dental professional
Why Emotional Intelligence is Crucial to Hiring the Right Candidate
September 06, 2019
Tonya Lanthier
What is Emotional Intelligence? How much do I have? The Oxford dictionary defines Emotional Intelligence (EI) as “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” Some experts boil this down to balancing what’s in the head and in the heart, and approaching a challenge […]
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 […]
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 […]
The 7 Best Exercises for Dental Professionals
July 15, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Sitting hunched over patients’ mouths for several hours a day is extremely taxing on your body. Dental hygienists and dentists are prone to problems as a result of poor working posture, eye strain, and unnatural hand positioning. Regular exercise, however, can help you minimize those problems and enjoy benefits such as: Greater comfort while working […]
The Dental Lab Technician: A Unique Member of Your Dental Team
June 21, 2019
Caitlin Dawson
Often forgotten, the dental lab technician (tech) is a valuable member of any dental team. We’re usually huddled away in a separate location, sometimes miles away, musing over a case. The “out of sight, out of mind” adage holds true, but it doesn’t have to. Your preferred lab tech may not be in your immediate […]
How the Dental Industry Is Becoming More Eco-Friendly
June 17, 2019
Adrian Johansen
What is your dentist doing to reduce their carbon footprint? Every year, we learn more and more about the threat of climate change, and over the last several years, many industries have been looking to make a difference. They understand that climate change can have adverse effects, and they want to do their part to […]
How to Become a Dental Blogger
May 31, 2019
Jacob Dillon
In the digital world that we live in today, there is no better way to promote your service than by writing awesome content about it to publish on the Internet. If you are thinking of using blogging as a means of marketing your dental services, you have come up with the right strategy to distinguish […]
5 Ways to Handle a Difficult Coworker
May 10, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Every working professional runs into a problematic coworker eventually. It’s simply the odds of working with other people. Not everyone you work with will mesh or vibe with your personality or work style. While you can solve a lot of these situations by just ignoring the person, bad coworkers can become a serious issue if […]
Why Temping Is The Perfect Job When You’re Starting A Family
May 01, 2019
The DentalPost Team
When starting a family, it can be tough to go straight back into a full-time role. Committing to a part-time role can be easier, but due to your new founded unpredictable schedule, it could be difficult to nail down a concrete schedule. What solves both of these problems? Temping as a dental hygienist! Here are […]
Millennials/Gen Y in the Dental Office
April 18, 2019
Amanda Hill
As we continue on in our article series, we come to the group that seems to be a butt of generational jokes, but all jokes aside there is much to be understood about the Millennial generation and how to tap into what motivates them. Millennials are classified as those born between 1977 and 1995. This […]
How to Land (and Keep) a Job as a Dental Assistant
April 10, 2019
Adrian Johansen
Those with a keen interest in the dental industry may find incredible job satisfaction as a dental assistant. Not only is this a growing field where you can learn volumes, but this entry-level position could lead to bigger possibilities, including administrative, office, and marketing positions. Starting as a dental assistant could even lead to a […]
5 Dental Goodies To Buy With Your Tax Return
April 08, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Tax season is behind us and now millions of Americans will receive checks in the mail from the IRS. The next thought is: ‘what should we do with these refunds?’ There are plenty of practical things to do with your tax return, like putting it into savings, paying off debt, or saving for major expenses. […]
Why Writing Skills Are Obligatory For a Dentist
April 02, 2019
Stella Lincoln
Let’s be honest; how many dentists have you seen who excel in writing skills? I know the answer would not be an encouraging one by any standard. Writing is not usually considered a dentist’s cup of tea. Probably, because they are not aware of the importance of this must-have factor. Let’s discuss the undeniable significance of […]
Dental Temping – What You Need to Know and How to Get Started
March 25, 2019
The DentalPost Team
You may have heard about the dental temping life, but what does it really entail? Where do you start? Becoming a temporary dental hygienist or assistant is a choice a lot of professionals make for a few reasons: the flexibility, the workplace diversity, and the wide variety of experience you can gain. Whether you’re temping […]
12 Tips to Dispel Your Patient’s Fear of Dental Work
February 05, 2019
Charles Phan
Fear of visiting the dentist is so common that it has become something of a trope in films and fiction. Though the cultural reaction to getting dental work is exaggerated in media there are many legitimate reasons why people have such issues. There is a natural nervousness around visiting any kind of health center, but […]
Here’s What to Know About Dental Jobs in 2019
January 29, 2019
The DentalPost Team
Last year, we released an updated salary survey for dental hygienists and dental assistants. As dictated in the blog, dentistry is experiencing strong industry growth overall, and many professionals are seeing the impact of that with increased salaries and better benefits. In order to get a better understanding of how our nearly 4,000 respondents compared […]
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. […]
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 […]
The Story Behind The Purple Tree Challenge
November 27, 2018
Tonya Lanthier
So… I’m sure you are wondering, “WHY a purple Christmas tree?” There are three reasons. One goes back to my childhood tradition; the other relates to my passion for dentistry; the last is about giving back to something bigger than ourselves. It is often said that our circumstances define our journeys. In my case, these […]
Why Are You Thankful to Work in Dentistry?
November 20, 2018
The DentalPost Team
As the year comes to a close, the season of gratitude allows us to reflect on what we’re truly thankful for. To celebrate the season, we’re reflecting on responses from our DentalPost community answering the question, “Why are you thankful to work in dentistry?” Here is what they said: Carol D. – I am now […]
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 […]
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 […]
Do I Need Dental Continuing Education (CE) Courses?
September 18, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Dentistry is a rapidly evolving profession, and new techniques and technologies are introduced into the industry daily. If you want to stay current in the dentistry, your education can’t stop with your degree. So how can you keep ahead of the changes? The answer is simple: take some dental continuing education courses. These courses, offered online […]
How Does Your Dental Hygienist Salary Stack Up? (2018 Update!)
September 13, 2018
The DentalPost Team
As a practicing dental professional, or a prospective one, you should know just how your position stacks up in the job market and dental industry. This summer, we gathered data from over 4,000 dental professionals – including dentists, registered dental hygienists, and dental assistants – to see just how salaries, benefits and experience matched up […]
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 […]
5 Things Dental Pros Wish Patients Knew
July 10, 2018
The DentalPost Team
As dental professionals, there are some things we wish our patients knew. Some seem obvious (don’t use your teeth to open a beverage), and others slightly more technical (dental x-rays don’t produce enough gamma radiation to hurt you). Regardless, we don’t always have the time or space to share what’s really on our mind when […]
Finding the Right Dental Position with DentalPost
July 03, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Whether you’re currently employed or looking for your first dental position, it’s important to learn a little about yourself before you start applying. This guarantees that you’re looking at the dental positions that are right for you. DentalPost offers six (yes, six!) tests that can determine your personality type, your core values, and much more. […]
3 Dental Stories That Will Make You Smile
June 26, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Happy National Smile Month! As future or current dental professionals, smiles are very important to us. A big part of our work is dedicated to ensuring patients have healthy, confident, and radiant smiles. So, to commemorate National Smile Month, here are three stories that make us smile. 1. Free Dental Check-Ups For Those In Need […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Become a Dental Hygienist, Assistant, or Lab Technician
May 15, 2018
The DentalPost Team
If you’re seeking a job in dentistry, you’re in luck; there are many fulfilling careers from which you can choose. While becoming a dentist is the most familiar, it can many take years to complete and is a big investment of time and money. Finding out more about how to become a dental hygienist, assistant, […]
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, […]
DentalPost’s Mission: Connecting Professionals & Offices in a Meaningful Way
May 03, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Have you ever stopped to consider what drives you? Since we began almost 13 years ago, our mission has been the same: to create a place that helps dental professionals pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. We wanted to connect passionate people with companies that share the same values. Luckily, after more than a […]
8 Thoughts Your Dental Patient Has While Sitting in the Chair
May 01, 2018
The DentalPost Team
So, what does a dental patient think while you’re examining them? Most of us know what it’s like to be the one cleaning the teeth. All sorts of thoughts run through our heads (many of which we probably can’t say out loud). But there’s, obviously, another character in the room while you’re cleaning — the […]
Modern Dentistry: Tips For Practice Management in 2018
April 03, 2018
Dixie Somers
In this day and age, those who embrace the reality of modern dentistry run the most impactful practices. Although it seems like it should be easy to maintain a successful practice solely because people know that regular dental checkups are important to their oral and overall health, that is likely no longer the case. While […]
What Dental Assistants Love Most About Their Job
March 20, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Happy Dental Assistant Recognition Month! A few weeks ago, we asked the dental community why they loved being a dental assistant and the response was overwhelming! We received hundreds of responses from dental assistants across the country and in many different phases of their careers. Across the board, dental assistants are a happy bunch (even despite […]
4 Big Dental Assistant Challenges & How to Handle Them
March 13, 2018
The DentalPost Team
There are many reasons to enjoy a career as a dental assistant. It’s fairly sociable, you get to perform meaningful tasks in the practice, and it is a great step for those seeking a career in dentistry. Plus, it doesn’t take an extensive amount of time to get fully certified. But, like any job, there […]
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 […]
6 Thoughts All Dental Hygienists Have While On the Job
February 20, 2018
The DentalPost Team
Dental hygienists don’t get enough praise. Spend just a few months in the profession, and you’ll quickly see how wild it can actually be. You deserve a hug. While every dental hygienist may have their own particular style, there are some common things we all find ourselves thinking on the job. 1. “Did you say […]
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 […]
Featured Hygienist of the Week: Carly Scala
October 03, 2017
DentalPost
Happy National Dental Hygiene Month! Here at DentalPost, we’re always finding inspiration from our community’s unique stories. It ignites us as a company. Though we didn’t all start in dentistry, we’ve all ended up here because of our similar passion for healthcare. Staring this week (and throughout the month of October), we’ll be sharing stories […]
A Positive Spin on Appointments and Periodontal Intervention
September 05, 2017
Janelle Storck
Calls to schedule recare and hygiene appointments are the most frequent outgoing calls in dental offices. How the front desk handles those calls is paramount to creating a full and productive hygiene schedule. How do you explain the need for ongoing care, hygiene appointments, and perio exams? Certain situations became commonplace, and after thirty years […]
Communication Can Create Trust between Dental Practices and their Patients
August 07, 2017
Lindy Benton
What is one of the single most important requirements for the successful engagement of patients? What is likely missing from getting patients to proceed with case acceptance and treatment that you’ve recommended? What might be lacking in your practice when it misses its goals? In all likelihood, in regard to each of these specific areas, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Get that Job: Tips You Need for Your Next Interview
April 11, 2017
Stacia Familo-Hopek
You’ve submitted your resume for that great open position that you found and have just hung up the phone after agreeing to an in-person interview. What now? Now your work begins to get yourself ready! Prepare There are several things that you can do to prepare for your interview and ensure that you are able […]
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 […]
Here’s What You Need to Know as a Woman in Dentistry
March 28, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
I believe there are many topics that are taboo in dentistry. In my 23 years as a dental hygienist, I have worked alongside mostly women. I have experienced many different situations and office cultures. I have seen teams that work seamlessly together like a pair of Spanx pulling it together high and tight. I have […]
Are you looking for a job or looking for a fit?
March 07, 2017
Tonya Lanthier
Cultural fit is a buzzword for hiring we often hear. Phrases like, hire beyond skills; make sure your core values align. You’ve heard this song and dance I’m sure. It’s not just a trend though. It is here to stay! According to an article from Forbes and Roundpegg, 89% of hiring failures are due to […]
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 Fully Using Your Retirement Plan?
February 07, 2017
Kate Willeford
Do you know the maximum amount you can put into your retirement plan this year? Most dentists and team members are not fully funding their retirement plan each year—leaving tax deductions and asset growth on the table. The ideal plan varies depending upon length of time you or your Doctor have had employees, how many […]
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 […]
How to Manage Conflict Effectively
January 03, 2017
Stacia Familo-Hopek
“Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.” –William James Conflict can arise for many reasons: different points of view, our communication approaches differ (e.g., some people are very direct, others want to first consider others’ feelings and perspectives, […]
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 […]
Importance of Next Appointment Notes
November 15, 2016
Laura Hatch
Every patient should be leaving the office with their next appointment scheduled. However, there is one more important step that should happen besides booking the appointment, and that is putting in good appointment notes. When booking a patient’s appointment, it is important that staff add notes into the appointment screen detailing what the appointment is […]
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. […]
Ten Tips for a Successful Interview
October 18, 2016
Tonya Lanthier
Congrats! If you are bringing someone in for an interview, you are one step closer to making a hire! The hard work is not over yet though- the interview is an important part of the hiring process. Meeting with the candidate will tell you information that isn’t found on their resume. Use these tips on your […]