Conferences offer valuable opportunities for professional growth, knowledge exchange and networking. They provide a refreshing break from the daily routine and can be a fun experience for team members. Here are some of the many compelling reasons to consider using a conference to motivate your staff.

Dentistry is always evolving, and technology is changing the way we care for our patients. One of the most exciting innovations making waves right now is Artificial Intelligence (AI). From improving diagnostics to streamlining treatment planning, AI is helping us provide more efficient, precise, and personalized care.

Texas Dental Association members and their dental teams have access to a Healthcare Member Benefits Program.

Have you ever walked into your office first thing in the morning and taken a moment to realize how silent it is? Within the hour the radio will be singing, the ultrasonic cleaner will be buzzing, suctions will be vacuuming saliva, and your handpiece will be rocking and rolling. Your ears will be taking in the magic and chaos for several hours each day.

As dentists, we play a vital role in our communities, providing essential oral healthcare services to our neighbors, colleagues, family and friends. In addition to our day-to-day responsibilities at our practice, we have to remember that our practices are essential pillars of the community and play a crucial role in its overall well-being.

I can vividly remember the excitement of getting my cap and gown, graduation outfit, graduation invitations and grad rehearsal. I remember all of the graduation things! With all the enthusiasm of graduation coming up this month, I wanted to offer up a few tips for the upcoming graduating class of dentists.

I hesitate to use the term 'retirement' since that should be the last thought on your mind when transitioning from active practice. I left my practice almost 12 years ago and now find myself busier than ever and very content with my lifestyle.

Entering a new year presents an opportunity for dentists to reflect on the past, set goals for the future, and adapt to the always changing landscape that is our career. It can even be as simple as recognizing the small achievements and taking it a step further. Technology is certainly something that most dentists are buying into, and we’ve become spoiled with the wide availability of advancements in dentistry. Here are some tips for dentist owners as we enter the new year:

A dental office usually has more than just the dentist working. Office managers, front desk, dental assistants, dental hygienists — every person has a part to play and every person helps the office function as a cohesive unit. I have always viewed the dental team as family.

​Whether it’s asking for a second opinion, mentorship, patient reviews or referrals, requesting help is an important skill to develop. As a new dentist or associate building a career, it’s necessary to learn “the art of the ask” early on as it will help guide the path of your professional career.

Dr. Hilton Israelson, a renowned dentist and respected member of the Dallas dental community, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a practitioner of exceptional skill, a leader in his field, and a compassionate caregiver. With a profound dedication to dental excellence, Hilton made a significant impact on the lives of his patients and colleagues throughout his illustrious career.

We spend years obtaining our undergraduate education, followed by four fantastic years of dental school, potentially more years in residency homing in on a specialty skill set, and many more hours of continuing education to be able to provide patients with the highest standard of care. After an abundance of years and thousands of hours stuffing our noggin with clinical research and the latest advances in technology, many dentists find themselves ready to talk about all the information they have acquired. However, in an ironic twist, the number one thing I have learned in my years in practice is patients just want you to LISTEN.

As a dentist, you want your patients to look forward to their appointments. So, using social media to share fun events or fun facts about you should make them want to visit you, right? It’s tempting to use your existing social media profile for both business and personal life, but here are several reasons why your brand account should be separate from your personal account.

Visualize the first item you reach for upon waking up. I'll give you a hint; this object is normally touched before the crust is out of your eyes.

Historically, dentists have had one of the highest suicide rates amongst any profession. Recent studies have reported that dentists are 17 times more likely to commit suicide than non-dentists. I repeat, SEVENTEEN times more likely. That’s a staggering statistic and it’s time for us to make a change.

As we approach the end of another year, it’s natural for all of us to reflect on the events that took place for the past 365 days. Whether our intention was to eat healthier, live a more active lifestyle, spend more time with loved ones, or read that book that’s been on our list for months, it seems that this time of year routinely brings about a season of reflection.

The holidays are officially upon us and if you need to add a little fuel to your anxiety, there are only 37 days until Christmas (but who’s counting?) Halloween ended and I immediately began to feel the pressure of the holiday hustle.

The importance of giving back to your community can have positive benefits as not only a practice builder, but can also achieve a level of self-fulfillment not often recognized.

Summer has come and gone. Pumpkin spice latte season has begun. School is back in session and our clinics seem a bit calmer than usual. We have our seasons in this profession and it seems to me that September along with March are some of our not-so-chaotic months. Could back-to-school be the main culprit? Or would that be too easy of an explanation? Whether the lull is good or bad, there are many ways we can practice resiliency through the times ahead and find ways to improve.

‘Tis the season… back to school season that is. “Meet the Teacher” night traditionally marks the end of summer break and commences the new semester. To celebrate the upcoming school year, I interviewed my good friend and colleague, Dr. Emily Eggart, a clinical professor at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. Follow along for her perspective on current dental education trends, why she decided to teach and her thoughts about the future of our profession.