From a new way to think about retirement, to staffing issues, materials updates, and of course, the ever-popular salary survey, dentists turned to Dental Economics, as they have for more than 110 years, to help guide them in making the best career and life choices.
Here’s a recap of the top articles that Dental Economics readers found the most interesting and informative in 2023.
It’s time to break the dental retirement rules
This dentist figured out he had everything wrong. He followed the same path as most of his peers … join a practice, buy a practice, build up said practice, save for retirement … until his young daughter became ill. He was then asking: What if there were an alternative path to a better life for me and those I care for?
He shares his wakeup call with his peers in the hopes they’ll approach their careers in a healthier way. It’s never too late for anyone to break the rules, change some things, and prepare for retirement in a new way.
Independent contractor vs. employee: Classifying workers correctly
The issue of whether to classify a worker as an independent contractor or an employee has been around for many years. This is a serious issue in dental practices. To help answer the question, you need to examine the relationship between you and the worker.
The IRS has provided guidance to help dentists classify someone as either an employee or an independent contractor. Also, it might be wise to chat with a dental CPA to see if you’re doing things correctly. If you aren't, how can you correct what you're doing?
The 2023 Dental Salary Report: Results are in!
For the fourth consecutive year, in partnership with Dental Economics and RDH magazine, DentalPost conducted its nationwide survey of nearly 15,000 dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental practice managers, dental billing specialists, and front office staff.
The most extensive dental industry survey of its kind, the comprehensive report covers everything from compensation and benefits to bonuses and work conditions. Learn how your practice fits in by checking into this popular annual report.
What are the best options for associate compensation?
When you decide it’s time to bring on an associate, you’ve got lots of questions. When is the best time to bring on an associate? How are new patients going to be assigned? For what procedures will the associate be responsible? And, of course, how will the associate be compensated?
This last question has been the source of much discussion for many years. Find out how to solve this riddle from dental CPA Allen Schiff.
Do dentists have a self-esteem problem?
This is not an easy question to face or to answer. How could members of one of the top professions in the country have any problems with self-esteem? Did you ever stop to think that dentists themselves might be contributing to this problem?
After 20-plus years as a practice management consultant, consultant Sharyn Weiss has observed how dentists and their teams sometimes enable patients to behave badly. Before dismissing the question, take the quiz and do a bit of soul searching. You might be surprised what you learn, and at the results if you approach things a bit differently.
What’s the best fluoride varnish?
Everyone uses fluoride varnish in one way or another in their practice. Yet, there are currently no studies to support the clinical benefits of one type of professional fluoride treatment over another.
When comparing fluoride carriers such as varnish to toothpaste and rinse, there are no proven benefits of a specific delivery system. So, why a varnish, and what should you look for in one? Which varnishes have been declared “the best” from your fellow dental professionals?
Busting myths about dental materials
Everyone wants to use what’s considered the top dental materials. But are they really “top”? Drs. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz and David Rice did some serious myth busting on dental materials that dentists are using today and—maybe more important—on the ones many of them want to use but have been told simply won’t work.
Get their behind-the-scenes results here. Listen in on this episode of Dentistry Unmasked with their guest, Dr. Nate Larson, to find out if the material you’re using is overrated, underrated, or just right for you and your practice.
