Wednesday

Northern Dental Alliance, Christensen Dental Consulting June Webinars.

Gayle Christensen
12 June 2012: Two Webinar Topics

Strategic Scheduling Webinar
 9.00am until 10.00am (CST)

--- Presented by Gayle Christensen

Take (and keep) control of your schedule and capture the "treasure" that is hidden in your patients charts.

Customer Service Webinar 
 12.30pm until 1.30pm (CST)

--- Presented by Gayle Christensen

Give your practice a competitive edge with unparalleded customer service that comes from the heart.
__________________________________________________

14 June 2012: Two Webinar Topics

Keep 'em Coming Webinar
 11.00am until 12.00pm (CST)

--- Presented by Gayle Christensen


Give your practice a key advantage when it comes to retaining new and existing patients. Learn easy and effective methods to improve your skills with this vital component to your practice's long-term success.
Financial Victory Webinar
 1.00pm until 2.00pm (CST)

--- Presented by Gayle Christensen

Increase your collections and smile all the way to a healthier bottom line!

19 June 2012: One Webinar Topic

The Power of Documentation Webinar
 1.30pm until 2.30pm (CST)


--- Presented by Lorraine Dudley

Reduce your risk of exposing your practice to potential harm by using powerful documentation and insurance management tools.

______________________

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Gayle owns Christensen Dental Consulting, Ham Lake MN

Gayle is also a Northern Dental Alliance member

Also Posted on GayleChristensen.com

______________________

RePosted by

Dick Chwalek, NicheDental.com

Dick's a Co-Founder and Member of the NorthernDentalAlliance.com

Saturday

NDA Member Attending Atlanta 2012 OSAP Meeting to Improve Dentist Office Prevention, Safety

Leanne member portrait_nda_alliance_on_printed_PR
Leanne Mathieu Kramer
Northern Dental Alliance member and independent consultant, Leanne Mathieu Kramer will be attending the 2012 Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) Annual Symposium.

The meeting, titled, Connecting to Drive Compliance, will be held in Atlanta Georgia June 21-23 at the Loews Atlanta Hotel.

The OSAP focuses on infection control and follows CDC dental office guidelines, which dentistry practices in Minnesota must follow. These are sanitary and safety standards as well as other rules and guidelines instituted by many state and federal agencies including OSHA, MN OSH
A, US DOT (for hazardous wastes, transportation), Minnesota Board of Dentistry, MN Pollution Control Agency, (MPCA) and MN Dept of Health (MDH).

2012 Symposium, annual three-day conference Organization for Safety, Asepsis & Prevention

Leanne is looking forward to hearing one of the most popular and informative speakers in the field, Dr. Jennifer Cleveland (DDS, MPH) as well as touring the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, arranged by the OSAP. She is a member and has attended the OSAP annual symposium every year for many years.

As noted in their annual meeting flyer, the CDC tour will be an “opportunity to obtain first-hand insight on the operation of the world’s leading expert on infectious diseases.”
Leanne’s work as a dental assistant for many years inspired the creation of her dentists and dental offices consultant firm; Statements Plus Compliance Solutions, Inc.


Leanne is a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA), Certified Dental Assistant, and Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator through the Dental Assistant National Board. She is authorized by the Department of Labor as an OSHA Outreach Trainer in General Industry.

Her memberships include, The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures, American Dental Assistants Association, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and ChiroCode News.

For More about the 2012 Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) Annual Symposium.

To Contact Leanne, Dentists or Dental Offices Can:


CALL: 763-878-2150

 or


EMAILLeanne@StatementsPlusComplianceSolutions.com


VISIT www.statementspluscompliancesolutions.com

Leanne_OSHA_InfectionControl_MN_consultant_training_logos_ 

More About NDA Member, Leanne and Statements Plus Compliance Solutions.
northern_dental_alliance_dental_staffing


Also Posted @NorthernDentalAlliance.com

Also Posted @NicheDental.com


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Links noted above
  • http://www.northerndentalalliance.com/about/members/#leanne
  • http://www.northerndentalalliance.com/articles/2009/6/8/new-member-osha-infection-compliance-consultant-mn/
  • http://www.osap.org/?page=2012SympMain
  • http://osap.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/Symposium_2012/2012SymposiumBrochure0126201.pdf
  • http://www.osap.org/resource/resmgr/Symposium_2012/OSAP.symp.sch.2012.pdf
  • http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm
  • http://www.doli.state.mn.us/mnosha.asp
  • http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/index.html
  • http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trucking_industry/transportinghazardousmaterials.html
  • http://www.dentalboard.state.mn.us/StatutesRules/CurrentStatutesRules/tabid/136/Default.aspx
  • http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=9123
  • http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/infectioncontrol/guidelines.html

Thursday

ADA Identalloy Certificates: Vital Areas for Dentists to Keep in Mind

Evidently, things just aren’t the same as they were two or three years ago. Aside from the recent recession, technology has also been a contributor to the continuous changes taking place in dentistry.

Laboratories have had to invest in new systems and materials in order to offer their dentist clients the latest products. This has come as a challenge for smaller laboratories who struggle with having the production levels of a large corporate lab.

Some of these small local labs have opted to join alliances with one another at a national level in order to remain competitive. The concern then is that the level of personal attention and service may differ from that of a smaller lab.

Big or small lab, it really boils down to what is most important to the dentist. Although there may be advantages and disadvantages to both, a few questions should be asked regardless the size of the laboratory.

1) Are the materials used genuine and ADA approved? 

Everyone is trying to cut costs these days, which is even more reason to verify the authentication of the materials your lab is providing. This includes all components, especially implant parts.

A dentist might question how their competitor down the road can charge a third of what they are but they should also question how a lab can offer an implant restoration at such a low cost. This stands true for gold and PFM restorations as well.

With gold at an all time high, it’s hard to believe how labs can offer high noble/noble crowns at incredibly low prices. To assure you’re not receiving any substitute metals or a lesser alloy than prescribed, check for an Identalloy certificate with each case.

Make sure you are actually receiving what it is you are paying for. Any reputable lab would be happy to provide an authentication sticker for their products.

2) Is any of the work sent offshore? 

Some labs send their work overseas to countries with low labor and production costs. This information may be disclosed to their dentist clients but many times it’s not.


Is there anything wrong with this?

Perhaps not, if they can prove that the materials are in compliance with the FDA and ADA laws like U.S. labs now do. Lead contamination has already been an issue with crowns, putting both dentist and patient’s health at risk.

An overseas' crown might cost a Lab $25, which they can then turn around and sell at a price less than their competitors, still making a nice profit. A crown made with quality craftsmanship and ADA materials is tough to find for under $200.

Once again, just be sure to ask where the work is being done at.

3) What is the quality control process with each case? 

Quality is the differentiator between a good laboratory and a great laboratory. The number one reason dentists switch labs is due to inconsistent quality. Every lab should have a structured quality control checklist.

Of course a three-day turnaround time is wonderful, but when and how is the work thoroughly being checked? Although technology today has improved efficiency in labs, quality control still takes time at each stage in the fabrication process.

An entire day should be set aside for final checkout so that adjustments can be made if needed. Does the lab have a consistent team of technicians or do they employ subcontractors that come in at all hours of the day?

Every doctor’s expectations are different and every technician should be fully aware of what they are. Labs should have a system in place to track the feedback of each case. This way if a problem is occurring, it can be taken care of immediately.

A structured quality control system is beneficial for all sizes of laboratories.

4) Can I come and take a look at your lab? 

If your lab is as top quality as they claim to be, they will gladly invite you in for a lab tour. Take a look at the cleanliness and professionalism of the establishment.

If you send patients to the lab for custom shade consults, keep in mind that their impression of the facility and how they are cared for while there is a direct reflection upon you. Look around at the neatness of the workbenches and case pans.


Is there stone all over the articulators and models? Are there empty pans sitting around on shelves, and if so where is the work being sent out to?

You can usually tell when a lab is certified and has certified technicians working for them because their achievements would be displayed just as most are in a dental office.

It is never a bad idea to know exactly who and what you’ll be working with.

5) Are there open lines of communication? 

When it comes to dental restorations, It takes a team to provide patients with the best possible outcome. Although the lab work is done behind the scenes, they are still a big part of this team.

Communication is crucial when it comes to case success. It helps to have a good relationship with those working on your cases so that you fully understand each other’s expectations.


Do you have the ability to treatment plan cases with your technician or lab owners? Can you rely on your lab as a resource?

It’s difficult to stay abreast of the rapid changes in dentistry and can be nice to look to your lab for advice. Does your lab make sure you’re aware of the newest materials and latest advancements in technology?

Some labs offer so much more than just the fabrication of a crown, and most of the time the so much more has a lot to do with communication.

-------------------

Story originally...

For more about Laboratory Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry Services and Techniques,

CONTACT

Renstrom Dental Studio, Inc
Renstrom.com
Vadnais Heights, MN 
651-407-0491

Renstrom Dental Studio (MN LAB) is a NDA Member.


Story RePosted by

Dick Chwalek, NicheDental.com
  • Developer of Connective Communication© 

Saturday

Dentists, Have You Got A Dental Brand Yet?

Dental Logo is only ONE part of a dentist's brand.


First, successful dental branding is NOT manipulation. It is about the reality of how people make decisions. Focus somewhere else, and achieve nothing new or better, or as a business, gather much less revenues.

Most importantly, a dental brand should explain who you/the dentist are, why you are, and what you are able to do, and how well you are able/qualified to do it. It must be created and regularly expounded in a unique style while effectively referencing your specific expertise.

This should be done visually, logically as well as emotionally, yet appropriately, as to how it is described by your dentistry patients. It also must be developed comprehensively and consistently, detail by detail and then rinse (update) and repeat...

The concept of stick it up there on the website of nearly forever and leave it with some cute refrains takes me to:

------------------

A Dental Brand Website Content Development Aside
  • Including, I Must Confide, Some Snide
Unfortunately, too many dental marketing guru ruse-sters and web no insight-ers think brevity always trumps lengthy. While these purveyors of petite postings may be right in 'their' specific, privatized instances, they miss the sign posts of general public relativity: Nothing is simple unless you pile on tons.  


Basically, you need all of it -- everything that's reliable included in your expertise and dentistry in general, cosmetic, etc. -- for the public and patients to understand what is really going on. Dentists need to translate their dentistry reality into the consumer's specific perceptions, or as many of them as can be produced.

If dentists merely let a write-everything-with-an-8th-grader in-mind advertising copywriter extract out their version of what makes the best branding concept, dentists merely get the dental marketing gu-rusers understanding of dentistry.

Yes, long articles are not for everyone's consumption; except ones I finally finish. Yet, this not about writing for you the dentist, them the marketer or even the general consumer/patient of lore, bore and snore.

Successful branding for dentists is about reaching each and every person who might venture near a computer or mobile phone browser, and key in local dentists, cosmetic dentistry, dental offices, etc...


If this is not so, write this dental marketing consultant contrarian one even two short paragraphs (of 2 or 3 sentences each) for your main web pages that will attract more than a few consumers, similar to you, to your dental practice. This is where we/they, the dental consumer, would notice almost nothing except what is in front of the curtain, sheerly little of depth or unique appeal.

Content is king, not concise. Comprehensive wins the day not the obsession of compression... 

English Majors may want to edit a dentist's brand into a few condensed characters, fine, dapper and thinly veiled. However, the pattern of "write this way"perfection positing seems to have the most positive potential, but ends up usually as inefficient pandering.

It is a flailing and usually failing attempt at making up reality. Sadly, the dental world will never have enough English Majors, corporal puns meant, or even private citizen draftees to solider on with the write stuff, great with minimal fluff. These majors, who minor in honed and sharpened notes of perfection, only end up with a worn eraser, a golden brown nose award (thoughly, throwly, Thoreauly or... thoroughly justified) and of course fewer patients for those happy for today dentists.

Valiant English perfectizing or perfect tithing of dental websites explains too little, too late, two times much less, not showing more than one person who you are. They merely hand over 'their narrow patient' for a grade, even though it would be a much better one than this run-on sentence champeen could put forward.

While short stylings in copious amounts and unique content is also very good, longwinded once in awhile is better than barely anything, posted hardly ever. Dentists who regularly create content with the help of a dental marketer or with his/her own blog postings (even with ugglee spellinz ore tarrable kelsey grammer) is going to be much better off than any digitally penned pithy poetry forever static web page placed.

Dentists who may have an English Major or general (Eng Profs) as a patient will wince and maybe even weep at words too cheap like how their noses look down on this heap, but those dentists should just plead arrogance... or some other nonsense that's familiar to me or similar to something appropriate contritely concise and not as over dyed, contrived and snide.

NOTE: This prosed preponderance is not about junk SEO content, or Search Engine Optimization specifically or ponderously proposed. Except this post and sentence fragment. This type of brand development writing is the best method to splice and dice what dentistry is really like dude about. Knowing one specific dentist's point of view (expertise/services) in great detail helps them really like dudette standout. It is an attempt to make possible for a dentist to find the sweet spot of content for as many 'specific' consumers (new dental patients) as possible. 

Obviously, dental branding not only about online textual development, it is integral to all marketing successes. Multi-various forms of communication must be employed from dental postcards and postings to online and outdoor advertising, consistently and frequently, as a practice budget can produce, many consumers and current patients.


Otherwise dentistry marketing will continue to do nothing more than in the past as to their dentistry/dental care.


------------------


20 Years of Concise Aloof––So Far Provides Flatline Proof: 
------------------

Let's Get REALLY About Dentistry Branding

Few people quit smoking because it is bad for them. They drop the habit because THEY find a way out, which can be almost anything. Except for someone else's admonishment, and the various tried and no-do myths created by the old and most of the new guard (as noted previously).


The only myth that actually works is the one I use on my teenagers (they don't smoke yet--so not for that). It is this simple, two sentence verse... "BECAUSE I SAID SO! THAT'S WHY!"




Of course, I don't recommend using it on actual dental patients. But if you are the dentist that does, please video record it, and I will play it on my YouTube Channel NicheDental2000/videos.


So what we are REALLY talking and writing profusely about is constantly dropping in content pertinent to all almost everything every type of person (dental consumer) would be interested in as powerful a format as possible. This concept sounds and looks like overkill. Well the statistics noted above would tend to prove otherwise; meaning spreading less data about the value of dentistry as a solution has terribly tanked over the years.

And while a down economy does not help, income is NOT gone, it is 'merely' reallocated to what each person considers a 'necessity' today. Let me see... If not true, then teeth falling out a consequence of modern living.


Dental brand building is a non-stop process; not dental health month once in awhile. Rather, dental health should be filling every micro second or as close as each dentist is able to define and refine their brand, and then redefine it again and again.


------------------

Beware Dissing Claimer:
Dentists' logos are the only element that does not need to change over time: it can grow stale and stagnant, gathering color-penciled drawn cobwebs, and still depict ancient illiterate 'crowns' kinged long ago.
Thou beseech thee to avoid the following of the leaderless siren call belched by the by-the-bye bygones and anti-mod squads: Advance not ye teeth pulling gods, and filling hammering clods! 

------------------

In Nearby Conclusion

As we know (us learned in teeth chatters and experts in garrulous fields) consumers don't proceed with dental treatment merely because their teeth will fall out (or even are falling out). Dental visit fears, procrastination, and denial are not easily overcome. Niche Dental (that's me) focuses on reducing these roadblocks by communicating in an assertive, professional, consumer yet human (sometimes stuff & humid) and reality-comprehensive way.

The right brand prepares the ground for more fruitful action, like more new patients, and more patients doing more including a dentist's current patients. A Dental Brand involves almost everything you/the dentist are about.

Noted Below are many of the specific elements of 'who you/the dentist are' and who you/the dentist must understand you/the dentist are when it comes to the consumer audience and people who are already dental patients.
Finally, In Conclusion, Or Get a Clue Contusion


So on and so on, but to wrap this up...

Communicating in a connective, consistent and complete reality-induced way provides the consumer with the whole story. Nothing but the whole enchilada and various condiments, and comments.

Niche Dental offers individualized brand management to create strategic, long-term value:

To schedule a complimentary 15 to 30 minute consult with me*:


Call Oli @ 1+888.380.0020 , or get started on your dental marketing.

Sincerely,

Dick Chwalek
    *Honestly, only 30 minutes, or ask me to end the call if I run on like this.




Also Posted @NicheDental.com
Also Posted @NorthernDentalAlliance.com
Also Posted @NicheDental-MerchantCircle.com

Thursday

Dental Magazine Chooses Rick Epple, Wayzata, MN as one of Best Financial Advisors in America

Rick Epple, CFP®
Epple Financial Advisors, LLC. is pleased to announce that Rick Epple, CFP®, has been selected by Dental Practice Report magazine as one of the “2012 Best Financial Advisers for Dentists” list in their April 2012 edition. Mr. Epple is one of only three financial advisors in the State of Minnesota to be included in this year’s rankings and is his second straight year of being named to the list.

Candidates were selected to the list based upon knowledge and experience, geography, and in good standing with no disciplinary action against them through the Securities and Exchange Commission, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Mr. Epple has been very involved in helping dentists including as a founder and member of the Northern Dental Alliance (www.NorthernDentalAlliance.com). “Our dental alliance was conceived as a resource for dentists. Each member was looking for a way to attain long-term and overall success for our dentist clients.

Personally, I wanted to both assist dentists in achieving their personal financial goals and have the resources readily available to enhance the business and professional side as well. Linking with dental experts in many areas makes that possible.”

Epple Financial Advisors provides comprehensive, Fee-Only financial planning and ongoing wealth management services for families, small business owners and dentists who are looking to delegate some level of responsibility for managing their financial affairs.

Simply, Epple Financial Advisors help our clients achieve financial independence quicker than they would on their own.

About Rick Epple CFP®
My focus as a Certified Financial Planner is to help business owners reach their personal and financial goals, and this blog will provide objective information on a wide variety of related topics, from goal setting to estate planning.
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Story Reposted here by
  • Dentist Marketing Coach 
  • Dental Communication Consultant
  • and developer of Connective Communication©
Dick Chwalek, owner of NicheDental.com
Follow his Tweets @NicheDental

Call and have Oli Gonsalves set up a meeting.
1.800.380.0020
(Oil is a Co-Consultant for Niche Dental 
& Owner of ExpressDentalMarketing.com/The Other Office)

Also Posted @NicheDental.com

Also Posted @NorthernDentalAlliance.com