Dental Economics® has just finished an online readership survey with one of the largest responses ever. The readers (that's you) not only responded to our questions, but more than 75% added their comments. We have already begun to make some changes in the magazine as a result of your survey responses.
You told us you like the availability of CE in the magazine, and we will continue doing this. You also said you like articles on product information and that my column, “Pearls for Your Practice,” and Dr. Gordon Christensen's column were your favorites. We also know you like the monthly feature articles, and especially the financial topics.
In this issue, be sure to read the “Focus On” article on page 46 by Dr. Scott Benjamin. I have admired Scott's knowledge and expertise in the dental technology field for many years, but I could not get him to write for the magazine. I finally convinced him that we could adapt a live presentation that I saw him do at a symposium.
His presentation was good because he said many things that needed to be said. I hope we have preserved that information in this article. In the middle of the article, he talks about the process of evaluating new technology. It is one of the most complete evaluation processes that I have ever seen, especially his utilization of the team. Pay particular attention to his comments on the electronic health record, which will gradually become a bigger part of all our lives. Read about how we must move away from a procedure practice to a diagnostic practice. Thanks, Scott, for a great job! I hope you will continue to contribute articles.
I attended Dr. Gordon Christensen's “State of the Dental Industry” presentation June 12 in Chicago. It was targeted to members of the dental industry involved in sales, administration, management, and research and development. First, he discussed and clarified the current state of the dental industry. The format was for Gordon to present a category of products or techniques with his comments on the good qualities and what could be improved based on the needs and wants of dentists and patients. He identified what made products useful and popular, and where there are voids in dental concepts and products.Dr. Christensen made suggestions to the audience concerning satisfying upcoming product, technique, and technology needs. He discussed new and developing concepts in dentistry and their potential influence in the dental profession. I found it very interesting when he discussed why the popular products are desirable, as well as the specific characteristics that make a dentist want to buy a product.
As you might expect, this was a very interactive meeting, with Gordon prompting many comments and suggestions from the audience. It was a most enjoyable and educational meeting.
Later in June, I attended the annual meeting of the American Dental Hygienists Association in Washington, D.C. Congratulations to President Diann Bomkamp, RDH, BSDH, for a great meeting. More than 1,000 dental hygienists received the latest and best in continuing education. My wonderful hygienist, Karen Reiner, was in attendance, and we had a chance to spend some time together at dinner. I can't believe I had to leave St. Louis to make this dinner happen! Just goes to show the crazy and fast-paced world I live in.I gave a very short presentation at the “Mentor of the Year” program, sponsored by Philips Sonicare and RDH® magazine. This year's winner was Toni Adams, RDH. You can read the inspirational story of this very humble lady who has helped so many hygienists over the years in the April issue of RDH® by going to www.rdhmag.com.
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor — e-mail: [email protected]
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