Joe Falvo

Software can help dentists in every corner of their practice, from managing finances to marketing.

Digital-age dentists are using software to give the modern dental practice an electronic facelift. Here’s our analysis of key software systems and their impact on dentistry.

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Dentists undergo some of the most rigorous didactic and clinical education to become effective clinicians. This immense scientific knowledge often overshadows the critical business management skills needed for practice success. One of the most popular practice management software systems, Dentrix, is a multi purpose tool that brings corporate efficiencies to the dental practice.

“Dentrix gives your practice the ultimate business, clinical and front office tools — electronic prescriptions, eClaims, monthly business metrics, mobile computing, third-party products and more &mdash;enabling you and your team to improve patient care while growing your business,” writes Dentrix.

In the front office, the software’s business management functionality tracks key objectives and produces custom financial reports and patient lists. The system’s clinical functionality enhances efficiency in the operatory with preset periodontal metrics, clinical notes, and 3D charts. Dentists can also use the system to manage electronic insurance claims.

Patients interface with Dentrix through customizable automatic reminders and touch screen enabled electronic check-ins. Dentrix facilitates doctor-patient communication by providing an electronic platform through which patients can select treatment options. The mobile and desktop systems are each fully integrated to minimize installation difficulty.

The traditional impression process is costly, time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients. Many labs now use 3D scanners to digitally scan physical impressions and computationally fit a restoration before 3D printing a model.

With 3M ESPE’s LAVA Chairside Oral Scanner (COS), dentists can further streamline this process by electronically sending a 3D scan of the treatment area directly to a lab. LAVA uses unique 3D-in-motion technology, enabling dentists to dynamically scan the intraoral cavity in real time using a wand. 3M also offers digital workflow and 3D printed model services.

“The workflow starts with the digital impression made by the dentist followed by digital margin marking and the preparation of a virtual sawn-cut model by the dental technician using the Lava C.O.S. Laboratory Software,” 3M says. “An additional feature is new model manufacturing with stereolithography. Lava Design Software is used for the fabrication of a CAD/CAM restoration.”

3D printing’s impact on dentistry and the digital workflow

Digitally enhanced marketing can propel practice growth by helping dentists reach patients who are most in need of their expertise. Many patients are turning toward online reviews and social media platforms when selecting a service provider, and health care is no exception. Dentists, like many business owners, often manage their own marketing, so a strong digital presence is essential to focus resources.

“For a company to be successful today, it must embrace all channels, and social marketing is a critical part of that equation,” said Chief Marketing Officer of Marketo for 

Hootsuite is an online platform that allows users to manage all their social media accounts from a single platform. Users can schedule posts on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to optimally engage with customers. They can even track progress and conversations about their practice using the software’s analytics and social listening capabilities.

Continue to learn more about how to improve 

digital marketing efforts with Search Engine Optimization

Discover more Dentist’s Money Digest® news here

Articles

Technology is quickly transforming dentistry. From digital record-keeping to machines that seem straight out of a SciFi feature, the 21st century has gifted the medical industry some amazing devices. Dentists are especially proactive about adopting new technology in their practices, so DMD is bringing you a weekly spotlight on some of the best products on the market. Continue below to read about this week's focus, software.

Weekly Tech: Software

Avoid using jargon and clinical terms when trying to optimize results for patient searches.

	Google may yield hundreds upon thousands of results on any given search, but two-thirds of Internet users only view the first page of search results.

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The top few search results are typically given to advertisers who bid for specific AdWords. The rest are sorted by relevance to the reader. You can optimize your professional web presence by incorporating dental keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to ensure a top spot in organic search results and drive traffic to your practice.

Selecting Keywords for Your Dental Practice 

A keyword is a word or phrase that summarizes a webpage. Search engines, like Google, use keywords to prioritize a site’s quality and relevance to searchers. You can use dental keywords to highlight your expertise and target your online marketing efforts to prospective patients.

“Include query terms normal people would use to find your product/business (e.g., ‘running shoes,’ not ‘athletic footwear’),” said Maile Ohye, a developer programs tech lead at Google.

The same holds true in dentistry, but be sure to know your audience. To directly target patients, use common terms like “cavities” rather than “caries.” Consider using more clinical terminology if you are a specialist targeting fellow dentists or 

Focus your marketing efforts on likely patient sources by posting relevant information such as location, procedures you specialize in and attributes that make your practice unique. Search engines rank your webpage based on the value a searcher gains from the information you post. They then boost your webpage highest for users who are most interested in your information and therefore most likely to come to your practice.

“Not every placement of a keyword is equal: There are certain places on your website that are more optimal than others for on-page SEO,” Linsday Kolowich told HubSpot.

According to Kolowich, a few of the best places to use keywords are page titles, descriptions, headings, and image titles. Create concise titles and headings with relevant keywords to increase your search result position and attract potential patients. Appeal primarily to human readers in webpage descriptions as they have a lesser effect on page rankings. Finally, images should always have a descriptive and concise title to improve image search results. When incorporating keywords, keep in mind that your primary goal should be to create a high-quality landing page.

“What does a high-quality landing page look like?” asked Google’s chief economist, Hal Varian. “It should have relevant and original content that helps a user complete their task, it should be easily navigable and be transparent about the nature of your business.”

Search engines prioritize high-quality pages to improve a searcher’s experience and entice them to continue using the search engine. As a dentist, you can capitalize on this by focusing on human users to improve the overall usability and relevance of your webpage. Incorporate dental keywords naturally into your copy, keep content relevant and tabs logically organized. Making these tweaks will help propel your webpage to the top of search results.

Consider the following best practices to ensure proper and effective keyword use. Ohye suggests checking your website’s domain name for instances of misuse by a previous owner that could negatively impact your ranking. She also suggests registering for Google Webmasters’ email forwarding program to be readily notified of any fraudulent activity on your page so that you can address it immediately.

Stay away from keyword stuffing and hidden keywords to avoid penalties and rank demotions. Keyword stuffing is when a webpage crams multiple unnecessary keywords onto a webpage. Some webpages hide additional keywords by writing them in the same color as the background. It is very difficult to recover if a search engines penalizes your site for abusing keywords.

Learn more about improving your practice’s digital presence 

Keywords, which summarize a webpage to optimize search results, can determine whether patients see your practice online. Without careful attention to SEO, you could be dooming your results to the danger zone. To boost your results and make them easier to find for patients, you will need to strategize. Continue below to see what goes into SEO strategy. 

Using Dental Keywords to Expand Your SEO

3D printers can be used across multiple dental specialties, according to our tech columnist.

Whether it’s in the lab or in your practice, 3D printers are streamlining dental workflow.

3D printers use additive manufacturing techniques to construct a variety of dental models layer by layer. As a result, dental laboratories have incorporated these systems into their regular workflow. Some dentists have also taken the initiative to purchase 3D printers for their own offices.

“By combining oral scanning, CAD/CAM design and 3D printing, dental labs can accurately and rapidly produce crowns, bridges, stone models and a range of orthodontic appliances,” writes 3D printer supplier Javelin-Tech.

The traditional approach to restorations and molds can be long and arduous. Now, 3D printers allow dentists and dental labs to dramatically cut down on the process by using digital scans to computationally fit and print dental restorations.

“It normally took about five to seven days to produce a restoration,” said Don Albensi, D.D.T., owner and founder of Albensi Dental Laboratory. “We’ve developed it now to a digital workflow that we can create restorations within two to three days.”

A dentist can capture a digital rendering of a restoration site using a chairside oral scanner (COS) and email it to a dental lab. The lab uses computational software to generate a 3D digital replica of the site. They then use the same system to design a restoration with adequate margins and detail. A 3D printer analyses the file and prints the final restoration or model and die overnight.

Albensi Dental laboratory uses the Stratasys Ltd Object series dental line. Check out these printers 

Guided implant surgery requires expert treatment planning and accurate surgical guides. 3D printers and scanners are now an integral part of this process. Surgeons first create a digital model of the implant site by merging a digital scan of the area with a DICOM file from a cone beam scan. They can then use the digital renderings to create a detailed treatment plan and digital surgical guide model.

“It is fast and easy to plot the location and borders of the guide. Once the plot is selected and all involved areas are considered, the software virtually generates a hole where the drill guide sleeve can be attached,” wrote Stratasys Ltd, leading dental 3D printer manufacturer.

After completing treatment planning, a surgeon can print the surgical guide using biocompatible material in their own office. Surgical guide vendors can also print the guide and deliver it to the clinician.

The cost of storing and maintaining traditional plaster molds is a major contributor to overhead at orthodontic practices. Digital scanners and 3D printers can greatly reduce this cost and allow orthodontists to store digital models on a secure software based system rather than at a physical storage facility.  

“Digital study models offer a reliable alternative to traditional plaster models. Their advantages in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning include easy and fast electronic transfer of data, immediate access and reduced storage requirement,” said Emilia Taveca in 

Digital models can be sent to a lab for immediate printing of orthodontic appliances such as molds and retainers. Learn more about digitizing the orthodontic workflow 

Technology is quickly transforming dentistry. From digital record-keeping to machines that seem straight out of a SciFi feature, the 21st century has gifted the medical industry some amazing devices. Dentists are especially proactive about adopting new technology in their practices, so DMD is bringing you a weekly spotlight on some of the best products on the market. Continue below to read about this week's focus, 3D printers.

Weekly Tech: 3D Printers

Asking older patients about their medications, even supplements, is crucial for satisfactory care.

The Population Reference Bureau (PRB) forecasts a nearly two-fold increase in the number of Americans older than 65, but geriatric oral healthcare availability is struggling to keep pace.

“Older adults are in greater need for oral health care services than ever before, yet they may be the least likely to receive services,” says Professor Jonathan Ship, D.M.D. from the New York University College of Dentistry.

Here are some key takeaways from the American Dental Association’s (ADA) best practice guidelines for geriatric dental care.

Xerostomia (dry mouth), caries, periodontitis and drug sensitivity are more prevalent in older adults. Monitor elderly patients closely for these issues and modify their homecare regiments for additional prevention. The ADA recommends transitioning elderly patients to electronic toothbrushes and encouraging regular fluoride rinses.

Older adults may have increased sensitivity to medications, especially to those related to pain management.

“Geriatric patients commonly have cardiovascular disease and, thus, the dose of epinephrine contained in anesthetics should be limited to a maximum of 0.04 milligrams,” said Aviv Ouanounou, D.D.S and Daniel Haas, D.D.S. in the 

Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 

With the multitude of age related ailments, older patients may take relatively large variety of medications. Be sure to consider the patient’s entire medical history to minimize the risk for adverse effects or drug interactions. Patients may neglect to include non-prescription medications and herbal supplements in their medical information forms. Ask patients specifically about vitamins, health supplements and over-the-counter medications to minimize risk.

Effective Treatment Planning and Communication 

Older patients are more likely to suffer from cognitive impairments that make it difficult to remember postoperative instructions. The ADA recommends modifying treatment plans to account for this and increase the likelihood of treatment success.

“Because cognitive impairment or dementia can affect a patient’s ability to follow instructions following oral surgery, it is recommended that practitioners ensure local hemostasis (i.e., sutures, local hemostatics, socket preservation techniques) prior to dismissal from the dental practice,” the ADA wrote.

Effective communication with patients who have audio or visual impairments may also improve the quality of homecare. Speak loudly and slowly but do not belittle the patient or use an offensive tone. When discussing treatment plans and postoperative instructions, remove your mask and face the patient to facilitate lip reading and transmission of non-verbal ques.

Good lighting, large print and contrasting colors visually emphasize important information. You can reduce discomfort by informing the patient of equipment changes that cause altered tactile sensations — such as switching between low and high-speed drills.

Geriatric patients may have physical impairments that can make effective dental care challenging. 

“Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the hand, fingers, elbow, shoulder, and/or neck can affect a person’s ability to maintain good quality oral health self-care.”

Consider providing patients with modified equipment to make brushing easier. The ADA suggests modifying manual toothbrushes with Velcro straps, electronic toothbrushes with wide handles, Floss holders and interdental brushes.

In many medical fields, geriatrics make up a large portion of a patient base. Dentistry is no exception. As people age, not only do conditions like dry mouth emerge, but physical ailments like arthritis can make dental care difficult. Now that the elderly represent more than 14 percent of the U.S. population, doctors everywhere need to step up their game to accommodate this growing demographic. Read on to find out how your practice can cater to patients 65 and older.   

Innovation will likely broaden access to dental care, according to experts. 

From humble beginnings on the pages of comic books, they grew to epitomize science fiction on the silver screen. Now, lasers are science fact in dental operatories around the world.

Some dentists are using lasers to reduce pain and anxiety caused by traditional handpieces. However, high initial costs are causing hesitation amongst others. Research and Markets values the current dental laser market at nearly $230M with forecasts for rapid growth through 2021.

Here’s our list of the best dental lasers from the top three leading global manufacturers.

 has produced laser devices for many industries and is now a global leader in medical and dental lasers. Fotona’s latest dental laser, the LightWalker, beat out 4515 competitors for the coveted Red Dot Design Award in 2012.

LightWalker is one of the most advanced dental lasers on the market and is the first scanner ready system. It features a complementary wavelength combination system which allows users to switch between the Er:YAG wavelength for high absorption and the Nd:YAG wavelength for deep penetration. The highly adjustable laser can accommodate a wide range of applications across all fields of dentistry and has multiple preset procedure parameters. The LightWalker beam also protects teeth by automatically stopping when it reaches healthy tissue. 

Foremost dental laser manufacture, Biolase INC, released the 

 this February. The Express is Biolase’s 5

 generation Er,Cr:YsGG laser and is the latest evolution of the company’s previous flagship laser, the Waterlase iPlius. The new design emphasizes a streamlined user interface, education and portability. 

“With all the value of Waterlase technology at nearly one-quarter the size, one-third the weight, and nearly half the U.S. retail price of our market-leading Waterlase iPlus system, we believe Express is the dental laser that is finally ready for the vast majority of dentists around the world,” said CEO of Biolase Harold C. Flynn for Business Wire.

One of the systems unique features is an on-board educational library which includes videos from Waterlase Express clinical mentors. Other features include real time adjustable cutting power and workflow organization from a 4K HD touch tablet display.   

 to learn more about the Waterlase Express. 

Solea’s unique Isotopic CO2 laser vaporizes enamel using a 9.3 micrometer wavelength beam for nearly peak hydroxyapatite absorption. This beam is faster and more effective on hard tissue than Erbium and native 10.6 micrometer CO2 lasers according to Convergent. Solea’s beam also efficiently functions on restored teeth.

“The Solea® Dental Laser is the number one selling hard, soft and osseous tissue laser in dentistry. It’s fast, precise, virtually noiseless and anesthesia free for the vast majority of procedures,” Convergent wrote. 

Computerized mechanisms continuously modify the beam to automatically focus power and establish unique patterns for each procedure. This versatility allows dentists to choose from beams ranging between 0.25mm and 1.25mm in diameter.

Technology is quickly transforming dentistry. From digital record-keeping to machines that seem straight out of a SciFi feature, the 21st century has gifted the medical industry some amazing devices. Dentists are especially proactive about adopting new technology in their practices, so DMD is bringing you a weekly spotlight on some of the best products on the market. Continue below to read about this week's focus, lasers. 

Weekly Tech Profile: Lasers

Researchers compared responses from general and dental implant patients to determine patient knowledge compared to the general public

Researchers from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (VCU) are pushing for public education on implant dentistry to improve patient knowledge and treatment success rate.

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George Deeb, D.D.S., M.D., director of the Resident and Undergraduate Dental Implant Program at VCU, and a team of researchers published results from a 126-patient survey on implant dentistry knowledge in this month’s edition of the 

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

. The team compared responses from general patients and patients seeking implant dentistry treatment at the dental school’s clinic.

“The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients presenting for consultation regarding the placement of dental implants are more knowledgeable than members of the general public, whether the information they have regarding dental implants is correct, and the sources they may have used to obtain their information,” the team said.

The survey included three knowledge questions, which asked patients to answer fact based questions about dental implants. Seventy percent of dental implant patients correctly answered the first knowledge question by saying implants are made from titanium. More than half of general patients, on the other hand, thought implants were made from porcelain.  

General patients were also more inclined to select shorter dental implant lifespans than implant patients. Nearly half of dental implant patients said that implants would last more than 20 years as compared to fewer than one-third of general patients. Conversely, no dental implant patients thought implants would last fewer than five years, whereas 10 percent of general patients did.

Both groups emphasized hygiene as an important factor of long term implant success. Approximately 90 percent of patients in both groups agreed dental implants required the same hygiene as natural teeth.

Obtaining Information about Dental Implants 

The study suggested that dental implant knowledge gaps were due to differences in how patients in each group obtained knowledge about dental implants.

“Fewer group I respondents correctly answered two of the three knowledge questions on the questionnaire, and this means that treating doctors will have to spend more time on correctly educating such persons should they become implant patients,” the team wrote.

More than half of dental implant patients obtained most of their information about implants from their dentist. General patients sought information from less reliable sources. Nearly 40 percent of general patients obtained knowledge about implant procedures from friends or relatives and less than one quarter from their dentist.

The study further identified significant differences in information sourcing behavior based on patient education level. Respondents with a college education or higher were more likely to report using dentists and the Internet and significantly less likely to report using TV as a source of information, according to the study’s authors.

In a recent study out of VCU, researchers targeted patient knowledge and treatment success rate in the area of implant dentistry. The vast majority of patients in both groups said that oral surgeons were the most qualified to place dental implants, and that cost is the most significant limiting factor for treatment. These insights could aid oral health care providers in providing patient education. Continue below to learn more about the study. 

Study Reveals Patient Knowledge of Dental Implants

Avoid neck and back strain while improving efficiency by having your loupes adjusted properly 

Long lenses, which protrude from a pair of loupes, are a staple of the dental profession, but their ergonomic functions are often overlooked.

A study by The New York University College of Dentistry revealed that musculoskeletal disorders cause approximately one-third of early retirements in dentistry. Properly configured loupes could prevent these injuries by encouraging correct posture and head position.

“I have found that the single most effective ergonomic intervention that improves existing pain syndromes are flip-up loupes with vertical adjustability,” says founder of Posturedontic

 and dental ergonomic specialist Dr. Bethany Valachi.

Adjusting the angle of declination on your loupes can prevent excess neck strain. If you feel neck pain and use traditional through-the-lens loupes, consider getting them refitted and professionally adjusted. You can manually adjust the angle of declination on flip up loupes, but be sure to consult the manufacturer for guidance based on your body dimensions and individual needs. Loupe manufacturer SurgiTel suggests adjusting the angle of declination so that your neck bends no more than 15 degrees from vertical while practicing.

Optical specifications such as working distance and depth of field should also be tailored to promote good posture and prevent long-term changes in spinal curvature. Changes in the spinal curve can not only cause long-term pain and discomfort, but prevent your spine from being able to naturally absorb shock and maintain proper balance, according to 

Working distance — the length between your eyes and operating area — can significantly affect your spinal curve. If your working distance is too short, you may hunch over to get a clear view. Likewise, a long working distance can cause hyperextension. Your local representative can measure working distance in your office when fitting you for loupes.

Depth of field is the closest and farthest you can deviate from your working distance while maintaining a clearly visible operating area. It may not be necessary to purchase lenses with a long depth of field if you typically perform procedures that require few position or chair adjustments. If you perform many different types of procedures or frequently change chair height and positon, a large depth of field range can prevent hunching over or hyperextending.

“Headaches from glasses occur when the muscles in your eyes are trying to resist a change in vision that can come from just your glasses or a new prescription,” says Brooke Cheney of prescription eyewear manufacturer Classic Specs

Eyeglass prescriptions should be incorporated into your loupes to prevent headaches caused by frequent transitions between prescription eyewear and loupes. Contact your loupe manufacturer every time your eyewear prescription changes. The manufacturer can adjust your loupes with the updated prescription, which will improve visibility and prevent eyestrain. If you do not use prescription glasses, consider regular visits to an ophthalmologist or optometrist to detect any changes before they affect your quality of care.

 Minimize intervertebral disk compression and negative long term effects by changing your sitting position every 30 minutes!

Back problems abound in dentistry, but according to ergonomic specialists, this does not have to be the case. Loupes, a longtime favorite of dental professionals, need to be properly configured just like the rest of your equipment. To learn more about how long lenses can improve your posture and prevent future musculoskeletal issues, continue below. 

What Dental Loupes Can Do for Ergonomics

Choosing a car that fits your lifestyle is crucial when purchasing your next ride

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a car is your autobiography. Consider how potential patients and referring doctors perceive you based on the car you drive, and use these insights to purchase a car that fosters your brand and supports your business objectives.

Practice owners may also be able to get tax write-offs for business-related vehicle expenses. These deductions depend on the type of car you buy and how you use it. Be sure to keep detailed spending records and talk to your accountant to personalize a deduction strategy. If you own a practice or a small business, these deductions may significantly impact your bottom line. Learn more about this and other deductions you might be missing out on 

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 revealed that 70 percent of dentists experience lower back pain. As a dentist, your lifestyle is unique and your car should reflect that. Look for a car that matches your lifestyle by keeping you satisfied and supporting your lower back. The best seats for sore backs are those that offer adequate lumbar support, leg support and a high degree of adjustability, says Warren Clarke for 

Whether you are hauling the team to soccer practice, beating the afternoon rush, or restocking the fridge, your car plays a vital role in keeping you moving throughout the day. Choose a car that meets the demands of your life. If you have active children, go with a rugged SUV that can handle muddy cleats and road trip snacks. A sporty yet practical sedan may be a better choice for your personal vehicle — just make sure you can fit the groceries or a few suitcases in the trunk.

Buying and leasing each have advantages and disadvantages, but which one is right for you? If you buy a car, it is yours to keep after you pay the full value. Financing lets you borrow from a lender and make monthly payments until you repay the loan. Use caution when financing, however, as interest rates can increase the amount you pay in the long run.

A lease is like an extended rental. You make monthly payments for the car and return it after the lease term ends. Lease payments could be lower than loan payments, but may come with an initial charge and additional fees. Look at your finances and consult an accountant before deciding which option is best for you.

’s Leigh Anne Tuohy, “If you don’t love it in the store, you won’t wear it.” This fashion advice is paramount at the local department store, but also holds true at the dealership. Decide what automotive attributes matter to you most and find a car that meets them. A great car should enhance family road trips and give you some headspace during a commute. Check out our guide on 

Best States for Affordable Summer Road Trips

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Insufficient training in the identification of oral lesions leaves many physicians in the dark about needing to refer patients to dental care providers

An American Dental Association (ADA) study revealed physician dissatisfaction with the physician-to-dentist referral process.

The 2016 study asked primary care physicians and specialists from the University of Illinois academic tertiary care hospital in Chicago about limiting factors for medical referrals to dentists. Just over 25 percent of physicians reported referring fewer than five patients to dentists each year. The largest respondent group referred 10 to 50, and only one physician reported greater than 50 referrals.

“Physicians reported they were dissatisfied with the referral system to dentists, the coverage of dental care services for patients and their ability to distinguish a worrisome oral lesion from a variant of normal,” the ADA’s Health Policy Institute (HPI) said in a statement.

The study data points to tooth pain, general oral hygiene and intra oral soft tissue legions as the three leading drivers for primary care physician referrals to dentists. However, responses indicated challenges with oral lesion referrals. Just over 55 percent of physicians indicated they were comfortable identifying a lesion that requires a referral for further assessment by a dentist or a specialist, according to the study.

“Over half of responding physicians (52 percent) reported not referring a patient to a dentist in the past year due to lack of an adequate dental referral system,” the researchers said.

Researchers also identified a lack of oral lesion identification training as a major factor limiting physician comfort. They argued that formal guidelines could help physicians effectively identify dental-related issues and increase quality of care through referrals.

Primary care physicians most commonly referred patients with oral legions to Otolaryngologists (ENTs). Oral surgeons received 32 percent of referrals, but oral pathologists did not receive any. Physicians behaved similarly when referring patients with diabetes and cancer therapy complications. More than half referred these cases to ENTs, less than 10 percent to oral surgeons and none to oral pathologists or oral medicine specialists. 

“Sixty-five percent of physician offices reported not having any information, such as pamphlets or website contact information, in order to facilitate referrals to dentists,” researchers added.

As a result, most physicians did not refer patients to a specific dentist and instead allowed patients to contact one independently.

The study notes that the ADA has formal systems for referrals between dental professionals. The American Medical Association (AMA) also has similar guidelines in place for referrals between medical professionals. However, the study reveals that these models do not overlap to include communication between medical and dental professionals.

Ninety percent of physicians preferred electronic referrals over paper systems. Researchers suggested that an app used at either the federal or state level via a professional organization — such as the ADA &mdash; allows physicians to contact dentists, triage patients and schedule appointments. They further indicated potential benefits of such a system, including reduced healthcare costs and improved patient care.

Though referrals may be routine in the dental world, the American Dental Associationâ€™s research reveals this is a far less common practice between physicians and dental care providers. The issue, according to a study, lies partially in the tedious process through which physicians must make the referrals. Continue below to find out more. 

Professional Referrals Between Primary Care Physicians and Dentists

Ergonomics are essential to reducing stress and increasing comfort at work. Back pain and stiffness are sure signs of poor ergonomics in your office. Reduce stress and pain by selecting a comfortable chair that gives you proper support and encourages proper position for every procedure.

Hearing loss can be stressful in your practice and at home. Dentists are especially at risk for hearing issues because of high-pitched equipment noise. Try 

 to discover if noise levels in your office are damaging your hearing.

Doing a few simple exercises between patients can also help ease stress by reducing strain on your wrists. 

 for some simple exercises and stretches to reduce your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and help you relax and practice pain-free.

Performing procedures that you like can significantly reduce stress. If you have associates, discuss your favorite procedures and you may find that your preferences differ. Use this information to create a distribution that allows you and your associates to swap less-preferred procedures with each other and spend more time performing your favorites. This will reduce stress and improve your practice’s efficiency and work environment.

Every dentist has undoubtedly heard some form of the phrase, “Sorry doctor, it’s nothing personal, but I really don’t like the dentist.” Operating on an anxious patient can be stressful and disheartening. Try modifying your waiting area to be more relaxing and inviting.

“Your environment is your brand. What’s in it are properties that attract, safeguard and expand your perfect patient and client base,” says design consultant 

. Operating on a relaxed patient can reduce stress and improve the patient experience.

Liven up your work day with talents and hobbies 

Who says you can’t mix work and play? Bring your hobbies or talents into the office to liven up your workday and benefit your patients. Dan Rangitsch, D.M.D., incorporates his passion for music by playing vinyl records on turntables in his practice. This form of music therapy relaxes his patients and reduces work-related stress. Read more about 

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the Japanese stress-reducing practice of spending more time outside near trees. A national health initiative in Japan has advocated forest bathing since 1982. The practice is now scientifically linked to Improved mood, reduced stress, reduced blood pressure, boosted immune system function and more, according to the 

. Take a quick walk or a lunch break outside between patients to use forest bathing and reduce stress.

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If you own your own practice, patient care is hardly the only task on your to-do list. Entrepreneurship is an inherent part of practice ownership, and between managing your employees, marketing your services and keeping track of your finances, relaxation can seem unattainable. Help yourself find the inner peace you deserve by following our stress management tips. Your employees and patients will notice the difference.