TRIO DENTISTRY
Where Personalized Care Meets Modern Design
Savings Snapshot Learn How Dr. Kaitlin Neste Saves on Supplies
Practice Support Team Focused on Your Success
The Golden Bruil Meet the Newest Winner of the Perry Burkhart Jr. Award of Excellence
KEEPING YOU UP and RUNNING
You know the story Your air compressor goes down A handpiece is on the fritz. And you can’t serve patients when your equipment isn’t running properly . But help isn’t far away . Our Service Techs are on call, ready to get you back on track — and fast
6 THE GOLDEN BRUIL
Meet the Newest Winner of the Perry Burkhart Jr. Award of Execellence
12
SAVINGS SNAPSHOT
Learn how Dr. Kaitlin Neste saves money on supplies with the Supply Savings Guarantee
30 PRACTICE SUPPORT TEAM
Hear from Dr. Jiaying Ren and Dr. James Osterkamp how the Practice Support Team has helped transform their practices
President From our
Burkhart is passionate about providing exceptional service to our clients . We identify each client’s unique needs along with their personal and professional goals We provide helpful information, skilled service, and specific products We earnestly work in the best interest of others because, at the end of the day, that’s what makes our work most satisfying .
Passion is not a virtue that is developed overnight Since 1888, Burkhart has made sure every service we provide improves the career or life of our clients Many of the services we provide help free up our clients from smaller day-to-day tasks and allow them to focus on their top priorities Some of those services include managing inventory, controlling supply costs, and making sure digital equipment and software work well together
We have one central goal — to provide the best client experiences Staying focused is what makes us efficient, knowledgeable, and current in the marketplace .
Lori Burkhart Isbell President
Serving the Dental Profession since 1888
At Burkhart we realize our clients are both dental professionals and business owners It is our goal to help them be successful at both Catalyst is fully dedicated to that success. The articles in this publication vary from product use and selection to business management topics and provide information and guidance that can lead to a more successful practice. We hope you enjoy!
If you have a request for a topic you would like us to cover in Catalyst, please contact our Marketing Department at: Marketing@BurkhartDental.com
Catalyst Magazine is published by: Burkhart Dental Supply
2502 South 78th Street Tacoma, WA 98409 P 253 474 7761 F 253 . 472 . 4773
Advertising Contact Marketing Marketing@BurkhartDental.com
All rights reserved
Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the Publisher is strictly forbidden Images are not necessarily to scale
The #1 Choice 1 for hemostasis & retraction Fast and easy handling - works within 2-3 minutes
65400820 Unit Dose Pack** - Contains: 24 single-use capsules
65400860 Unit Dose Dispenser (3)
65407093 Traxodent Starter Pack - Contains: 7 syringes and 15 tips
65407091 Traxodent Value Pack - Contains: 25 syringes and 50 tips
65400317 Applicator Tips (50/pkg) **Dispenser not included with Unit Dose packs.
FREE!* Buy 3 Traxodent® Starter or Value Packs or Unit Dose Packs, Get 1 of the same FREE!*
a
of
invoice indicating
Tray® Proven Accurate in Over 185+ Million Impressions
65406283 Wide Body Posterior (Box of 48)
65408320 Posterior (Box of 48)
65408330 Anterior (Box of 35)
65406223 Quadrant (Box of 40)
65406243 Sideless Posterior (Box of 40)
65406253 Extended Quadrant (Box of 35)
65406273 Three-Quarter Arch (Box of 35)
65406233 Assorted (Contains 5 of each above) (Box of 35)
Buy any 3 boxes of Triple Tray (mix/match), Get 1 box of Triple Tray FREE!* (Wide Body Posterior sent unless otherwise requested.)
Q4 Spotlight Products
• ERGOFORM™ Technology: Ergonomic design supports musculoskeletal health
• Thin and soft design: For superior tactility and comfort
• Available in half sizes: Ensures a perfect fit
•
•
The Golden Bruil
Meet Shannon Bruil Director of Field Operations & Perry Burkhart, Jr . Award of Excellence 2023 Winner
BY DAWN KAHL
Model of Servant Leadership
“We landed on Martin Luther King Day, January 15th, 2024, in Houston, TX, and we finished on about April 26th, right here in Western Washington.”
Shannon Bruil is describing the details of the labor-intensive project that he personally helmed for over a year to implement new software for the company . This meant he spent 4 months traveling to every single one of Burkhart’s 22 regional branches for up to a week at a time to oversee training and roll out of the new system . For others, this might be considered far above and beyond . For Shannon, this is typical of the way he embodies leadership — by rolling up his sleeves and digging in
He credits his success to a lifelong philosophy of servant leadership that he applies not only in his work but also in his personal life.
“Use your time and talents to help others…I’ve been coaching for 25 years, and I help run a nonprofit program ”
“So that’s that servant leadership piece that I’ve grown up in, both at church and with my wife as a schoolteacher and my kids .”
Shannon Bruil has been with Burkhart for 20 years. Greeting coworkers with a warm smile and unwavering attention, he always makes time for others, regardless of how busy he is.
“I just like to fly under the radar and make sure that things are happening the way they’re supposed to be and taking care of the people that are taking care of the customers ”
President Lori Isbell awarded Shannon the 2023 Perry Burkhart, Jr . Award in late May, during the ‘On-Site Day at Corporate’ breakfast meeting in front of fellow Burkhart Associates .
“I think one of the first things that went through my mind was, man, I’m getting an award that represents a whole group of people that helped me accomplish something pretty cool ”
“I look at this award as a team award . I mean, I know that it was handed to me, but I’m all about - team sports is my background, sports is my life, coaching is my life, and having a great team around me, behind me, with me to help with this is the reason it’s been successful ”
Shannon also had a unique perspective, having been at the company long enough to have worked directly with Perry Burkhart, Jr . before his retirement:
“I almost feel like it’s extra special that I knew him and got to work with him I knew what he represented and what it means So, it’s an honor to win something that has his name on it .”
Here is the submission written for Shannon’s award nomination:
Shannon Bruil led the rollout of D365 Field Service across all of Burkhart in 2023 He spent dozens of nights away from his family to personally train every Service Tech, Service Coordinator, and Service Manager in the company .
He was truly focused on the needs of his fellow Burkhart Associates.
Shannon led the transition from Clearview to D365 by example He dug in and pulled hundreds of pages of reports to support each branch with
President Lori Isbell (pictured left) awarded Shannon (right) the 2023 Perry Burkhart, Jr Award in late May
The Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence was established in 2020 as the highest award at Burkhart.
President Lori Burkhart Isbell grants this award every year, named in honor of her father and the company’s immediate past President .
To earn this award, a Burkhart Associate must exemplify distinction in their contributions, commitment, and achievement in the following categories:
• Made a financial impact to the company’s bottom line
• Modeled servant leadership
• Encouraged a supportive and interactive work community
Previous award winners include Danny Pecka, Account Manager in 2022, Phil Salerno, Director of Equipment, Merchandise and Technology, in 2021 and Jennie McQuillan, Senior Compensation and Benefits Manager in 2020 .
the transition, ensuring that all unbilled work was accounted for and that they were set up for success on the new system . He continued to assist with this throughout 2023 .
Shannon’s support and leadership for Field Operations contributed to many branches’ record Service Revenues in 2023.
During the rollout of D365, he promoted timely billing and accurate timekeeping with everyone he spoke with . These efforts set a firm foundation for Service profitability .
While spearheading this project, Shannon made sure to bring everyone along on the journey . He supported frank and frequent feedback from the field and advocated for targeted changes that would improve their experience using the software and better enable them to serve Burkhart clients .
Shannon is carrying the spirit of Continuous Improvement into 2024 by staying in constant contact with the field and their needs.
He continues to drive adoption and best practices . Shannon’s investment into this initiative is paying back financially and building stronger relationships across branches and departments .”
Please join us in ShannonCongratulating on this well-deserved recognition.
RIVA CEM AUTOMIX
RESIN MODIFIED GLASS IONOMER LUTING CEMENT
SUPERIOR BOND, HIGH STRENGTH & LESS WASTE
Riva Cem Automix is a self-curing, radiopaque, fluoride releasing paste/paste resin modified glass-ionomer luting cement. It is indicated for the permanent cementation of metal and ceramic restorations. The automix tip attachment offers convenience over traditional hand mixed cement systems.
• Superior bond (enamel & dentine)
Highest flexural strength
More tips / less tip waste
• The best long term aesthetics
Light tack cure option
Sustained fluoride release
BPA free
• Shade: light yellow
facebook.com/sdinainc instagram.com/sdinainc
Redeem your free goods by sending your invoice to: usa.canada@sdi.com.au or fax 630-361-9222
*Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Please note offers cannot be combined. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with contract pricing. Valid on invoices dated October 1st - October 31st, 2024. All claims for no charge goods must be made within 60 days from the end of promotion date. No charge goods must be of equal or lesser value. Offers are valid in the continental US States only, Alaska & Hawaii.
SDI (North America) Inc. 1279 Hamilton Parkway Itasca, IL 60143
Toll Free 1 800 228 5166 Fax: 630-361-9222 usa.canada@sdi.com.au www.sdi.com.au
We offer a written guarantee to lower the total cost of dental supplies If we go over, we’ll reimburse you the difference.
Your Account Manager will shop for the best value products, process coupon specials, manage your inventory, and take care of any returns for you GUARANTEED IN WRITING
ACCOUNTABILITY
Each quarter, your Account Manager will monitor your supply percentage and share the progress with you At the end of the year, they will conduct an annual review to determine your total cost savings
Savings Snapshot
Name
Dr . Kaitlin Neste
Business
Bainbridge Kids Dentistry
Location Bainbridge Island, WA
Time with Burkhart 5 Years
Dr. Neste has been a member of the Supply Savings Guarantee (SSG) Program for as long as she’s had her practice.
She appreciates the benefits she gets from the program her practice otherwise could not get
“I was looking for a way to be able to be sustainable as a solo practitioner. And it [the Supply Savings Guarantee] seemed like a great way to do that.”
“Being a part of the [Supply Savings Guarantee] program has been a great way for me to be able to compete with large organizations that are able to achieve the discounts that we can’t get as private practitioners It’s been a really great program for me to be a part of . ”
Her Burkhart Account Manager, Bill Melius, first introduced her to the program, and they meet regularly to partner on orders and discuss her needs .
“We meet quarterly, and we break down the savings that I’m getting . And the savings that I’m receiving are far beyond any sort of premium that I’m paying to be a part of the program (through Best For Dentistry) . So, it’s a pretty substantial savings that we see every quarter ”
Time on Supply Savings Guarantee Program 5 Years
Account Manager
Bill Melius
Dr . Neste says she enjoys collaborating with Burkhart Dental Supply and recommends the Supply Saving Guarantee program to fellow dentists .
“I would recommend anyone do the [Supply Savings Guarantee] program . There really is no downside . ”
For more information on the Supply Savings Guarantee please reach out to your Account Manage or contact Customer Service at 1 . 800 . 562 . 8176
5ml Bottle
• Convenient one-step application
• For use on most dental surfaces
• High bond strengths to direct and indirect substrates
• Compatible with light-cured, dual-cured, and auto-cured composites without the need for an additional activator
• 5½ micron film thickness
50ml Cartridge and 10 Mixing Tips
• Self-cure composite
• Delivers greater reliability, ease-of-handling, harness and convenience
• More durable during working stages
• For long and short term provisionals
• Ideal for single unit crowns to long-span bridges
Trio Dentistry
Where Personalized Care Meets Modern Design
Written By DAWN KAHL
Interview with Dr. Melissa Woo
Trio Dentistry in Mill Creek, WA
Dr. Melissa Woo is the dynamic force behind Trio Dentistry, a beautiful fiveoperatory clinic in Mill Creek, WA.
Her office is named after her three kids, who she describes as her reason for being She is also one of three siblings.
Trio has been a customer of Burkhart since 2017 when they signed a 5-year lease on a preexisting, slightly cramped office . As that lease ended, they started searching for new office space that could be built for her needs .
"In my mind, it was, I'm going to be here five years, and then not that I wanted a bigger practice, but I wanted the space to have a practice that I was proud of going to work every day ."
While planning the modern 5-operatory space, Dr . Woo prioritized fully enclosing all treatment rooms to enhance patient comfort Customfabricated barn doors from Big Sky Northwest were installed for this purpose . These sliding doors contribute to the room's aesthetic and block out noise without causing claustrophobia . Similarly, the tall partitions in the hygiene rooms provide additional security .
Dr Woo and her husband worked with Equipment Specialist Steve Stimson, which included more than one trip down to the A-dec facility in Newberg, OR, to review and choose layouts and equipment .
“The trip to A-dec was a key component to finalizing the operatory layout dual-entry, with walls between every room & sliding doors to enhance patient privacy & maximum access to the operatories,” says Steve.
The waiting area, decorated in muted shades of green and grey, highlights custom-built steel windows behind the front desk and an asymmetrical wood trim accent wall .
She has a unique approach to patient relationships, which she calls co-diagnosing . Recognizing that patients often struggle to interpret X-rays, she takes the time to sit them up in the chair and thoroughly review the findings with them Additionally, she will frequently capture extra intraoral images to provide a clearer understanding .
"I tend to try to spend more time with our patients, especially at the first visit, to show them their X-rays and pictures so they can understand their dental issues . I always give them options and let them make the final choice on their treatment plan "
When a patient has multiple issues to address, priorities are discussed, and they proceed with what the client prefers to tackle first (dental emergencies notwithstanding) This collaborative approach replaces the traditional doctor-led decision-making . The goal is to alleviate the fear of dental visits and enhance the overall experience . This office goes the extra mile, whether offering more TLC, scheduling shorter appointments, or even helping to keep an eye on their child.
They provide more than just comprehensive dental care. “We consider you as a person first, and your dental needs come second,” says Dr. Woo
They also offer a subscription pricing model that covers standard exams and cleanings yearly at reasonable prices, ensuring repeat business and fostering solid client relationships . It's a membership plan where patients pay a set monthly payment, ranging from $39-59 per month, with both child and adult plan options. It includes their cleanings, exams, X-rays, and a 15% discount on any treatment . It's an affordable and predictable way for patients, especially older ones without dental insurance, to plan for their dental care
The front office spends a lot of time ensuring patients feel included in the decision-making process and aren't rushed or forced into immediate decisions . If they need to take their treatment plan or photos home to discuss with their spouse, that is fully supported . "Ultimately, the patients must make the final choice on what they feel is best for their care "
Dr . Woo can do without a large, bustling practice that sacrifices personal touch . She prefers to focus on each patient individually and has built a staff that reflects her values . "My core team of hygienists and assistants is amazing . Debbie at the front office is incredibly warm, welcoming, and helpful ."
The relationship between Burkhart Dental and Trio is strong Account Manager Niki Allan shares her positive experiences: “Every time I walk into her office, I’m greeted with love and kindness . Their welcoming smiles and the warmth of the office make it feel like home .”
Dr. Woo also appreciates Niki’s support: “Niki’s been great . She was the rep at our old office and is always super responsive…I usually email her our supply list once a month, and she just gets it We go back and forth with a couple of emails, and if she needs to pick something up at the office, she swings by . She’s wonderful and really helpful .”
Trio Dentistry wants their patients to feel like they're joining a dental family For Dr Woo, it's not about the money; it's about the well-being and health of her patients . She delights in seeing families grow and strives to care for them as whole individuals . She enjoys caring for entire families—kids, parents, and grandparents—who have come to know them over generations .
Ultimately, Dr Woo wants her patients to know that "You are going to find yourself in a very kind and caring environment . We're going to do whatever we can to make you feel welcomed and comfortable ."
Nupro® Freedom
Cordless Prophy System
Dentsply Sirona is committed to providing a more pleasant polishing experience for you and your patient. The Nupro family of products offers hygiene handpieces, prophy angles, varnish and a variety of pastes to deliver optimal performance and results.
SafeMatrix
Single-Use Matrix Band
Get with the
Times
Make reprocessing and assembling matrix bands a thing of the past.
Increase workflow efficiency and gain time for patient care. For all MO/OD and MOD cavities, cusp build-ups or as a protective shield for neighbouring teeth during preparation, simply place, tighten and you are ready to go. available with mylar band options for easy penetration of UV light for curing and increased visibility of composite.
SafeMask
Premier Elite
Procedure Earloop Face Masks
High-level protection; remarkable breathability.
SafeSeal
Quattro
Multivariable process indicators confirm time, temperature and pressure. 3
Self-Sealing Sterilization Pouches 52970197 2 ¾ x 9”
3 ½ x 5 ¼” 52970199 3 ½ x 9” 52970198 5 ¼ x 10” 52970271 10 x 14” 52970201 7 ½ x 13”
are trademarks of Solventum or its affiliates. 3M, the 3M logo are trademarks of 3M.
Focused on Your Success
Burkhart helps dentists grow their production and profits by providing expert-driven practice support and consulting services they need.
Comprehensive Support, Practice-Boosting Results
Burkhart’s Practice Support Team offers customized guidance from knowledgeable industry professionals.
When Dr Jiaying Ren and her husband, Dr Christopher Probst, purchased a practice about four years ago, they knew they couldn’t do it alone . The practice in Frisco, TX, just wasn’t in great shape—actually worse than they had realized when they decided to buy—and they quickly became overwhelmed .
They needed a set of outside eyes to really look at their systems, so they decided to hire a dental advisor . But the advisor seemed to go through the motions, not giving the husband-and-wife team the guidance they needed at a pace they could manage .
So, they decided to part ways with the advisor and look for another solution . That’s when they learned about Burkhart’s Practice Support Team
Their Account Manager, Karen Glessner, told them about the Burkhart’s Practice Support Team and the various services offered, so they decided to give it a shot . The fact that it was free to them as a Supply Savings Guarantee customer made the decision a no-brainer .
Righting the Ship
“The support was comprehensive but also tailormade to what we needed to look at the practice as a whole,” Dr Ren said “They looked at my fee schedule and gave me suggestions to build up systems in my front desk, an area I’m not trained in. They helped me fill in gaps in the areas I didn’t know much about .”
Back then, the front desk had a lot of issues . For starters, there were no clear job descriptions . Dr . Ren worked with the Practice Support Team to
Dr Jiaying Ren (right) and her husband, Dr Christopher Probst (left)
create the detailed job descriptions they needed to hire qualified team members who could help them grow the practice With guidance from the Support Team, Dr. Ren went from two front-office team members to three and brought outsourced billing duties back in-house .
“It was scary to hire another person and make all those changes, because if you hire the wrong person and billing drops the ball, that’s basically like walking to the death of the practice,” Dr . Ren said .
“But Burkhart helped me set up exactly what I wanted each position to do and then create ads based on those job descriptions.They even helped me prepare for the interviews.”
Today, the various systems are set up exactly how the doctors want them, helping them run a successful $2 million-a-year practice .
Leave It to the Experts
Burkhart offers a variety of reports and analyses through its Practice Support Team, guiding dentists through large transformations or making small tweaks to bring in extra revenue .
Whether dentists have practice management questions or need advice on how to take their practice to the next level, the Practice Support Team is there, ready to provide guidance
Practice Team
Supply Savings Guarantee and Platinum level purchasing clients have access to various reports and analyses they can use to make practice improvements.
“Our goal is to enhance the practices Burkhart serves,” Practice Support Team Director Margaret Boyce-Cooley said . “We spend a lot of time doing research so we can provide relevant insight on best practices, analyzing different elements of practices to provide feedback, and listening to them about what they want for their practice, what their vision is, and helping them execute . ”
FEE ANALYSIS
Burkhart will run a report that tells you how your fees compare to others in your zip code . “Those fees are the bedrock of your overhead and profitability,” Boyce-Cooley said. They go over the results and make suggestions on how to fix any fees that don’t line up with the competition said Brenna Butler, the office manager in Dr. Osterkamp’s practice .
PRACTICE ANALYSIS
This is a in-depth analysis that looks at practice variables including fees, treatment mix, hygiene, perio, new patients, Annual Patient Value, and crown-to-filling ratio.
ASSOCIATE READINESS ANALYSIS
Many dentists who feel overworked and decide to hire an associate don’t actually have the volume needed to feed that associate, Boyce-Cooley said, so the associateship fails . Burkhart can perform an analysis to see if the practice can support another doctor and, if not, what can be done to ease the work burden .
CODING ANALYSIS
Doctors may be losing money simply because they’re not coding correctly, Boyce-Cooley said . Making simple, ethical changes could bring in thousands of missing reimbursement dollars .
HYGIENE ANALYSIS
Burkhart’s team will provide insights into your hygiene program, including where it is today and what it will take to improve it . “I had two goals with hygiene: fluoride acceptance and perio maintenance,” Dr . Ren said . “Two years later, they circled back and told me, ‘Doc, congrats on your growth with hygiene; there’s nothing more you can do in this department because you’ve done it all . ’”
OTHER RESOURCES
Beyond the various reports, dentists also have access to a wealth of online resources—whether they’re Burkhart customers or not . Resources include webinars, articles, and templates . Burkhart also sends the Healthy Practice Newsletter to clients monthly Articles are driven by customer questions, with topics such as recruiting and hiring tips, an explanation of new codes, and how to start moving away from the PPO model .
Dr James Osterkamp
The Support You Need
The Practice Support Team conducts research and thorough analyses before providing insights, helping practices execute on their vision and thrive.
When Dr James Osterkamp purchased his Boise, ID, practice in 2017, there was no question who his supplier would be . He had already worked with Burkhart as an associate and appreciated the level of service they offered and that personal touch they always provided .
As a first-time practice owner, Dr. Osterkamp knew he needed outside guidance, so he turned to Burkhart’s Practice Support Team . He asked them to review where his new practice stood and advise on what he needed to do to grow it .
“That initial assessment was pretty comprehensive . In fact, they gave me a whole binder’s worth of information and what I refer to as an on-boarding report with not just percentages and numbers, but also a lot of ideas on how to make improvements as time goes on,” Dr . Osterkamp said . “It wasn’t just a production and collections report; it looked at scheduling and things I hadn’t thought of that you can’t necessarily pull from practice management software .”
The Practice Support Team’s guidance set him up for success, giving him methods to improve scheduling and grow hygiene production.
He recently completed another assessment with Burkhart, this time using his own data . The goal, again, is to make changes that will lead to growth . This time, the team is looking at “more advanced” initiatives such as the fee schedule and how to move away from PPOs .
“The production numbers are there and there are no issues with collections, so the basics are under control,” Dr . Osterkamp said . “Now, it’s more, ‘How do we start to maximize what we have in front of us so we’re not so dependent on insurance companies moving forward?’”
Team Training
If individual team members don’t have experience with or understand reports, Burkhart can help get them up to speed, said Brenna Butler, Dr Osterkamp’s office manager . The Practice Support Team will guide members through the process and are always available if questions come up later .
No matter where dentists are in their careers or what issues their practice is facing, the Practice Support Team can provide the guidance needed to be successful . From fees to hygiene to overhead, the team provides comprehensive analysis and support tailored to the individual practice .
Many dentists are referred to the Practice Support Team by their Account Managers, who typically visit offices twice a month to check in and order supplies . Their focus is not only on helping dentists save money by getting them the best rates possible, but also helping them grow their revenue . Dr . Osterkamp’s Account Manager, Mallory Maurice, noted that if she sees dentists struggling with something the Practice Support Team can help with, she tells them about the free program and makes the introductions
“Our Practice Support Team builds relationships with our clients,” Maurice said “They’re all on a first-name basis, and they feel comfortable reaching out to the team if they have follow-up questions . That’s huge for a lot of these private practices .”
Today’s Hot Topics
PPOs are a chief pain point for dentists, as many are heavily contracted with fees that haven’t in-creased in years, Boyce-Cooley said . Dentists are working harder but paying themselves less, so having more control over how they’re contracted is top of mind right now, and an area of focus for Burkhart Dental Supply .
Through Burkhart’s PPO Impact Analysis, the Practice Support Team analyzes up to 10 contracted PPO fees . Dentists can see how much they’re losing as a result of their PPO participation with individual contracted providers and what percentage of revenue is with their patient base, Boyce-Cooley said . This allows them to make an educated decision about their PPO engagement .
Based on the report and advice from the Practice Support Team, dentists can determine which contracts are the least impactful to step away from The team provides the verbiage for them to do so, which is what they’re currently working on with Dr . Osterkamp .
“A doctor with 23 contracts might say the goal is to be fee-for-service in 5 years,” Boyce-Cooley said .
“We can walk them through the process of how to gradually unwind contracts to become a true feefor-service practice . ”
Dr . Ren is also working with Burkhart to break away from the PPO model .
“I know a lot of consulting firms you can pay tens of thousands of dollars so they will help you get out of network, but when I talked to Burkhart, they said there are two things you have to consider first,” she said. “One, are your fees high enough? Because if they’re not, there’s no point in doing it anytime soon . And two, is your team strong enough? If not, let’s train your team first.”
Staffing, of course, is another pain point for dentists right now, with shortages making it difficult to find experienced, dependable team members . Many dentists have had to increase pay to attract highquality hygienists and assistants, pinching them even more financially, Boyce-Cooley noted.
Through targeted job descriptions and guidance on the hiring process, the Burkhart Practice Support Team can help create a strong team of loyal employees who are ready to do their part to move the practice forward.
SUPPLY Savings GUARANTEE
Through the Supply Savings Guarantee, Burkhart Account Managers look at what practices are spending on consumable dental supplies and measure that number against their gross production, said Jerry Ritsema, Burkhart Regional Sales Manager . So, if an office produced $1 million in dentistry and spent $50,000 on dental supplies in a year, the overhead is 5% . Burkhart promises to lower your annual supply costs below the determined percentage and if they don’t, they will write a check to cover the difference.
This helps Account Managers stay focused on saving practices money in various ways so they rarely have to write that check .
“The Practice Support Team provides a lot of resources for offices that may be short on staffing,” Maurice said. “I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t hear about staffing issues.”
Getting Started
Dentists who aren’t working with Burkhart yet can schedule a lunch-and-learn to hear more about how the family-owned supply company can help you save money on supplies, service equipment, and get consulting support .
Current clients can be introduced by their Account Manager, contact the Practice Support Team directly at PracticeSupportTeam@ BurkhartDental .com, or call 800 . 665 . 5323 . They might just have a simple question, like where to find resources that can help the practice reduce cancellations, or they may want to set up one of the analyses the support group offers, BoyceCooley said
Non-Burkhart clients have access to free online resources at BurkhartDental .com and can schedule an analysis for a fee (though Account Managers often set up a free fee analysis to show potential clients the value Burkhart provides) .
All Practice Support Team analyses and consulting services are complimentary to Burkhart clients on the Supply Savings Guarantee.
“It’s such a great value . We guarantee that we’ll save them money in supplies and give them access to the Practice Support Team, who are experts in the business of dentistry, and it’s all free,” Maurice said “And because we work with so many different offices, we have a wealth of resources and knowledge of what’s going on out in the world of dentistry .”
Why Work with Burkhart
While Dr . Ren wishes she had been better prepared for the challenges that came with buying an existing practice, she’s thankful she found Burkhart’s Practice Support Team . The team tailored its guidance to what her practice needed, focusing on filling in the gaps and teaching her what she didn’t know, rather than rushing through several issues before actually fixing anything.
Dr. Ren appreciates Burkhart’s personal touch and their approach to supply sales.
Her Account Manager simply orders what the practice needs; she may suggest equipment or services that could help her office thrive, but she’s never pushy . Everyone is great to work with and helpful, and that keeps Dr . Ren loyal to the familyowned supplier .
Dr . Osterkamp agrees and appreciates how personable and honest the team is . He never feels like they’re trying to sell him on this subscription or that product—they’re truly in it to help him succeed And they don’t just drop reports off and say good luck; they’re there to answer any questions, whether it requires a quick email response or a detailed phone call .
“They don’t charge you extra fees for all this support . They want to see you be the best that you can be, not just send you a bill and collect a check each month,” Dr . Osterkamp said . “When you think about it, that’s pretty rare ”
Article written and originally published by Dental Product Shopper
Treatment planning just got simpler with Oral Compare
Visualize occlusal changes, erosion and recession
The newest release of DEXIS™ IS ScanFlow features Oral Compare, which automatically overlays multiple intraoral scans to view subtle changes in dentition over time. Present compelling visual evidence and discuss treatment options with confidence.
Access your intraoral scans from anywhere at any time with the new cloud solution.
For more information, call 888-88-DEXIS or visit dexis.com
Premium Products
48g Cartridge, 20 Blue Mixers, and 20 Intraoral Tips
• Cuts like dentin
• Dual cure
• White shade is easily differentiated from dentin
• Automix cartridge
• Radiopaque
Unit Dose 0.2g, Pack of 20
• Adaptive shades that blend easily to a patient’s existing tooth color, reducing inventory and improving esthetics
• Life-like fluorescence and high polishability offer beautiful results
• Excellent physical properties and high stain resistance provide restorations that will endure the test of time
• Ideal, non-stick handling makes sculpting and placement precise and easy
5K H ygienist Handpiece
• High Torque
• Fully Autoclavable
• Friction Grip Style Chuck with 360° Swivel Nosecone
• Accepts All Hygienist Disposable and Metal Prophy Angles
• 1 Year Warranty
• PN# 72721977
Waterline Compliance
What You Need to Know to Mitigate Risk for Your Practice
Article Written & Submitted by ProEdge
When it comes to practice management, there are numerous moving parts demanding equal attention.
Dentists can understandably become overwhelmed trying to keep up with financial responsibilities, staff
satisfaction, evolving research and technological advancements. Plus, infection control regulations are often unclear.
This is especially true for dental unit waterline compliance.
Not Just a Patient Problem
Until recent decades, waterline compliance was not given the attention that we now know it deserves . However, in 1996, John Barbeau released a study highlighting some misconceptions dentistry had widely accepted . Because of his research, we now know that the problem of dental unit waterlines is an inherent engineering problem, and because of this, your waterlines are not sterile, and by default require maintenance . In fact, bacteria can reach 200,000 CFUs/mL in less than five days in brand-new waterlines using sterile water . 1
In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted the EPA’s standard for clean drinking water and said that water used in dental procedures would be less than or equal to 500 colony forming units CFUs/mL . 2
The CDC has issued public health alerts through their Health Alert Network (HAN) concerning outbreaks traced back to contaminated dental unit waterlines . 3 Notably, non-compliance has led to practice shutdowns and litigations in places like Atlanta in 2015 4 and Anaheim in 20165 , where hundreds of children were affected by dental unit waterline infection outbreaks . These incidents underscore the importance of adhering to guidelines set by organizations like the CDC, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly known as the Organization for Safety, Asepsis & Prevention (OSAP)
Real World Consequences
Neglecting waterline maintenance has implications beyond patient health Financially, non-compliance can be devastating . Practices may face expensive legal battles, fines, and loss of patient trust . A shutdown due to non-compliance can result
in fines of up to $10,000 per day until failing operatories are successfully remediated Some practices have been forced to close temporarily or permanently, leading to substantial revenue loss and damage to their professional reputation . Moreover, the emotional toll on dental professionals can be significant . The stress of potential litigation and fear of harming patients can affect mental well-being, potentially leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction .
Successful Compliance for Practices
The good news is that dental practices are finding waterline compliance success, unburdening themselves from the stress of real risk associated with waterline neglect .
The most successful practices have adopted the 3-step proven protocol: shocking, treating, and testing . 6 The driving factor behind the 3-step protocol is testing .
Without testing, there is no way to know if you are delivering safe water to your patients.
Testing also provides the documentation necessary to protect your practice if an infection is thought to be linked to your office .
Driving Success for Your Practice
Now that you know what practices are doing to ensure their waterline compliance success, it’s important to understand how they’re doing it without burdening their staff or their wallets . Office staff are often stretched thin, and waterline compliance can easily be placed on the back burner, especially if it’s associated with an extra expense for the practice .
However, 90 . 3% of dental professionals believe clear visibility in waterline compliance is important to successfully achieve waterline compliance . So, what if there was a tool that put time back on your staff’s calendars, mitigated risk for your practice, and was available to you for free? Well, now there is .
Meet the ProEdge Compliance Dashboard
The ProEdge Dashboard helps train and support your team in staying consistently compliant . The Dashboard is a digital assistant for your dental assistants so they don’t feel overwhelmed and can succeed in reaching compliance for your office .
Compliance Dashboard
ON-HAND DIGITAL ASSISTANCE
Support your dental assistants with an intuitive digital tool that provides focused next steps, so your staff always knows the next correct action to take
AUTOMATED REMINDERS
Sends reminders for testing schedules, failure notification, remediation steps, and more, ensuring that no deadlines are missed .
TRAINING RESOURCES
Offers training modules that help staff understand the importance of waterline maintenance and how to implement best practices in your office .
UNPARALLELED SUPPORT
Our team of safe water experts take the guessing out of waterline compliance so your staff can feel confident in the steps they’re taking every day to successfully maintain your waterlines .
of Practices Using the
PROEDGE DASHBOARD
have seen improvement in their compliance ratings .
If you’re looking to get started, you’re in the right spot . You can start testing your operatories with the #1 most trusted in-office water test, QuickPass You can easily log your QuickPass results for free in the Dashboard, allowing you to successfully improve your waterline compliance .
“[ProEdge has] helped so much in getting our lines in order. If I call, [they] are all so nice and pleasant, & I have never felt foolish for asking any questions. [They] are my security blanket for waterline maintenance.”
Laurie M , Dental Professional
Combining waterline maintenance with the ProEdge Dashboard provides an all-in-one compliance solution that mitigates risk for your practice, decreases the time it takes to achieve waterline compliance, and provides valuable
resources and training to your staff . By prioritizing waterline compliance, dental practices can enhance patient trust, protect their reputation, and ultimately ensure the longevity and success of their practice .
Article submitted by ProEdge
Shop all ProEdge products on the Burkhart Toolkit at burkhart-go.info/ProEdge or scan the QR code
1 J Barbeau et al , “Multiparametric Analysis of Waterline Contamination in Dental Units,” Applied and Environmental Microbiology 62, no. 11 (1996): 3954-3959.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2016, https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/media/ pdfs/Infection-Prevention-Checklist-for-Dental-Settings-fillable-form pdf
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Outbreaks of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Highlight Importance of Maintaining and Monitoring Dental Waterlines,” Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, October 31, 2022, https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00478.asp.
4. G. Peralta et al., “Notes from the Field: Mycobacterium abscessus Infections Among Patients of a Pediatric Dentistry Practice — Georgia, 2015,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 65, no. 13 (2016): 355–356.
5 Jasjit Singh et al , “Outbreak of Invasive Nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) Infections Associated With a Pediatric Dental Practice,” Open Forum Infectious Diseases 5, no. suppl_1 (November 2018): S29.
6 Nancy Dewhirst, RDH, BS, and John A Molinari, PhD, “Treating and Monitoring Dental Water,” 2018
