The Cost of Instant Gratification: A Practitioner’s Perspective on the Current State of Healthcare

In the middle of a regular weekday, I found myself reflecting on something that has become increasingly hard to ignore.

There’s been a shift - not just in orthodontics, but across dentistry and healthcare at large.

Patients today often come in with high expectations. That in itself isn’t new. But what is new is the nature of those expectations: immediate, sometimes clinically unrealistic, and often shaped by what they’ve seen online. More and more, people want results that are fast, flawless, and affordable - even when those desires don't quite align with science or reality.

This isn't a critique of patients. It’s a commentary on the cultural shift we’re all navigating.

We live in a time of instant gratification. Two-day shipping. Before-and-after transformations that skip the journey in between. Filtered content that makes perfection seem routine. And the result is a growing disconnect between what healthcare actually requires and what many now expect it to be.

Orthodontics Isn’t Amazon Prime

Orthodontic treatment is a biological process. It involves careful planning, time, and individualized strategy. Teeth don’t move overnight. Bone remodeling can’t be rushed. Every adjustment is a calculated step toward long-term health and function, not just aesthetics.

Yet today, there's a widespread desire for “Amazon Prime” results. Fast, flawless, and inexpensive. When those expectations aren't met no matter how clinically successful a case may be, it can lead to significant frustration on the patient’s end. Unfortunately, that frustration often gets directed toward the provider.

Negative online reviews. Social media complaints. Misleading portrayals of the practice. These things can happen even when we’ve poured our skill, ethics, and care into a case.

Healthcare Results Require More Than Speed

Whether it’s orthodontics, general dentistry, dermatology, or any branch of medicine, meaningful outcomes require:

• Time

• Clinical expertise

• Mutual trust between patient and provider

This is not just a cosmetic service. It's your health. Your face. Your smile. And it cannot be mass-produced or expedited like an online order.

A Broader Shift in the Healthcare Landscape

This shift in patient perception isn't limited to orthodontics. It echoes across the entire healthcare system.

Primary care providers are being pressured into quick fixes. Mental health professionals are expected to undo years of trauma in a few short sessions. Surgeons and aesthetic specialists are asked for red-carpet results with zero downtime.

Healthcare has become part of the instant gratification economy, and that’s a problem.

For providers who entered this field with a heart for helping others, the current climate can be disheartening. We're navigating not just the complexities of treatment, but also the weight of expectations set by algorithms, trends, and marketing - not by medicine.

What Can Be Done?

We need to return to education, communication, and boundaries.

Healthcare providers must continue educating patients about what’s realistic, sustainable, and safe. We must communicate openly about timelines, trade-offs, and outcomes. And we must hold boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s okay to say, “No, that’s not in your best interest,” even when a patient asks for it.

We can lead with empathy while remaining grounded in evidence. We can be supportive without being subservient to unrealistic demands. We can offer excellent care, not just fast service.

If you're a fellow provider feeling the weight of this shift, you’re not alone. This moment is asking a lot of us, not just our clinical skills, but our patience, resilience, and professionalism.

And if you’re a patient trying to navigate the overwhelming sea of healthcare information and expectations, I encourage you to ask questions. Seek understanding. Allow space for the process.

True transformation doesn’t happen in 48 hours. It happens when both patient and provider are committed, informed, and working together.

Choosing the Best Electric Toothbrush: A Dentist's Top 5 Recommendations

A bright, healthy smile begins with effective oral care, and one of the cornerstones of a solid dental hygiene routine is choosing the right electric toothbrush. As an Orthodontist/dentist, I often get asked about the best options available, and I'm thrilled to share my top 5 recommendations to help you make an informed decision. In this guide, I will explore the key features of each toothbrush, providing you with a detailed overview of what makes them stand out. Among my top picks are the Oral B Pro 1000, Oral B iO 9 Series, Philips Sonicare Prestige, Ollie, and Suri.

I am deeply committed to my patients' oral health, I have personally encountered the transformative power of effective oral care tools. Each electric toothbrush on this list brings unique benefits to the table, but as with any recommendation, personal experience plays a crucial role in shaping my perspective.

1.Oral B Pro 1000:

The Oral B Pro1000 has long been a favorite among dental professionals and consumers alike. Its notable features include:

• Round Brush Head: The unique round design of the brush head helps cover each tooth individually, ensuring a thorough clean.

• Pressure Sensor: Alerts you if you're brushing too hard, preventing potential damage to your gums and enamel.

• CrossAction Brush Bristles: Angled bristles reach deep between teeth for effective plaque removal.

• Built-in Timer: Guides you to brush for the recommended two minutes, pulses every 30 seconds to let you know when to switch areas of the mouth promoting consistent and adequate cleaning.

• Rechargeable battery: toothbrush with 3 modes - Daily Clean, Whitening, and Sensitive

• Warranty: 2 years

• Cost: Roughly $49

  This Oral-B is one of the best-rated electric toothbrushes on Amazon with over 100K 5 star reviews. In fact, this brush received some of the highest overall scores, standing out for exceptional performance, ease of use and consumer satisfaction. It is great value for your money, is lightweight and performs well.

The Oral B brand in general is tried and true and this Pro 1000 holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its stellar performance and affordability but also due to the positive feedback from my patients. Its round brush head and pressure sensor are particularly noteworthy features, ensuring a thorough yet gentle clean—a must-have for anyone, especially those with braces or other dental appliances.

2. Ollie SmartClean Sonic Toothbrush:

Ollie is a rising star in oral care, redefining innovation and simplicity in its SmartClean Sonic Toothbrush. here are the standout features:

Sonic Vibration Technology: Powerful yet gentle vibrations, ensuring effective plaque removal and a comprehensive clean that goes beyond what a manual brush can achieve.

• Smart Timer: The timer encourages the dentist-recommended two-minute brushing time, promoting optimal oral health effortlessly.

• Long Battery Life: Ollie sets itself apart with an impressive battery life. A single charge powers the SmartClean for up to 6 weeks, providing uninterrupted oral care and reducing the hassle of frequent recharging.

• Compact and Travel-Friendly: With its sleek design and a convenient travel case, the SmartClean becomes a perfect companion on the go. .

• Versatility in Brushing Modes: 5 brushing modes and 3 brush head styles. Find the combination that suits you best for a tailored and effective cleaning routine.

• Lifetime Warranty with Brush Head Replacement Program: Ollie stands by the SmartClean's durability. Subscription to the brush head replacement program, gets you a LIFETIME warranty on the toothbrush.

• 90-Day No Hassle Trial: Ollie offers a risk-free 90-day trial with free return shipping if it's not the perfect fit for you.

• Cost: Roughly $69

  The SmartClean improves upon sonic technology by including a giant battery that only needs to be charged every 6 weeks plus 5 brushing modes and 3 brush head styles so you can find the one that works best for you. I am drawn to its simplicity and effectiveness. The combination of sonic vibration technology and long-lasting battery life makes it a practical choice, while the lifetime warranty and brush head replacement program underscore Ollie's dedication to customer satisfaction.

3. Oral B iO Series 9:

The Oral B iO Series 9 represents the pinnacle of Oral B's innovation in electric toothbrush technology. Here are its standout features:

• Magnetic Drive: The magnetic drive system delivers a smoother and quieter brushing experience.

• Magnetic Charger: Delivers a full charge in just ~3 hours.

• Interactive Display: A smart color display offers real-time feedback on your brushing habits, encouraging optimal technique. It visually communicates mode setting, charging progress, 2-minute brushing timer, and more.

• 7 Smart Brushing Modes: including Daily Clean, Whiten, Gum Care, Sensitive, Super Sensitive, Intense, and Tongue Clean.

• Artificial Intelligence Recognition: The toothbrush "learns" your brushing style over time, providing personalized recommendations.3D teeth tracking via the Oral-B app.

• Advanced Pressure Sensor: Goes beyond the basic pressure sensor, adjusting the brushing speed accordingly for a safer clean. Displays red when brushing too hard, white when brushing too light, and green when brushing just right.

• Power2Go Charging Travel Case: Charge your toothbrush and phone anytime, anywhere.

• Warranty: 2 years

• Cost: Roughly $295

  The iO Series 9 is one of Oral-B’s ​most advanced electric toothbrushes,I am captivated by its cutting-edge technology and intelligent design. The magnetic drive system and AI recognition elevate the brushing experience to new heights, offering a level of customization and precision that truly sets it apart. While the price may seem steep, the investment in oral health is priceless.

4. Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige:

This is known for its sleek design and advanced sonic technology, the Philips Sonicare Prestige is a top-tier electric toothbrush. Key features include:

• 3 Brushing Modes and 4 Intensity Settings: Customizable settings cater to individual preferences and sensitivities.

• Adaptive BrushSync Technology: Automatically selects the optimal brushing mode and intensity based on the attached brush head.

• Premium Travel Case with USB Charging: Ideal for on-the-go oral care, with a convenient USB charging feature.

• Brush Head Replacement Reminder: Ensures timely replacement for continued optimal performance.

• SenseIQ Technology: Senses pressure, motion, coverage and more up to 100 times per second. It then adapts the intensity if you push too hard.

• Cost: Roughly $300

  The Sonicare Prestige 9900 embodies sophistication and performance, making it an attractive option for those seeking premium oral care. Its Adaptive BrushSync Technology and SenseIQ technology epitomize innovation, delivering a tailored brushing experience that leaves a lasting impression. Though it commands a higher price tag, the Prestige 9900 is a testament to Philips' commitment to innovation.

5. SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush:

Suri takes pride in offering a sustainable oral care solution without compromising on essential features. Here's why choosing Suri aligns your daily rituals with a commitment to the planet:

• Plant-Based Heads: Suri's brush employs recyclable plant-based heads and bristles, emphasizing eco-friendly materials for a cleaner environment.

• Clean & Polish Modes: Tailor your brushing experience with multiple modes, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized oral care routine.

• Built-in Timer: Stay on track with your oral care routine as the built-in timer ensures you adhere to the recommended brushing time, promoting consistent and thorough cleaning.

• Repairable Design: Suri's slim aluminum body is designed to be taken apart and repaired, reflecting a commitment to longevity and reducing unnecessary waste.

• 40+ Day Battery Life: Experience uninterrupted oral care with a battery that lasts over 40 days on a single charge, reducing the frequency of charging and ensuring reliability.

• Compact and Travel-Friendly: Suri's compact design makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an electric toothbrush with a smaller footprint, perfect for travel or limited storage space.

• Free Recycling in the US: Suri goes the extra mile by offering free recycling in the US, providing a sustainable end-of-life solution for its plant-based components.

• 100-Day Money Back Guarantee: Suri is confident that you'll love its sustainable approach to oral care. With a 100-day money-back guarantee, there's no compromise in trying an eco-friendly and dentist-approved clean.

• Cost: Roughly $92

  Suri resonates with my ethos of sustainability and environmental consciousness. Its use of recyclable plant-based materials and repairable design align with my values. Suri's commitment to eco-friendly oral care is commendable, and I am in support of its mission to promote sustainable living.

In conclusion, each electric toothbrush featured in this guide offers a compelling blend of innovation, functionality, and value. As an orthodontist, I believe that investing in a high-quality electric toothbrush is an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge technology, sustainability, or affordability, there is a toothbrush on this list that will suit your needs and elevate your oral care routine to new heights. Remember, the best toothbrush is the one that encourages you to brush regularly and thoroughly, ensuring a radiant smile and optimal oral health.

How to Clean Your Teeth With Braces: Expert Tips from an Orthodontist

If you're among the many people who've embarked on the journey of orthodontic treatment with braces, you're likely aware that maintaining oral hygiene becomes a bit more intricate with brackets and wires in the equation. Braces create numerous nooks and crannies where food particles can become trapped, making it crucial to adapt your oral care routine for optimal health. In this guide, I will share some essential tips and recommended products to help you maintain a clean and healthy smile during your braces journey.

1. Clearing Out Food After Every Meal

The first and most fundamental step in caring for your teeth with braces is clearing out food debris after every meal. Food particles tend to cling to brackets and wires, creating a haven for harmful bacteria. This bacterial activity increases acidity in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues.

To combat this, consider these strategies:

• Brush Your Teeth: After eating, brush your teeth thoroughly to get rid of food particles that got lodge during eating.

• Rinse with Water: If you’re in a situation (or place) where you’re unable to brush at the moment rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This simple step can also help dislodge larger food particles from your braces.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day can aid in keeping your mouth clean. It encourages saliva production, which naturally helps wash away food debris and balance oral pH levels.

• Swish and Rinse: Incorporate swishing and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash after meals. This practice also helps to remove lingering food particles and reduces the build-up of bacteria.

• Avoid Sticky and Sugary Foods: Be cautious about the foods you consume. Sticky and sugary treats like starbursts or jelly beans are particularly problematic as they can easily get lodged in your teeth and braces. These remnants not only threaten to dislodge brackets but also provide a feast for harmful bacteria, leading to accelerated tooth decay.

2. Flossing Is Non-Negotiable

Flossing becomes even more critical when you have braces. While you might have been less diligent about flossing before, it's time to make it a regular part of your routine—ideally every day or at least every other day.

Here are some flossing options to consider:

• Interdental Picks: These are excellent tools for navigating the tight spaces between wires and brackets. Interdental picks make it easier to floss effectively with braces.

• Floss Threading: If you prefer traditional floss, invest in a floss threader. This tool allows you to thread floss behind the wires, enabling thorough cleaning between teeth.

• Water Flossers: Water flossers are a fantastic addition to your oral care routine. They use a stream of water to dislodge food particles and plaque. Look for one that comes with specialized orthodontic tips for the best results.

3. Brushing Techniques for Braces

Proper brushing is paramount when you have braces. The challenge lies in effectively removing biofilm from the tooth surfaces, which is more challenging with brackets and wires in the way. To tackle this, consider these tips:

• Opt for a Sonic Toothbrush: A sonic toothbrush with a small brush head is ideal for braces. The smaller head can reach around each bracket with ease. One excellent option is the ProClean brush head from Ollie, which is smaller and is designed to get into those hard-to-reach areas.

• Vibrational Cleaning: Sonic toothbrushes use vibrations to clean your teeth, eliminating the need for vigorous back-and-forth movements that can be problematic with braces.

• Decalcification and White Spots: With braces, there's an increased risk of decalcification, which can lead to white spots on your teeth. Using fluoride and/or hydroxyapatite toothpastes and a remineralizing mouthwash can help mitigate this risk.

Recommended Products

• Sonic Toothbrush: Sonic toothbrushes use vibrations to clean your teeth, eliminating the need for vigorous back-and-forth movements that can be problematic with braces. Ollie’s sonic toothbrush with the ProClean brush head is gentle and small with effective cleaning action that is perfect for maintaining oral hygiene with braces.

• Hydroxyapatite - Fluoride Toothpaste – Ollie has a specially formulated toothpaste that has both fluoride and hydroxyapatite that fights cavities in more ways than other toothpastes.

• Floss: Flossing is non-negotiable with braces and nothing replaces the effectiveness of traditional string floss. But, if you’re in braces you must invest in a floss threader. This tool allows you to thread floss behind the wires, enabling thorough cleaning between teeth. Ollie’s silk floss is a great option for use with your floss threader.

• Ollie Ortho Kit: The Ollie Ortho kit includes a sonic toothbrush with micro brush heads tailored for orthodontic care. Its gentle yet effective cleaning action is perfect for maintaining oral hygiene with braces.

Ollie’s products are great for overall oral care. Try Ollie products with discount code; UNORTHODOC10 for 10% off. 

While caring for your teeth with braces requires some adjustments to your daily routine, it's well worth the effort. Following these tips and using recommended products like those from Ollie can help ensure a clean and healthy smile during your orthodontic journey. Remember that maintaining good oral hygiene now will lead to a beautiful, confident smile once your braces come off.

How To Find the Sweet Spot of Work & Life Balance as a Dentist

A healthy work-life balance is one of the most sought-after goals of the modern age. About 20 years ago, it was quite easy to set reasonable working hours, take vacation days, and generally have time to spend with family and friends. Nowadays, however, with the speed that comes with the modern age of technology and the constant need to fulfill relentless ambitions, accomplishing a balanced life can be challenging.

Why is Work-Life Balance challenging for Dentists?

Achieving a good work-life balance is challenging for all professions, but perhaps the problem is more pronounced for dentists. This is because dentists who own their private practices generally have 2 active jobs: A dental practitioner and a practice manager, and between these, having time for oneself can be incredibly difficult , but very much necessary. Yes, some dentists choose a more corporate style of running their practice(s), acting more as an owner and manager rather than a practitioner which can make it a bit easier to achieve that balance, but for the average family dentist, the problem persists.

It’s not difficult to figure out of if your work-life balance is impaired. Check these:

• Your number of working hours: On average, dentists tend to work 4 or 5 days per week, for about 7 hours per day, which sums up to be about 35 working hours per week. This is a good amount of working time that enables you as a dentist to fulfill your ambitions without causing damage to your physical or mental health. Personally, my sweet spot is 3 days per week. My schedule right now is 3 days one week, then 4 days the next averaging 24-32 hours per week. For now, this schedule allows a nice mix of time focused on work and ample time away from it.

• Your number of days off per year: There is no specific number to place here, but on average, at least 150 days off per year (including weekends) is the minimum to achieve a good balance. Because I have a 3 day weekend every week and 2 full mandatory weeks off in a year, my minimum days off per year averages around 170, which to me is a reasonable amount of time on and off of work given that there are 365 days in a year.

• Your quality of sleep: All work can be stressful, but dentistry is doubly so. Dentists are usually solo practitioners who spend a lot of time practicing alone, taking on the issues of the practice, their staff and patients. It can be isolating and also mentally and physically taxing. More of teen than not they think about the practice and cases at home (at night) which adversely affects their sleep. Poor sleep quality is a great indicator that you’re working too much.

• Your overall general health: Stress is the leading cause of many health problems such as hypertension and strokes. When dentists work too much, that generally means they’re more stressed out, which makes them more vulnerable to these dangerous conditions. A few indicators of deteriorating health such as generalized weakness or constant headaches should be red flags that a different approach is needed.

Here are some tips to help you find the sweet spot of work and life balance as a dentist:

1. Prioritize self-care: As a dentist, you understand the importance of self-care, but it can be easy to neglect your own health and well-being when you're focused on taking care of others. Make sure to prioritize your own self-care by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. Set aside time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.

2. Define your priorities: Take the time to define your priorities both in your personal and professional life. Determine what's most important to you and how much time and energy you want to allocate to each area. Make a schedule that allows you to accomplish your goals while still leaving time for relaxation and downtime.

3. Create boundaries: Creating boundaries is essential for achieving work-life balance. Set clear expectations with your staff and patients about your availability and work hours. It's okay to say no to non-emergency calls or appointments outside of your regular hours. Creating boundaries will help you avoid burnout and ensure that you have the energy to enjoy your personal life.

4. Delegate tasks: As a dentist, you may feel like you need to handle everything yourself, but delegating tasks to your staff can help you free up time and reduce your workload. Consider delegating administrative tasks or hiring additional staff to help with patient care. This will allow you to focus on the most important aspects of your practice and enjoy more personal time.

5. Use technology to your advantage: Technology can be a powerful tool for managing your practice and reducing your workload. Consider using appointment scheduling software, electronic health records, and communication tools to streamline your practice and improve patient care. This will help you save time and reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy a better work-life balance.

Achieving work-life balance as a dentist requires careful planning, prioritization, and a willingness to delegate tasks and set boundaries. By prioritizing self-care, defining your priorities, creating boundaries, delegating tasks, and using technology to your advantage, you can find the sweet spot of work and life balance that works for you and your practice. I hope this will help you create a life that you love!

How To Make the Choice Between Dental Service Organization (DSO) and Private Practice:

Many dental professionals, new grads In particular struggle with the decision to join a dental service organization (DSO) or purchase their own private practice. A lot of the decision making lies in the fact that we are now burdened with heavy student loan debt combined with the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The question then becomes, do I take the leap and go into practice ownership or play it safe? Of course, and you might be more equipped to flourish on your own. But this depends on individual skills and preferences.

According to David Rice DDS, founder of Ignite DDS  “They both have advantages and shortcomings depending on the person. One’s level of personal responsibility, income level, and quality of life can all be better or worse according to preference. It definitely comes down to an important choice; how much are you willing to deviate from the old adage of ‘focusing on the dentistry?’”

DSO Advantages

DSO ownership can offer many advantages to a practice owner. There is essentially a corporate management system that takes over operations. This means help with payroll, supply distribution, and repair/maintenance issues. You’ll also probably enjoy perks such as drastically reduced repair bills and quicker service response. Large DSOs have the power to negotiate prices based on volume, so the larger they are the better the perks become. 

Operations isn’t the only thing that gets a boost; your new affiliation will offer inclusion in nationwide marketing campaigns, with more patient visibility through multiple website channels. In a world where the pandemic literally shut down almost everything, that can be a huge boost when trying to convince your patient base (who isn’t leaving the house much) that the dentist’s office is one of the safest public places to be. Speaking of your patient base, if you’re just starting out in practice this is a big plus—you don’t have to wait to build your client base; the DSO will have been marketing for you since before day one. 

Other perks will most likely include access to training and continuing education opportunities that you and your staff might not have known about or had access to otherwise. One thing about DSOs is that they prefer uniformity. This could result in the uniform decision to replace equipment that doesn’t hold up to their standard. You could suddenly be replacing dental chairs that are more than 10 years old or moving to CAD/CAM or CBCT if you haven’t already done so. 

The benefits of new equipment are obvious, and hopefully your team will be excited about the new learning opportunities. Guidelines are the key to success for them, and you’ll have to keep your team in the progress loop. Because of this, you’ll also learn a lot about running a successful dental business, something that will be invaluable should you decide to open your own office someday. Large companies hire successful, experienced executives to lead their (and your) teams so that only best practices are brought into the business. 

DSO Disadvantages

The drawback of the disadvantages might depend only on your interest in avoiding them, but profit would be at the top. You stand to make only a portion of what you would make as an owner, but the tradeoff is everything I discussed above. Because of the standards and uniformity, you’ll have little room for negotiation at the practice level, and other doctors and team members will be paid accordingly. Profits may take priority in corporate ownership, so you would be leaning into decisions you might not normally make under alternative leadership. 

You also stand to lose some decision-making power. More specifically, additional treatment could be the norm when in doubt (perhaps against your own intuition), and associates working on scale might be in competition for the high-dollar procedures. Production goals will also be in place, so if others are sending the business, you’ll be held to capitalizing on those opportunities. It’s also wise to find out everything about the contract you sign; some may include a restrictive covenant that would prohibit you from practicing within a certain distance of your current practice to prevent competition. 

Private Practice Advantages

On the flip side, private practice offers high-risk, high-rewards for those with dreams and perseverance. In reality, doesn’t everything worth doing carry risk? Obviously, overhead is the major discerning factor here, as all costs—from startup to maintenance—are solely your responsibility. Private practice also offers complete autonomy, with no location restrictions or restrictive covenants and complete control over capital investments, personnel, and other major decisions. 

It helps if you know something about business, and there are many articles available about what they don’t teach in dental school. Small offices are more personally affected by each employee, so you’ll need to create influence by being a strong mentor and helping your team members grow. One way to do this is by exposing them to new technology and procedures and developing their skills. The investments you make in your team will pay off exponentially with less absence and turnover. 

Also, human resources decisions are left up to you. If you do things right, you can minimize payroll with smart choices and multifunctional team members. You don’t have to seek approval to hire someone outside of your initial price range with exceptional skills. All major equipment investments, while seemingly pricey, will pay for themselves with a quick return on investment and will be attractive when it’s time to retire. I’ve often said that dental equipment upgrades are never a bad decision, and any dental transition broker will tell you that buyer dentists will consider offices with upgrades and good equipment a much better investment than something they must sink money into immediately. Furthermore, a private practice that is well kept is a very attractive opportunity should the owner want to take on a partner. 

Private Practice challenges

Some challenges a new private practice might face are the same as starting any other business. Startup costs in building or purchasing can be burdensome, and loans can put pressure on a new business. A consistent patient base can take years to develop, so a first impression is important. The current technology and a fresh, clean office are a must to lure new patients away from their current offices. Marketing is important, and while there are several programs that you can use with third parties, a good employee with a marketing background will help you manage that as well as a strong social media presence. Obviously, slow days in your practice mean less income to cover expenses, whereas working for someone else might not affect your daily rate. You’re also solely responsible for keeping up on all of your HIPAA requirements and security and failing to do so can mean consequences to you personally.

Ultimately, there are ups and downs at both ends of the ownership spectrum. My goal in this article is not to pick a winner, only to illuminate the fact that one’s ambition, desire for income potential, or need for autonomy would make one choice easier than the other. Depending on one’s abilities, means, and outlook on life, either one offers benefits and downsides, but switching between the two will take time and research. 

Before you make the decision, it’s wise to consider all factors, do your due diligence, and understand the restrictions of each. There are many resources available to advise on the cost/benefit spectrum, but no one else can tell you what’s right for you. If you value work/life balance and don’t put a premium on income, you might opt for less responsibility and focusing on the dentistry. If you want the chance to build something in your own name, you might want to take more control and reach for the brass ring. Good luck!

Original article from DentistryIQ

Are Virtual Dental Visits Here To Stay?

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic many industries and organizations have been forced to adapt and fast track digital transformation to continue providing services. Schools have adopted remote learning, many employees are working from home and dentists are using teledentistry services to consult patients. Although some businesses may revert to their former practices after the pandemic, many others will leverage new technology to provide additional benefits and attract new customers and patients.

What is teledentistry?

During the height of the pandemic, many dentists had to postpone elective and non-urgent dental procedures. In an effort to continue offering services, albeit limited, dentists had to adopt teledentistry (virtual dental visits) to reach patients. It was used typically for patients with dental problems in order to decide whether a face-to-face dental appointment was needed and in some cases keep in touch and follow up with patients after appointments. Now, it has evolved to where this is now how some dentists conduct initial consultations for patients before being seen in person.

Teledentistry has allowed patients and doctors to speak with each without risking exposure to the virus.

Benefits of Teledentistry

Teledentistry was already in place but many dentist were very slow to adopt it. However, the pandemic brought to light the many benefits of it. It is not hard to see how its adoption could continue to rise and be a mainstay in practices. Teledentistry:

1. Improves access to care: Patients in rural areas, who are home-bound and the elderly may have trouble finding and getting to a dentist. Tele dentistry helps to break down those barriers and gives these patients a chance to see and talk to a dentist about their dental problems.

2. Is Convenient: In essence, it cuts down time away from work and thus helps patients to stay employed and avoid loss of income.

3. Reduces cost: In may practices, virtual consultations are free of charge and subsequent appointments are of a lower cost to the patient. Seeing a patient remotely also means the dentist does not have to use up valuable resources like gloves, masks, gowns, other supplies and chair time.

4. Less intimidating: Many individuals experience dental anxiety when going to the dentist. Being able to speak with or see a dentist in the comfort of your own home is a far more comfortable experience.

5. Frees up dentists’ time for clinical work: Many patients have minor dental problems that do not need face-to-face time with the dentist. If using teledentistry can address those problems, dentists would have far more time to treat patients whose needs they can treat only in a face-too-face visit. 

6. Improves oral hygiene education: One of the key advantages of teledentistry is the chance to educate patients on good oral hygiene practices. Teaching patients to brush and floss, providing education and giving advice about health concerns can all be done using teledentistry.

How Teledentistry Works

It’s never been easier to be able to communicate with a dentist and there are several methods of delivering dental care via teledentistry. A dentist and patient can use their computer with video that allows them to speak directly to each other or they can do so via an app with can be downloaded to their smartphone. With each option, the patient can take pictures of their teeth and smile so that the dentist can make treatment recommendations in real time. Doctors can also use it to communicate with each other (sending X-rays, photographs, etc) about mutual patients as most of these programs are HIPAA compliant.

Here To Stay

Because of the it’s advantages (listed above) and the effects of the pandemic of the field of dentistry, delivery of dental care via teledentistry has enormous potential, and thus I believe it is here to stay. Widespread internet access and the proliferation of smart phones also make it very easy to implement and adopt.

What are your thoughts?