How’s your New Year’s Resolution going? Is it getting harder to keep? Starting to slide just a little? Set aside completely ? Research has shown that only a tiny percentage of New Year’s Resolutions actually result in long term significant change. Why is it that genuine commitments to change behavior so often fall by the … Read More »
Why Don’t People Take Better Care of Themselves?
We see it every day, simple self-care options that could make a big difference in the lives our patients. Steps they could take to improve their health. Minor changes it seems they could incorporate easily into their lives. Why don’t they floss, or exercise, or eat better? Why don’t they take advantage of early intervention … Read More »
How Are You Feeding Your Team?
We had dinner with friends the other night at a favorite local restaurant. Courtney, our server, was thoughtful and enthusiastic in helping us select menu items to share at our table. At the end of the meal we complimented her on her service and her excellent suggestions. “They feed us well here,” she replied. “It’s … Read More »
Are You a Preacher, Prosecutor, or Politician?
I have been reading about the communication styles “Preacher, Prosecutor, and Politician” in Adam Grant’s book, “Think Again.” I quickly realized that I frequently observed those behaviors in discussions. It took me a little longer to realize that I had in fact exhibited all of those behaviors. In this sense Preacher, Prosecutor and Politician are … Read More »
What’s Next?
I have been reflecting lately on what I learned from what I experienced this past year. We have all been though a lot. It’s not over, but it is a good time to reflect on how far we have come and to plan for the future. I’m writing today to ask you to pause briefly … Read More »
Can You Keep Up Your Scan?
The phrase, “Keep up your scan” as used in aviation refers to paying attention to what is all around you. Look out at the horizon, to your left and to your right, above you and below you. And don’t lose sight of your instrument panel! Keeping up your scan speaks to a level of awareness … Read More »
What is a Fair Fee?
Everyone has an opinion about what a fair fee is in dentistry today. Patients think they know what it should be (usually less than what it is.) Insurance companies have their opinions about what our care, skill, and judgment are worth. Consultants and other experts have statistics, comparisons, and formulas that promise to provide the … Read More »
Do You Practice Whole Health Dentistry?
I once had a patient remark, “I guess my teeth really are connected to the rest of my body!” He was only half joking. He was just starting to understand the effect of his dental health on his overall health. Those of us in dentistry clearly understand the significance of the oral/systemic connection. Many practices … Read More »
What Are You Listening For?
We talk a lot in dentistry about what questions to ask our patients to help them move toward health. Whether interviewing a new patient, or reconnecting with an existing patient, everyone has their favorite questions. But as important as the questions are, our intention — what we are listening for — is far more important. We know … Read More »
“Just” a Checkup?
I was reading a Facebook thread about the current tension between dentists and hygienists, when I came to a comment that stopped me in my tracks. It was from a periodontist who also teaches in a hygiene school. He wondered, at the risk of being seen as “sacrilegious,” if hygiene exams were really necessary. I … Read More »
