Oropharyngeal cancer rates increase; communication with your patients; top 10 stories

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

As 2013 draws to a close, DrBicuspid.com takes a look back in our two-part year in review of the top 10 stories. From teeth whitening to midlevel providers to new products to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, there was no shortage of big stories in dentistry during the year. Read about the stories that mattered most to you in 2013 here.

The rate of oropharyngeal cancer significantly increased among women and men from 1983 to 2002, almost exclusively in economically developed countries, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This important story continues here.

A new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) has found that dentists don't make enough use of communication techniques in everyday practice. Communication skills should be given higher priority in dental school and postgraduate continuing education offerings, according to the study authors. Read contributing editor Rabia Mughal's article here.

In our latest Sheri's Solutions, Dr. Sheri Doniger explains how you can increase your patient's compliance, and make your practice more memorable, by helping your patients purchase and use a power toothbrush.

Balancing the needs of your practice and an individual patient has always been a difficult process. As the JADA study (above) shows, improved communication will likely lead to more patient self-care compliance. That commitment to patient education doesn't mean there isn't a voice in your head reminding you of the many other patients waiting. How do you balance these competing, and compelling, needs? I'd love to hear from you via email or in our Forums.