Levin on listening; Climo on internal audits; Weaver on safe sedation

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Bring up the subject of communication skills and most of us naturally think about how we speak or write to our coworkers and patients, Dr. Roger P. Levin writes. The counterpart deserves equal attention. People who really know how to listen are empowered by it. They learn more, understand others better, get feedback on the message they're sending, and make a more favorable impression. Good listeners are good practice team members.

Does your practice complete an internal audit each year? If you are asking yourself why you should take the time, and expense, to complete one, consultant Thomas Climo, PhD, explains the reasons the process is worth the time. Read more here.

DrBicuspid.com spoke with Anesthesia Progress Editor-in-Chief Joel M. Weaver, DDS, PhD, about how dentists, oral surgeons, and all dental professionals should approach sedating patients with obstructive sleep apnea. His thoughtful comments are here.

Patients treated for periodontal disease had lower healthcare costs and fewer hospitalizations for other medical conditions, according to a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read Features Editor Donna Domino's article here.

Many of your colleagues have already participated in the nominating process for the 2014 DriBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards. Please join them as we honor excellence in 11 categories across all areas of dentistry. To submit your nominations, click here or go to nominations.drbicuspid.com.