Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

Kevin & Teresa talk about how Kevin's hangnail turned into a medical plan exploration. Can the dental industry learn from how medical has handled insurance's impact? Perhaps. The in-house savings plan and confusing carriers aren't specific to dental. We also discuss how there is no perfect answer for management situations and what to do with lifetime employees.

The Day After - scary 80s movie Link to the ADA's webinar on the topic

Link to AADOM's Fellowship Program

We dig in to this very emotional topic that impacts dentistry. If you haven't had an issue - awesome. But more than likely you have  or know someone who has. Share your stories with us via email as well: [email protected]

Recommended resources:

Kevin's and Natalie Kaweckyj's series about bullying

Have you wondered what to do if you're in a state with a non-covered services law? Do you know your state's status? (LINKS BELOW!) Teresa answers this question along with some tips on talking to your patient about fee differences. The next viewer question is on checking benefits and eligibility. Establish these systems now to minimize future surprises. 

Recommended resources:

• Delta of AZ's policy on non-covered services (PDF)
• Delta of NJ's state by state listing (PDF) <--useful!
• AAPD's chart of states with non-covered services legislation
  • Note that it does not list the complete 39 states. Refer to the Delta of NJ chart and/or call your state dental association!

Kevin joins Teresa to see where we are with our 2018 goals. The conversation branches out to how you can improve your office life. Teresa shares one of her most painful memories of tough work times. Other topics:

• How do you handle uncomfortable treatment presentations?
• Offices are on the first line of defense for reporting abuse and neglect in dental offices - what can you do?
•  Teresa's new obsession with infomercials

Mentioned resources:

Teresa's FB page with links to all the authors mentioned in the book giveaway

Mid- Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. (Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness) 

Teresa is joined by speaker and consultant Andrea Greer for a candid talk on a range of topics. They cover family relationships in the office; why today's manager has it tough; and ends with a talk on how breast cancer affected Andrea's life. If cancer is a part of your life or a family member's life, you'll want to know how to help them. She gives candid insight into her own struggle. Also covered: CAD/CAM and treatment plan presentation tips. Don't miss it!

Mentioned resources:

Andrea's company Onpoint Consulting

Breast cancer information

Teresa and Kevin wrap up the old with discussion of courses, industry happenings and why change is hard - for everyone. Then we dive into predictions for 2018. Your workforce, your contracts and your patients are changing - how will you keep up?

Mentioned resources:

2018 Dental Coding Update webinar (you will receive replay link)

Teresa's bacon

Our conversation focuses on publishing an article - even if you've never written before! Hear the inside scoop on how editors make their decisions. Even if you don't want to write, find out why you see certain ads next to an article. After you listen, why not give it a try? 

Mentioned resources:

Dentistry IQ/Dental Economics

Progressive Dentist

Dr. Bicuspid

Dentaltown

Dental Entrepreneurial Women (DEW) Life

Dental Entrepreneur

Dentistry Today

Dental Products Report

Is Amazon coming for your dental supply business? Could it work? Teresa and Kevin talk about the surprising Amazon booth at Greater New York; the stock news that shook up dental stocks; and what it means for workflow in your office. The CVS/Aetna merger will affect Americans but does it hit dental at all? Maybe. 

Mentioned Resources:

Jim Cramer talking about Amazon

Patterson/Schein threatened?

More about Danaher

Seeking Alpha's summary of the CVS/Aetna deal

Link for strategy session with Teresa

Writing a book is hard work but it's not impossible. Kevin & Teresa discuss what was involved in writing, editing and publishing their books. We'll give you the cost, the effort and the pitfall of the process. They also go over the basics of marketing the book and how to get the word out. Can you write 1500 words? Then writing a book is possible! 

Mentioned resources:

IndiebooksInternational

90MinuteBooks

Books:

Kevin’s book: Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting

Teresa’s book: Moving Your Patients to Yes: Easy Insurance Conversations

Rachel Wall’s book

Ginny Hegarty’s book

Christine Taxin’s books

Susan Gunn’s books

Rachel Mele’s book

Podcasts:

Dental Hacks podcast

Gary Takacs’ podcast

Howard Farran’s podcast

Dental Implants & Worms

The Dental Marketer

Other links discussed:

Dayna Johnson’s Dentrix Office Manager

This is a mimeograph!

What kind of pressures do dentists and practice owners face? Teresa talks about the factors that can weigh heavy on the dental mind. Emotional fatigue is a real issue for those tasked with providing for family and employees. External and internal factors come at us hard and fast and often are unexpected.

After running down several situations, Teresa gives you some tips to prepare yourself and keep your eyes open. At some point in your career, you’ll need to reach out for financial help – knowing when you should reach out makes a huge difference.

Links:

• Academy of Dental CPAs
• Beyond the Operatory (dental career exploration)
• Link for strategy session with Teresa

Downloads:

• 7 Ways to Prepare for Financial Decisions (as outlined in this episode)
• SWOT analysis example and blank template