Economic recovery affecting Dentistry?
The second quarter of data indicates that there is a sense of impatience and frustration with the pace of economic recovery resulting in decisions to delay dental visits. The business of dentistry is almost entirely a consumer one that relies upon the incomes of employees, so bad news in employment impacts both their financial outcomes and perceptions directly.
July’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 9.5 percent. Nationwide, 14.6 million people are unemployed.
ADA surveyed many of their members, these are the findings:
-Ten percent more respondents reported a decreased outlook for their net income in the second quarter (55 percent) than in the first quarter (45 percent). However, when respondents were asked how great their actual loss in net income might be, they reported 6 percent on average.
–Nearly half reported an increase in open appointment times.
–Forty-seven percent indicated a decrease in gross billing.
–A decrease in new patients was reported by more than 48 percent of respondents.
–The slowdown in job growth affects the confidence of patients as well as our own confidence in a recovery.
Hygienists report the following:
-11% of offices have reduced the number of dental hygienists they employ
-5% have cut compensation.
-hygienists are being paid hourly, rather then salary
-hygienists are being asked to “clock out” when there are no patients
-Instead of any raises, hygienists are on a bonus system based on achieving a minimum daily production.
A to Z of alternative workforce models in dentistry
CDHC, DHAT, ADHP ... the list goes on. These and other acronyms are part of a growing list of mid-level provider models in dentistry that are the subject of much debate across the country. At the local, state, and national levels, dentists and component societies, as well as organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), are tackling the issue of mid-level providers. As legislation related to alternative workforce models in dentistry is introduced across the country, dentists counter by defending the status quo or offering opposing legislation.
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Lights, Camera, Floss!
Cast your vote! The ADHA and Sunstar are hosting a student YouTube contest, and you are deciding the winner! We asked the students to create a YouTube video for people who hate to floss. This competition allows them to show off their dental hygiene knowledge, test their skills connecting with patients and flex their creative muscles. And did they ever! Vote for your favorite!
National Dental Hygiene Board Exam Review Course - an interactive online community
Log-On and Learn! Join ADHA’s Interactive Online Community for the new LIVE Online National Dental Hygiene Board Exam Review Course. This new online only review course is designed to help dental hygiene students prepare for the NEW computer-based dental hygiene licensure exam. No travelling or overnight stays required – more information coming soon!
Milestone in Approval for MN Mid-Level Education Program Approval
A historical milestone occurred on Friday, August 13, 2010 when the Minnesota Board of Dentistry granted provisional program approval to the dental therapy program at Metropolitan State University. The University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry also received provisional program approval by the Board for their dental therapy program. The event took place at a special, public meeting of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. The next step is to have Metropolitan State’s advanced dental therapy credential process approved by the Board.
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Plan to Attend!
ADHA's 2011 CLL at the 88th Annual Session
June 15-21, 2011
Nashville, TN
Login today at www.adha.org for membership processing,
membership updates, renewals and conference registration.
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The median average annual net income of U.S. dentists is $136,303 according to salary.com (This basic market pricing report was prepared using the Certified Compensation Professionals' analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies).
"Smile Wide Look Inside" is an interactive dental children's book available now. There is now help to prepare young children and their parents for a pending dental visit. The book is for children ages 4 to 8. It can either be read to children or they can read it for themselves. This book is so different than what is available on the market today. 
Health care personnel: CDPH recommends that all health care personnel, particularly those who have direct contact with infants and pregnant women, be immunized with Tdap to protect their patients and themselves. Effective September 1, 2010, the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard requires all hospitals, outpatient medical facilities, and other employers covered by the standard to offer Tdap immunization to their employees who may be exposed to pertussis. Employees who decline to be vaccinated must sign a declination form. 
