This week, I wanted to share an important announcement about taking a brief summer break from the podcast. I reflect on my journey of starting my house-call dental practice focused on underserved and medically complex patients. In addition, I also discuss my growing involvement in teaching at my alma mater, which I’m finding both fulfilling and enjoyable. My decision to align the podcast schedule with the academic calendar is intended to provide better, more consistent content starting in August; however, in the meantime, listeners are encouraged to visit the Residential Movement website for resources and to reach out with any questions during this brief summer hiatus!

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This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elizabeth Ike, the owner of Comfort Home Dental in New Jersey. Elizabeth, a recent Housecall Practice Academy graduate, shared her inspiring journey from the initial idea of starting her housecall dental practice to seeing her first patients within a year. Despite the challenges of moving and obtaining new licenses, she successfully launched her practice and has been delivering essential dental care to a grateful patient population. Elizabeth offers valuable insights into the rewarding aspects of housecall dentistry, highlighting the emotional fulfillment she derives from helping patients in their times of need, even in hospice care scenarios.

Dr. Ike discusses some of the business hurdles she encountered, including handling contracts and managing finances, and stresses the importance of due diligence and smart spending when starting a new practice. Additionally, Elizabeth shares practical advice for aspiring housecall dentists, emphasizing that while administrative tasks can be challenging, the overall benefits and lower overhead compared to brick-and-mortar practices make it a worthwhile venture. She encourages anyone considering this path to take the leap, as the potential for professional fulfillment and patient impact is significant. If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Thank you for tuning in!

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Visit: AccommoDental

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In this episode, I share my experiences attending two significant dental conferences this month: the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference (Denobi Awards) and the Special Care Dental Association (SCDA) meeting. At the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference, it was a privilege to be nominated for a Denobi and to connect with various professionals who are passionate about mobile dental services. I highlight meeting a podcast listener inspired to start her own mobile practice and the accomplishments of award winners in this field. At the SCDA meeting, I gained insights into the specialized care of patients with unique needs, ranging from older adults to medically complex cases. 

Despite the valuable information, I raise concerns about the focus on state-sponsored healthcare and the barriers private dentists face with Medicaid. I also discuss a mobile dental franchise model and its surprisingly cheap startup costs. To support those wanting to venture into mobile dentistry, I also discuss the Dental House Call Practice Academy, my online course designed to guide dentists through starting their own house-call practice. Attending such conferences is crucial for professional growth, networking, and staying updated on new materials and clinical techniques. I encourage listeners to mark their calendars and consider participating in these events to enhance their knowledge and connections next year!

Join Me For Office Hours

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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In this episode, I share a quick and practical tip for managing your house-call practice's phone line using VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Learn why it's crucial not to use your personal cell phone number and the benefits of having a dedicated VoIP number, including remote assistance, call tracking, and multiple voicemail recordings. 

We'll delve into the importance of choosing HIPAA-compliant VoIP providers and provide examples such as Google Voice, GoTo, and Mango, which integrates seamlessly with the Curve EHR system. Discover how to streamline your communication while protecting your privacy and enhancing your practice's efficiency.

Join Me For Office Hours

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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This week I wanted to address some inquiries from listeners about why I chose to establish a house-call dentistry practice. Inspired by Simon Sinek's Ted Talk, 'Start with Why,' I explain my personal motivations and the significant unmet needs within my community, particularly for patients who cannot leave their homes for dental care. I share experiences from my hospital residency and personal life that led to this decision. I also clarify misconceptions about the ease of house call dentistry, highlighting the logistical and physical challenges involved.

Additionally, I discuss the practicality of balancing house call services with chairside work and teaching commitments, emphasizing the empowerment of self-employment. I touch on the financial aspects, including why I don't accept insurance and the rationale behind charging for my coaching and courses. Throughout, I stress the importance of understanding one's 'why' and reaffirm my mission to improve access to dental care, encouraging others to consider the benefits and possibilities of house call dentistry.

Join Me For Office Hours

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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In this episode, I share a recent office hours conversation with a Doc who was feeling conflicted about the next step in her career. She was burned out from traditional practice ownership and struggled with team management and financial stress. I recommended that she consider owning a dental house call practice, which offers the benefits of low debt, no team, and significant flexibility, making it an ideal option for her situation, especially given her passion for serving homebound patients. Despite her concerns about continuing complex surgical and cosmetic procedures, I assured her that house-call dentistry could be a perfect side hustle, allowing her to maintain her current role as an associate while exploring this new venture. 

I also shared my own experiences to highlight the benefits of house-call dentistry. Starting my dental house call practice as a side hustle provided me with an additional source of income and gave me the freedom to learn and grow without financial pressure. This flexibility allowed me to adjust my schedule during important life events like pregnancy and my daughter’s first year. I emphasized that owning a house call practice does not limit one’s professional scope; instead, it opens up numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. In closing, I encourage other dentists to consider this fulfilling and adaptable career path, which benefits both practitioners and homebound patients.

Join Me For Office Hours

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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In this episode, I wanted to discuss a topic that has been frequently brought up by listeners! The safety of conducting dental house calls. After nearly four years of experience, I have never faced significant safety issues. So I’m reminding listeners of some practical tips from previous episodes on how to ensure safety, such as hiring an assistant, keeping your phone nearby, and situating yourself safely in a room. 

I also want to point out that most of my new patients come through referrals from other healthcare providers, which adds a layer of trust and security. Additionally, I point to other professions that involve working in clients' homes on a daily basis without major problems as a reassurance. Finally, I emphasize that while it is crucial to take precautions, the fear of house calls should not deter dentists from offering this valuable service to patients who genuinely need it. Thank you for listening and considering a career in house-call dentistry.

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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This week I wanted to address a listener's question about the essentials for starting a house-call dental practice. I want to clarify that you do not need a specialized mobile dental van—any mode of transportation, like a simple minivan or even a small car, will suffice. Sharing my personal journey, I discuss how I started with a basic suitcase and evolved to using the Milwaukee Packout system, a durable and organization-friendly tool storage solution from Home Depot, thanks to my electrician husband. 

In addition, I highlight the simplicity and practicality of the house call practice model, encouraging aspiring dentists not to be overwhelmed by perceived complexities or the need for specialized dental equipment. To help you get started, I offer additional resources such as my free masterclass and the Dental House Call Practice Academy online course. Remember, starting a house call practice is more straightforward than you might think, and with the right approach, you can successfully build your practice.

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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Produced by: Social Chameleon

This week, as we enter the New Year, I wanted to address the pervasive issue of dentist burnout, a challenge that has shadowed our community for years. With a recent survey revealing that 40% of dentists feel unable to continue in their roles, it's crucial to explore the root causes of this stress, including financial burdens, workplace conflicts, time management issues, high-pressure procedures, and inadequate work-life balance. So, this week, we discuss potential solutions and offer a fresh perspective on how changing your practice model could alleviate these stressors.

In this episode, we delve into the advantages of transitioning to a dental house-call practice, which can offer more financial flexibility, fewer workplace conflicts, improved time management, and stress-free procedure options. House-call dentistry allows for a more personalized and less rushed patient interaction while providing a much-needed work-life balance. With reduced dependencies on insurance companies, practitioners can enjoy a direct fee-for-service model, enhancing financial freedom and professional satisfaction.

For listeners considering this shift, our episode provides detailed insights into what a house-call practice entails and how it can transform your dentistry career. In addition, we address great resources, such as my free ebook, "A Day in the Life of a House Call Dentist,", and information on the Dental House Call Practice Academy for those ready to take the leap. Join us in redefining your path in dentistry for a fulfilling and well-balanced professional life!

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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Produced by: Social Chameleon

This past year marked a turning point in my journey as an in-home dentist when I received my first one-star Google review after years of house calls with five-star feedback. While some could view it as a setback, it offered invaluable insights. The review originated from an encounter with a patient who had severe scent sensitivities, which required me to adjust not only my professional protocols but even my personal hygiene routines. Despite my many efforts to meet his unique needs, the situation unraveled, leading the patient to demand a refund of his $50 dollar deposit. When my assistant politely explained that the deposit was non-refundable a negative review followed quickly. It was a moment that highlighted that going above and beyond might not always meet everyone's expectations, but it also taught me to set firmer boundaries.

Determined not to let one unfavorable experience define my practice, I made essential changes to our booking process. By increasing the deposit from $50 to $200 for new patient reservations, I effectively filtered out those who might cancel or reschedule casually. This move underscored the unique value of in-home dental care and attracted patients who truly appreciated the service. It was a bold step, but it paid off. Business surged with patients who respected both my time and expertise, and cash flow improved without needing a price hike for the services themselves.

Ultimately, this experience has taught me that adjusting business practices to reflect one’s worth is vital. The lesson I learned is essential for any professional: ensure that the logistics of your service support your passion's sustainability. Changing the deposit protocol not only optimized the patient experience but also enhanced my peace of mind. As my practice, AccommoDental, continues to thrive, I want to share this insight with fellow practitioners considering or already offering niche services like in-home visits. Don't shy away from asking for what you need to make your work fulfilling and financially viable. Happy New Year and best wishes in 2025!

Free Master Class 

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

Let’s Get Social:

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Facebook

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Produced by: Social Chameleon