Week in Review: Talking with patients about opioids | Pediatric workforce | Collections

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Talking with patients about opioids and pain management is important, but it can be a difficult topic for many dentists. Experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the ADA discussed how to use motivational interviewing to help make this conversation a little easier.

When you're talking with patients about opioids, this conversation isn't the same as telling them they need to have a filling removed or go see a periodontist. The advice offered by CDC and ADA experts are practical, relationship-building tips that can benefit your patients and you in many situations.

Last week we reported on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's recently released survey results on the predicted growth of pediatric dentists in the U.S. This week on DrBicuspid.com, Dr. Paul Casamassimo, policy chief for the academy, explains the reasoning behind the survey in an exclusive column.

Dr. Roger P. Levin tells it like it is when he writes that production doesn't count until your practice collects its fees. How is your practice doing? If yours is like most, you could use some creative ideas to help increase collections. He offers tips you can put into action today in his latest Practice Success column.

Finally, for all the advances in orthodontic tooth movement, it can still be painful for patients. Researchers reported that low-level laser therapy both accelerated orthodontic tooth movement and reduced associated pain in a new study.