Some shocking dental numbers to know, and this week's top articles

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

According to a recent survey, there is a shocking disconnect between dental patients who are open to screenings (including oral cancer) being done in the dental practice and the number of times those screenings actually happen while the patient is sitting in the operatory.

I recently sat down with Lisa Heaton from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to discuss the importance of health screenings in dental practices. During our talk, we discussed the disconnect between patients' willingness to undergo screenings and the low percentage of patients receiving them.

We also discussed the role of dental assistants in facilitating these screenings and reducing patient anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the link between oral health and overall health, as well as the potential impact of screenings on preventing medical emergencies in the dental practice.

5 key points to know from our conversation

• Patients are willing to undergo health screenings in dental practices, but the percentage of patients who actually receive these screenings is low.
• Dental assistants play a crucial role in facilitating health screenings and reducing patient anxiety.
• There is a strong link between oral health and overall health, and screenings can help prevent medical emergencies in the dental practice.
• Communication and education are key in ensuring that patients understand the purpose and importance of health screenings.
• Dental practices have an opportunity to reach patients who may not see a physician by offering screenings for conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV.
• You can watch our conversation below, and I hope it will spur thoughts about what can be done to improve the lives of your patients when they are in your care.

This week's top stories

Gingival hyperplasia affects not only aesthetics, but also causes discomfort, alters one's speech, and hinders chewing. Certain medications are known to induce gingival hyperplasia, and here's what you need to know about them.

We have the latest news surrounding a dentist in the middle of a high-profile murder case in Kentucky.

Like chewing, bruxism may be associated with improved cognitive function, according to a new commentary.

Could the rush to implement technology in the dental practice lead to more lawsuits? The authors of a recent article believe it's very possible.

Ready to unlock the power of revenue cycle management in your dental practice? In this article, expert Ashley Bond provides tips for every member of the dental team.

Looking to boost the same-store revenue in your dental practice? Here are eight clinical tips that can help you accomplish that goal.

As always, thank you for reading DrBicuspid.com. Here's to a fantastic weekend ahead!

Kevin Henry
Editor in Chief