Lyndsay Miller is an Executive Practice Management coach for Fortune Management. She grew up in a family of dentists and practice management experts. Lyndsay has dedicated her life to studying distinctions in practice management; specifically on how to transform dental practice’s into team oriented, productive and highly profitable businesses. She has transformed over 100 practices through her expertise in strategic business planning, marketing and effective communication. Lyndsay is passionate about the preservation of private practice dentistry and improving the standards of healthcare. 

Culture is defined by the character and personality of your organization. It makes your practice unique and is the sum of its values, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. What can you do to create a great culture in your office? Here are 8 things to remember and implement if they do not already exist.


A great practice vision does not just appear. First, it must be articulated and communicated, and then it can be lived by the team. Positive practice cultures have core values that every team member knows by heart. These values and this mission are accessible and branded into internal and external communications at all times.


It starts at the top. As the leader, you must meet the same standards expected of your employees. Remember, delegation equals trust. Delegate tasks to the leaders on your team, then enable them to make decisions and complete projects their way when possible. Give your leaders a goal and some direction, then let them achieve it themselves. They might take a different approach than you would have, but it could be effective or inspire new ideas.


Building a relationship with your team takes effort. Make a point of having lunch with at least 1 team member a month. Put your phone down and have a conversation. Find something you have in common and discuss it. Talk to team members about what motivates them to do a good job. Find ways to acknowledge the effort they put into building a top practice culture.


Establishing specific expectations provides clarity to help team members understand their roles, creating a cohesive team. This includes clear job descriptions, regular employee reviews, leadership coaching, and training. Having written standard operating procedures for systems, processes, and roles in the practice will guide the way for your team and set a standard of care for your patients.


How we listen and speak to one another requires constant attention and improvement to be successful. It is essential that the team is on the same page with communication, starting with the morning huddle. Without such a meeting, it is nearly impossible to make sure everyone is aware of unique patient situations that are expected during their appointments. Effective handoffs throughout the workday are another key to open communication. When your patients see the team communicating in a comprehensive and effective manner, they tend to feel better-taken care of, because they are.


Doing whatever it takes is a mindset. It is a culture. It is a way of life. If you expect your employees to have a whatever-it-takes attitude, you must have the same outlook. You must set an example for your employees by thinking big and taking massive action. You must model this behavior. Teams that do whatever it takes understand that the goal is more important than the role. This means never having someone refuse to do a task because it is “not my job.” Rather, that individual is willing to take on any responsibility to achieve the goal.


Considering how busy a dental practice can be day-to-day, it can be easy to forget about the small wins. Celebrating these little accomplishments can be so important. These tiny doses of encouragement will fuel you to keep going when things get tough. It is easy to weave these celebrations into your work life. One easy way is to start every morning huddle or team meeting with a win from the previous day.


Studies over the last 2 decades have revealed that, when workplaces make fun a priority, it creates happier employees who feel more satisfied—and happy team members are better at their jobs. Having fun also improves teamwork, builds trusting relationships, and increases employee retention. The great news is that incorporating fun into the practice is easy.
Here are some fun ideas: Team-building outings, monthly team challenges, a day at the nail salon, dressing up for holidays, celebrating wins, and big surprises.

Your dental team is your most valuable asset. Putting in the time and energy to create that rock star culture is the greatest investment you can make.

Articles

8 Ways to Build a Rock Star Dental Team Culture

Videos

In this video, Manager of Clinical Research at BISCO Dr Rolando Nuñez, talks about the technological innovation of TheraCem from BISCO. 

Greater New York Dental Meeting 2021, Interview with Dr Rolando Nuñez Manager of Clinical Research at BISCO

Carbon announced today that it is further evolving its idea-to-production platform with the all-new M-Series 3D printers. The M3 and M3 Max are designed to leverage the next generation of DLS printing technology and provide up to 2.5X throughput improvements for dental models compared to previous generations, driving further value for dental labs.

The next generation of Carbon printers—the M3 and the M3 Max—provide an advanced end-to-end idea-to-production platform when combined with the Carbon Design Engine™ and Carbon DLS materials. The M3 is designed for faster printing, a simpler print experience, and improved cross-build consistency. The M3 Max offers these same benefits as well as a true 4K light engine, enabling double the build area with the same pixel size and density. Both printers offer the same wide range of high-performance materials tailored for applications across dental and lab needs.

“Carbon printers have been a workhorse in our manufacturing center and create high-quality dental models print after print,” says Jeff Lowthorp, Argen vice president, business development. “Having experienced first-hand what previous generations of printers are capable of, we look forward to this step in technology that will save us time and money as we continue to produce high quality products in a shorter period of time.”

Carbon's M3 printer is designed for faster printing, a simpler print experience, and improved cross-build consistency.

“Dental labs ranked Carbon’s printers as the most preferred and most reliable 3D printers used in dental labs today according to a 2021 NADL survey, and this next generation of printers—combined with a wide range of fully validated materials—allows labs to create high quality dental products quicker and more efficiently than ever before,” Carbon’s Chief Product and Business Development Officer Phil DeSimone says. “This will provide further time and money savings for our customers as they provide the consistently high quality products that Carbon has become known for. This will further separate the forward-thinking labs using additive manufacturing on a daily basis.”

According to the company, a recent survey of US dental labs showed that Carbon 3D printers once again outperformed the competition in the areas that matter most, including being the most preferred printer, most reliable, the brand with the highest average daily print hours, and the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) for large labs. Additionally, the survey found that 3 out of 5 dental labs now use 3D printers, with an additional 35 percent planning to offer 3D printed parts in the future. With the top reasons for wanting to offer 3D printed parts being higher production capacity, faster production times and more consistency, the M3 printers are purpose-built and designed to include the key features important to dental labs, including:

Faster printing: Thanks to better heat management, the next generation of DLS printers delivers more throughput per square foot in thermally limited scenarios, like dental models, with throughput improvements for models up to 2.5x what previous generations were capable of.

Simplified printer experiences: The next generation of DLS printing creates substantially lower forces on the part and introduces closed-loop control of force and temperature, reducing failure modes and simplifying the print experience.

More consistent parts: The next-gen of DLS printing reduces the variation in parts across a single-build by up to 50%—translating to less variation in general accuracy and more production repeatability in engineering resins.

Fast and easy installation: The M3 is designed to be installed in hours, with the ability to relocate the printer within customer facilities as they see fit.

Larger Build Area: The M3 Max printer offers double the build area with the same pixel size and density as the M3 printer, making it ideal for dental labs producing many smaller parts with similar quality.

The M3 printer is now available for order and shipping and the M3 Max printer is available for order and is expected to ship in the second half of 2022.

The company’s new 3D printers provide up to 2.5X throughput improvements for dental models compared to previous generations and are designed to save dental labs both time and money.

Carbon Launches M3 and M3 Max 3D Printers Designed for Increased Speed, Reliability and Accuracy

The CAO Group Files Patent Infringement Complaint Against P&G for Crest Whitestrips


The CAO Group has announced that it has filed a complaint against The Procter & Gamble Company and The Procter & Gamble Distributing, LLC, that claims the Crest® teeth whitening strip products infringe claims of CAO’s patents 10,603,259 and 10,646,419. This complaint was filed with the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

As the US market has adopted teeth whitening strips, CAO has said to innovate the space through its advancements in the gelatinous formulation on the strip, powering its SheerWhite® whitening strips. This adhesive gel is designed to attach to the teeth and make it less of a hassle in everyday life. The CAO Group says that this innovation is the outcome of 15 years’ worth of research, development, and manufacturing, according to CAO Group founder and CEO Dr Densen Cao.

"Our improved whitening strip technology is loved by consumers and is also adopted by marketers in the U.S. market," Dr Cao said in a press release from the company. "We will fiercely defend our intellectual properties against infringers."

The CAO Group has filed a patent infringement complaint against Proctor & Gamble for white strip teeth whitening technology. 

The CAO Group Files Patent Infringement Complaint Against P&G for Crest Whitestrips

Glidewell Announces Open Registration for Glidewell Dental Implant Symposium


Glidewell has announced that registration is now open for its 2022 Glidewell Symposium. The symposium, which is scheduled for June 24-25, will be called “Implants: The Next Level” and will provide clinical education on how to incorporate implant dentistry in everyday practice. This will offer an opportunity for 9 hours of CE units.

The first day of Symposium features an array of topics presented by experienced speakers on topics ranging from single-tooth implant replacement, overdentures, and more restorative procedures. There will also be panel discussions while Dr Jack Hahn will provide his insight on emergency implant protocol as the keynote speaker for the day. A cocktail party and dinner will also be provided.

Day 2 will feature workshops and lectures wherein attendees can learn a variety of topics such as clinical photography, practice management, and more. Both days will be hosted at the new Glidewell Clinical Education Center in Irvine, California, a fact which Glidewell is greatly looking forward to, according to Director of Clinical Education and Events at Glidewell Andy Klein.

"This is the first time we'll be holding the symposium at our home headquarters in Southern California — in our brand-new Glidewell Clinical Education Center," Klein said in a press release from the company. "Not only has our team organized an impressive lineup of clinical presentations and hands-on workshops, but we're also going to welcome clinicians to tour our expansive campus for a behind-the-scenes look at how intelligent dental technology is used in the products prescribed every day. We know this will be an exciting and memorable experience for everyone."

This symposium will be available for dental professionals. Registration for the 2-day event is open now.

This two-day symposium from Glidewell offers clinical education on a variety of aspects of dental implants for dental professionals. 

Glidewell Announces Open Registration for Glidewell Dental Implant Symposium 

A new partnership will help Colgate Illuminator–an in-clinic predictive tool that shows personalized results for consumers of Colgate’s high-impact teeth whitening product, Colgate Optic White Professional—illustrate the potential results for patients as well as help them visualize what they may achieve.

Colgate-Palmolive Company and 3Shape are partnering to introduce the Colgate Illuminator, an exclusive, tailored-to-patient teeth whitening tool, to dental clinics across the U.S. The new tool will enable more accurate consultations and deliver an improved patient experience.

Colgate-Palmolive, whose brand Colgate is found in more homes than any other, and 3Shape, a leading digital dentistry 3D scanner software and service provider, Monday introduced the Colgate Illuminator.

Colgate Illuminator is a new tool designed to illustrate the potential results for the patient and to help them visualize what they may achieve.

This new tool is a great way to illustrate the potential results for the patient and help them visualize what they may achieve. Dentists can access the new Colgate Illuminator software via the groundbreaking new 3Shape Unite digital dentistry platform. From there, dentists can provide each patient with a scan that conveys a simulation of the predicted outcome from the whitening treatment.

3Shape’s new software, available to dentists as an in-clinic app, employs an evidence-based algorithm to display an interactive “before and after” patient photo. The process takes just seconds and, based on a patient’s age and teeth shade, the 3Shape software provides a predictive preview of how the teeth will look following the treatment process.

This collaboration aims to help remove the guesswork and alleviate the apprehension patients often feel when they visit a dentist to discuss teeth whitening treatments.

“With this predictive, innovative tool, dentists can personalize the whitening experience by showing patients how their teeth could whiten when using Optic White Professional high-impact tooth whitening products based on results achieved in clinical studies,” says Dr. Maria Ryan, Colgate-Palmolive’s chief clinical officer. “And we believe patients are going to love seeing what is possible and how their bright new smile could look.”

Colgate Optic White Professional whitening treatment is designed for no tooth sensitivity, no gum irritation, and no mess, offering dramatically whiter teeth in just 5 days when used as directed.

Jakob Just-Bomholt, 3Shape’s chief executive officer, says, “Colgate’s incredible whitening solution is now paired with 3Shape’s market-leading software and integrated into the groundbreaking 3Shape Unite platform. We’ve created a smile whitening simulation tool that has the potential to really help ease patients’ esthetic concerns.”

Just-Bomholt adds that the tool is fast and powerful, and that partnerships like this are the way forward when advancing patient care and improving the patient experience. Colgate customers can now have quick and simple dentist consultations that model realistic predicted whitening transformations as part of a tailor-made experience.

3Shape’s Unite platform will enable more accurate consultations and deliver an improved patient experience.

Colgate-Palmolive, 3Shape Team Up on Tailored-to-Patient Teeth Whitening Tool

Pacific Dental Services Partners with Commonwealth Primary Care ACO to Integrate Medical and Dental Care


Dental support organization Pacific Dental Services (PDS) has announced a partnership with Commonwealth Primary Care ACO (Commonwealth) based in Arizona. The 2 organizations will come together to integrate medical and dental care for diabetic or pre-diabetic patients by creating clinical treatment plans across both areas. This partnership was born to assist patients as diabetes affects a great deal of the U.S. population, according to a press release from Pacific Dental Services.

Diabetic and pre-diabetic patients are at a greater risk of periodontal disease while patients with periodontal disease are at a greater risk for diabetes, creating a bi-directional inflammatory response. Healthcare costs more for diabetic/pre-diabetic patients, and those patients on Medicare are not covered in dental at all. Through the partnership of these 2 companies, they will create a plan to Commonwealth patients, including those patients who are Medicare beneficiaries, to reduce financial burdens preventing them from seeking dental care.

The partnership was finalized at the end of 2021. While it will begin with a focus on Commonwealth’s Medicare members it will eventually expand to all Commonwealth patients, according to Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services Stephen E. Thorne IV.

"Pacific Dental Services is proud to be a leading voice in advocating for better collaboration between medical and dental professionals in order to improve systemic health outcomes for patients," Thorne said in the press release. “In July 2021, we launched Union Village Modern Dentistry and Union Village Medical Group, our first fully integrated medical-dental practice in Henderson, Nevada. This partnership with Commonwealth is another exciting and unprecedented step towards fulfilling the promise of integrated care, enabling individuals with diabetes and periodontal disease in Arizona to receive comprehensive oral health care as part of their chronic disease management."

This partnership was an ideal match, according to Commonwealth CEO Lance Donkerbrook.

“Commonwealth is pleased to partner with Pacific Dental Services to close gaps in care and provide better access for patients in Arizona. Both of our respective organizations have long respected and promoted the coordination of health with the understanding that improving oral health will improve overall health,” Donkerbrook said in the press release. “This novel integrated medical-dental approach is unique because it brings together patient education, care coordination and targeted outreach across our collaborative medical and dental specialties to improve the overall health of the patients under our care."

Pacific Dental Services will partner with Commonwealth Primary Care ACO to cross the gap between medical and dental to provide the best care possible for their patients. 

Pacific Dental Services Partners with Commonwealth Primary Care ACO to Integrate Medical and Dental Care

ASI Dental Announces New Triton Traveler System for Mobile Dentistry


ASI Dental Specialties has announced its new mobile Triton Traveler System. The Triton Traveler System is a mobile platform featuring an internal vacuum pump and separate air compressor, 2 air handpiece connections, an air-water syringe, titanium saliva injector, HVE, and a water bottle. The system is designed to be easy to transport and suitable for situations such as cases in a nursing home or field conditions, according to a press release from ASI Dental. 

The water system includes a DentaPure waterline disinfection cartridge system, and maintains that it only requires a change of cartridge once a year. The compressed air system is powered by an aluminum air tank, and the system as a whole is pressure switch activated. Finally, the vacuum system features an autoclavable exhaust filter as well as a suction canister that touts an auto shut off float switch.

The portable setup is able to adjusted based on height and it weighs about 113 pounds. Indicated for a variety of dental procedures, the Triton Traveler System can be used with both a single clinician or with a dental assistant. The unit also contains sound dampening technology for a quiet work area and a boosted patient experience. The outer case of the Triton is said to be drop-test approved and can be rolled like a suitcase. It is ready to be used as soon as it is plugged in and is available in black, olive drab, and tan.

This portable Triton Traveler dental system from ASI is able to deliver full dental procedures in a single, durable platform. 

ASI Dental Announces New Triton Traveler System for Mobile Dentistry

Lisa Newburger, a master's level social worker supervisor, helps audiences find humor in talking about tough topics. Her "in-your-face" style of presentations and writing will make you smile or just shock you into taking some action. Either way, she is very effective at empowering others to reach their goals and feel better about themselves. Her entertaining workshops are available for national and international audiences. Writing for the dental industry since 2010, she uses an alterego (Diana Directive) to illustrate her points in a sarcastic but effective way. Presentations can be scheduled by contacting Lisa at www.discussdirectives.com/dental.html.

Do you ever think about your patients and what they fear the most? Most of us do not. We are too swamped with work and do not have the luxury of time to really stop and listen to what they are saying. We miss what they are not saying.

Patients are fearful that they need painful procedures. They are also afraid what the bill is going to be when they leave your office. Think about it regarding your own personal dental care. Some of you are getting your care for free or at a discount where you work. That is a benefit. But for some, that can go sideways if you get upset with the care you are getting. That is a tough issue to swallow when you work in the same place. But that is an entirely different issue for another time.

Instead, I want you to think about a time when you had pain and went to your dentist. He/she may have told you that you need a root canal, gum graft, or crown lengthening…you fill in the blank. That can put you in an anxious mindset. Then, there is the issue of the cost. I know that most of you do not like to talk about money, but it is unavoidable.

Some of us are living paycheck to paycheck. Yes, you have a job. Yes, you have benefits. But dental care is expensive. How did you feel when you were told that the 2 crowns cost $4000? Ouch! Or that the 2 implants cost $5,000. Let us not forget that you now need a new mouth guard to sleep in since your appliance may no longer fit. Wow. It feels like a punch in the stomach. Most people do not have that kind of money lying around. It means more debt. Those who cannot afford it go to cheaper dental practices, dental schools, or just have their teeth removed when the pain is too great.

I share this because I want you to think about it. Do you realize how intimidating this is for a patient? I am not asking you to solve the problem. I am just asking you to look at this from their perspective. You will be more compassionate towards their plight. Customer service really matters. If you are not able to be empathetic to your patients, then maybe you are in the wrong profession.

Do not get me wrong. I get it…this is a business. We cannot survive on providing free dental care. I am not asking that. All I want is for you to not be so rushed with talking about money, because it makes you uncomfortable. We live in a society where the “haves” have dental care and the “have nots” do not. It is only going to get worse.

Regardless of income, your patients deserve respect and understanding about this issue. To have one’s teeth removed because you cannot afford an implant has major ramifications to one’s self esteem. Think about if you lost your front tooth and could not afford an implant. People would judge you differently. When someone has a great smile and good teeth, we think they are successful, confident, and a good person. Unfortunately, society does not think that way when someone is missing a few teeth. They may think the person is lazy and a failure.

I mention this as you are on the front lines. You can make all the difference in the world just by listening. Think about how you deal with patients when they need expensive or painful procedures. Are you as compassionate as you can be? But that is something that can be changed.

 and share with me how you manage situations like this in your practice.

Be aware of others’ fears and concerns. If you are not able to be empathetic to your patients, then maybe you are in the wrong profession.

Understanding Fear in a Dental Practice

Clear aligner company Candid has announced it is closing its direct-to-consumer (DTC) business, as well as all 45 Candid Studios. The company will now shift its focus to its network of CandidPro dentists, helping them treat clear aligner cases with its teleorthodontic service model. Candid is also working with dental practices and DSOs to expand its clear aligner therapy to more patients.

“It was incredibly difficult to close the DTC business and our Studio doors,” Candid cofounder and CEO Nick Greenfield said according to a press release from the company.. “But, for us to live out our mission of helping as many people as possible access affordable and efficient care, we need to work in partnership, not in competition, with dental professionals. This pivot represents a huge growth opportunity for us and for dental practices, and I couldn’t be more confident about the future of orthodontic care.”

Founded in 2017, Candid’s shift to a full CandidPro model is the natural next step in the company’s evolution, the press release read. Since CandidPro’s launch, the service has become available in 300+ individual dental practices across the country, and Candid has partnered with several DSOs with many lined up to follow. CandidPro has grown 10x in both case volume and revenue since Q3 of 2021. By the end of 2022, CandidPro expects explosive growth, with over 1,000 offices and a presence in all 50 states.

The company will shift its focus to offering clear aligner support to dental practices and DSOs. 