Week in Review: Consultants share financial tips | Necessary questions as 2021 begins

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

One of the things I love about the dental industry is how often people are willing to freely share their thoughts and insights with their colleagues. That struck me again this week as I looked at the words of eight different dental consultants who shared their best tips for dental practices to become more financially sound in 2021. The consultants covered a wide range of topics, with four sharing their thoughts in one article and four more teaming up for a follow-up piece.

Learning from each other is so vitally important, no matter what your position is inside the practice. Learning what the future may bring for the industry from those in academia is important as well. That was emphasized once again this week in a small study that offers some big possibilities when it comes to periodontal disease. Investigators found that using an air-polishing powder containing a sugar alcohol commonly used as an artificial sweetener during nonsurgical periodontal treatment may result in positive outcomes for patients. I think the findings are well worth your time to peruse this weekend.

Speaking of studies, one that came out this week in Cancer is a warning bell in the battle against HPV. People who have had more than 10 oral sex partners face an approximately four times greater risk of developing HPV-associated mouth and throat cancer than those with fewer mates, the study indicates. The findings provide yet another reason to ensure you and your colleagues are prepared to discuss oral cancer with patients in your practice.

Finally, continuing the theme of authors giving back, I always love when Amanda Hill, RDH, BSDH, contributes her thoughts and wisdom for our audience's benefit. In a time of year when so many make resolutions to be better at this or that, or change this or that in the dental practice, Hill writes a very poignant piece about the importance of remembering why you want change to happen. Are your hopes and goals fully in focus, or are your resolutions not going to get you where you want to be? It's a question I believe is worth considering.

Here's to a great rest of the weekend!