Is race a factor in HNC survival rates? Also, Climo on valuation; Levin on patient surveys

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Race could be a factor in head and neck cancer (HNC) survival rates, according to a study presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. While treatment options have progressed, researchers say disease prognosis has not improved for African-Americans. Read Features Editor Donna Domino's article here.

In another study presented at the ASCO meeting, researchers have found a new cancer panel to find previously undetected human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV mutations in oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer using next-generation sequencing. Read more here.

At some point in a dentist's career, the purchase or sale of a practice will be an issue to be considered. To enable the owner-dentist to become more savvy when selling a practice, consultant Thomas Climo, PhD, explains the four methods of valuing dental practices in a new three-part series. Read part one here.

Is your practice providing excellent customer service to patients? The only way to answer this question accurately is to ask your patients. And the easiest way to do that is to ask patients to complete a brief, anonymous survey at the end of their appointment, according to Dr. Roger P. Levin.

In recent weeks, we have seen increased conversation in our Forums. I enjoy going in and reading your perspectives and opinions, and I hope you do also. Let's remember to be respectful and focus on the topic.