Healthcare is a multifaceted environment and humans are the common factor across all areas. Guests Drs. Sarah Parker and Laurie Wolf discuss improving personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers on the frontlines in order to improve human performance in complex and sometimes uncomfortable settings. This episode also discusses redesigning six-foot distancing processes in dental offices. To achieve an environment where patients and staff can be as safe as possible, our guests share the importance of understanding what the human capabilities and limitations are and taking into consideration the processes and environment when designing equipment.

Beyond the Mouth: ADA's practice podcast

Designing Better PPE

Dentistry is rapidly adapting how they manage dental insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear how one dentist in Iowa is adjusting the processes for day-to-day operations in her dental office. Guest Dr. Sara Stuefen shares what it’s like running a practice during unexpected circumstances—from hiring additional staff to verifying patient eligibility and negotiating fees with dental insurance companies to budgeting for personal protective equipment (PPE) costs.

Managing Changes in Staff and Dental Insurance During COVID-19

Dentists, along with other healthcare providers, may experience professional burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression at a high rate. Understanding mental health and taking actionable steps towards wellness are key strategies to reach a life full of purpose, gratifying relationships, and connection. In this episode, Guest Alexa James, chief executive officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago, shares action steps dental leaders can take to foster mental health among their teams and themselves. James underscores ways to recognize signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health. She shares resources to support dental team leaders in addressing the stressors of the pandemic and beyond.

Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health and Wellness at Work

Since March 2020, many dental offices have experienced employment disruptions such as a furlough, layoff, reduction of hours, or unpaid leave. In this episode, we catch up with season one guest Ginny Hegarty, dental practice management strategist, speaker, coach and author, to talk about the new dental hiring challenges today. Ginny shares her expertise on helping dentists develop their leadership skills as they guide their offices into recovery from the pandemic.

What Does It Take to Lead a Dental Team During a Pandemic?

New dentists often graduate six-figures in debt and subsequently worry about the consequences of their student loan debt on their chances of one day owning a dental practice. When looking at a dentist’s loan portfolio, guest Alex Macielak of Laurel Road says that student loan debt is only one piece of the financial pie. He shares strategies for loan repayment planning to help new dentists reach their financial goals. Hear how dentists can manage their student loan debt with interest waivers and flexible repayment options under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020.

Pandemic’s Upside: Student Loan Debt Relief and Repayment Flexibilities

Transitioning a dental practice from one owner to another is so much more than just a business transaction. Both buyers and sellers might become overly focused on the contract details, losing sight of the big picture. Our guest Dr. Suzanne Ebert reflects on her own practice transition, and shares why finding the right match for the dentist and the practice is crucial to ensuring long term success.

The Dental Practice Matching Game

Dentists have found themselves in uncharted territory during COVID-19. As they balance operating a dental office around all the pandemic considerations, what about maintaining patient privacy? The ADA’s Health Informatics expert Patrick Cannady talks about the HIPAA privacy rule and misconceptions related to HIPAA and the pandemic.

HIPAA Balancing Act: What about protected health information during a pandemic?

Dr. Daniel Klemmedson, the American Dental Association's 157th President, explains why it's better to be involved rather than sit on the sidelines, and how we move forward during a pandemic.  

ADA President Dr. Daniel J. Klemmedson: Rising to the Occasion

Tooth Talk co-hosts Peter Aiello and Sarah Milligan explain why dentists are ideal advocates for public health. They offer advice on starting at the local government level and how to work your way up.

#16 Leadership through Advocacy: Get Started Advocating for Public Health and Dentistry

Dr. Joy Poskozim chats about her efforts treating the geriatric population, and the nuts and bolts on weaving those patients into her practice.

#15 Geriatric Dentistry: How One Dentist Treats a Growing Population

Drs. Bill Claytor and Jim Willey share their years of experience and research on dentist burnout. From systemic factors to individual indicators, they explain the need to create a healthy practice environment and preserve the doctor-patient relationship.

#14 The Burnout Episode

Kirk Dewart of BMO Harris pulls back the curtain on the practice loan application process, and how it's more important to track your credit than your debt.

#13 Know Your Numbers: How to Apply for a Practice Loan

Dr. Katie Vincer Sears shares her experiences volunteering in Africa and how she handled being away from her practice.

#12 Practice with Your Head and Heart

ADA staffer Dennis McHugh works on members' dental benefits issues at the ADA. In his second appearance on the show, Dennis discusses the pros and cons of in-office dental plans.

#11 Dental Benefits Superhero Part 2: In-office Dental Plans

Heidi Nickisch Duggan, director of the ADA Library & Archives talks about the resources and treasures the ADA Library holds, from the highly useful to the strangely fascinating.

#10 Stranger Things and Great Info in Your Dental Library

Dentistry is the fun part; running a practice and all that life throws at you can be a challenge. ADA’s Dr. Betsy Shapiro chats with a diverse group of people who can help.

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Beyond the Mouth: ADA's practice podcast

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