Dear DrBicuspid Member,
In a column that has inspired much discussion and debate, periodontist Dr. Alvin Danenberg wonders how dentistry will be different in the future. He discusses how the conventional way of practicing dentistry may begin to give way to seemingly unconventional ideas. Read more here.
In other news this week, dentists prescribe millions of antibiotics, but prescription trends vary by dental specialty and time of year. This may represent an inappropriate use of antibiotics, according to new research presented at the 2018 International Association of Dental Research meeting in London. Learn more here.
Adolescents and young adults who fill an opioid prescription for wisdom teeth extractions are more than twice as likely to continue filling opioid prescriptions weeks or months later, according to a new study. This new data could help you decide how to help your patients manage their postoperative pain. Read more here.
Here's a question many practice owners face: Is the new dentist joining your practice an independent contractor or an employee? The question isn't an academic one, as getting it wrong can result in severe financial penalties. William Barrett and Casey Gocel of the law firm Mandelbaum Salsburg explain the differences. Learn more here.
In our Business & Industry Community this week, we reported on the most recent financial results for a few of the industry's biggest companies. For some companies, it was a record-shattering quarter, while others made changes in hopes of a better future:
- Henry Schein reported higher net income and dental sales for its fiscal second quarter of 2018.
- Dentsply Sirona reported a net loss of more than $1 billion for its second quarter, while also listing an increase in revenues. Several leadership changes also were announced.
- Laser and CAD/CAM scanner company Biolase announced its second-quarter financial results and named a new CEO.
