Two new columnists, 50 new posts: there's lots to "like" in February!

By Dr. Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor

Where did January go? I sure won't miss the snow and record low temperatures that many of us experienced. I am hoping for better things in February. One thing that has been consistently good in February is the Chicago Dental Society's Midwinter Meeting, which we've highlighted on our front cover. Remarkably, this will be the 149th Midwinter Meeting.

The Midwinter Meeting is the one I grew up with in dentistry. In all my years of practice, I only missed two Midwinter Meetings. Looking back, I have lots of great memories of Februarys in Chicago.

In this issue, I have put together a list of 28 new products to see in Chicago. You can see them all on the gatefold behind the front cover. Then, go to page 48 to read all about them. If you're headed to the Windy City, this would be a good list to tear out of the magazine and take with you. I have laid out the new products by the booth numbers so you can easily find them.

At the Midwinter Meeting, you may see me running up and down the aisles or at a booth in the Exhibit Hall learning about more new products. Don't miss the opportunity to visit all the vendors in the Exhibit Hall! This is an essential part of the meeting.

Have you visited our Facebook page this month? If not, you're missing something brand new for 2014. In recognition of National Children's Dental Health Month, each day in February we're posting "mini-articles" by experts in pediatric dentistry. Topics include best practices for management of pediatric patients, trends, and clinical tips. (Should parents be allowed in the operatory? We discuss it!) Add to the conversation by commenting or, even better, enter our article submission contest. Articles must relate to pediatric dentistry, and winning articles will be published in a future issue of Dental Economics. For all the info, "like" our Facebook page today at http://www.facebook.com/dentaleconomics or visit http://dentaleconomics.com/pediatric-dentistry-spotlight.

Next I want to call your attention to a Corporate Profile on the Scheduling Institute and CEO Jay Geier. This is an article I really enjoyed writing because I have followed their progress over the last six years. I am amazed by their success, which to me says that they must be doing something RIGHT! I know that the information in this article will be of special interest to all the DE readers. If you want to take your practice to the next level, be sure to read about the Scheduling Institute.

I have two new columnists that I would like to introduce you to in this issue. Dr. David Gane, the new CEO of LED Medical Diagnostics, will be writing on "Oral Medicine" on a regular basis. I know you will enjoy his insights and strategies. Dr. Neal Patel will be writing on a regular basis about how to implement technology of all kinds into our practices. So many times we hesitate to get involved with something new simply because we are not sure what the first step is. Dr. Patel has a general practice that he has named "Infinite Smiles" in Powell, Ohio. I am sure that both of these dentists will be presenting great information for improving your practice and enabling you to better serve your patients.

One of my good friends, Dr. Paul Homoly, has a great article about "Overcoming Fee Reluctance" that is a must-read for every dentist. I have taken many of Paul's courses and have always walked away a better person and a better communicator. Paul shows you how to determine who should be talking to your patients about money by sharing a principle he calls the "Crossover Zone." I know you and your practice will benefit if you follow his directions.

Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor
email: [email protected]