Dental industry news, trends and information from Patterson Dental.
Is your practice taking advantage of Section 179 of the tax code? If not, you may be missing out on some serious business savings. Some expenses like office supplies benefit your business in the short term. But what about long-lasting purchases like furniture, CEREC machines, […]
Houseguests can be a pleasure to host if they’re courteous and polite, which thankfully is most often the case. Unfortunately, though, most of us have also experienced the “other” kind of guests…the kind that take “make yourself at home” far too literally. They leave lights […]
Let’s face it, cleaning and sterilizing instruments for re-use might just be one of the most tedious and dull parts of your day. But the bottom line is that it is also a crucial part of your day. Ensuring that instruments are free of potentially […]
Are you ready for the onslaught of sniffles, contagious coughs, cancelled appointments, and sick staff members? While you can’t control flu-infected patients walking through your door, there are some simple things you can do behind the scenes to protect yourself and your team. By following […]
In the deepest, darkest corner of dental practices of old, sat the grizzled bastion of infection control – the sterilization center. It was here that sterilization occurred, far from the sight of any well-meaning patients who may have accidentally stumbled upon the horrors of used […]
Hot coffee or iced coffee? Sandals or loafers? Bring lunch or buy lunch? Happy hour or home? As working professionals our weekdays are filled with choices, and for dental industry professional those choices can swiftly multiply! Which file, which bur, which fluoride…the list goes on. […]
Think back to when you were young and your parents took you to the dentist. Whether you had to be drug there or went with little complaint, most kids didn’t particularly enjoy spending time at the tooth doc’s office (**exception: picking out a toothbrush and […]
Congratulations! You’ve chosen a fulfilling profession that has a direct, positive affect on people’s health, happiness, and overall well-being. Now you’re ready to begin a new chapter in your professional journey – starting your very own dental practice. Before you open your doors and welcome […]
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, remains the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the U.S. According to a recent study, 5-10% of U.S. children will experience oral health issues by the age of three. What is even more alarming is […]
Ahhh, the busy hum of a bustling dental office. The chipper chatter of patients, the whir of a high-speed handpiece, the whoosh of the suction…all of this din may seem routine and comforting, but did you know it may also be dangerous? The National Institute […]
The fact of the matter is this: medical emergencies are a frequent occurrence in dental offices, and being prepared to handle such an emergency properly and efficiently is of paramount importance both for your patients and your practice. By being prepared, we don’t mean merely […]
“There is nothing better than a successful associateship in a thriving private practice, especially if there is an opportunity for ownership down the road.” -Andrew Darke, MBA, National Practice Transitions Manager at Patterson Dental There are loads of reasons you may have interest in […]
Patterson Dental has recently announced that pharmaceuticals are now available for purchase on our website, including certain products that are classified as controlled substances. Unlike other products, the sale of controlled substances is regulated by the government, and as such certain procedures are integrated into […]
From outlining the 7 steps of endodontics, to covering 8 products at the root of root canals, we’ve enjoyed taking the month of March to publish various pieces of content focused on endodontics. The month isn’t over yet, though, and today we’ll be sharing a […]
Fortunately, Endodontics – the dental specialty which concerns the study and treatment of dental pulp – is an area of dentistry that has seen tremendous growth over the last 20 years. Unfortunately, however, this particular specialty is often still overlooked or dismissed. This can largely […]
The American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) met in Nashville in August for three days of management courses and networking. Our team loves to catch up with members about their offices and their lives. I’m always amazed at how our members can juggle full-time […]
Dr. Todd Engel is the founder of Engel Institute, a private teaching entity specializing in hands-on live-surgery implant training. A diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Dr. Engel maintains a private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, treating complex restorative and implant cases. In […]
Since the Privacy Rule became effective in 2003, the HIPAA laws have become increasingly complex, with very detailed compliance requirements that come with stiff fines and penalties for noncompliance. As a covered entity, you are also required to follow the Security Rule of 2005, the […]
Do you dream of opening your own private practice, but feel daunted by the task? You’re not alone. We’ve heard from dental students that many want to open their own practice and be their own bosses, but they are concerned about finances and a lack […]
Continuing education is a necessity for any dental practice. Are you reaping the benefits as a team? As an office manager, there is nothing more frustrating than when the doctor attends a continuing education course and returns ready to go and expects you to know […]
Hu-Friedy is proud to offer dental professionals free continuing education courses through our live webinars. Join Hu-Friedy for an upcoming webinar, “Tackling Biofilm with Air Polishing and Ultrasonics.” The aim of this 90-minute program is to provide participants with a blueprint of how to integrate […]
Dental clinicians and staff wear eye protection because it’s a requirement to keep them safe while at work. So why not offer the same protection to patients? Imagine this scenario: One of your patients comes in for a root canal, and as the dentist is […]
Continuing education is important for the advancement of any professional and can help lead a practice to growth. Dental office managers are often essential to the success of a practice, bringing in a multitude of skill sets from customer service to marketing to billing and […]
It might be the time of year when we most commonly think of children going back to school, but I’m here to encourage you to take a moment to consider your education, too! In your practice, staying on top of what’s happening in dentistry is […]
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is designed to ensure chemical safety in the workplace so that information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. There are several ways that Hazard Communication impacts dental offices, most notably its training […]
Safety must be at the forefront of each process in the delivery of oral health care. In order to ensure the safest dental visit for both workers and patients proper cleaning and disinfection of clinical surfaces must be understood and implemented appropriately. We are reminded […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) ensures safe and healthful working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Dental offices have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace that does not have serious hazards and […]
The American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) conference is only a few short weeks away. For the second year, I’ll be attending with the Patterson Dental crew and am excited to attend another AADOM Conference, meet our Patterson scholarship winners, and visit the Music […]
You did it! You found yourself working in a profession that you love! Congratulations! Welcome to the journey of extreme satisfaction and the possibility of pain and suffering you never knew existed. I started my dental career early. Wanting to be a dentist was a […]
There are several benefits to being proactive with preventive dentistry, and regular semi-annual dental cleanings are a large part of any good oral health care regime. These visits can benefit the patient in six simple ways: Prevent cavities and decay Stop tooth loss Brighten their […]