Week in Review: Trends in finances, AI | Avoiding the 'big dip' | Murder hornets and dentistry

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Happy Halloween! This promises to be an October 31 unlike any other we've seen in our lifetime. I'm curious to see how many trick-or-treaters show up at my door tonight as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb here in Colorado (and many other parts of the U.S. as well).

We just can't seem to get away from news about COVID-19, and the medical field keeps discovering new things about the virus. That includes a study released earlier this week that indicates the mouth is a strong site for infection and transmission of the novel coronavirus. Researchers believe this is the first study to show the oral cavity as a main site for SARS-CoV-2 spread.

This week, we also continued our look at trends in various parts of the industry and how they could affect you personally and professionally.

I am always fascinated to see the evolution of technology and what that means for each of us. That includes artificial intelligence (AI), which is playing a bigger role in our lives every day. That's also the belief of members of the newly formed Dental AI Council. We talked to a member of that council about AI, where it's going, and what dentists and team members can expect as 2021 draws nearer.

What about the financial side of your business? There's certainly a lot that could affect it in 2021, and that was the focus of one of our most popular articles of the week. To bolster your finances and prepare for an uncertain future, Dan Croft believes dental practice owners should consider capitalizing on some of the industry trends he sees coming down the road.

Of course, we know your practice's finances are affected by just how full your schedule is. We have heard a lot about holes in the hygiene schedule plaguing many dental practices this fall. However, there is also another big thing happening with schedules. Fred Joyal provided insight on how to prevent patient migration from happening in your practice.

Finally, let's face it, it wouldn't be Halloween without a scary story -- but this one is actually true and has a dental connection.

Asian giant hornets (murder hornets) made the news again this week. This time, however, the story surrounding the insect marauders had a dental tie. Researchers from Washington's agriculture department used dental floss to make an important discovery just south of the border between the U.S. and Canada. You will have to see it to believe it.

As always, thank you for reading DrBicuspid.com. We wish you and your family a safe and fun Halloween and rest of the weekend.