Dentistry North Texas
VOLUME 3
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ISSUE 7
a business and lifestyle magazine for north texas dentists
Cooking Up a Recipe for Success
North Texas Endodontic Associates Smiles in the Spotlight
Bruce M. Barbash, DDS Implant Overdenture Retreatment with Advanced Design Hybrid Prosthesis
Practice Leadership
What Questions Should I Ask?
Money Matters
The Embezzlement Nightmare
YOUR 1ST CHOICE WHEN KIDS REQUIRE
We NEVER Recall Your Patient!
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Dentistry North Texas
Cooking Up a Recipe for Success ON THE COVER
North Texas Endodontic Associates
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12
15 16 18 20
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ON THE COVER: The North Texas Endodontic Associates team has cooked up a recipe for success. Pictured from left: Dr. David Witherspoon, Dr. Joel Small and Dr. John Regan
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BAYLOR COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY
A New Era in Treating Head and Neck Cancer New addition brings expertise to oral cancer patients facing surgery
PRACTICE LEADERSHIP
What Questions Should I Ask? You don’t have to have all the answers – just the right questions
HEALTHY LIVING
Pumpkin Parfait This Fall, get pumped about pumpkin!
SMILES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Bruce M. Barbash Implant Overdenture Retreatment with Advanced Design Hybrid Prosthesis
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
The Extraordinary Power of Emotional Intelligence Leadership and case acceptance by feel
PRACTICE MARKETING
Facebook Revolutionizing Word-of-Mouth Marketing New Facebook features can help you connect with patients
NEWS & NOTES
What’s up in North Texas News on Dental Health Arlington and Irving Study Club
WINE CELLAR
Wines for the Holidays Put away the scales – the holidays are just around the corner!
MONEY MATTERS
The Embezzlement Nightmare Take steps to avoid physical and emotional heartache
MIND & BODY
The Aging Brain: Why Older May Be Better Make your brain sharper and more efficient with some fine tuning
www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
3
from the publisher
Dentistry North Texas
Publisher | LuLu Stavinoha Photographer | Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios Contributing Writers | Steven J. Anderson, Dr. Bruce Barbash, Tina Cauller, Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, Kim Clarke, Dr. Bob Frazer, Jennifer E. Fuentes, Susan Gunn, Neil Rudoff, Kathy Duran-Thal
We are entering a very busy and exciting time of the year… the holiday season is here!
At North Texas Dentistry we are very blessed and thankful for the success we have found this year and look forward to continuing to bring the latest news and information to the North Texas dental community.
While working with the doctors of North Texas Endodontics, Dr. Joel Small, Dr. John Regan and Dr. David Witherspoon, we discovered that these men are not only colleagues but also friends. In addition to their expertise in their vocation, each doctor’s avocation plays a major role in reaching personal fulfillment. Whether they are painting, cooking, writing, or entertaining, they strive to achieve balance and continual growth in their lives.
Dr. Bruce Barbash presents Smiles in the Spotlight. Follow the treatment course as Dr. Barbash transforms a smile and a life in this featured case, Implant Overdenture Retreatment with Advanced Design Hybrid Prosthesis.
Also in this issue, Healthy Living provides the steps to making a delicious Pumpkin Parfait and highlights the health
benefits for this fall favorite. Practice Management explores the important role Emotional Intelligence plays in our personal and professional lives and Money Matters discusses steps you can take to avoid the physical and mental heartache that occurs when embezzlement occurs in the dental practice. Enjoy these articles and more!
As 2013 wraps up, North Texas Dentistry turns its thoughts to 2014. We are currently in the process of lining up our outstanding cover features. Make your plans now to promote your business or practice to the North Texas dental community through a cover feature in North Texas Dentistry. Our team can make your marketing dreams a reality!
Ray Bryant
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tina Cauller
WRITING / DESIGN
Here at North Texas Dentistry, we are thankful for our friends and supporters and we wish each one of our readers a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday season. Keep smiling and have a great day!
Lulu Stavinoha, RDH
Publisher
Remember to “Like” us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/NorthTexasDentistry
4 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of editorial material published in North Texas Dentistry, articles may contain statements, opinions, and other information subject to interpretation. Accordingly, the publisher, editors and authors and their respective employees are not responsible or liable for inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or other information in material supplied by contributing authors. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is prohibited.
Advertise in North Texas Dentistry For more information on advertising in North Texas Dentistry, call LuLu Stavinoha at (214) 629-7110 or email lulu@northtexasdentistry.com. Send written correspondence to: North Texas Dentistry P.O. Box 12623 Dallas, TX 75225
Dr. David Kang Dr. David Kang, assistant professor in oral and maxillofacial surgery, has joined Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry as its first head and neck oncologic and microvascular reconstructive surgeon. The description is complex, but the meaning isn’t lost on patients with oral cancer facing the reality of surgery.
This dual-trained dentist and physician spent an additional year after his oral surgery residency to complete a fellowship in head and neck oncologic surgery at the University of Michigan. He has returned to Dallas with the in-depth training he needs to not only remove cancerous head and neck tumors but also reconstruct the entire surgical area — providing a critical step in a patient’s return to normalcy following a life-altering diagnosis and treatment.
Kang anticipates coordinating a multidisciplinary approach to caring for cancer patients with the various medical oncology specialists involved in their treatment.
“Our patients are frequently presented to the Head and Neck Tumor Board, which meets at the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center the second and fourth Tuesday of the month,” Kang said. “At this meeting we discuss treatment options including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.”
Kang expects most of his referrals to come from oral and maxillofacial surgeons and dentists in North Texas, he says. When referral to a surgeon specializing in head and neck oncologic surgery is indicated,
A New Era in Treating Head and Neck Cancer by Jennifer E. Fuentes
several different avenues are available including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists and general surgeons.
Many of the patients Kang treats are dealing with the reality of radiation — a treatment that, while often effective at combating cancer, is notorious for wreaking havoc on the environment in the mouth. He takes special steps to ensure that the patient’s reconstruction holds up to the radiation that may occur postsurgery.
“In the past, there was significant morbidity and decreased quality of life associated with oncologic resections resulting in loss of facial aesthetics, speech and ability to eat, sometimes leading to a hermetic lifestyle,” Kang said. “With the advancement of microvascular reconstructive surgery, we can now take composite free tissue — skin, fascia, muscle, nerve, bone — to reconstruct any maxillofacial defect regardless of size and return form and function to the patient.
“Free tissue transfer — or free flap — has become the gold standard in reconstruction of the difficult three-dimensional aspect of the oral cavity.”
This procedure also provides immediate blood flow to the tissues and rapid healing of the surgical site, which allows the initiation of radiation therapy within four to six weeks. Although reconstruction is always an option, Kang said it may not be the best choice for the patient because reconstruc-
tion with free tissue transfer requires longer operating room time, a longer hospitalization and frequently a tracheostomy. He said the need for free tissue transfer is weighed against the patient’s medical status and their physiological age rather than chronological age.
“We will often opt for placement of an obturator, which is very similar to a denture and closes off the defect as well as restores facial contour,” Kang said. “Sometimes, reconstruction with free tissue transfer requires multiple surgeries and revisions, and the results may not look as good as a prosthetic, such as with a total rhinectomy. In that case our department’s Center for Maxillofacial Prosthodontics has anaplastologist Suzi Verma, who can create beautiful reconstructions for our patients including noses, ears, eyes and portions of the face.” For patient referrals, contact the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at (214) 828-8403.
Founded in 1905, Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas is a college of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. TAMBCD is a nationally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and continuing dental education. Jennifer Eure Fuentes is a communications specialist at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. A 2006 graduate of Texas Christian University, she has worked in the communications and editorial field for five years.
www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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Cooking Up a Recipe for Success
North Texas Endodontic Associates
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by Tina Cauller
t’s late on a Saturday afternoon and things are falling into place, one detail at a time. A team of talented chefs, working in synchrony like experienced deckhands on a sailing vessel, is creating an unforgettable meal for some very important and soon-to-be-pampered guests. Moving fluidly and efficiently, they chop vegetables, stuff tenderloin, and fluff a delicate meringue into sweet perfection with the perfect blend of precision and artistry. Their conversation is punctuated with laughter, and you can easily tell that they are not just professional colleagues, they are also friends. Once the guests arrive, they transform from chefs to hosts and entertain with the same aplomb, making every visitor feel like a longtime friend. The culinary arts are an avocation for this group, but by day, they are just as passionate about what they do as endodontists. 6 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
Dr. David Witherspoon, Dr. Joel Small and Dr. John Regan bring a unique synergy to all of their joint endeavors. Individually, they each pursue their own creative goals and find personal fulfillment in their varied accomplishments. Enviably, they seem to have erased the line between profession and pleasure – they have found a way to do what they love and love what they do.
So, what is the recipe for their success? How do three highly trained specialists with penchants for perfection function together effectively and harmoniously?
Choose success
First, take any unnecessary influence of ego out of the mix. As Dr. Small explains, “We have worked to cultivate an organizational culture based on values that we all share and embrace. We recognize that what benefits one of us benefits the entire group,
Photos by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
cover feature
so we can support each other in achieving our dreams and goals. Instead of competing against each other or jockeying for position, we work from a basic philosophy of shared success.”
Historically, farmers were counseled not to “cut corners” – not to cut (harvest) the crops all the way to the corners of their fields. The corners were left to share with those in need. Abundance philosophy acknowledges that giving and receiving are interrelated, that scarcity is eliminated by choosing abundance.
We believe that we function best through collaboration and support.” notes Dr. Witherspoon. “We collaborate on cases, and our professional approaches intermesh seamlessly. There is no division in our skills. And so if one of us is engaged in something away from the office, the other can step in. This allows us to have time for our interests outside the office and still remain available to our patients and referring colleagues. One of our strengths is our availability.”
(Re)define success
Photos by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
Second, define the true goal. Where some might measure success at the bottom line, this team views success differently. “We define success as personal fulfillment,” notes Dr. Regan, “both for ourselves and for our entire staff. We believe that by creating
a supportive environment for our team we increase the possibility that each of us will find fulfillment by making our dreams a reality. Rather than making profit the main priority, we make personal growth a primary goal. Reward, in the form of both personal and financial success, can come from that pursuit.”
Rather than insisting that staff maintain a single-minded focus on work, team members are encouraged to present a new topic of interest to the group regularly. “One week, someone might explain their new experience with yoga, the next week, someone might share their excitement about a recent trip or their favorite football team,” notes Dr. Small. “We have a very unique group. We respect our staff professionally and enjoy them personally. We support any team member’s aspirations to expand their knowledge and develop their interests – even with the understanding that education and growth may eventually lead them to new chapters in their life away from our practice.” Debbie, NTEA’s office manager, has her own personal leadership coach with whom she collaborates on issues effecting the practice culture. Another staff member is currently working toward a master’s degree in healthcare management. Other talented members of the NTEA team utilize their many skills in creating and maintaining the practice Facebook page and the NTEA e-newsletter.
The doctors at North Texas Endodontics define success as personal fulfillment both for themselves and their entire staff. Pictured from left: Dr. David Witherspoon, Dr. Joel Small, and Dr. John Regan. www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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Photo courtesy of North Texas Endodontics
The office culture and personal development are top priorities in this busy practice, and the high happiness quotient factors into remarkable team longevity. Carol, Dr. Small’s first chairside assistant just retired after thirty-three years of service, and Debbie recently celebrated her twentyfifth anniversary with NTEA. Most members of the team have been with NTEA for ten years or more.
Photo courtesy of North Texas Endodontics
The doctors believe that a common purpose as well as a diversity of interests strengthens their practice. They devote time to a wide variety of professional interests outside the office as active Dr. Witherspoon is an accomplished painter, sculptor and video artist. educators, researchers and mentors. All are involved, locally, graduate who wants to learn more about the clinical aspects of nationally, and internationally, as lecturers and providers of their chosen field. Teaching our future dental colleagues is an continuing education for endodontist, restorative and general honor that we take seriously.” dentists and for specialists in other dental fields. The three volDr. Small is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. His book, Face unteer their time to teach undergraduate students at the dental to Face: A Leadership Guide for Healthcare Professionals and school each week. They are also active fellows of the Entrepreneurs, was released in 2011. Dr. Small speaks nationInternational College of Dentists and help dental students ally on the topics of leadership, practice management, and practhrough Great Expectations, Baylor’s highly successful mentortice transitions. Dr. Small earned his MBA with an emphasis in ing program designed to connect first-year students, their senhealthcare management from Texas Tech University in 2008. ior classmates and seasoned dental professionals. Each doctor He co-founded Phase II Associates, LLC, a nationwide practice mentors 10 students and periodically hosts residents at their consulting/brokerage firm that works exclusively with dental Plano office. It is not uncommon to find endodontic residents specialists and Hamilton, Small and Associates, which serves or dental students spending time at NTEA observing and learnthe local and regional general dental market in the area of pracing as the doctors treat patients. According to Dr. Regan, “We tice transitions. He also serves as President of the Dallas County think of our office as a resource for any aspiring dental or post Dental Society Foundation.
Dr. Small enjoys spending quality time with his grandsons. 8 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
Dr. Regan served as interim director of the graduate Endodontic program at Baylor College of Dentistry from 2001-2003. He was also a faculty member at the prestigious Eastman Institute of Dentistry in London for some years. He has authored four chapters in endodontic textbooks and has written numerous research and review papers. He has lectured extensively both in the U.S. and abroad. He is a member of the editorial board of Endodontic Practice and is a reviewer for both the International Endodontic Journal and the Journal of Endodontics. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontists and is an Active Member of the European Society of Endodontics. Besides his profession, he is also passionate about cooking, photography, painting and traveling with his wife Deborah Foyle who is a periodontist and also teaches at Baylor.
Dr. Witherspoon lectures on endodontics at an international, national, and local level, and is co-author of several chapters in Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp, a leading endodontic textbook. He served as assistant director of Baylor’s graduate Endodontic program from 1997-2001. He is a scientific reviewer for several academic journals including the International Endodontic Journal and the Journal of Endodontics. and has published numerous scientific articles. He was honored by the American Association of Endodontists as the 1999 recipient of the Young Endodontic Educator Award. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontists. Dr. Witherspoon also serves on the AAE Annual Session Planning Committee for the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 meetings.
immeasurable improvements in the consistent, safe delivery of care.” Give back
In keeping with their philosophy of shared abundance, the team is devoted to giving through numerous charity events benefitting the North Texas community.
Photo courtesy of North Texas Endodontics
Dr. Witherspoon is an accomplished painter, sculptor and video artist. In August, he completed his Master of Fine Arts studies in the renowned Arts and Technology (ATEC) program at UT Dallas and recently exhibited his multimedia work at CentralTrak Gallery in Dallas.
Embrace diversity
In some ways, the members of this team are very different. Dr. Small is a native Texan, Dr. Regan is originally from Dublin, Ireland, and Dr. Witherspoon hails from Australia. The doctors see their diversity as what makes the practice strong. “When The team of talented and creative chefs preparing to “wow” their guests. synergy occurs, as it does in our team, it gives rise to something that is greater than The NTEA team participates in Texas Mission of Mercy the sum of its parts. We all have different interests and different (TMOM), a statewide charitable event that offers free dental backgrounds, but our professional and personal philosophies care to Texans who cannot otherwise afford it. They also join in overlap and create a kind of synergy that really strengthens and Dentistry with a Heart, a dental event designed to provide care enriches our practice,” notes Dr. Small. All three doctors agree to the less fortunate citizens in their community. At the most that collaborating and problem-solving in professional practice recent Dentistry with a Heart event, the team provided 15 root is a great venue for diversity to be utilized as a positive force. canal treatments to patients in need.
Reduce complexity
As dentistry evolves, it seems to become more and more complex. Even with extensive training and advanced technology, delivering consistent, predictable outcomes is an ongoing challenge. “Reducing unnecessary complexity by standardizing and streamlining procedures has proven to be immensely beneficial for our practice,” notes Dr. Witherspoon. “We were inspired by the book, Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande, in which the author convincingly illustrates the power of checklists to improve medical outcomes and reduce the number of avoidable failures. The World Health Organization applied his ideas in the O.R. and adopted a simple surgical checklist, which has made
Each year the entire NTEA team donates their time and resources to a charitable event of their choosing. Last year they chose National Adoption Day that was held locally at the Collin County courthouse. The day celebrated the culmination of the long adoption process as each family appeared before the judge to legally adopt their child. It was a wonderfully joyous and tearful day. The NTEA team provided teddy bears which they handed out to the children and their many siblings who were in attendance. According to Dr. Witherspoon, “The event was very meaningful to the entire team.” Capitalizing on their shared culinary interests, the doctors www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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Photo courtesy of North Texas Endodontics
Dr. Joel C. Small EDUCATION / TRAINING
DDS - UT Dental Branch Houston, TX Residency in Endodontics, 1978 n MBA, emphasis in Healthcare Management Texas Tech University, 2009 n Authored Face to Face: A Leadership Guide for Healthcare Professionals and Entrepreneurs n National spokesperson, American Association of Endodontics Trustee, AAE and Dallas County Dental Society Foundation President, Southwest Society of Endodontists Co-owner, Phase II Associates, nationwide practice consulting/brokerage Fellow, International College of Dentists n n
n n n n
Dr. John D. Regan EDUCATION / TRAINING
B.Dent Sc. MA - Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland - 1980 n Masters - Restorative Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute, London, England - 1989 n Masters - Oral Biology, 1998, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX n Certificate in Endodontics, 1998, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX Interim Director, Baylor Endodontic Postgraduate Program, 2001-2003 Joined North Texas Endodontic Associates, 2003 Diplomate, American Board of Endodontists Editorial Board, Endodontic Practice Reviewer, International Endodontic Journal and Journal of Endodontics Fellow, International College of Dentists n
n n n n n n
Dr. David Witherspoon EDUCATION / TRAINING
DDS - University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia, 1988 n Endodontics, Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, 1996 n Assistant Director, Graduate Endodontics TAMBCD 1997-2001 n North Texas Endodontic Associates, 1998 n Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics 1999 - American Association of Endodontists Young Endodontic Educator Award Fellow, International College of Dentists MFA, University of Texas at Dallas 2013
Photos by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
n
n n n
auctioned an evening with the “Endo Chefs” at a recent charity event sponsored by the Dallas County Dental Society Foundation. The auction listing originally offered a resplendent evening to remember for five couples, centered around a masterfully prepared dinner served at Dr. Small’s home, complete with champagne limo service. It sold twice by popular demand. The dinners featured a mouth-watering menu of crudités, 10 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
Dr. Regan and his wife, Dr. Deborah Foyle, share a love for travel. antipasto, watermelon gazpacho, sashimi, beef tenderloin, stuffed pork tenderloin, chicken satays, and sea bass, paired with award-winning wines thoughtfully chosen by the resident oenophile, Dr. Regan.
Dr. Witherspoon is an avid swimmer, and regularly participates in Swim Across America events supporting cutting-edge cancer research, preventive care and treatment, and survivorship clinics at the world’s most renowned cancer institutions, including the Baylor Cancer Center. This year he teamed up with Dr. Regan’s two sons, Conor and Killian to participate once again in the swim for charity. Between them they raised more than $10,000.
The NTEA team recently established the North Texas Endodontic Associates Student Scholarship in conjunction with Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student in their senior year of study. The first recipient of the award was Dr. Robert Davis who is now pursuing a General Practice Residency program. This year’s recipient is Ms. Kayla Lammert. A proven recipe
The team at North Texas Endodontic Associates has developed a recipe for success – a noteworthy practice model that integrates personal fulfillment and professional achievement. Whether your first conversation with this team occurs over a five-course meal, around a conference table, or at a charity fundraiser, you will quickly see – as evidenced by their enthusiasm, spirit and warmth – that their formula is working.
North Texas Endodontic Associates
5800 Coit Road, Suite 200, Plano, Texas (972) 596-9400 www.ntendo.com
FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A
ON DENTISTRY
creating compelling professional images that speak for your practice
817.966.2631 www.Bryant Studios.com raybryant@me.com
practice leadership
What Questions Should I Ask? by Steven J. Anderson
“The problem is... we don’t even know the questions we should be asking in the first place!”
I
recently participated in a panel discussion with two lecturing dentists, in front of an audience of about 300 dentists. The vast majority of the questions from the audience were directed to the other two panelists, as they all had to do with clinical dentistry. Have you ever felt like a third wheel? I did!
Later, a dentist approached me and said, “Steve, I felt bad for you up there. We did not have any good questions for you. The problem is, when it comes to the management of our practice, we don’t even know the questions we should be asking in the first place!” Point well taken.
12 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
?
Here are a few management questions every dentist should be asking:
? ? ?
What are the most essential leadership skills that will make the biggest difference in my practice?
What are the key factors that create more motivated team members? How can I get my team members to take as good of care of my patients as I do?
How do I create more team harmony in the office so patients come into a great office environment?
?
What can I do to make it easier for a patient to move forward with needed treatment?
That is just the start. In short, it is not the answers we don’t know that create the biggest problems, but the questions we haven’t even thought to ask!
The best leaders aren’t the ones who have all the answers, but the ones who are asking the questions. Eighty percent of effective leadership is getting the entire team thinking about the right things in the first place. You get people thinking by the questions you ask, not the answers you give. Get started today by asking your team some of the following questions:
? ? ? ? ?
What are the most effective things we do to create a great patient experience?
What else could we be doing to improve the excellence of our clinical service? How could we make it even easier for our patients to move ahead with treatment that they really want and need? What would cause our patients to talk about us to everyone they know? What do patients like least about going to the dentist and what do we do instead to make it a great experience?
Being a great leader-dentist is more about asking the right questions than always having the right answers. Start being the one with all the questions and you’ll find that you will have a team that will:
Steven J. Anderson Behavioral Physicist
As a Behavioral Physicist, Steven J. Anderson has educated and entertained professionals, emerging professionals, and business leaders on the Natural Laws of success and how they impact organizations and consumer behavior. He is the founder of the Total Patient Service Institute which specializes in implementing the highest level of patient service and communication skills in dental practices. He is also the founder of numerous businesses including the largest charitable campaign in dentistry, Smiles for Life, which has raised over $34 million for children’s charitable causes around the world. He has been named “Dental Businessman of the Year” by Excellence in Dentistry.
www.TotalPatientService.com
n Think more.
n Be more creative. n Focus more on patient care.
n Be on the same page with you, your goals and your vision for the practice.
So… start asking!
www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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Convention Issue Southwest Dental Conference
January 30 - February 1, 2014
of such information. Two of the most common causes Make plans NOW toprivacy advertise in the of data breach are loss and theft of a device containing ePHI. North Texas DentistryOnce Convention Issue the device and the data it contains have gone missing, the
In the game of Monopoly, an unfortunate roll of the dice sometimes lands you face to face with the policeman who ushers you directly to jail. If you haven't secured a get-out-of-jail-free card, you're forced to spend time and energy trying to get out, while everyone else continues to advance around the board.
tected health information which compromises the security or
covered entity is required to report the breach of their patient data to HHS, to their patients, and also to the media if their When it comes to HIPAA compliance, sometimes an unfortupool isTexas large enough. that is, the data on the lost Promote your business and services to patient the North DentalUnless, Community nate event can lead to a breach that forces you to spend time or stolen device has been protected by a safeguard called and energy with (and most likelytiming real-world working with the – before the Southwest Dental Conference perfect andcash) perfect targeting encryption. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to determine Encryption is the process of using an algorithm to transform whether you had established the right policies and procedures plaintext information into an unreadable format that can only for handling Electronic Patient Health Information (ePHI), b e
accessed by someone possessing the key that was used to enable taken the appropriate precautions to secure your ePHI, and the encryption in the first place. Without the unique key that’s reacted appropriately to the breach once it had occurred. If the Print Advertisement l Custom Profiles l Spreads created at the time of encryption, the data on the lost or stolen HHS determines you made any mistakes along the way, you can device will be completely unreadable. expect additional fines and possibly additional time and effort Our team can make your marketing dreams a reality! to implement any changes they deem necessary to the way you The HITECH Act issues technical guidance on the technologies handle ePHI. ADDED BONUS 4 BE INCLUDED IN SPECIAL BOOTH LISTING 4 DEADLINE: DECEMBER 2 and methodologies “that render protected health information unusable, unreadable, or indecipherable to unauthorized indiToo bad there isn’t a get-out-breach-free card you could play viduals.” The guidance specifies encryption as an action that when it comes to those unforeseen and unintended events that REQUEST A MEDIA KIT: info@northtexasdentistry.com renders ePHI unusable if it falls in to the wrong hands. ePHI lead to a breach... or is there? that is encrypted and whose encryption keys are properly Section 13400(1) of the Act defines ‘‘breach’’ to mean, generally, secured would provide a “safe harbor” to covered entities and the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of pro-
www.northtexasdentistry.com
photo by Michael Joerger
½ of a 14 oz. can fat free sweetened condensed milk (½ cup + 2 Tbsp) 1 ⁄4 container fat free Cool Whip (2 oz.) 1 ⁄4 cup slivered almonds, toasted 5 almond cookies (Jules Destrooper)
healthy living
Directions
In a food processor or large blender, combine the first 7 ingredients and blend until smooth (approximately 2 minutes). Place in a parfait glass and chill until set. Top with a dollop of Cool Whip. Place almonds and almond cookies into a large zip-lock baggie and zip shut. Using a rolling pin or heavy pan, roll until medium crumb mixture is achieved. Sprinkle crumb mixture on top just before serving.
Pumpkin This Fall, Get Pumped About
How can pumpkin protect your skin from harmful UV radiation?
I
t’s pumpkin season! Fall’s signa-
ture squash is not only delicious, it’s
versatile.
Pumpkin
pie,
pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli,
risotto, soups, smoothies and pud-
dings are just a few ways to enjoy this
gorgeous gourd.
Not only is pumpkin adaptable as an ingredient in a variety of recipes, it happens to be a healthy powerhouse of vitamins A and C, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, and an overlooked source of fiber. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains four grams of fiber. A half cup of pumpkin puree is only 40 calories and counts as a serving of vegetables! It’s an excellent source of the carotenoid betacarotene, the compound that gives the squash its bright orange pigment. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, and is important for eye health and immune function. Foods that are high in beta carotene also help protect the skin from UV damage, much like lycopene in tomatoes.
Tip: Try drizzling a teaspoon of fat free caramel sauce on top.
Pumpkin Parfait
Nutrient Analysis
Calories Sodium Fat Carbohydrates Saturated Fat Cholesterol Protein Fiber
Serves: 12 Serving Size: ½ cup
Ingredients
149 290mg 2g 25g 0g 2mg 7g 1g
Recipe provided by Kathy Duran-Thal, R.D., Director of Nutrition Cooper Wellness Program, A Cooper Aerobics Company
15 oz. can Libby’s Pumpkin Puree 1.5 oz. package Jell-O Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 12 oz. can evaporated skim milk 1 cup fat free milk 4 oz. package fat free cream cheese
FIVE DAYS TO
Longer Better COOPER WELLNESS ™ SCIENCE BASED. TRUSTED RESOURCE.
nutrition and eating • healthy living workshops • exercise and activity
A healthier, brighter future starts with Cooper Wellness. 12230 Preston Road | Dallas, Texas 75230 972.386.4777 | 800.444.5192 | cooperwellness.com www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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SMILES SPOTLIGHT in the
LEADERS IN NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY CREATING UNFORGETTABLE SMILES
Case Presentation
In 2011, a 41-year old female presented with a worn, ill-fitting, broken maxillary removable implant bar overdenture prosthesis. She desired that it be replaced with a durable fixed prosthesis. Additionally, she requested replacement of her missing mandibular posterior teeth with fixed implant restorations. She had been utilizing a Kennedy class I removable partial denture. Smile enhancement was also one of her goals.
Implant Overdenture Retreatment with Advanced Design Hybrid Prosthesis Treatment Plan
For the maxilla, the patient’s goals were met by fabricating an advanced design screw retained “fixed detachable” or “hybrid” prosthesis that utilized ceramic crowns luted to individual crown preparations on a metal framework. The gingival material was a composite resin that allowed for customized shading and pigmentation. Treatment was complicated because the company that purchased the manufacturer of the implants, Nobel Biocare, no longer made components for them. Fortunately, another biomedical device manufacturer, Lifecore, had a complete line of components that was compatible.Unfortunately, the abutments were not supported by any of the virtual cad milling facilities that routinely create titanium frameworks for implant prostheses. It was necessary to cast and laser weld a ceramogold framework. Mandibular treatment was accomplished in a routine manner by placing two implants bilaterally and fabricating titanium custom abutments for cement retained fixed partial dentures.
Past Dental History
Review of dental history revealed that her maxillary dentition was extracted at age 16. She functioned with a conventional maxillary complete denture for 15 years. In 2001, six Sterioss Hex Lock implants were placed, a fixture level gold bar with locator attachments was fabricated to retain and support an overdenture. Subsequently, four overdentures were fabricated. None of them met her esthetic or functional criteria. All had premature wear and breakage issues.
16 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
Initial Clinical Procedures
The overdenture bar was removed, five Lifecore SD conical abutments and one Nobel Biocare multiunit abutment were placed and torqued appropriately. Next, the overdenture that the patient felt had the best esthetics was converted to a temporary hybrid prosthesis at the same appointment utilizing non-hexed titanium temporary abutment sleeves and a rapid setting acrylic resin. Fortunately, both centric and vertical dimension of occlusion were reasonable. Next, a transfer impression was made to generate a maxillary cast. At the following appointment, the temporary hybrid prosthesis was screwed to place on the master cast and the case was mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator. Next, a series of denture-making appointments enabled establishment of the maxillary teeth arrangement.
Laboratory Phase
Utilizing a laboratory putty index, the screw-retained maxillary denture teeth arrangement was reproduced with GC resin, GC America, incorporating cast to abutment sleeves. Afterward, individual crown preparations were made on the pattern as well as a cut back of the gingival area. Utilizing a ceramogold alloy, the framework was cast in sections, and laser welded. Fourteen Monolithic emax crowns, Ivoclar, were fabricated in 2- and 3-unit sections. A customized Gradia, GC America, composite gingival veneer was applied to the framework. The emax splints were luted to the metal crown preparations with Mulitlink resin cement, lvoclar. A permanent cement was utilized because the crowns did not obstruct access to the screws retaining the metal framework.
Bruce M. Barbash, DDS
Bruce Barbash, D.D.S. has been in the private practice of prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics and dental oncology for 25 years. He continues to serve as assistant clinical professor at both the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and TAMU Baylor College of Dentistry. He is a member of several major head and neck cancer treatment teams in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and has maintained Diplomate status with the American Board of Prosthodontics.
Results
The maxillary prosthesis was screwed to place and the titanium fastening screws were torqued to 15 Newtons. Several months later, the mandibular posterior implants were restored with Atlantis, Dentsply, titanium custom abutments and ceramometal fixed partial dentures. Thus far, the patient has had a stable result that met her expectations.
Center for Dental Solutions Offices in Dallas and Flower Mound
(972) 241-7917
www.texasdentalsolutions.com www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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practice management
Emotional Intelligence THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF
L
Leadership & Case Acceptance by Feel
ike it or not, dentists need to manage the mood of their practice. Moods are less intense sustained emotional states. Gifted dentists accomplish this through a blend of psychological abilities called Emotional Intelligence. They recognize their own feelings and those of others, plus manage their emotions in a way that positively influences others. We constantly interact with and respond to the emotions of others. This is called interpersonal limbic regulation. It’s so powerful that when three strangers sit silently facing one another for two to three minutes, the most emotionally expressive person affects the
by Bob Frazer, Jr., DDS
emotional state of the other two.1 And, no words were spoken! Research has shown that the leader’s emotions have the largest influence on the emotional climate of any group. When leaders drive emotions positively, it’s called resonance. When negative, it’s dissonance.2 Our office’s emotional climate has a huge impact on our patients’ sense of safety and trust, directly affecting their acceptance of our treatment recommendations.
In the early ‘60s, a study utilizing a patient survey to better understand patient perceptions of excellence was done by SRI. The Academy of Dental Practice Administration identified 25 finest prac-
18 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
tices. Those practices included the likes of Drs. L.D. Pankey, Bob Barkley, Harold Wirth, etc. SRI randomly surveyed one hundred patients in each practice, asking them a series of questions including the perception of doctor’s competence, punctuality, availability, communication ability, satisfaction with fee, caring, etc. I remember Dr. Barkley recounting this research. With such outstanding practices, all scores were high, but by far the highest score was given to one statement in the survey: “The doctor and his staff genuinely like one another.”
This initially surprised me as it did Barkley, but in the light of E.I. research, it makes sense. So what is the day-to-day emotional climate of your office and how are you influencing that climate? How could you become more resonant? First, decide you truly want to be more emotionally intelligent and resonant.
If you want to grow your E.Q., here are five questions to answer on a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) scale to get a sense of your current E.Q.
Although highly subjective, this gives you a beginning point in your journey toward elevating your E.Q. Ask a close friend or coworker who’d give you an honest opinion to do the same rating on you, then compare scores.
1
2
What is my capacity for recognizing my feelings? In the heat of the moment, am I aware of what I’m feeling and can I label those feelings?
What is my capacity for recognizing the feelings of others? Again, in the heat of an event, do I recognize the other’s feelings and can I label and understand them?
Emotional Check-In
One great aid to those who are emotional avoiders is a “Feelings Board”. A simple corkboard hangs near where we hold our A.M. huddle. The days of the week are across the top and the names of each team member down the left. On the bottom is a legend:
n Yellow = On top of the world, warm & fuzzy n Green = 80% of me is great, 20% is struggling n Blue = Emotional today and need a hug n Black = Emotional, but don’t need a hug! n White = Give me space today n Red = Feel bad – Parkers at fifty paces!
3 4
5
Do I use emotions to motivate myself – or do emotions tend to de-motivate or arrest my progress? Do I manage emotions well in myself – when I experience an emotion, do I channel it in a positive way? Fear can be paralyzing… one must feel the fear, express it and then act bravely.
Do I manage emotions well in my relationships – or do emotions actually interfere in many of my relationships?
Empathy
Empathy is sensing another’s emotions and also understanding their perspective, then taking an active interest in their concerns.
Transparency
Transparency (displaying honesty, integrity and trustworthiness, disclosing your feelings) is an E.I. competency hallmark of star leaders that we develop in all our clients.
That is not to say that we must always tell one another how we are feeling. There are times, especially in doctor-patient and doctor-staff interactions, that emotional disclosure could have a negative effect. However, much more often, such disclosure has a strongly positive effect. 1
Friedman and Riggio, Journal of Non-Verbal Behavior
6, 1981, pp. 32 - 58
Bob Frazer, Jr., DDS, FACD, FICD
For 30 years, Dr. Frazer lead a highly successful (top 2%) insurance independent, relationship-based, values-driven dental practice.
He and his firm offer dentists a range of transformational services: Applied Strategic Planning, Emotional Intelligence training, Performance Coaching, Wilderness Adventures, Leadership Adventures, and a National Study Club. Recognized as the foremost authority in Applied Strategic Planning and Emotional Intelligence in dentistry, he helps dentists achieve lives of balance, fulfillment and significance.
A masterful storyteller, Dr. Frazer shares how to harness the powers of vision and emotional intelligence in one’s life and practice. A pioneer in collaborative diagnosis, he and his associates teach dental teams how to interpret value so you patients routinely choose your finest, most complete care.
He is a Fellow of the American and International College of Dentists. Dr. Frazer has presented more than 1000 programs and published more than 50 articles in dental journals including 20 articles on Emotional Intelligence.
Contact Dr. Frazer at the email address below for a complimentary article on seven ways to grow your emotional intelligence.
R.L. FRAZER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
(512) 346-0455
www.frazeronline.com bob@frazeronline.com
2 Daniel Goleman, Primal Leadership, Harvard Business School Press, 2002
If values aren’t shared, they aren’t lived. Mei Miao mmiao@bbandt.com direct 972.754.1443
Each morning, everyone puts up feelings flags upon arrival. This serves as a great self-awareness step for all. You can of course change your flags during the day! www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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practice marketing
REVOLUTIONIZING
Word-of-mouth carries a lot of marketing weight. But as a dentist, we probably don’t have to tell you that. It seems that no matter how pretty or clever an advertisement is, or how dynamic a website can be, people still trust the advice of their friends and family more than anything else. Whether it’s through traditional word-ofmouth conversations or online patient reviews on Yelp.com, Google and other review sites, positive recommendations and patient connection are powerful marketing tools for a dentist.
WORD-OF-MOUTH MARKETING
AND PATIENT ENGAGEMENT
Facebook has recently added two new features that not only make it easier to connect with your patients online socially, but are changing the way searchers find dentist recommendations. Here’s how:
by Neil Rudoff
Facebook Graph Search
We can now add Facebook to the list of ways your potential patients can find out which dentists and dental specialists their friends recommend and like. It’s called “Graph Search” and it’s a new feature that was released to English-speaking Facebook users a few months ago. Now, Facebook users can conduct search queries without leaving their Facebook page, like “Photos of my sister and I before 2003” or “Restaurants in Chicago
20 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
my friends visited in the last year” or “Photos taken in New York City of the Empire State Building”. The search will bring up whatever you ask it, as long as it’s within the confines of Facebook… and it can be amazingly precise.
Using Facebook’s Graph Search to Search for Recommended Dentists
So, how does it affect you and your dental practice? How is it a part of the new word-of-mouth? In addition to searching for specific photos or places your friends have checked into or visited, Facebook users can also conduct searches for businesses or services that their friends have “liked,” including dentists.
Since a Facebook “like” is fairly equivalent to a positive recommendation, Facebook Graph Search is transforming
word-of-mouth marketing. The only catch? Your practice must have a Facebook page that your patients have “liked”.
Facebook Promotions for Dental Practices
In addition to revolutionizing online recommendations, Facebook has also made it easier for you to run and administer promotions on Facebook. That’s right, they’ve changed the rules and they are definitely in the dentist’s favor. Promotions are a great way to connect with your patients online, so as you can see, this is great news. Here’s what you need to know:
The Old Rules
In the past, it was against Facebook rules to give away anything for a promotion by asking your Facebook fans to “like”, “share”, leave comments or tag themselves in a Facebook post or photo. In addition, all promotions had to be administered through a third party app, which were usually cumbersome and confusing for the Facebook users trying to participate in the promotion. Presumably, Facebook put these rules in place for two reasons; to keep business’ from buying “likes” by offering a prize or incentive and to stay out of legal hot water that can come with giving away prizes.
The New Rules
What Facebook found was that regardless of their regulations, many small businesses (including dental practices) weren’t aware of these rules and were using Facebook features (likes, shares, comments) to hold contests anyway; thus putting everyone in a potential legal quagmire. So, Facebook has made it much easier (and more effective) for dentists to run promotions on their Facebook page. That’s right, no more cumbersome (and somewhat sketchy) third party apps to administer your Facebook promotions or contests. Now, you can run a promotion by asking for likes, comments and shares and you can do it all within Facebook’s platform. You
can even use “likes” as a voting mechanism; which means an SEO boost for your practice website. But, the possibilities aren’t entirely endless; here’s what Facebook still prohibits:
• Encouraging your Facebook fans to tag themselves in photos or posts they are not actually involved in.
• Asking your Facebook fans to share your promotion on their personal timeline as a means of participating.
Additionally, your practice’s Facebook promotion should still be run in accordance with the laws and rules of Facebook, including clear posting of eligibility, promotion rules and compliance with Facebook. For more on that, check out the official Facebook promotion guidelines on their website, www.facebook.com/facebookforbusiness.
What Should Dentists Do Next?
Facebook’s graph search and new promotions rules are providing dentists with even more opportunities to connect with their patients and potential patients, but your practice must have a Facebook page to reap the benefits. Here is what our social media team recommends: • Make sure your Facebook profile information is 100% complete and accurate; including a great cover photo and “About” section.
• Post once a day with a mix of 80% social content and 20% promotional or clinical content.
• Make sure people can “check in” to your practice on their Facebook page. This is important to graph searches and sends signals to Google to help verify your address, which is important for SEO purposes. • Urge your patients to “like” your Facebook page whenever possible – hold “like” contests!
• When holding a Facebook promotion, give them something they can really “like”. We’ve seen some successful dental Facebook pages give away iPads or complimentary teeth whitening.
Our online marketing team now offers comprehensive social media marketing for dentists and dental specialists. If you’re a dentist and interested in running a Facebook promotion, learning more about Facebook’s Graph Search or building your social media profiles, give us a call today.
Neil Rudoff is the Senior Account Executive at Bullseye Media in McKinney, TX. He received his BA from Tufts University in 1989 and his MBA from UT Austin in 1993, and has been an online marketing and web design consultant since 2003. He can be reached at (214) 491-6166 or neil@bullseyemediallc.com BullseyeMedia, LLC is a McKinney, Texas based full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in helping dentist leverage the internet to grow their practices. Visit our website at www.onlinedentalmarketing.com.
www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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R OU RE Y OK ATU BO FE VER 2014 O C for
W! O N
Dentistry North Texas
Making a Difference in the North Texas Dental Community
A FEATURE COVER STORY CAN: n n n n
Promote your business Increase referrals to specialty practices Highlight cutting-edge technology Create high quality marketing materials with the benefit of a third party endorsement
For more information on advertising in North Texas Dentistry, call LuLu Stavinoha at (214) 629-7110 or email: lulu@northtexasdentistry.com
NEWS
& notes
Irving Dental Study Club Announces New Leadership For 2013-2014
The Irving Dental Study Club is excited to announce new leadership for its 2013-2014 season. Dr. Reena Kuba, DDS, MS will serve as President, Dr. Pedro F. Franco, DDS will serve as Vice President and Dr. Stephen S. Walker, DDS, MS will serve as Treasurer.
This season’s leadership will continue the tradition of providing members with access to quality continuing education courses each month from September through May. Invited speakers, who are experts in their fields, present on various subjects; topics range from scientific to business enhancement presentations. Membership is exclusive to general practitioners and specialists, and includes
continuing education courses, networking and dinner. General practitioners and specialists interested in joining the Study Club should contact irvingdentalsc@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/site/irvingdentalsc/.
100 Attendees for Fall CE Seminar Help Support Patient Services by Dental Health Arlington
Dental CE Seminar on October 18, 2013 is one source of funding that enables DHA to continue providing services to 12,000 underserved neighbors annually. Sponsored by Dental Directions, the Fall Seminar was held at Arlington Independent School District's Mac Bernd Professional Development Center. Theresa Johnson, RDH, MBA of Dentsply spoke to 100 dentists, hygienists and dental assistants about Caries Intervention, Managing Hypersensitivity and Winning the Battle Against Biofilm. All proceeds from the seminar go directly back into the patient services DHA provides to the community.
With the generosity of volunteers in the dental community, the non-profit agency Dental Health Arlington has been providing low-cost dentistry to the low-income community for 21 years. DHA's Fall
Tell the North Texas Dental community your news! Submit your news to info@northtexasdentistry.com
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www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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wine cellar
by Kim Clarke
Wine... offers a greater range “ for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.
”
– Ernest Hemingway
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T
hey’re just around the corner, so get ready to put away the diets and the scales. Holidays have the best tastes and smells of any time of the year and you are required to immerse yourself in all they offer. Trees, candles, turkey, prime rib, ham, apple pie, cinnamon, ginger, cloves – sensory overload doesn’t get any better – until you add some good wines to the mix.
The Thanksgiving dinner is a treasured tradition that deserves to be accompanied by the perfect wine. Unfortunately, there is no one wine that works perfectly with the myriad of flavors found in the American turkey repast. The juicier dark meat can handle a rich fruity red but the rest of the bird might best be enhanced with a spicy white wine. Throw in sage-spiced cornbread dressing, some green beans, a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, cranberry sauce and a homemade apple or pumpkin pie and you really have a pairing challenge. While no one wine is perfect, here are some that will do a really good job:
Kung Fu Girl Riesling – Produced by Charles Smith Winery in Washington State, this inexpensive Riesling will pair well with any of the Thanksgiving dinner components. It’s bright with acidity and has a barely detectable hint of sweetness that works with the turkey. Subtle notes of peach and melon on the finish go well with the sweet potatoes and spice-laden dressing. Another Riesling worth seeking out comes from German producer Josef Leitz. It is called Dragonstone and comes replete with a nose of green apples and tastes of peach, honey, and caramel.
Holidays
Wines
Bogle Phantom – a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Mouvedre, this may be one of the bigger wines to serve for
FOR THE
Las Rocas Old Vines Grenache – One of the wines that started the proliferation of well-made, inexpensive Spanish Grenache, this wine is hard not to like. With grapes from 80-year old vines, only 25% of the wine is aged in oak. It’s rich, lush and enjoyable by itself but is a great companion for food as its dark cherry and cranberry fruit add some sparkle to the meal. Another well-made and widely available Spanish Grenache is Tres Picos from Bodegas Borsao. Not as luxurious as the Las Rocas, it has a palate of cherry and plums marked by a long spicy finish.
Thanksgiving. It’s a ripe wine full of upfront blackberry and dark cherry fruit followed by a smooth, long, finish with hints of vanilla and clove. Another Zinfandel blend with more red fruit highlights is called Centerline, made by a California winery named Highflyer. Along with the Zin, there’s some Tempranillo, Grenache and Syrah in the mix to help enhance and magnify the earthy richness of the food.
Meiomi Pinot Noir – this effort from the owners of Caymus winery has been popular from its first vintage release in 2007. Some may argue that this is a pinot made for the masses, but the winemaker’s agenda doesn’t really matter because what’s in the bottle is really good. Rich, concentrated fruit with fine tannins and lots of cocoa and vanilla tones make this wine a good drink on its own as well as a good match with food. I also recently had a Marlborough New Zealand Pinot Noir from Dog Point winery that had some of the more traditional Burgundian pinot traits. It was earthy and had more acidity that gave it a tart, sharper red fruit flavor – reminded me a bit of the cranberries of Thanksgiving and how well it might go with the full spread.
by Kim Clarke
Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer – One of my favorite Alsatian varietals, Gewurztraminer adds pizazz to just about anything, but seems to be especially effective with Thanksgiving meals. It’s full-bodied, aromatic, spicy and able to hold its own with turkey and gravy. The wine from Zind-Humbrecht, a premier Alsatian producer, may be a bit expensive and difficult to find, but other Alsatian wineries that produce good Gewurztraminer are Trimbach, Lucien Albrecht and Hugel.
Perrier Jouet Champagne Grand Brut – Great for celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday, but why not have some with Thanksgiving dinner? Its clean taste and sparkling tingle make a great drink before or during dinner and with desert. While it’s technically a Brut, the Perrier Jouet seems to have just a wee bit of sweetness that makes it popular with a crowd. Other easy-to-find Thanksgiving-worthy Champagnes include those from Piper Heidseick (I like the Extra Dry as well as the Brut) and Moet Chandon.
Thanksgiving Dinner is a lot of work, but opening a good bottle of wine is easy and it makes a lot of people happy. Isn’t that what it’s all about, anyway? www.northtexasdentistry.com
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money matters
The Embezzlement
Nightmare by Susan Gunn
“I hate calls like these,” I thought as I hung up the phone. My heart ached.
Another dentist discovered his long time trusted employee had been stealing his hard earned money from the practice. It had been my seventh call this week. He alternated from being angry about the theft to heart ache for the loss of relationship.
“But, she’s worked for me for 18 years. How could she do something like this? I trusted her. She offered to repay me and gave me all sorts of excuses... What do I do now?”
Most embezzlements start with an Opportunistic Thief, not a Brazen Thief. An Opportunistic Thief can evolve into a Brazen Thief, however, with their increased success and expertise.
If just a few things are done differently, it will prevent the opportunity for an embezzlement to occur, or at the least not make it so easy! Cross training staff and tightening internal controls are just a couple of suggestions but the biggest difference can be made in strengthening the leader of the practice. BE THE BOSS. Having a trusted employee steal from the practice is ulti-
26 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
mately a wakeup call. Become involved in the business aspect of your practice. You own the business so oversee it.
Several years ago, I did a survey among my newsletter database of about 2,500. The information I gained was rich but the consistent thread in all of the stories was the lack of business focus and oversight by the practice owner.
These are not business-as-usual times, so you can not do the business of dentistry the same way you always have and expect positive results. If you have let the “ownership” of the practice slip, seize it back now.
I’ve heard the “Do what you went to school for and delegate the rest” theme for years at conventions. That is a dangerous pitfall. It’s what you want to hear but it is a business myth – at least for a successful business. Do you believe Warren Buffet or Donald Trump doesn’t oversee all aspects of their business?
They understand they must lead the business. Bo Bennett said, “Without initiative, leaders are simply workers in leadership positions.” If you are not leading the business of your practice, you are simply an employee. You are not a leader.
You must not only create the reports, but understand the reports. If you do not understand them, then call someone to help you.
Do you compare the day sheets to the patient sign in sheets? Do you study the bank statements and compare the software’s collections report to them? Do you analyze the credit card charges on the credit card statement? Do the bank reconciliations?
SUMMARY. Practice embezzlement is dramatically increasing. The reason for the economic shortfalls and embezzlement increases are the same. Greed. We want more and we want it now.
The loss of money is not the only loss when someone you trust embezzles. The greater loss is not something material. Money can and will be replaced. But experiencing a theft from someone you’ve greeted for a number of years, you’ve been there when they got married, when their kids were born, through the loss of parents, through sickness and health – it’s grief. It’s emotionally heart and gut wrenching. And the doctor and staff walk through the stages of grief. Some doctors have become sick and others quit the profession because they were so grief stricken.
Are you the most knowledgeable regarding the practice software? Who controls the passwords or are you using passwords? Is the security for the practice software to its full potential?
What about new hires? Are you the one calling references – doctor to doctor? Do you do background checks on anyone handling finances? Have you checked your insurance for Employee Dishonesty coverage?
Speaking at a convention on embezzlement, an attendee quietly and honestly responded, “But, Susan. I understand why you want me to do this, but I just don’t want to do it.”
This betrayal of trust is overwhelming. It consumes your thoughts and your time and sucks your energy and your focus. I know this because I walk through it with my clients, every step, every day.
If someone really wants to steal from you, they will. But, it doesn’t have to be easy. Do not enable their theft by your ignorance or lack of leadership any longer.
It is not business as usual. Be The Boss. That’s the first step in preventing embezzlement.
Susan Gunn has more than 22 years of business automation experience, is an Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisor and has written 26 books geared for professional practices. Susan, also a Certified Fraud Examiner, investigates, interviews and provides complete reports for prosecution and civil suit purposes. Unsure? Call for a free consultation.
Susan lives in Arlington, TX and is an active member of her city, regardless of the national scope of her business. She currently serves as Treasurer for Experience Arlington’s Board of Directors (Tourism Bureau). Dentistry Today magazine has recognized the depth of Susan’s experience and expertise by naming her as a “Leader in Consulting” every year since 2006.
That’s why we had all those lessons growing up, like taking the trash out or doing the dishes. We were trained to do the things we don’t necessarily want to do, but need to be a part of our routine anyway. It’s life. And, if you are not the boss of your practice, someone else will be and you will not like the result.
www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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mind & body
The Aging Brain Why Older May Be Better by Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D.
hen do you think your brain was operating at its peak performance? I ask this question frequently because it always amazes me how people respond. Invariably, they throw out ages at least ten to twenty years younger than they are currently. “When I was fifty,”
W
The typical reaction reflects the assumption that our best brain years are behind us:
I was smartest twenty years ago, when I could remember phone numbers without a second thought.
I was smartest when I was in college, when I could absorb facts like a sponge.
We live believing our best brain years are in the past. say some, while others say, “When I was twenty-five,” and still others, “When I was six years old”— all are ages that I frequently hear.
I was smartest when I was in my thirties, with intellectual energy that never waned.
I was smartest when I was three years old; every day my knowledge increased dramatically.
Then I ask people, if you think you were smarter back then, could you perform what you are doing today, say, some twenty or
28 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
thirty years ago? Not likely. Then why do we think we were sharper back then and not now? It is appalling that in a world where more people are living to be older than ever before, aging is still seen as a form of disease. We have grown to fully expect that cognitive decline is an inevitable consequence of aging, even though the majority of seniors aged eighty-five and older manifest a potential for well-preserved intellect, capacity for new learning, and sound decision making. We live believing our best brain years are in the past.
Brain aging is not, in fact, a vexation to be avoided; rather, it is a developmental process that adds valuable perspective to the brain’s existing higher-order thinking abilities. Your brain may be getting older;
but if continually fine-tuned, it should also be getting more efficient. And smarter, too. In healthy brain aging, your goal should not be to look for the mythical fountain-ofyouth elixir to return to your younger brain state. Rather, the goal should be to maintain and strengthen your brain’s robustness. Keep reminding yourself, if you do not work to improve your brain, you will go backward. For your brain’s well-being, you want to keep progressing. If I were to take ten or twenty years off your brain, you would beg me to have the years back because they are packed with such rich developments, that is, if you properly fostered your brain fitness. If you think brains are optimally performing in twenty-something-year-olds, have them make a decision or two for you. Even more exciting is the news that brain aging can have some clear advantages when compared to the young adult brain. There are more decisive pieces to your brain puzzle as you age than speed and amount of fact recall. Certain pivotal brain functions
do not have to get slowly worse and can even get better.
As a thriving society, we must change the negative framing of brain aging and instead harness the full frontal potential of our brain’s capacity throughout life (where more wrinkles on the brain, by the way, are a good thing since brain wrinkles indicate a
larger cortex — gray matter!) and more fully strive to achieve the brain potential that is yet to come.
To learn more about healthy brain habits to improve your brain health at any age, check out Dr. Chapman’s book, Make Your Brain Smarter or visit www.centerforbrainhealth.org.
Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D. is the founder and chief director of the Center for BrainHealth, a Distinguished University Professor at The University of Texas at Dallas and author of Make Your Brain Smarter: Increase Your Brain’s Creativity, Energy and Focus.
Dr. Chapman has a remarkable gift for translating the complex world of cognitive neuroscience into easy-to-understand language. For the last 30 years, she has focused her research on how to make the human brain smarter and healthier. With more than 40 funded research grants and more than 200 publications to her credit, she is recognized as a leading thinker, transforming popular misconceptions about what smart is, when we are the smartest, and how to repair the brain after injury or in the face of disease. Her approach to the science of thinking smarter aims to help people of all ages improve creative and critical thinking, incite innovation and maximize brain performance throughout life.
For more information visit centerforbrainhealth.org.
www.northtexasdentistry.com
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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Call 800.232.3826 or visit us online at www.AFTCO.net for a free practice appraisal, a $2,500 value! AFTCO is the oldest and largest dental practice transition consulting firm in the United States. AFTCO assists dentists with associateships, purchasing and selling of practices, and retirement plans. We are there to serve you through all stages of your career.
Gordon C. Damon, Jr., D.D.S. (UT Houston 2011)
has acquired the practice of
Jay W. Baxley, D.D.S. & (Baylor College of Dentistry 1986)
Chad C. Perry, D.D.S. (Baylor College of Dentistry 2002)
Fort Worth, Texas
Preston C. Carter, D.D.S. (University of Tennessee 2011)
has acquired the practice of
Terry V. Braswell, D.D.S. (Baylor College of Dentistry 1974)
Texarkana, Texas
Jay H. Oakey, D.D.S. (University of Oklahoma 2011)
has acquired the practice of
Rick E. Cofer, Jr., D.D.S. (Baylor College of Dentistry 1990)
Whitney, Texas AFTCO is pleased to have represented all parties in these transitions.
AFTCO is the only company that has sold dental practices with a cumulative value of over $1,500,000,000
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