Dear DrBicuspid Member,
It's been difficult to obtain accurate data on exactly how many practices in the U.S. see Medicaid patients. Researchers looked at the issue, and their findings suggest that Medicaid participation rates may be much lower than previously believed, according to their study in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Our clinical coverage this week featured two studies of note: one on treating patients with deep periodontal pockets and another on pain management for patients receiving endodontic treatment.
Researchers wanted to understand the success rate of nonsurgical treatment in patients with periodontal pockets greater than 5 mm. They conducted a study with more than 1,100 patients and came to some conclusions that may change how you approach treating these patients.
New research on pain control and management for patients was presented on April 11 at the 2019 American Association of Endodontists annual meeting in Montreal. The presentations included research on the use of photodynamic therapy, persistent pain after root end surgery, and the link between depression and postoperative pain.
Finally this week, new patients want to know that your practice is interested in their oral health, not just trying to get them to accept expensive treatments. Practice management consultant Sally McKenzie suggests conducting a new-patient interview to learn what they like and don't like about their oral health.
