dental employers
The Power of Assessments: Get to Know a Candidate Before You Hire Them
December 02, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
How good is your gut instinct? Chances are even if it’s good and you’re a super people-reader, you still can’t successfully determine the nature of a person. Recently, when I visited the home of a friend and fellow entrepreneur, I got to meet best-selling author, Malcom Gladwell, whose acclaimed books (Tipping Point, Blink) tackle the […]
The Cost of a Bad Hire
November 08, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Can you imagine how (understandably) frustrated your team would be if you hired your mom, wife or girlfriend for a job they were totally unqualified for? While hiring mistakes usually are not that blatant, whenever a new hire is a bust, your trusted employees may feel let down, almost betrayed, that this person is not […]
Be a Boss People Love to Work For
October 11, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
Only 33 percent of workers feel “engaged” in their work, according to a recent study by Gallup. Worldwide, these numbers are even worse at just 13 percent of workers saying they are engaged! I believe that life is largely about learning and growth. They do not teach us this in dental schools. And I have […]
4 Must-Ask Interview Questions When Staffing a New Dental Office
September 12, 2019
Kara Masterson
With the dentistry field continuing to evolve, it is important to hire only qualified, trained, and professional staff. If you are responsible for hiring staff in a new medical office, you will want to ensure that a positive tone is set right from the beginning. To do that, you will want to make full use […]
Making Your Dentist Office More Inviting
September 07, 2019
Brooke Chaplan
When your new patients come into your dental office for the first time, they often come with different experiences. Some patients feel at ease while others may be on edge. Many adults and children alike feel uncomfortable in a dentist’s office, not only due to feelings of vulnerability but also due to the fear of […]
Don’t Get Ghosted!
August 28, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
In recent years ghosting describes an unsettling end to a relationship–a friend or someone you are dating who suddenly disappears without any explanation at all. Almost like they are dead and never coming back! The “ghosting” phenomenon has made its way into the business world, acknowledged now even by the Federal Reserve as an official […]
Are job seekers not applying to your job? Here’s how to fix it.
August 23, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
You’re offering a job, so why aren’t you getting applications? You need to figure out why you people are not applying to your ad or showing up to interviews. It is likely a combination of things: You are in competition with many other hiring dental offices. You have to offer something they want. Does your ad […]
Labor Day. There’s a Temp for that…
August 16, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
tick, tick, tick… Pop quiz for employers, when’s the next time you have a team member going away on vacation? Looking at the calendar, it’s probably Labor Day. You aren’t alone. Roughly 25% of Americans plan to be out of town for Labor Day. Check-in with your staff Always the first Monday in September, almost every […]
Is a Valued Team Member About to Make a Move? How to Recognize the Signs and Steps You Can Take.
August 07, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
Something feels different in the office. It’s hard to describe. The patients are happy, no complaints. The schedule is full, revenue is strong. Internal conflicts among staff are at a minimum. In fact, things are working so well that you’re answering fewer staff questions and requests. These are the situations we all work hard to […]
Why Dentists Must Learn to Negotiate
August 01, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Many dentists are learning that good negotiation skills can have a positive impact on their income levels. Dentistry is a competitive field, with many new graduates joining the workforce each year. The American Dental Association (ADA) currently consists of more than 163,000 dentists (and counting). Attending business negotiation workshops can equip you with valuable skills […]
How to Build Great Relationships With Dental Temps
July 30, 2019
The DentalPost Team
The freelance economy is changing how Americans work and the dental industry is no exception; dental temps are becoming an increasingly popular way to solve complex scheduling challenges. Hiring temps is great for when everything happens at once. When your dental hygienist needs time off for vacation, or a sick kid calls them away from […]
Working Across Generations
April 18, 2019
Amanda Hill
I recently attended a dental convention and on the exhibit hall floor I heard the same complaint over and over again: “It’s so hard to find good staff and even harder to keep them.” There was a resounding generational complaint, “These Millennials just don’t have any commitment.” A dentist who is obviously a Baby Boomer […]
7 Things Dental Office Managers Do That Keep Us Sane
April 18, 2019
The DentalPost Team
At the center of every great dental office is a tireless dental office manager. They’re typically the first ones in and the last ones out and make sure that our paychecks drop on time (something we’re all extremely thankful for). Let’s face it, as hygienists, assistants, and dentists, we just couldn’t do it without them. […]
Which State Pays Dental Hygienists & Assistants the Most (& the Least)?
February 12, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Dental professionals are going places—literally. As the demand for hygienists and assistants increases, more professionals are joining the industry and, as a result, driving up salaries in the United States. However, as expected, not all places pay the same. Due to population density and cost of living factors, the discrepancy in wages can waver considerably. […]
When is it time to fire someone?
January 15, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
Firing someone is one of the hardest things a business owner or manager has to do. Yet, it’s so important to remove employees that are disruptive to your mission or goals. It is also a gift to the other person to give them a chance to find a place where they fit in better or […]
4 Dental Technology Trends to Follow in 2019
January 08, 2019
The DentalPost Team
With an industry as advanced and tech-focused as dentistry, change is inevitable. But the ability to embrace new technologies and techniques is what is keeping dentistry at the cutting-edge of healthcare. In planning your year ahead, here are some dental technology trends to keep your eye on in 2019! More Automation You’ve likely already seen […]
How to Set (& Achieve!) Your Career Goals in 2019
December 27, 2018
The DentalPost Team
At any holiday gathering, you’re likely to get asked by an inquisitive relative: “What are you up to these days?” “Where are you working?” “Do you like your boss?” While these questions can be annoying, in reality, the turn of the year is a great time to think about your career and reevaluate your goals. […]
7 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a Career as a Dental Assistant
December 18, 2018
Jane Hurst
You are taking classes to become a dental assistant and it is time to start looking for a job. One of the keys to getting a good job as a dental assistant is to write an excellent cover letter. Cover letters can be easy to compose, however you need to know what type of things […]
How to Write a Professional Dental Resume
December 17, 2018
Jennifer Broflowski
Nothing can be compared to that sweet feeling when you get the first salary at your new job. But being hired today is not an easy task at all. Unfortunately, any medical worker, like any other worker, must write a resume before start working in the field of dental medicine. If thinking about CV completion makes […]
Thinking About Changing Jobs? Here’s Why You Should.
December 11, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Maybe you’re moving. Maybe you’re just looking for a change of scenery. Whatever your reasoning may be, quitting your job will have a big impact on your life. Thankfully, changing jobs can be fantastic for your career. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to try for a new job, let us give […]
Need a Vacation? Here’s How To Request Time Off Work
December 04, 2018
The DentalPost Team
As much as you want to occasionally take time off of work, there is always an internal or external pushback. You may think things like, “My practice needs my help”, “Will I be able to find a temp to fill in for me?” or, “What will my boss think if I take some time off?” Why […]
Creating Your Perfect Dental Resume
December 04, 2018
Grace Carter
Crafting your perfect dental resume will put you on top of the pile, so it’s well worth taking the time to show your skills in the best light and get noticed by future employers. Your skills, like you, are unique but if your resume lets you down, you won’t get past the door. If you […]
How to Quit Your Job Like a Pro
November 13, 2018
The DentalPost Team
If you’ve ever had to quit a job, you know it can get messy and emotional. Tempers flare, confusion ensues, feelings get hurt — quitting a job isn’t an inherently easy thing to do. But people do it every day. It’s a necessary part of growing in your career, and the anxiety of quitting your […]
Top Dental Practices of 2018
November 06, 2018
The DentalPost Team
DentalPost’s Top Dental Practices celebrates the very best in dentistry every year. In 2017, we chose three outstanding practices, focusing on employee benefits, leadership, and quality of care. It was particularly tough to choose practices this year! From the use of cutting-edge technology to philanthropy and community involvement, these dental practices earned their spot through hard work […]
How to Make Your Dental Office Available for Google and Bing
October 25, 2018
Lidia Staron
Online marketing is critical to the success of any business and dental offices are no exception. Even though a majority of your new dental patients should come from referrals, you could be missing a lot of potential clients if you don’t establish (or grow) your online presence. After all, those folks from the referrals are […]
6 Dental Industry Statistics That’ll Make You Go “Hmm…”
October 16, 2018
The DentalPost Team
The one constant about the dental industry is that it’s always changing; from more female leadership to new technologies, the industry is fluid and exciting, and it’s a great time to be in dentistry. To highlight, we’ve grabbed some impactful dental industry statistics. Take a look below. #1: 1 in 5 Adults (21.3%) Said They […]
Practice Planning: Five Common Oversights
September 20, 2018
Kathy Rotramel
Designing or remodeling your office takes a lot of up-front planning—and there’s certainly no shortage of advice to follow. But just as important are those things you may not think about. Here are five considerations to add to your list: Plan for adequate sterilization. The sterilization center is literally the hub of your […]
Are You a Workaholic? Here Are Some Signs.
August 07, 2018
The DentalPost Team
“Workaholic” is a tricky word. Everyone knows a self-describing “workaholic.” It’s even possible you’ve been called a workaholic once or twice. But — and let’s be clear — there is a difference between a workaholic and someone who loves their work. Workaholics are missing critical distinctions between work and life. Their happiness is derived almost […]
Digital Dentistry: How to Make the Most of Your DentalPost.com Profile
July 31, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Let’s face it: finding great help can be hard in the era of digital dentistry and technology. Sifting through dozens of random resumes, finding the applicants with the right skills you need, trying to attract candidates through social media — there are times where hiring feels like a full-time job in itself. Feel like you […]
5 Dental Industry Trends to Pay Attention To
June 19, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Dental industry trends are constantly changing, and it’s important to stay on top of them to ensure you’re providing the latest and greatest to your patients. Here are five dental industry trends to consider: 1. Group Practices Group practices have increased in popularity for two big reasons: 1. The dental school debt struggle is real […]
Unreported Dental Practice Pain Points Impact Claims, Coding and Even Security
June 12, 2018
Robert Patrick
Data suggests that, in many cases, outside forces pressing upon dental practice leadership may keep them from getting the most out of their practices. Tasks like the coding of claims, optimizing payer reimbursements and revenue flow, managing claims processing delays and staying on top of data security are serious challenges that take considerable effort to […]
5 Skills in High Demand for Dental Jobs
June 12, 2018
Tonya Lanthier
You’ve been through the right training, you’re comfortable with the instruments, and now you’re ready to interview for dental jobs. However, concrete dental skills are only half the battle here; hiring managers are looking for what sets you apart from your peers. So what skills will you make you shine? Here’s five that are in […]
9 Expert Dental Office Management Tips To Enhance Your Practice
June 05, 2018
The DentalPost Team
There are a plenty of forums and sites offering seemingly magic “dental office management tips” to dental professionals. Here’s the truth: there’s no “secret formula” to running a dental practice. It requires a lot of work, plenty of persistence, and a little bit of luck. However, there are some tried and true strategies you can […]
National Dental Holidays To Celebrate at Your Practice
May 29, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Looking for some social media inspiration for your practice? Just want to find a reason to celebrate our amazing industry? Here are some dental holidays to celebrate this year. January Dental Holidays National Medical Group Practice Week (4th Monday in January) February Dental Holidays National Children’s Dental Health Month National Gum Disease Awareness Month National Toothache […]
Interview Checklist: Everything Grads Need to Do to Get the Job
May 07, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Congratulations – you’ve made it to the dental interview stage. If this is your first job out of school, you might be looking for some guidance. First off, pat yourself on the back. Just getting the interview is an accomplishment. That means you found an available job in your skill set, had a compelling resume, […]
Improve Communication in Your Dental Office with These Tips
April 24, 2018
Ken Rhie
When you want to provide excellent customer service to your patients and streamline how your dental office runs, it’s time to look at ways to improve communication. When your dental office team is provided with the right tools for communication, there is less overall resentment. Treatment errors are less likely to occur, and teamwork is […]
6 Unique Jobs in the Dental Field You Might Not Have Considered
April 10, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Jobs in the dental field have their perks. From flexible hours to steady income, a job in dentistry can be very comfortable! However, when it gets down to it, deciding on a specific job can be tough. The good news? You can keep your options open. Many new and unique careers and jobs have been […]
How Women in Dentistry are Changing the Industry
March 06, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Women in dentistry are (and have been) leading the industry for years. The success and strength of women in the workplace is becoming a bigger focus for our industry and the world at large. On International Women’s Day, we like to pause to recognize the successes we’ve made as women in dentistry, and reflect on […]
How Your Workplace Nutrition Could Be Sabotaging Your Productivity
February 27, 2018
Cate Palmer
Working in dentistry can be difficult, and especially when it comes to lunchtime. Common wisdom dictates that we shouldn’t be doing anything on an empty stomach. People take this to mean that as you eat something during the day, you are basically good to go. Unfortunately, that’s not how our bodies actually operate, and especially […]
3 Dental Advertising Strategies for the Digital Age
February 13, 2018
The DentalPost Team
What’s the first thing you did this morning? Did you grab your phone? If so, you’re among the 80% of smartphone users who report that they check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up. Incorporating digital into your dental advertising strategy has never been so important. We’re tied to our phones from the time […]
What Can Your Business Do to Improve the Employee Experience?
January 02, 2018
Amanda Shaffer
Good word of mouth is invaluable for a dental practice. Many patients feel anxious when they go to the dentist and it’s up to your employees to make patients feel comfortable and to create a pleasant experience. Of course, employees must enjoy their own experience within your dental practice in order to create an experience […]
How Do Dentist Offices Manage Paperwork and Various Procedures?
December 19, 2017
Rachelle Wilber
With numerous innovations in dental care in recent years, more people who would once do anything to avoid a trip to the dentist are now thinking twice about that strategy. As a result, those in charge of managing dental practices find themselves with a much larger workload that in previous years. Because of this, they […]
How to Better Lives Through Dental Coding
November 28, 2017
Patti DiGangi
When I thought about writing an article about helping others, my mind went immediately to those that have helped me. We live our lives on the backs of those who have gone before us, and we cannot achieve anything without building upon someone else’s work or without the assistance of others. When I was working […]
When the Odds are Good but the Goods are Odd
October 31, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
Have you ever felt this way when looking for a team member that fits in to your practice? Have you ever hired the wrong person? Or have you ever had lots of candidates apply but none seem to fit your culture? It’s the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One bowl of porridge is […]
5 Ways to Ensure Your Orthodontic Practice Stands Out
September 26, 2017
Emily Parker
Creating a comprehensive marketing plan for your dental practice can be quite a daunting task. However, since your demographic is very specific, you can create a plan that builds on your existing market share while enhancing your reach! Here’s what you can do to maximize your visibility among your local community and win patients: Build […]
How You Can Improve Your Dentist-To-Patient Experience
September 12, 2017
Grace Clark
Owning and running a successful dental practice is no easy task. Apart from overseeing all the ongoing dental procedures, a dentist must also place focus on the smooth functioning of the organization as a whole. Focus on day-to-day operations in necessary as it helps achieve a vital element of any successful business – exceptional customer […]
3 Easy Ways You Can Boost Front Office Productivity
August 29, 2017
Sally Weiss
When it comes down to it, running a dental practice is largely a numbers game. The ultimate goal is to reduce expenses while increasing revenue. If you’re looking to increase your practice’s business efficiency, an easy way to begin is to help your front office boost its productivity. A lot goes on at your front […]
Home, Sweet Home? 4 Signs You are Interviewing at a Great Office
August 01, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
There is no doubt about it. Job interviews can be scary and nerve-wracking. You are anxious and working hard to sell yourself so this dental office will hire you. While we might dread them, the interview is a crucial time to determine what kind of office it is and if you can see yourself working […]
Will Social Media Get Your Office New Patients? No!
July 25, 2017
Laura Hatch
This may get me in trouble with the marketing gurus I know and respect. For that, I am sorry (sort of). I think any dental office that focuses their attention on social media to get new patients will be sorely disappointed. Before the marketing masterminds get too upset with me, I want to explain. If […]
Top Dental Practices of 2017
July 17, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
After we sent out the questionnaire looking for the Top Dental Practices of 2017, we were amazed at the responses that we received from professionals across the country. It’s inspiring to know that dental practices are passionately focused on putting their employee’s and patient’s needs first (though we really expected nothing less from the DentalPost […]
Are you in balance? 3 tips to help
June 27, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
It’s more than a job, it’s finding work-life balance. Build a career that allows you to spend more time with your family. Designing your life with the never-ending shift in balance can be tough, but we are here to help. Our profession is one of the best out there if you ask me. We are able […]
How Dentists Can Help Children Overcome Dental Anxiety
June 20, 2017
Anne Baines
Dental anxiety is increasingly being recognized as a major worry for our public health system, since failing to visit the dentist regularly can lead to poor oral health. Dental anxiety is prevalent among children, with research indicating that almost 20 per cent of kids are afraid of visiting a dental care professional. The condition can […]
4 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Great Boss
June 13, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
I’ve worked in a lot of different dental offices throughout my career. I temped in over 100 offices while I was trying to start a family, so I have certainly seen my share of dental teams. The best, most productive teams have one thing in common: great leadership. Since we know leadership starts at the […]
5 Ways to Make Hiring (Almost) Painless
June 06, 2017
Laura Hatch
Firing and hiring is probably the least favorite part of the job for most dentists and office managers. In fact, some dentists dread this process so much they hold onto employees too long to avoid firing someone. Not only is it unpleasant to have to fire an employee, it also triggers the dreaded hiring process. […]
Increase Your Odds of Getting What You Want at Work
May 26, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
There are some professions are dominated by one gender. Dentistry is one of them. Traditionally, the dental office has been a female-dominated industry. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 98 percent of the nation’s dental hygienists are female. The front desk staff and office managers lean toward the female side. Although the dentist position […]
5 Questions to Ask Your Potential Dental Hires
May 23, 2017
Dixie Somers
The individuals who you choose to bring into your dental office will play a major role in the success of your business as well as in the overall patient experience. Regardless of the types of positions that you are currently hiring for, it is important for you to carefully screen the individuals so that you […]
Don’t Get Stuck in the Headwinds
May 16, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
Some people will resist change at all costs. Throughout my career – and my whole life, really – I’ve learned change is inevitable. Mostly, I embrace it. But sometimes change can be the hardest thing we can go through. I’ve learned that, too. You have to just put your head down and brave the headwinds […]
Five Secrets to Interviewing a Prospective Employee
May 09, 2017
Kevin Tighe
Engage in social conversation to make the job applicant feel at ease and to observe their ability to engage in social conversation. Are they too “serious” or nervous to do so? If so, they’ll likely be the same with patients. Ask them about their job history. What did they like most about their last job? […]
Office Meetings and Training Pays Future Dividends
April 25, 2017
Patti DiGangi
Many practices have office regular office meetings. These are seen somewhere on the scale between enthusiasm and dread. Life-long learning is needed in day-to-day life in our ever-changing world. Dental practice training and retraining is also required. We recognize needed training for annual OSHA/Infection Control training and CPR/BLS certification. When new technology is purchased, training […]
Are Your Interviews Hurting Your Business?
April 18, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
5 Interview Questions to Help You Hire Right (and Save Time and Money!) Are you going bananas because of hiring? You are not alone. Hiring is hard work and can be a long and expensive process. However, when it’s done right you will save time and money. Finding someone with the right skills and experience […]
Protect your Practice from Ransomware
April 04, 2017
Steve Godfrey
By now you’ve heard, ransomware is prevailing against medical and dental practices, and the trend is likely not going to cease or lessen any time in the future. In fact, while I’m writing this I received and email with the subject line that says a ransomware attack froze eight years of police evidence. Osterman Research […]
How to Correct or Reprimand Staff: Four Easy Steps
March 13, 2017
Kevin Tighe
At any given time one or more of your staff are likely doing something that you would not be too happy about if discovered. It’s the nature of the beast. That’s why it is so important to have written policy and a formal protocol for correcting or reprimanding employees. You want to document bad behavior […]
How Long Should You Keep Trying to Reactivate Patients?
February 27, 2017
Laura Hatch
I’m asked this question a lot by the dental office managers and owners that I meet and my answer may surprise you. First, let me emphasize how important it is to make sure that all your patients leave your office with their next appointment scheduled. This is more than a preference—it should be your office […]
Engaging in Difficult Conversations
February 21, 2017
Stacia Familo-Hopek
We have all had to engage in conversations from time to time that we would label ‘difficult’. These are the conversations where we anticipate that there will be disagreement or hurt feelings and we feel anxious or nervous about the conversation even before it takes place. There are a few steps that we can take […]
New Tax Filing Deadlines!
February 13, 2017
Kate Willeford
Are you in charge of payroll for your office? If so, you have a new filing deadline for 2017! Forms W-2 and most Form 1099-MISC are due to the IRS by Jan. 31, 2017 (same date they are due to the taxpayer). Meaning, you no longer have until Feb. 28 or Mar. 31 if filing […]
Dental Tax Trends: Are You About to Pay More Taxes Than Ever Before?
January 30, 2017
Kate Willeford
Are you aware of specifically how much cash the new tax legislation is costing you? 18 bills were passed in 2015 that affect taxes—adding up to more than 150 tax changes! I work with over 275 dental practices a year in over 21 states and I am continually reminded that, this year, proactive tax planning […]
The Three R’s Strategy
January 23, 2017
Fred Joyal
Over the past 35 of my business life, I’ve seen many different approaches to team-building. In our own business we refined the process to a very simple philosophy, which I call the Three R’s, which are Retrain, Repurpose or Replace. We have over 250 team members at 1-800-DENTIST, and many different skill sets and levels […]
The Myth of “My Patients Have No Money”
January 17, 2017
Laura Hatch
Here is an important thing to understand about your patients who say they “just don’t have the money” for the dental work they need… Most of your patients really do have enough money to cover their dental health needs. They just choose to spend it on other things. We have to recognize that our patients […]
Ready or Not, Here Comes 2017!
December 26, 2016
Dr. Wayne Kerr
It’s almost time! January will be here in the proverbial “blink of an eye!” Ready? In preparation for your success, please consider the following: 1. Have you established your work calendar for the coming new year? Doing so not only enables you to calculate a daily production goal but empowers your hygiene staff to pre-appoint your continuing […]
Country Music Awards, Punta Cana and the Not So Ugly Truth
December 20, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
A few weeks ago, I received a wonderful invitation to attend the Country Music Awards in Nashville. Unfortunately, it was the same day I was supposed to fly to Punta Cana for my annual girl’s trip. I had a decision to make. As I was trying to decide what to do, I remembered it was […]
Can You Move a Patient’s Appointment?
December 13, 2016
Laura Hatch
Yes! With the right training, communication, and follow-through, there is absolutely no reason that patients cannot be moved to help make the schedule the best it can be. In fact, when done correctly, I actually encourage it. Before you start moving patients to maximize your schedule, there are a few things that you need to […]
Collections- It’s Not Just About the Money…It’s About the Plan
November 28, 2016
Lois Banta
One of the many challenges a dental practice faces today is in collections. It should be simple…dental treatment is completed, the fee is charged, and payment is collected. However, what usually happens is, dental treatment is completed, the fee is charged and NO payment is collected. Why is that? Where is on earth is this […]
How to Survive in a Dental Office with a Difficult One
November 08, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
I’ve been lucky enough to call the dental industry my home for the past 20 years. I’ve worked in over 100 dental offices. I’ve been temporary and permanent. I’ve seen offices that were successful and the employees worked well together and I’ve seen some that were lacking efficiency and did not work as a team. […]
Building a Stronger Dental Team- The Simplest 5 Step Process to Follow
November 01, 2016
Shen Chao
An efficient dental care team is the backbone of a successful clinic, improving its day-to-day operations as well as patient satisfaction. If your team works together smoothly, the benefits affect every aspect of your practice in a positive manner, thus reducing time and enhancing performance. If your team has any shortcomings with motivation, productivity […]
3 Reasons Why Continual Training Is Essential
October 24, 2016
Janelle Storck
Dental managers and owners invest a great deal of time and money in making sure that their office equipment is well-maintained and up to current standards. But many practices overlook the importance of maintaining an even more important resource: their staff. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that everyone on your team knows […]
DentalPost Core Values
October 04, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
As you might have noticed- DentalPost is growing! We’ve added a lot of new team members around here! Knowing this, I knew it was time to tighten up our core values. This attracts the right ones and repels the wrong. Core values drive and develop our brand, culture, and business strategies. After lots of collaboration […]
Who Sets The Mood of the Practice?
September 27, 2016
Laura Hatch
Of course we all have our good days and our bad days—we’re only human. The same is true for your office and your team as a whole. There are great days when it seems like everyone is on the same page, having fun, working hard… and then there are those days when it is miserable […]
A Taste of DentalCodeology: A Gingivitis Code Finally!
September 20, 2016
Patti DiGangi
Imagine your patient presents with inflamed, hemorrhagic gingiva, light to moderate subgingival calculus and generalized pseudo-pocketing. For all of the history of Current Dental Terminology (CDT) coding, there have been no truly accurate codes for the treatment of this patient’s needs. There has been a gap. In 2017, that story will change and bring a […]
What Makes a Great Dental Assistant?
September 06, 2016
Kiyoko Hill
5 Skills to Succeed in a Dental Assisting Position Though it comes with many perks, dental assisting is not an easy job- dental assistants have to perform many tasks throughout the day that require a sharp mind and a keen eye for detail. Whether you’re a dentist trying to figure out what skills to look […]
The Future of Work
August 23, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
Before I started DentalPost, I found myself temping in multiple dental offices, which gave me great insight into the world of hiring. One thing I noticed was the lack of consideration for the candidate’s core values, personality or how they will fit into the office culture. I thought if they would analyze those aspects as […]
Welcome to Our Team!
August 09, 2016
Dr. Wayne Kerr
Few experiences can simultaneously be as intimidating and exhilarating as the first day working in a new office! Drawing from thirty-five years of employment experience, let me suggest the following to make that first day a great day! Be the first to arrive! I know you don’t have a key, but arriving early shows […]
Turning a Compliment into a Referral or a Review
July 19, 2016
Laura Hatch
If your office is offering the best dental care and amazing customer service, then you are hearing compliments from your patients each and every day. The question is, are you making the most of those compliments? Many times, offices miss the opportunity to turn a patient compliment into a referral or a review. There are […]
Be a Mountain
July 18, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
Have you ever seen a plateau? Well, just in case you were taking a nap in geography class, it is an area of high ground, with a flat terrain. I know what you are thinking, what does a plateau have to do with the dental industry? When we stop learning, we become a plateau. We […]
Your Resume – Get It Right the First Time
June 28, 2016
Dr. Wayne Kerr
As a solo practitioner for 35 years, I read my share of resumes! As you prepare yours to enter the job market or to search for other opportunities, please allow me to share some of my thoughts regarding resumes with you. 1. Project a professional image: With today’s technology, there’s no excuse not to produce […]
Success for Your Dental Office: How to Take Control
May 18, 2016
Laura Hatch
I travel around the country and talk to a ton of dentists and dental teams. I hear so much about how things are so hard. Why things are not going right. Too much competition. My staff can’t sell. Patients don’t have money. Everyone is insurance-driven. The economy stinks. I am not denying that some of […]
How to Build a Job Ad that Attracts your Culture
May 12, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
Going through the recruiting process can be time consuming and exhausting. Starting with a solid job ad will help make the hiring process easier and attract the right culture and top talent. Here are 5 tips that can help you attract top talent to your job ad. Update your Job Description. Before you begin writing […]
Things I Wish I Had Asked When I Interviewed For My First Dental Job
April 26, 2016
Dr. Lisa Knowles
After graduation from dental school, the world seemed like my oyster. I could not wait to find my first job and start earning a living. What I didn’t know was that I didn’t know so much. Looking back, I am glad I had such zest for my quest, but I am not so glad I […]
Giving Back Made Easy
March 30, 2016
Dr. Wayne Kerr
Not only is our profession one of compassion but dentists are widely known as community builders! Largely small business owners and sole proprietors, most recognize the importance of becoming community partners and accepting leadership roles as they build their practices and serve their patient families. Years ago, my entrepreneurial father wisely advised me to always […]
Tips For Graduates (From Real Dental Professionals)
February 17, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
Stepping outside the comfort zone of college life to knock on the door of a new career can feel daunting. You’ve probably heard the saying ‘experience itself is the best teacher’, so despite extensive preparation, study, and courage, the uncertainty that accompanies a dive into the dental field can feel like a heavy load in […]
Increase Practice Efficiency and Profitability: 90 Days of Baby Steps
February 02, 2016
Patti DiGangi
At the beginning of the year, we have the opportunity for a new start. Yet, we often get bogged down by what we didn’t accomplish in 2015. Why? Most often we don’t have a simple, actionable system or strategy. Rather than taking a year at a time, look at 90 days and add one simple, […]
Breaking Rules to Find Success
January 27, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
I admit it. I’ve always been a rule-breaker. From the time I was a child and hated to hear that tired phrase little girls don’t do that, right up to this day, I have believed in breaking rules and asking why. Why does it have to be this way? Why do we have to do […]
What to Remember When You Finally Start Practicing
January 19, 2016
Dr. Kenyon Glor
Ever feel like you’re in a whirlwind traveling at the speed of light? Sometimes that’s what it’s like running a dental practice, especially your first year! There are countless decisions to make, and for everyone, there are 10 you haven’t thought of yet. In addition you will need to quickly build trusting relationships with your patients and staff. […]
Get Outta that Chair…!
January 13, 2016
Dr. Wayne Kerr
Marketing guru, Fred Joyal, advises dentists that 63% of potential patients will decide whether or not to make an appointment only after reviewing the practice’s website! Additionally, he suggests that what happens upon arrival, and what the patient experiences in the reception room, significantly impacts whether or not that patient will stay with your practice! […]
PREPPING FOR YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW – Turn the Tables with Social Media
January 06, 2016
Janice Hurley
A survey commissioned by an online employment website has found that 37 percent of hiring managers use social networking sites to research job applicants, with over 65 percent of that group using Facebook as their primary resource. Hopefully you have taken the time to look at your own Facebook page from the viewpoint of your […]
Dental Hygienists Rated Amongst Top Jobs for Great Work-Life Balance
November 17, 2015
Tonya Lanthier
At DentalPost.net, we know a lot about work-life balance. Heck, our company was founded because I wanted a better way for dental professionals – and at the time, specifically hygienists – to be able to find more flexible jobs. Work-life balance is important, after all, we all have our lives outside of work and our careers […]
Why Doing Good is Good for Business
November 10, 2015
Tonya Lanthier
In 2007, business mogul and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson created a movement for business owners called Capitalism 24902 to be a force for good in the world. In an article for Time Magazine titled Why We Must Reinvent Capitalism, Branson writes: “We at Virgin Unite, the non-profit arm of the Virgin Group, call this approach […]
Is Your Future Secure?
October 28, 2015
Tonya Lanthier
All of the aspects that positively affect the psychology of a person’s well-being -purpose, meaning, identity, fulfillment, creativity – are absent in the average job. Seventy percent of Americans do not feel engaged in their current job. Seventy percent – that scares me. Fortunately, I believe that number is much lower in dentistry, because it’s a profession that […]
CE’s for Dental Assistants – It Is Essential!
October 22, 2015
Tija Hunter
Continuing Education courses are the building blocks of your career. Yet I’ve heard it many times over the years and to this day, assistants will tell me they are told they don’t need CE’s. Many states don’t require any type of education in order to work as a dental assistant. Some states require licensure, permits or certification […]
CEREC 30: What is your WHY?
October 07, 2015
Tonya Lanthier
It seemed fitting that the CEREC 30th Anniversary Celebration would happen in the biggest party town in the country, Las Vegas. CEREC 30 included rich learning opportunities around the latest technology for practices, and continuing education credits, and it was definitely a party! With Sirona and DENTSPLY merging to form a company with $3.8 billion […]
Let’s Meet Abby – Future Dentist
September 30, 2015
Tonya Lanthier
I am excited to announce that we will be having a new guest blogger writing about her experience in Dental School. Abby Halpern – pictured here at her recent White Coat Ceremony -is a second year dental student at Georgia Regents University College of Dental Medicine in Augusta, Georgia. She is also a legislative coordinator […]