Get happy and watch your productivity grow!

June 1, 2011
Wow! It is June already and almost half of 2011 is gone! How is your practice doing at this point in the year? Are you happy?

Wow! It is June already and almost half of 2011 is gone! How is your practice doing at this point in the year? Are you happy? No, I am not asking about your practice results. I’m asking are you happy?

Research has shown that one of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy. One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself! Do yourself a huge favor — read “The Happiness Project” by best-selling author Gretchen Rubin (www.gretchenrubin.com).

The book is an account of the year Gretchen spent testing the theories and studies about how to be happier. Research has shown that happier people are more self-confident, more productive, and have more fun. Your office will be a happier place because your happiness will be contagious — your team and your patients will catch it, too!

As I write this, it is early May. Next week I will attend the annual meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Boston. I am looking forward to going because my good friend, Dr. Gary Radz, has packed the program full of great courses targeted for both beginners and seasoned veterans of cosmetic dentistry. The AACD meeting is the place to learn about the organization and how to start your journey to accreditation. DE has always had an outstanding relationship with the AACD. Put this meeting on your list for next year! Visit www.aacd.com for more information.

Iwant to call your attention to this month’s cover story, “The Dental Practice of the Future.” Please don’t be put off by the size of the practice that these four exciting dentists have built. There are some tremendous ideas for every dental practice that wants to attain the next level of practice success. I have always found it best to model my efforts after those who have done something successfully. After all, if someone is already doing it, it is possible. I visited this practice in early February, and found it to be everything (and more) that they say it is. One of the secrets to their success is that the answer is always “yes.” Go to page 18 to read the article!

My good friend, Dr. Greg Lutke, is back in the magazine with a feature article on “Imaging in Dentistry.” The opportunity to visually communicate directly with our patients empowers the “Big 3” in dentistry: 1) diagnosis, 2) treatment-planning, and 3) the treatment preview. Dr. Lutke points out that although digital photography is no longer new, the power of high-quality photography is still “king” of dental technologies when it comes to patient communications. Go to page 38 to read the article.

July is the month for the largest hygiene show of the year — RDH Under One Roof®. It is not too late to sign up for this awesome meeting for dental hygienists only! It will be held July 28 to 30 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. As Dr. Brian Nylaan of Grand Rapids, Mich., and many other dentists have said, “Sending my hygienist to RDH Under One Roof® was the single best move I made last year. Valerie returned energized with great new plans for our hygiene department.” To send your hygienist, go to www.rdhunderoneroof.com for more information.

The managing editor at DE is Kevin Henry. One of Kevin’s many responsibilities is our Internet portal, DentistryIQ.com. He has come up with a terrific new idea — e-supplements will be delivered through “DE Tips & Tricks,” “RDH eVillage™,” “RDH eVillage™ FOCUS,” “Dental Assisting Digest®,” and “Proofs®” e-newsletters. These supplements will contain exclusive material from DentistryIQ.com that will not be found in Dental Economics® or other PennWell® publications.The e-supplements will provide various views and ideas on some of the hottest topics in dentistry. June’s e-supplement focusing on social media will be delivered in PDF format, which makes it easy for readers to download and keep on their computers for future reference.

If you’re not a subscriber to “DE Tips & Tricks,” our free twice-a-month e-newsletter, send an email to Kevin at [email protected]. To find this e-supplement on DentistryIQ.com, search for “social media.”

In April, I spoke at the Kentucky Dental Association meeting in Louisville, Ky. I had a great time with all the members and guests at the meeting. The hospitality was wonderful! Both of my “New Products To See in 2011” hands-on workshops sold out, and 90 dentists worked with 16 great new products and had all of their questions answered. Put this meeting on your schedule for next year!

Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor — email: [email protected]
Toll-free phone number: (866) 274-4500

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