom tooth extraction may set themselves up for long-term opioid use.

	Study shows toothpaste alone doesn’t protect enamel or prevent erosion

	While toothpaste is critical in the fight against plaque buildup, the simple act of brushing your teeth can cause some enamel erosion. However, more toothpastes are coming on the market that claim to protect tooth enamel, decrease sensitivity and prevent erosion.

	Are these claims to be trusted? Maybe not, according to new research.

	Good nightly oral hygiene should include brushing (properly, of course), flossing and maybe a mouth rinse. And as a new study shows, adding wine to that list might be a good idea.

	Sure, wine can still stain teeth, but according to a new study published in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it can also block off bacteria responsible for periodontal disease and caries.

Dental research came a long way this year, and these studies stood out among the rest. 

The top 5 dental discoveries of 2018

Dental research came a long way this year, and these studies stood out among the others. 

	It’s hard to believe, but 2019 is almost here!

All year at Dental Products Report, we've been bringing you the latest news from the dental industry on topics ranging from emerging research to finance to ergonomics. Whether you were looking for salary information, perusing the latest medical discoveries, or getting to know the latest product launches in the industry, we had you covered! As with every year, some topics were more popular than others with our readers.

	We've compiled a list of articles that you, our readers, enjoyed the most, based on interest generated on dentalproductsreport.com. Take a look and see if there were any you missed this year, so you can start 2019 on the right foot!

	Continue to the next page to find out the most popular articles.

	Everyone is partial to his or her particular hometown or state. Unfortunately, despite your loyalty to your locale, your state may not be the best one professionally for dentists. We compiled data from numerous sources to determine not which states are the best to practice dentistry, but which ones are the worst of the worst. Is your state on the list?

	The 5 most common infection control breaches

	Infection control breaches come in all shapes and sizes - some are subtle and might not be readily apparent, while others are glaringly obvious. Some of the most common breaches are also some of the easiest to avoid. Being aware of these common problems can save you, your staff and your patients from harm.

	OSHA violations you’re making - and don’t even realize

	For many employers, the mere mention of the name “OSHA” is met with Bogeyman-like fear. However, it’s important to remember that OSHA exists to protect employees. And while practices do their best, there are some common mistakes that practices may not even realize that they're making.

	7 horrifying procedures dentists used to perform

	If you’ve ever had a patient who’s scared to sit in your chair, just remind him or her that it could be a lot worse. You could be putting poison in his or her mouth or using dental tools with the unfortunate side effect of accidentally breaking entire jaws. The whine of the dental drill isn’t exactly a pleasant sound, but it’s certainly much easier to handle with copious amounts of anesthetic. To help celebrate just how far dentistry has come, from the earliest evidences of dentistry around 14,000 years ago to the hi-tech landscape of today, we rounded up some of the most horrifying things dentists have ever done.

	6 stories that prove the dental industry is the weirdest

	Dentistry seems like it should be a straightforward occupation: You spend time studying dutifully, learn to provide expert care, treat patients, perform procedures and feel satisfi ed at the end of the day. Except for those days where satisfaction turns to amazement, befuddlement or utter shock. Because sometimes, things get strange in the dental world. Real strange. “Stranger Things”-level strange, for which no amount of classroom studies or even years of practice could prepare you. We’ve compiled a list of our six favorite stories of the most bizarre, absurd and outlandish things the dental industry has faced in recent years.

	10 dental-themed Halloween costumes for the whole family

	We’re all familiar with couples costumes, but it’s time to take things up a notch and go for gold with family costumes. In a sea of pirate and witch costumes, you and your family are sure to be the talk of the town with these toothy oufits.

	6 cosmetic dentistry procedures every practice should offer

	Thanks to social media - particularly “Instagram models” - patients’ interest in dental procedures is rising. They’re no longer avoiding their regular dental appointments, instead trading dread with enthusiasm. They know that dentists can help them get that Instagram-worthy smile, and they’re all in. With more patients demanding cosmetic dentistry treatment, offering these six procedures could help boost your patients’ satisfaction and your practice’s bottom line.

	How Amazon Business is shaking up the dental industry

	Drive down the street and you’ll most likely see a box with an Amazon logo emblazoned on it sitting on one of your neighbor’s front steps. Serving more than 1 million customers in the U.S., Amazon Business is now changing the way dentists think about purchasing dental supplies. What could this mean for your dental practice?

	5 dos and don’ts of sterilization in the dental practice

	Naturally, instruments in the dental practice should be sterilized to prevent the spread of infection. To ensure that instruments are properly sterilized, there are some good dos and don’ts that every practice should be cognizant of. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dental practice safe and sterile.

	6 ways bulk fills are changing restorative dentistry

	For more than a century, amalgam was the go-to for fillings. It was easy to place and longlasting. However, amalgam’s downside was esthetics. Composite resins solved the esthetics problem, but they presented their own issues, especially when large voids had to be fi lled. In recent years, bulk fi ll composite resins have solved those problems, providing a number of benefi ts to the clinician. Here are six ways bulk fi lls have become game-changers for clinicians.

A look at the articles that resonated most with our readers this year. 


The top 10 most-read articles of 2018

	Here at Dental Products Report, clinical techniques and how-to articles are what we do best. They’re consistently the most-read articles among our readers - and it’s no surprise why. These articles showcase how various products can be used in actual real-life situations.

This year, our readers were interested in learning more about creating esthetic restorations, simplifying overdenture treatment, utilizing glass fiber post systems, using universal nano-hybrid composites and creating smooth acrylic surfaces for restoration longevity.

Trending article: 3 ways glass ionomers are changing restorative dentistry

	We hope these articles give you the knowledge you need to provide even better patient care in the new year. We’re looking forward to bringing you more techniques in 2019.

	Click through the slides to see the top five how-to articles of 2018.

	How to create more esthetic restorations

	Placing direct restoratives on patients is a very common procedure in most general dental practices. While esthetics are important when utilizing composite restoratives, practitioners are also concerned about post-op sensitivity and longevity of the restorations.

	How to simplify overdenture treatment for today’s patients

	As the population range from 50 to 70 (Baby Boomers) years of age increases, the number of edentulous and partially edentulous patients will increase, since tooth loss and age are related. There are several reasons for the necessity of needing extractions leading to full-mouth edentulation, including neglect, severe wear, rampant caries, medications and poor health.

	How to use a novel glass fiber post system for tricky restorations

	An endodontically-treated molar with extensive crown destruction is a quite common clinical condition that demands restoration.

	Depending on the situation, an endocrown or a post and core along with full-coronal restoration can be used to restore the tooth. The endocrown can be fabricated when the pulp chamber still remains,

 as it provides retention for the crown by itself.

	How to use a universal nano-hybrid composite to restore a reattached tooth fragment

	It is not uncommon for dentists to encounter young patients who present with Class IV anterior tooth fractures that result from a traumatic injury. In such instances, when the need for minimally invasive and conservative treatments are equally important to durability and esthetics, the use of direct restoratives and adhesive techniques can help to ensure success, rather than compromises.

	How to create smooth acrylic surfaces for restoration longevity

	When making chairside adjustments to provisionals and removable dental appliances, the surface smoothness of acrylic-resin denture material is an often overlooked or undervalued component of the procedure. The polished surface of the material directly affects the health of surrounding oral tissue; rough, unpolished appliance surfaces encourage colonization of bacteria as well as plaque accumulation, while smooth surfaces are easier to clean and subsequently demonstrate lower levels of bacterial adherence. Achieving a smooth surface is a prerequisite to ensuring a restoration’s longevity in the mouth, which further translates into decreased periodontal complications and caries susceptibility.

Here are the most popular how-to articles from this year. 


The top 5 techniques of 2018

	The Top 100 issue is a longstanding tradition here at Dental Products Report, and one we look forward to every year. DPR published its first “Trends in Dentistry” issue in December 1984, and for almost as long, the magazine has used the December issue to showcase products that received the higher reader response throughout the year. But, we know that there’s more to dentistry than just products - which is why our Top 100 issue includes a whole lot more.

	In addition to the products that stood out in 2018, our Top 100 includes the most-viewed dental, practice management, lab and hygiene articles; the most popular videos that captured your attention throughout the year; and the top how-tos demonstrating products and techniques. Dr. John Flucke, DPR’s chief dental editor and technology editor, shares his top test drives from the year and explains how and why those products won him over While criteria for each list differed, this compilation represents feedback from you, our readers and users, the insight of our editorial team, and conversations with key opinion leaders and our editorial advisory board. Any list that includes the phrase “most viewed” or “most popular” is based on reader interest as measured through traffic on dentalproductsreport.com. It’s important to note that recognition of these products and articles isn’t an unqualified endorsement by DPR, and we don’t present it as a completely comprehensive review of products in the industry.

And while the list shows which particular articles were the most popular, we also wanted to feature what types of features were the most-consumed this year. We monitored our reader interest in various features in two main ways: First, we track the performance of articles on the web - what is being viewed, liked, commented on and shared; Second, we invest in a readership study conducted by a third-party vendor that asks subscribers what they prioritize and value in DPR’s content mix. The amazing thing is, no matter how much we asked or who we asked, our techniques, case studies and how-to pieces continue to be among the top-requested, best-read and most-valued
	articles. Knowing that, we pulled out the top 10 how-to pieces from 2018, which include restorative dentistry techniques, helpful how-tos and other step-by-steps showcasing how new technologies are used in dentistry every day.

	Our online promotion of the different lists will be not just a platform for sharing the news, but we hope a platform for conversation on what belongs on each list. What product should have been an editor’s choice? What how-to from this year should have been recognized? We want to know what you think. Your feedback is the lifeblood of what we do - not just in this special issue but year-round. We’re proud of what we’ve put together for you this month, and we look forward to the debates over who and what should have been on the list(s). Don’t be shy; chime in!

2018 in review

Taking a look at the articles that generated the most views this year.

The top 5 Modern Hygienist articles of 2018

	With a new year quickly approaching, here at Modern Hygienist, we thought it was a great time to take a look back at 2018.

Trending article: The 5 patients on Santa's naughty list this year

 this year, but these five articles were the ones that garnered the most attention. Our readers were interested in the worst states for dental hygienists, top injection techniques to mater, how to navigate the new periodontal classification system, the top pediatric dental trends, and ergonomics tips and tricks.

	Click through the slides read the most popular Modern Hygienist articles this year.

	The 10 worst states for dental hygienists

	The United States of America covers 3.8 million square miles, and dental hygienists are responsible for caring and educating all 323 million people within those boundaries. Some places are, of course, better locations than others for those hygienists to work. Some pay more, while others have a better professional community. Some are safer, and some really need the skills of qualifi ed dental hygienists. We compiled data from numerous sources to evaluate the states for such metrics as wages, healthcare, finance, crime rates and employment data to get stats on how each state ranks for hygienist employment. Here, we present the 10 worst states for dental hygienists, but that’s not necessarily a pejorative. In a lot of cases, it just means that those skills - and that care - are especially in demand.

	5 injection techniques you need to master

	By Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF

	Anesthesia failure, or the unsuccessful ability to achieve total and profound anesthesia, is a common occurrence in the provision of local anesthesia delivery. The frustrations experienced due to the excessive time, additional techniques and questionable looks from our patients often diminishes our confi dence in the delivery of traditional anesthetic techniques. However, there are several alternative techniques available for the dental provider that utilize minimal anatomical considerations, demonstrate greater success, or simply require easier technique modifi cations. Here are the top five alternative injection techniques you need to review or master for your anesthesia delivery.

	How to navigate the new periodontal classification system

	The proceedings of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions was published in June 2018 and it’s a revision of a 1999 World Workshop Classifi cation. The new proceedings are a bit of a maze to navigate because they contain multiple case definition papers and consensus reports. The papers and consensus reports are a joint effort by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology. The intent of the workshop was to base classifi cation on strongest scientifi c evidence when available; otherwise, lower levels of evidence and expert opinion were used. The new proceedings may appear confusing, but becoming familiar with them will lead to skillful dental hygiene decision-making. Here’s what you need to know.

	The top 5 pediatric dental trends of 2018

	Let’s face it: Our pediatric patients are simply the best! After all, who doesn’t enjoy switching the TV to catch the end of “Paw Patrol,” listing off polish fl avors like “birthday cake blast” or “gator grape” and talking about the sugar bugs that Mr. Thirsty will help you attack? In my humble opinion, there’s no greater reward than winning the trust of a sassy 4-year-old with a sparkly purse, jelly shoes (those are back, by the way!) and a vocabulary that only includes the word “no.” Despite the joys of working with pediatric patients, they certainly have their challenges. Here’s a refresher on products, techniques and protocols you need to know.

	7 MORE ergonomics tips that can save your career

	It’s no secret that working in a dental offi ce can take a physical toll on your body. From cramped hands and painful wrists from holding dental instruments all day to back pain from leaning over patient after patient in the chair, hygienists feel the physical effects of their career choice almost every day. Practicing proper workplace ergonomics can go a long way toward enjoying a long and healthy career. To make sure you’re well-informed when it comes to ergonomics, we compiled a list of seven ergonomics tips that we feel all dental professionals should read.

	It’s hard to believe that another year is almost over!

 brought you dozens of articles designed to help you lead your practice more efficiently. There were a few articles though that really stood out to you, our readers.

Trending article: 9 ways to increase workflow in 2019

	In 2018, our readers were interested in how to avoid an OSHA inspection, ways to be a better manager, how to make a dental office more green, and more. As we look forward to 2019, let’s take a minute to reflect on everything we learned this past year.

	Click through the slides to read the most popular DPM articles of 2018.

	5 surefire ways to get an OSHA inspection

	Does the mere mention of the name “OSHA” send a shiver down your spine? You’re not alone. OSHA violations can have a detrimental effect on your reputation in the community as well as your bottom line.

	OSHA complaints are typically reported by phone or online directly to OSHA and can be made by current employees, former employees or someone outside of the practice. Once a complaint has been made, it’s OSHA’s responsibility to follow up.

	Despite your best efforts, OSHA complaints may still be reported, resulting in violations and various penalties. For that reason, it’s a good idea to stay up to date on best practices and evaluate the systems and processes within your practice. Here are five areas where you could go wrong when trying to avoid an OSHA inspection.

	There’s a lot you can’t control in your practice. You can’t make customers walk in the door, you can’t keep your data absolutely safe, you can’t make everyone in your office the perfect employee. You can’t do any of these things, but you can set up policies that help to influence them. You can create a great marketing plan to help advertise your practice, and you can invest in the latest tech to keep your data as safe as possible. With employees, it’s the same thing. Invest in training that will help you to be a better manager. Make your work environment the best it can be. Pay attention to how you and employees interact.

	It’s easier said than done though, so here are five tips to help you better manage what could be your dental practice’s greatest asset: employees. From front office staff to hygenists, a wellperforming staff is vital. Do you have the tools to make that happen?

	4 ways to make your office more green - and more profitable

	Going green isn’t anything new. You’ve definitely heard about, and maybe even thought about, how you can make your dental practice more green - maybe you’ve even already done it.

	There’s no better time than now to re-evaluate just what going green could mean for your practice and how you can do it. For many, however, the anticipated costs and problems associated with making their offices more environmentally friendly are just too much. Won’t installing all of these energy-saving devices cost a lot of money? Won’t my patients and employees be annoyed with low-flow toilets? Disposable plastic tools are way more convenient than reusable ones!

	All of these are valid concerns, and no one should pretend that going green isn’t going to take some extra work. But if you’re committed to lowering your environmental footprint, it’s worth it. And if that doesn’t convince you, then maybe this will: Going green can also save you a lot of, well, green.

	These four tips show that, while it might take some extra work or some time to get used to, making your offi ce more environmentally friendly might just be the best thing you can do for the earth and for your practice’s budget.

	The business of dentistry, like so many industries, is different than it was 20 or 30 years ago. That change can be chalked up to such infl uences as the economy, technology and our culture. Dental service organizations (DSOs) are becoming much more prevalent and, given the current climate, may overtake solo practices in the coming years.

	So, it begs the question: Is the solo practice dead?

	The short answer is “It depends.” But what exactly does that mean for the future of your practice? Does one size really fit all?

	3 reasons dental membership plans will save your practice

	One of the most important trends to emerge in dental offi ce management over the past few years has been dental membership plans. The concept isn’t new, but the impact on the operation and financial performance of a practice can be tremendous.

	More and more practices are embracing dental membership plans for a multitude of expected and unexpected reasons. Simplicity and a pent-up demand from uninsured patients are just two of the reasons why practices are converting to a subscription-based dentistry model. Why? The subscription-based economy is hot and it’s impacting consumers and businesses at all levels of the American economy.

	Dental membership plans enable dental practices to take back control and tilt the fi nancial playing fi eld in favor of the very people most invested in delivering quality dental care. That’s you and your staff! To understand the transformational benefi ts of a dental membership plan, consider these three broad categories of financial impact.

The most-read practice management articles from the last year.

Dental Products Report December 2018

The top 5 Digital Esthetics articles of 2018

The top 5 Digital Esthetics articles of 2018

The top 5 product test drives of 2018

The top 5 product test drives of 2018

The top 5 dental discoveries of 2018

The top 5 dental discoveries of 2018

The top 10 most-read articles of 2018

The top 10 most-read articles of 2018

The top 5 techniques of 2018

The top 5 techniques of 2018

2018 in review

The top 5 Modern Hygienist articles of 2018

The top 5 Modern Hygienist articles of 2018

The top 5 Dental Practice Management articles of 2018

The top 5 Dental Practice Management articles of 2018