I am on an Amtrak train from New York to Boston. I was in New York City to attend a terrific Greater New York Meeting. I was on the program and also had a chance to spend a lot of time with some good friends on the industry side of dentistry. On my last night in New York, I was able to get a ticket for the revival of Meredith Wilson's "Music Man." This was a trip down memory lane for me - Sue and I saw the original show with Robert Preston while we were on our honeymoon.
I hope that all of you have set your goals for this New Year! Be sure that they are written goals because these are the only kind that count. I always thought that I could just keep goals in my head and they would happen. Writing goals down is magical! It makes them much more concrete and attainable. Make sure that you share your goals, so that others can help make them happen. I have many specific goals for Dental Economics and for myself in 2001. With the help of others, I have already made some of those goals a reality.
My vision of Dental Economics keeps changing, and I am very proud of our accomplishments last year. Working on the magazine is a lot like a dental practice. I am the upfront man. You see my picture all over the magazine. I get to hear all your great comments (a few not so great) at dental meetings and seminars. I get to read all of your e-mails and letters - much like the dentist in the office who gets all the praise when things go right.
We all know it takes more than one person to make a magazine as well as a dental practice. At Dental Economics, I have a tremendous team that supports me and makes me look great every month. In my dental practice, I also have a great team to support me. My team at Dental Economics is listed on the same page where we list the biographies of authors. But I am sure that you have probably never read their names. They rarely get the recognition that they de-serve! They are the people who are really responsible for Dental Economics looking as great as it does.
I would like to thank them for all of their hard work and long days that produce the best magazine in the dental market. So a big hug and thank you goes to my fellow road warrior, Lyle Hoyt (PennWell vice president); to Craig Dickson (dental group publisher); to the editors that take words and make them sing, Rhonda Hunt, Penny Anderson, Kevin Henry, Vicki Cheeseman, Melba Koch, and Linda Holeman; and to our administrative assistant, Genetta Hutton. There is one other person to thank. Hardly a day goes by that I do not speak with this gentleman. Mark Hartley has the title of group editorial director, but he is the mastermind that makes Dental Economics come out every month. Thanks Mark, for all you do!
We are not finished yet! In 2001, you will see more things happening that will make Dental Economics even better! Our new technology column with Dr. Paul Feuerstein was announced last month. Chicken Soup For the Dental Soul "Extras" (these articles were cut from the book due to size limitations) will appear every month.
A new series of articles on endodontics will begin in February and continue every other month. There also will be a new series of articles on how to use your practice numbers to improve your bottom line.
In the past couple of months, I have seen a growing concern among some dentists who feel that the new Crest bleaching product, Whitestrips, is going to steal patients from them. In the test markets, Crest has found the opposite to be true. Dentists have increased their bleaching business. The Crest advertising will only heighten awareness of what dentistry has to offer, and each ad informs the reader to "ask your dentist." I think that this effort can only drive more patients into our offices!
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor - e-mail: [email protected]
