April 23, 2025
Dental X-rays are a critical diagnostic tool in modern dentistry, helping professionals detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. But not all X-rays are created equal. While both intraoral and extraoral X-rays serve the same overarching purpose – helping dentists visualize teeth, bones, and tissues – they differ significantly in technique, purpose, and scope. Let’s break down the differences to help you better understand which imaging type suits which clinical need. What Are Intraoral X-Rays? Intraoral X-rays are taken from inside the mouth. These are the most common […]
January 24, 2025
When it comes to delivering high-quality oral healthcare, radiation safety should be a top priority for every professional. The recent changes in dental radiation guidelines highlight the importance of minimizing exposure for everyone involved. The American Dental Association (ADA), in collaboration with leading experts, has released updated recommendations that aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of radiography practices. Here’s what every dentist, radiologist, and dental assistant needs to know. The Updated ADA Guidelines at a Glance The latest ADA recommendations address a wide range of practices, all focused on […]
January 14, 2025
The coming of the new year signifies a new era in the dental industry, one that’s more digitally-forward and focused on innovation. As dentists, hygienists, and office managers look ahead at what’s new in the industry and how they can better serve their patients, we anticipate a few key trends to dominate the conversation in 2025. Staffing Shortages The American Dental Association’s chief economist, Dr. Marko Vujicic, recently mentioned on a Dental Sound Bites podcast episode that one of dentists’ top three concerns going into the new year is staffing […]
January 6, 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will require the inclusion of ICD-10 diagnosis codes on dental claims submitted via the 837D or 2024 ADA claim forms. This mandate aims to enhance the specificity and accuracy of dental service reporting, ensuring that claims are processed efficiently and in alignment with standardized medical coding practices. Understanding ICD-10 Codes The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), is a globally recognized system for coding diagnoses and health conditions. Its detailed structure allows for precise documentation of patient […]
November 25, 2024
As we head into the new year, you might start thinking about the goals you want to set for your dental practice. For many, improving patient retention and new patient growth rates are key objectives, both of which you can support through effective marketing. To help you stand out from the crowd and achieve your growth goals in the new year, the following marketing ideas for dental offices are a great place to start. Ask Patients to Leave Reviews According to a recent survey, 67% of people looking for a […]
November 14, 2024
A dental office manager often wears many hats, handling day-to-day administrative tasks and playing a strategic role in HR, marketing, accounting, and more. While the specific duties of an office manager can vary between practices, their main responsibility is coordinating daily business operations so dentists and other staff members can focus on patient care. So, what does this entail? To give you a better idea of what this job requires, here’s a closer look at five key responsibilities of dental office managers: Appointment Scheduling Dental office managers may be directly […]
July 26, 2024
When opening a new dental practice, your biggest priority is finding new patients to treat. In today’s competitive landscape, effective marketing campaigns are vital to attracting new patients and retaining existing ones. From digital marketing to community engagement, these strategies will ensure your practice stands out and continues to grow. Develop a Strong Online Presence Your website is often the first point of contact for potential patients. When creating it, ensure it is easy-to-use, optimized for mobile, and provides all necessary information, including services offered, operating hours, and contact details. […]
July 2, 2024
Running a dental practice involves more than just providing excellent patient care; it’s also a business that requires effective financial management. One of the most challenging aspects for dental offices is ensuring timely and full payment for services rendered. Improving collections is crucial for maintaining cash flow and the overall financial health of the practice. Here are some strategies to improve collections in dental offices: 1. Streamline the Billing Process Automatic Billing: The first step to improving collections is implementing dental billing software to automate much of the billing process. […]
May 24, 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 36% of people in the United States experience dentophobia, or dental anxiety. Since so many people struggle with this condition, it is important to address and help patients work through it. Dental anxiety is more than a minor discomfort; it can lead to a range of issues, from missed appointments and neglected oral health to an immobilizing fear each visit. This anxiety can stem from past negative experiences, fear of pain, or even the sounds and smells associated with dental offices. Here are a […]
May 1, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the recent Change Healthcare cyberattack stands out as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare organizations. This hack impacted providers, insurance companies, pharmacies, hospitals, and more. A brief timeline of the Change Healthcare cyberattack The saga began on February 21, 2024, when Optum, a healthcare services provider, reported widespread connectivity issues later attributed to the Change Healthcare cyberattack. The Department of Homeland Security soon warned the nation about this attack after the ransomware group BlackCat claimed responsibility. In response to the […]
