Beyond the Mouth: ADA's practice podcast American Dental Association

Healthcare is a multifaceted environment and humans are the common factor across all areas. Guests Drs. Sarah Parker and Laurie Wolf discuss improving personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers on the frontlines in order to improve human performance in complex and sometimes uncomfortable settings. This episode also discusses redesigning six-foot distancing processes in dental offices. To achieve an environment where patients and staff can be as safe as possible, our guests share the importance of understanding what the human capabilities and limitations are and taking into consideration the processes and environment when designing equipment.

Dentistry is rapidly adapting how they manage dental insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear how one dentist in Iowa is adjusting the processes for day-to-day operations in her dental office. Guest Dr. Sara Stuefen shares what it’s like running a practice during unexpected circumstances—from hiring additional staff to verifying patient eligibility and negotiating fees with dental insurance companies to budgeting for personal protective equipment (PPE) costs.

Dentists, along with other healthcare providers, may experience professional burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression at a high rate. Understanding mental health and taking actionable steps towards wellness are key strategies to reach a life full of purpose, gratifying relationships, and connection. In this episode, Guest Alexa James, chief executive officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago, shares action steps dental leaders can take to foster mental health among their teams and themselves. James underscores ways to recognize signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health. She shares resources to support dental team leaders in addressing the stressors of the pandemic and beyond.

Since March 2020, many dental offices have experienced employment disruptions such as a furlough, layoff, reduction of hours, or unpaid leave. In this episode, we catch up with season one guest Ginny Hegarty, dental practice management strategist, speaker, coach and author, to talk about the new dental hiring challenges today. Ginny shares her expertise on helping dentists develop their leadership skills as they guide their offices into recovery from the pandemic.

New dentists often graduate six-figures in debt and subsequently worry about the consequences of their student loan debt on their chances of one day owning a dental practice. When looking at a dentist’s loan portfolio, guest Alex Macielak of Laurel Road says that student loan debt is only one piece of the financial pie. He shares strategies for loan repayment planning to help new dentists reach their financial goals. Hear how dentists can manage their student loan debt with interest waivers and flexible repayment options under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020.

Transitioning a dental practice from one owner to another is so much more than just a business transaction. Both buyers and sellers might become overly focused on the contract details, losing sight of the big picture. Our guest Dr. Suzanne Ebert reflects on her own practice transition, and shares why finding the right match for the dentist and the practice is crucial to ensuring long term success.