Welcome

to Dental Practice Solutions

Welcome to dentistry’s largest dental hygiene practice management resource center! We are the leading dental hygiene consultant/coaching business.

We will increase your TOTAL dental practice profitability without working more hours or days each year.

- Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS, Speaker, Author. Dental Hygiene Coach & Consultant

Dentist in La Mesa

Oregon Dental Consultant | How to Increase New Patient Production

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

April 12, 2018

Written by Cindy Rogers, RDH

A potential new patient calls your office and says that he has a tooth ache and would like to be seen as soon as possible because he is in pain. Excited at the opportunity to fill a hole in your schedule, you gleefully say “we have some time available today to do an exam and x-ray and get you out of pain.” Great, that is all the guy wants, right?  Well not exactly.

This patient has to this pain because he has not had comprehensive dental care in a while; maybe even years.  His dental care has consisted of seeking relief from toothache to toothache. He would get a toothache, go to the dentist, get out of pain and then repeat the cycle of limited exams, PA’s and limited treatment. He was never offered the option of having a comprehensive exam and full mouth x-rays.

You see, this guy is a general contractor, he does not work in dentistry and does not really know much about it. All he knows it that he is in pain and he needs dentistry to help him get out of it. It is our job to educate him on dentistry and what is best for him.  It is also our job as a business to determine what is best for us. This is a win-win opportunity.

 

Why is a Comprehensive Exam and FMX Best for the Patient?

  1. The patient has an active infection spreading throughout his body and it needs to be treated. Caries and periodontal disease are infectious. If one area is infected then it is likely that others are as well.  Bacteria travels throughout the blood stream to vital organs.
  2. The patient is valuable as a person and a patient in your dental practice. They need to get as much treatment completed as possible in one appointment to eliminate returning to your office and leaving their job. A limited exam and Periapical are usually scheduled for 30 minutes in your day. A comprehensive exam is usually scheduled for 60 minutes. The patient will have a diagnosis and treatment plan for his whole mouth in one appointment instead of retuning numerous times.
  3. This patient works hard and wants to get the most out of his insurance and the almighty pocket book. The majority of insurance companies only cover two exams of any type per year, regardless if they are a comprehensive or a limited exam. Most insurance companies will cover preventative services at 100%. To the patient, with insurance, there is no difference in cost for a comprehensive or a limited exam. They will get the most savings and a valuable benefit by having insurance pay for a comprehensive exam and Full mouth x-rays.

 

Why is this best for the Practice?

True, you could possibly add a little bonus in production by doing emergency treatment. Let’s take a look at the bigger production picture. Here is a possible scenario of the opportunity to increase production.

 

 

 

 

Scheduled Time 30 minutes 60 minutes
Production $150 $300
Patient Cost $0 $0
Possible Treatment Plan $500 $5000

 

By doubling the initial appointment time, you will at least double the production. You will also be able to present him with a “whole mouth comprehensive treatment plan.” The patient will be so impressed that you took the extra time with them that they will refer their friends and family to your dental office.

What to Say to the Patient During the Initial Phone Call

Dental Office: “Mr. South, I understand that you have a toothache and it is our priority to get you out of pain. Let me explain how we can do that and prevent you from suffering again in a few months, all while saving you time and money. How does that sound?”

“Mr. South, I understand you are trying to save money by only fixing one tooth at a time. Let me explain why this is actually costing you more money and keeping you from using the insurance benefit that you pay for.”

“Mr. South, did you know that cavities are contagious? We are concerned that if we only fix the one tooth, that many others in your mouth are still infected and will be causing you pain in the near future. Let me explain how we can help prevent this from happening.”

 

Getting the patient out of pain is indeed a priority, but, let’s not forget about the big picture. The big picture for him and for your practice.

 

 

 

Your Goal: No more pain for the patient and in return you have a patient for life in your dental practice.

 

 

Cindy Rogers, RDH, BS is a dental consultant, coach, speaker, and author for Dental Practice Solutions. Cindy coaches in the areas of front office systems and processes as well as the hygiene department. People love the calm ZEN vibe that comes with Cindy but  don’t be surprised at her “Inspiring and Motivating” ability when working with your team! Please contact Cindy for a complimentary Profit Boosting Session: cindy@dentalpracticesoultions.com or call 949-351-8741 Visit the website for valuable resources and schedule your complimentary session today: http://www.dentalpracticesolutions.com/

Dental Consulting | 5 Simple Steps to Implementing a Successful Oral Cancer Screening Protocol

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

April 5, 2018

Dental Advisor

Written by: Kelly Kunkel, Director of Strategic Development at Forward Science

April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month and we have asked Forward Science to write a guest blog and share this important message. Thank you to Forward Science and Kelly Kunkel for your contribution to our guest blog series this month.

 

  1. Educate your patients & community about oral cancer

The stereotypical demographic has changed from years past.  While the traditional risk factors (smoking, drinking, family history, etc.) still apply, the fastest growing demographic of new oral cancer cases is younger patients without any of the traditional risk factors.  Patients need to be aware and understand that everyone is at risk and should be screened annually for oral cancer.  This is our industry’s cancer and we need to educate and make a difference in our communities.  Forward Science works with each of our clients to help you spread the word and differentiate your practice.

 

 

  1. Use adjunctive screening technology

Did you know that 69% of oral cancers are found in their later stages?  Fluorescence technology for early discovery of this growing epidemic has continued to evolve and allows you to identify abnormalities such as oral cancer, pre-cancer and other abnormal lesions at an earlier stage, thus saving lives. Adjunctive devices that incorporate this proven technology have been simplified and made to be cost-efficient. With devices like OralID that allow clinicians to use the latest technology with no cost per patient, oral cancer screening has become a no-brainer.

 

  1. Make sure EVERYONE on your team is trained

Like anything else you implement into your practice, training is key.  Everyone in your practice, from front office to back, needs to be 100% comfortable talking to patients about the current statistics and why everyone needs to be screened, how the technology works, how to present the screening to the patient and do so with passion!  If you’re going to talk the talk, you need to walk

 

 

 

  1. To Charge or not to charge

Enhanced oral cancer screening is a service you provide, and it is perfectly acceptable to expect an increase in revenue in return for the service.  How to charge for enhanced oral cancer screening can vary from office to office and can increase your revenue significantly if you choose.  When you are thinking about whether “to charge or not to charge,” remember that there is no right or wrong answer. By making the simple choice to incorporate this technology into your practice, you could be making a life-changing decision for your patients.

 

 

 

 

  1. Testing

If during the screening an abnormal area is found, the typical protocol is to schedule the patient back for a follow up in approximately 2 weeks.  If the lesion is still present and continues exhibit a loss of fluorescence, we will then move to the next step of the protocol; diagnostic testing. CytID is a simple and non-invasive test that will give a diagnostic result read by a pathologist on what is happening on a cellular level.  CytID liquid based cytology is used “when you need to know more”, and is not a replacement for the standard of care biopsy. This will help you gain more information regarding the lesion, so we can have a more informed plan of action. In the common occurrence that the results come back normal, the patient’s mind will be at ease, but you as the clinician can also rest assured that you provided the best quality care.

 

Guest Blog Author

Kelly Kunkel is the Director of Strategic Development of Forward Science LLC. Forward

Science is a medical device company founded on advancing oral healthcare through early discovery (OralID), diagnostics (CytID, PathID, hpvID, phID), and treatment options (SalivaMAX & SalivaCAINE). Utilizing her 20 years of dental sales, marketing and practice management experience, Kelly continues to grow the Forward Science user base and develop strategic partnerships while revolutionizing the way dentists screen for oral cancer. You can contact Kelly at Forward Science: Email: kkunkel@forwardscience.com or Call: 480.734.3914. Website: www.ForwardScience.com

 

 

 

 

Dentistry: Get a Grip On Your Business and Grow Your Practice

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 23, 2018

Date:

Fri, September 21, 2018

Presented by: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS, CEO of Dental Practice Solutions

Presenting Sponsor: Doug Fettig, CPA, MBA at Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP

6 CE Credit Hours – Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Snack – Lots of Fun Learning!

Location:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Airport

7900 Northeast 82nd Avenue

Portland, OR 97220

Time:

Fri, September 21, 2018

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM PD

Schedule:

Breakfast & Check-In – 8:00 AM to 9:00 M

Morning Session – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Lunch – 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM

Afternoon Session – 1:15 PM to 4:15 PM

Closing Remarks & Questions – 4:15 PM to 4:30 PM

Click here to register

Dental Consultant in Oregon | Converting Leads into Patients

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 22, 2018

Marketing is an essential part of attracting new business. Strong print and internet marketing materials can help introduce your practice to potential new patients. Glowing reviews and testimonials tell people that you have a trustworthy team and offer quality care. However, even the best marketing efforts won’t contribute anything to your business if you fail to convert leads into patients. There are a variety of reasons outside of your control that might stop someone from scheduling an appointment at your practice, but it’s important to make sure you do all you can to help motivate people to seek treatment with you. Below are some tips to help your team more effectively sell the value of your service to potential new patients.

Be responsive and available. As a dental professional, you know what it’s like to be busy. Often, your patients have busy lives of their own. Make sure your team is available to take calls as they come and try to offer flexible appointment times to help people work within their limited free time.

 

Don’t be too pushy. While it’s helpful to be clear about all the treatments offered at your practice, patients are often turned off by overly “salesy” approaches. Take the time to get to know a patient and their needs, goals, and budget before trying to sell them on dental solutions. This will make them feel valued and understood, increasing the likelihood of treatment plan acceptance.

 

Offer a friendly and welcoming environment. There are a number of people who absolutely dread going to the dentist. Because of that, some potential patients may already have a negative feeling towards you and your team despite no fault of your own. Work to overcome this discomfort quickly by offering a personable and kind environment. Make sure your team greets patients by name and gets to know a bit about them. A little can go a long way.

 

Don’t lose track of people. Repetition is one of the easiest techniques for cementing something into memory. If a potential new patient contacts your office, be sure to follow up if you don’t hear from them again. You never know the reason they didn’t call back, so taking that step for them can offer a second chance to make a connection and help your practice stand out more in their mind.

 

Many dentists find it difficult to think about their practice as a business. It is likely that you chose dentistry due to a passion for service and healing, not bookkeeping or sales. Yet nearly any successful retailer will say that the only way to gain business is to give customers what they want, when they want it. Contact us for more strategies on boosting new patient numbers and patient retention!

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

 

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS is a dental consultant, coach, speaker and author. She is also CEO of Dental Practice Solutions. Debbie is a world-class leader in creating profitable hygiene departments. She is well-known as a former clinical assistant professor at USC in Los Angeles and a former hygiene department program director. Dentistry Today recognizes Debbie as a Leader in Dental Consulting. She can be reached at (888) 816-1511. Send an e-mail to info@dentalpracticesolutions.com or go to her website: http://www.dentalpracticesolutions.com

Check out the Free 3-Part Hygiene Department Training: http://www.dentalhygiene.solutions

Oregon Dental Consultant | What is your BIG Audacious Goal for 2018?

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 20, 2018

It’s that time of year…again! The gym was packed tonight. I could barely find a parking spot! Even my chiropractor was running 20 minutes behind schedule. He told me this month of January is very busy with people wanting to take care of their health.

I started seeing a chiropractor in August 2017 (After someone ran into my car and then ran off! Another story, another time) and no one else was even scheduled at the same time as my appointment.

If you think this blog is a bit trite, let me explain…. The Dow Jones was at an all high record!

What does this mean for you?

It means that people are spending money.

So, what will you do differently in 2018?

What is your BIG audacious goal?

Are you thinking you are ready to retire?

Are you thinking 2017 was good enough?

If you said “yes” to the two questions above and if you say the Dow Jones on January 4, 2017, I want to suggest you step outside your comfort zone.

Want to retire in the next five years?

Yes?

I suggest you make a commitment. Call it a resolution to improve your treatment planning and case acceptance skills.

Check out some of the classes at the numerous dental conferences with your team and especially your hygienist. Your hygienist should be the one team member who gets your patients “set-up” to accept treatment before you doctor, even walk in that hygiene room to begin your exam.

Are you satisfied with your production and collections in 2017?

Yes?

My suggestion is that you run some reports such as unscheduled hygiene appointments and unscheduled treatment. These are two great areas to look at.

This is important to do now because you want to tap into this time of abundance in our world. IT is happening NOW.

Whether you want to retire this year, in five years or in twenty-five years today is the day to write down your BIG audacious goals.

AUDACIOUS GOAL

Why an audacious goal?

I saw an audacious goal because if you don’t step outside of your comfort zone, things will remain the same for you.

Comfort Zone. Definition: a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress.

Or put another way: To Remain the Same.

How will you accomplish your audacious goal?

  1. Create a new habit.

The second thing you need to do is write down your goal and the third is to have confidence that you can achieve this goal.

What is the #1 habit I have now accomplished?

I wrote it down and I also have confidence that I can absolutely achieve this goal.

It is one VERY simple goal. What is it????

I have started to make my bed every day.

Ok. SO, it’s day 5 in 2018, and I am telling you that it is so simple that I have achieved it.

Your audacious goal needs to be a simple one. It needs to be something that you absolutely, without a doubt, can accomplish.

You must write this down.

I also want to suggest that you write these goals down as a team.

If you want to have your own goals, that is fine but if you have business goals, to accomplish them, you will need 100% team participation.

YOUR WHY

Now that you have decided to write down at least one goal you will accomplish in 2018 (Love my optimism? lol), I want to ask that you think about WHY you want to increase _______________.

The reason you must get clear on this is because if you make $100,000 more in 2018, your front office employee(s) still make $12.hr (Maybe more. Maybe less) which means nothing is in it for them.

Your “Why” can be to spend more time with your family. In this case maybe you want to work three days and not four each week. If this is an example of your goal in 2018, I suggest that you allow your employees work on this goal, so they can earn the same salary in three days.

When you create your goal, it needs to be shared with your team. Remember, they are there to support your vision for the practice, so you must find a way to involve your entire team if you want to accomplish your dream.

Tips to Prioritize the Action Plan

  1. Identify what needs to be done to accomplish your goal(s).

For example: If you want to improve the number of New Patients who come to your office in 2018, write down your number accomplished in 2017.

  1. Write down the systems, the processes needed to achieve your audacious goal(s).
  2. Write down who needs to do what and when to accomplish your goal(s).
  3. Accountability is key so have one person who will report on your progress.
  4. Finally, is to look at your goal(s) daily and do at least one task that will move you towards accomplishing your goal(s).

Whatever you do, enjoy accomplishing your BIG audacious goal(s). Life is too short to be stressed every day.

Remember to do something small every day to achieve your goal. Create one habit that will get you to your goal(s) in 2018.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS is a dental consultant, coach, speaker and author. She is also CEO of Dental Practice Solutions. Debbie is a world-class leader in creating profitable hygiene departments. She is well-known as a former clinical assistant professor at USC in Los Angeles and a former hygiene department program director. Dentistry Today recognizes Debbie as a Leader in Dental Consulting. She can be reached at (888) 816-1511. Send an e-mail to info@dentalpracticesolutions.com or go to her website: http://www.dentalpracticesolutions.com

Check out the Free 3-Part Hygiene Department Training: http://www.dentalhygiene.solutions

Dental Consultant | Now is the Time for Tax Planning for Your Practice

By: admin

March 15, 2018

By Doug Fettig, CPA, MBA

In case you hadn’t noticed, the annual “tax season” is upon us, with everyone working towards the tax deadline of April 15th!  However, you may not fully appreciate how engaging in tax planning with your CPA or financial advisor throughout the course of the year can pay huge dividends, both in stress and in your final tax bill.  So, when the dust settles from this year’s tax season, resist the temptation to go back to “business as usual.”

The earlier in the year you begin your tax planning process, the more your CPA can leverage the change in tax laws to ensure that your dental practice is maximizing the tax benefits and minimizing the tax impacts.  A forward-thinking CPA will engage in tax planning with their clients several times during the year, creating the best possible tax situation and also ensuring that you are not hit with a “tax surprise” after year-end.  After all, nobody likes to get a call from their CPA informing them that their tax bill will be bigger than was originally estimated!

Here are three really good reasons to make time for your tax professional now and to get your dental practice and your personal financials in the best shape possible.

One: It’s Time to Get Your Financial House in Order

Before your tax professionals can prepare your annual tax filings, your books will be evaluated to ensure that all transactions have been posted correctly. By starting the process during the year, your tax professionals can help you tidy up your records for the majority of the year and institute process changes to address any systematic errors.

This quick turnaround provides multiple benefits including:

  • You’re in a position to satisfy bank covenants by supplying accurate financial statements during the first month of the New Year.
  • You’ll have a clear sense of where you stand financially when making important decisions during the year regarding investments in your dental practice, employee compensation, wealth management, and tax planning.
  • You’ll get ahead of the curve when you aren’t bumping up against a filing deadline.

In other words:  Since you’ll need to do it anyway, why not get a head start?

Two: It’s Time to Leverage Your Financial Data for Business Planning

During the year, not at year-end, is the appropriate time for a real-time look at your finances. A clean, up-to-date set of financial statements and the associated management reports transforms your “gut feel” for the health of the dental practice into concrete metrics to evaluate revenue streams, operational efficiency, and financial controls.

These reports generated from your dental practice can help you answer key questions about the business, such as:

  • Is your dental practice attracting the right clientele to reach the target reimbursement rates for services rendered?
  • Is the mix of services at your dental practice attaining target profitability?
  • Is the dental practice managing receivables to minimize late payments and delinquencies?

A dental practice with soft performance can leverage this data and associated expert advice to institute strategies, process changes, scripting changes, and/or employee development initiatives to render improvements during the year. Even the strongest dental practice can find room for improvement.

A mid-review by your tax professionals can provide information to help you make investment decisions with respect to the dental practice – e.g., leasehold improvements or capital equipment procurement.  It may trigger a review and update on insurance coverage for your practice as well.

Three: Meet with Your Tax Professional to Develop Your Tax Plan

A mid-year conference with your tax professional places you in the driver’s seat for the work you’ll do together in the remainder of the year. You can take the opportunity to outline your anticipated financial reporting requirements – e.g., tax returns for bank loans, student loans. You can schedule your collective resources when it makes the most sense for your dental practice. And you can outline your mutual obligations to ensure thorough and professional accounting services and tax filings with the least amount of effort on both sides of the table. It’s good for your dental practice and good for the bottom line.

Summary

Without a doubt, the insights that you glean by engaging in tax planning during the year can inform actions that will benefit you and your dental practice in the coming year and beyond.   What better gift could you give yourself?

If you would like more information or would a free consultation regarding your tax or retirement plan status, please contact Doug Fettig at dfettig@aldrichadvisors.com or at 503-716-9316.

Bios

Doug Fettig, CPA, MBA, is a consultant and dental speaker within the Dental Services Group at Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, ranked as one of the top 100 accounting firms nationwide. With over 25 years of business and consulting experience, Doug has the unique ability to understand dentists’ needs and help them grow efficient and profitable practices. His insight allows him to effectively communicate business concepts to dental practices while strategically addressing tax, investment, and retirement planning needs.

Clackamas Dental Consultant | Avoiding Occupational Pain

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 8, 2018

Movement is the key to keeping your body healthy. Many people may not realize that working in dentistry can be taxing on your body. From working the front desk to sitting in a chair for long periods, an average day can put a lot of pressure on your body. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you could run the risk of serious chronic pain or injury later in your life. Below are some tips to help promote a healthier lifestyle for you and your dental team.

Make stretching a daily routine.

One of the easiest steps you can take to reduce the strain put on your body is to build a stretching routine throughout the day. Even a short stretching session in the morning and at night can help loosen up your body and promote blood circulation.

 

Get up and move.

Moving more throughout the day can also help keep you limber and stress-free especially if your particular role requires you to remain in the same position all day.

 

Exercise more.

Exercising can help strengthen your supporting muscles and promote overall improved health. It has also been shown to help you sleep better at night, giving your body a chance to rest and fully recover after a long day. While strength training will be most optimal for building your stabilizing muscles, any type of exercise will be beneficial.

 

Assess your office.

See if there are opportunities to make your office more ergonomic. Whether that means standing desks for the front office team or better seating for chairside work, there could be ways to reduce the physical stress caused by work through simply replacing the furniture.

 

A healthy team is a happy team. Do you worry chronic discomfort or pain is limiting the productivity of your team and making them dread coming to work? Maybe you’re starting to feel chronic discomfort after years of working with patients. In order to address this pain and discomfort, you need to first recognize the source. For more tips on how to maintain a happier, healthier, and more productive dental team, contact us today!

 

Dental Consultant Clackamas | How Expanding Your Services Can Expand Your Dental Business

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

February 23, 2018

Written by: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

AS YOU KNOW, patients don’t just visit their dentist for bi-annual hygiene appointments, aka: Preventive Care. There are a host of services available to promote great oral health and create beautiful smiles.


Is It Time to Expand Your Services?

Expanding the services, you offer can be a great way to improve value for your current patients and pique the interest of prospective patients as well. Have you considered expanding the services in your practice?

Here’s a few simple value-add services to consider:

April is oral cancer awareness month so offer your patients a no-cost screening using the latest technology such as the Oral ID. Does your hygienist understand how valuable sleep apnea screenings are for all patients (even children)? Another simple service your dental hygienist can offer is a TMJ exam. This is easily administered during the oral cancer screening.

 

 

Other simple, same-day, adjunctive services are: fluoride varnish and whitening services, just to name a few.

I just had my teeth whitening using a 4 minute system called Uphoria. It was created for hygienists to use after the hygiene appointment. It was a simple ultrasonic device that added a hydrogen peroxide to my teeth. It was simple, no sensitivity or awful taste in my mouth.  My teeth lighted by 3 shades in those 4 minutes.

We’re Here for You at Every Stage of Your Business

It’s never wise to bite off more than you can chew, but strategically expanding your services can yield huge dividends—for your patients and your business. If you have any questions about expanding the services your practice offers, let us know! We can guide you through all of your options and help you select the best solutions for your unique needs.

We’re grateful for our clients!

 

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS is a dental consultant, coach, speaker and author. She is also CEO of Dental Practice Solutions. Debbie is a world-class leader in creating profitable hygiene departments. She is well-known as a former clinical assistant professor at USC in Los Angeles and a former hygiene department program director. Dentistry Today recognizes Debbie as a Leader in Dental Consulting. She can be reached at (888) 816-1511. Send an e-mail to info@dentalpracticesolutions.com or go to her website: http://www.dentalpracticesolutions.com

Check out the Free 3-Part Hygiene Department Training: http://www.dentalhygiene.solutions

One of Dentistry Today's top dental consultants

Debbie Seidel- Bittke, RDH, BS Dental Hygiene Consultant

 

Clackamas Dental Consulting | SEO and Its Real ROI

By: admin

March 1, 2018

SEO has developed a bit of a bad reputation as of late. It’s true that some companies or individuals might try to cheat the system in unethical ways, putting you at risk of being blacklisted by Google. These spamming techniques include keyword stuffing, buying links, article stuffing, and more. While they might have worked to give you good results in the past, Google’s ever-learning algorithms have become much more adept at catching these tactics and punishing websites for them. However, a properly implemented SEO strategy is an invaluable part of a strong internet marketing plan. In order to understand the true value that SEO provides, you must first understand what it is and how it works.

 

What is SEO, Really?

While many individuals might be familiar with the term “SEO,” fewer know what it stands for, or how it really works. Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is an umbrella term for a variety of strategies one might use to try and increase the ranking of a website on Google and other search engines. These techniques can include strategic keyword integration, off-site link-building, social media integration, and more. As search engines recognize an increased proliferation of your site across the web, your site will move up in rankings.

 

The Benefits of a Comprehensive Strategy

SEO is most effective as a part of a larger internet marketing strategy. In order to see a real improvement in your ranking results, it’s important to have an online presence that will get your site noticed and foster an increase in online engagement. By making sure that this engagement is all tied back to your site, you can organically boost the results. Having a site that’s SEO-optimized and kept up-to-date with the latest changes in Google’s algorithms will ensure that you’re making the most of the traffic and links to your site.

 

Why does this matter for me?

90% of individuals never venture past page one of web search results. If you’re trying to attract more people to your business, it’s important to ensure that your website ranks well for a variety of keyword combinations. Maintaining a consistent SEO strategy of keyword integration and diversified backlinks is your best bet for seeing a stable increase in your rankings on Google and other search engines. Don’t let poor rankings cause you to miss potential new business!

 

Grace is the proud owner of Identity Dental Marketing where she has made it her personal mission to improve the business of each dental practice she works with by a measurable amount. In her first position as a Marketing Director for a multiple location dental practice, she tripled the number of new patients seen on a monthly basis (in 3 short months, on the same marketing budget). From there, she created a variety of sales-focused training workshops, attended many marketing seminars and became obsessed with dental marketing and branding as whole.

Dental Consultant Clackamas | How Expanding Your Services Can Expand Your Dental Business

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

February 23, 2018

Written by: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

AS YOU KNOW, patients don’t just visit their dentist for bi-annual hygiene appointments, aka: Preventive Care. There are a host of services available to promote great oral health and create beautiful smiles.


Is It Time to Expand Your Services?

Expanding the services, you offer can be a great way to improve value for your current patients and pique the interest of prospective patients as well. Have you considered expanding the services in your practice?

Here’s a few simple value-add services to consider:

April is oral cancer awareness month so offer your patients a no-cost screening using the latest technology such as the Oral ID. Does your hygienist understand how valuable sleep apnea screenings are for all patients (even children)? Another simple service your dental hygienist can offer is a TMJ exam. This is easily administered during the oral cancer screening.

 

 

Other simple, same-day, adjunctive services are: fluoride varnish and whitening services, just to name a few.

I just had my teeth whitening using a 4 minute system called Uphoria. It was created for hygienists to use after the hygiene appointment. It was a simple ultrasonic device that added a hydrogen peroxide to my teeth. It was simple, no sensitivity or awful taste in my mouth.  My teeth lighted by 3 shades in those 4 minutes.

We’re Here for You at Every Stage of Your Business

It’s never wise to bite off more than you can chew, but strategically expanding your services can yield huge dividends—for your patients and your business. If you have any questions about expanding the services your practice offers, let us know! We can guide you through all of your options and help you select the best solutions for your unique needs.

We’re grateful for our clients!

 

AUTHOR Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Founder and CEO of Dental Practice Solutions

Debbie can’t remember life without dentistry. She has worked in the dental field as a dental assistant, hygienist, former assistant clinical professor, hygiene department program director and for eighteen years as a coach, consultant, author and speaker.

In 2000, Debbie founded Dental Practice Solutions and she has helped thousands of dental offices world-wide share the important message that oral health will help people live a longer, healthier life.

When a dental office is able to share this message with their patients they will discover patients are most likely to continue returning to their office. These are patients for life when they understand how much you care about them.

Email us or call to schedule a Profit Boosting No-Cost Training with Doctor your Hygiene Department. Email: admin@dentalpracticesolutions.com or Call to schedule a training: 949-351-8741.

Dental Consultant | Sleep Apnea and the Elderly Population

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Written by: Cindy Rogers, RDH, BS

Why is it that the older we get, the less we sleep? It is well known that the elderly in general do not sleep well at night. Many stay up late, sleep in their recliner, and get up in the morning before the crack of dawn. Yet, they are tired during the day and plan social activities around their naps. As people age, they tend to have a harder time falling asleep and more trouble staying asleep. It is a misconception that sleep needs decline with age. In fact, research shows that our sleep needs remain the same during adulthood.

So then, why do people sleep less as they age? One very possible reason is that they may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

 

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition characterized by frequent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep.

OSA is comprised of two types of events. Apnea, in which there is 100% flow limitation for at least 10 seconds. And, Hypopnea in which there is at least a 30% decrease in airflow lasting 10 seconds or greater with oxygen desaturations greater than or equal to 4%.

 

How Common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

According to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine- September 2014, 40% of adults over 40 snore (approximately 87 million Americans).  18% of men and 8 % of women between 30-70 suffer from some form of OSA. Less than 10% o OSA sufferers have been diagnosed. Of those 10%, less than 25% have been successfully treated.

The risks of untreated sleep apnea include cardiovascular disease, memory loss, depression, lack of energy, sleepiness, mood changes, social implications, irritability and more. Does this sound like anyone you know?

 

Should Dentures and Partials Be Worn at Night

We have been trained to advise our patients to remove their dentures and partials at night so that the gums and tissues can rest. However, without the dentures and partials in place, there is less support for the lips and cheeks. When a person lays down without this support for his lips and cheeks, they collapse further into the mouth cavity adding to the obstruction of the airway. Perhaps we should recommend that our elderly patients wear their dentures and partials to bed and let them soak during the day.

 

Screening Signs and Symptoms of OSA

Does your patient snores?  Do they suffer from acid reflex or G.E.R.D? Do they get headaches such as migraines, cluster headaches, or dull morning headaches? Do they urinate frequently at night? Do they have enlarged tonsils? Do they suffer from excessive sleepiness and fatigue? Do they have high blood pressure? Do they have diabetes? Do they have a scalloped tongue? Do they show signs of clinching and bruxing? What is their Malampatti class?

 

OSA, High Blood Pressure, Heart Attack, and Stroke

There is a sympathetic response in the body every time an apnea or hypopnea occurs.  This causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase.  People with OSA have hundreds of events per night, thus the body remains in a constant state of elevated blood pressure.  The body does not get sufficient oxygen, because of this it is not converting enough into nitric oxide. Without enough nitric oxide, the blood vessels narrow and the endothelial lining of the arteries break down making them more susceptible to plaque building up. Narrow arteries, with risk of blockage equal high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

 

OSA Diagnostics and Treatment

If you suspect a that a patient of any age may suffer from OSA, they should be referred to their physician or a sleep MD to have a sleep study done. Once diagnosed with OSA, there are several options for treatment. The standard of care and best option is still a CPAP machine. However, it only works if the patient wears it, which can be difficult for some patients.  Another great option is a sleep appliance that Dentists can provide with proper training and a written prescription from the MD.  I would also encourage Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in conjunction with any of these options.

 

 

References

1.American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine web site. http:/www.aadsm.org/

2.Sleep Group Solutions- Dental Sleep Medicine Seminar

3.Somnomed web site. http:www.somnomed.com/

 

Cindy Rogers, RDH, BS, is a dental consultant, coach, speaker, and author. She is office and hygiene coach with Dental Practice Solutions. Please contact Cindy for a complimentary Profit Boosting Session at no cost: cindy@dentalpracticesolutions.com or Call to schedule: 949-351-8741.