Cliff's Notes

“The Sleep Complete Program” / “Embezzlement – Part 2″ / “Product Review – Dimanto”

Cliff’s Notes for December 25, 2011

Cliff Marsh, Henry Schein ……Cell: 201-321-7494……Fax: 201-262-2210…..E-mail: cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

The reason we do what we do, is so that we can to do what we want to do, when we want to do it!

It’s a tongue twister, but working as a team and making informed decisions, will get us there.

 “I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake”

Ernest Hemingway

This Week’s Feature on the Cliff’s Notes Channel

“Watch-Pat 2000 Sleep Diagnostics”

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

In This Week’s Issue

• Total Health & Beyond – Sleep Complete is Here!
• Embezzlement – Part 2, Prevention!
• Product Review – Dimanto One-Step Polishers by VOCO
• Commentary for Sunday, December 25, 2011

 Total Health & Beyond – The Sleep Complete Program………………………..

 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:  Sleep Complete now offers you a number of opportunities to learn about Dental Sleep Medicine:

 One Hour FREE LIVE webinar programs are designed to provide an overview of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Complete program. These programs will be available on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at 8pm (EST).  To register, just go to the following link: http://totalhealthlearning.com/. If you cannot make a LIVE presentation, the webinar will be available for your viewing at anytime by just going to http://totalhealthlearning.com/.

 Two hour LIVE Presentations are designed to provide additional dental sleep medicine information to customers that have a legitimate interest in going forward. Jen McGuire and Al Simon are developing a Sleep Complete “Presentation in a Box” that will be used at these center level programs. We’ll be working with your RM’s shortly to nail down the precise schedule.

 The Two-Day Implementation Seminar entitled, “Successful Implementation of Dental Sleep Medicine” is the “Gold Standard” in implementation programs within this growing market. It is part of the Sleep Complete Implementation Package, but many of your customers may want to attend before making a total commitment to Sleep Complete. Those customers will be able to sign up for this program separately. The tuition is $1,999.99 and includes the dentist and up to two staff members. It also provides vital hands-on training for the staff in the use of Dental Writer software for reimbursement under medical insurance. 

 Currently, there are twelve (12) Two-Day Implementation Programs scheduled throughout 2012 under Nierman Practice Management and Sleep Complete. The programs are;

 The Metro New York introductory program will be held at the Marriot Marque Hotel on Broadway. If you would like to register for any of these courses, please call Dental Writer at: (800) 879-6468 or go directly to the following link:

http://dentalwriter.com/Events_list.aspx?node=education; Select the course of your choice and hit “Register Now”.

 Embezzlement – Part 2 – Prevention……………………………………………..

RECOMMENDED STEPS TO PREVENTING EMPLOYEE THEFT

1. Develop Written Policy for the “Handling of Office Receipts”    

Include:

a)      Who does daily Petty Cash Reconciliation?

b)      b opens mail (Patient Payments?)

c)      Who does daily deposits?

d)     When checks are stamped for deposit, who posts payments? – Should be different from Person who does #3.-“Deposits”.

e)      Who authorizes adjustments/write-offs/refunds?

f)       Require daily reports.

g)      Who signs all checks? – Should be the doctor.  If done with signature stamp, Dr. must control.

h)      Who mails payments after doctor signs checks? Nobody else should touch check.

i)        Who handles payroll?

j)        Where does the “Unopened” Bank Statements go? – Either to Dr.’s residence or directly to accountant.

Statement: “Theft of office receipts, whether outright theft, fraud or embezzlement, will be legally prosecuted”.

2. Check and understand security settings for computer software.

3. We advise you discuss these recommended changes with your accountant who should provide additional assistance. This will allow you to tell your staff “your accountant” has advised implementing the new policy for all of his/her clients, thereby negating the influence of a changed policy and the chance that it may damage the doctor-staff relationship.

Accusing an employee of theft is very dangerous. False accusations can lead to massive law suits. I have seen this happen many times. It is imperative that you consult your accountant/financial advisor and your attorney and/or an employment law specialist. This is not a time to watch pennies because you may be losing dollars. Talk to experts.

For more information on securing your systems and managing employees, please feel free to contact me at any time @ 201-321-7494 or cliff.marsh@henryschein.com.

Product Review – Dimanto One-Step Finishing & Polishing System………….

 The award of Editors’ Choice signifies the most unique and significant product in the issue. The editors review each product and clinical evaluation article scheduled for an issue and then select the issue’s Editors’ Choice.

 Dimanto by VOCO America, Inc.

888.658.2584
www.vocoamerica.com

 Consultants’ Comments

“Concentric wheels – good selection of shapes.”

“Firm, reusable tips – they do not degrade quickly.”

“Produces polish without a lot of pressure.”

“Good polish after repeated sterilization cycles.”

“Infection control recommendations in the instructions are not relevant to US standards.”

 Description:

Dimanto is a one-step polishing system for pre-polishing and high-gloss polishing of composite restorations. The diamond-interspersed silicone polishers are suitable for repeated use. The recommended speed is 3,000-8,000 rpm. Dimanto can be used with or without water spray. Dimanto is provided in a five-piece kit containing a small point, a large point, a small cup, a large cup, and a lens. These are also available individually in 10-piece kits. Dimanto was evaluated by 27 consultants in 676 uses. It received a 96% clinical rating.

 Product Features:

Dimanto polishers were easy to use to achieve high gloss on composite restorations. The polishers were durable and maintained their shapes, even after repeated usage and sterilization. Consultants were pleased with the gloss produced by Dimanto, particularly when used with water spray. The selection of shapes is ideal, and the sizes are small enough to polish detailed anatomy of the restoration. The polishers are re-usable after sterilization. Thirty-seven percent of consultants reported that Dimanto was better than their current composite polishing system and 48% reported that it was equivalent. Sixty-three percent would switch to Dimanto and 89% would recommend it.

Clinical Tips:

 Do not use at speeds exceeding 20,000 rpm.

 Do not use at speeds exceeding 20,000 rpm.

 Works best following finishing with a fine diamond or carbide bur.
More About: VOCO America, Inc., Finishing and Polishing

Sunday December 25, 2011……………………………………………………….

1:26 Add to

The Lord’s Bright Blessing (reprise)

Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol

It’s the 5^th day of the 8 Crazy Nights!

3:56 Add to

Adam Sandler – 1996 Hanukkah

& Festivus for the rest of us! Enjoy your day!

Cliff Marsh

Henry Schein Dental

P.O. Box 663 / 45 Rt. 46 East, Suite 605

Pine Brook, NJ 07058

Cell: 201-321-7494

Fax: 201-262-2210

cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me  

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1644814090

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cliff-marsh/11/447/44

The Cliff’s Notes Channel http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

December 25, 2011 Posted by Cliff's Notes Blog | Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

“Total Health & Beyond” / “Embezzlement” / Product Review – Quick Up”

Cliff’s Notes for December 18, 2011

Cliff Marsh, Henry Schein ……Cell: 201-321-7494……Fax: 201-262-2210…..E-mail: cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

The  reason we do what we do, is so that we can to do what we want to do, when we want to do it!

It’s a tongue twister, but working as a team and making informed decisions, will get us there.

“The secret of successful managing is to keep the 5 guys that hate you away from the 4 guys who haven’t made up their minds.”

Casey Stengel, Manager NY Yankees

This Week’s Feature on the Cliff’s Notes Channel

 “Detecting Oral Cancer”

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

In This Week’s Issue

• What’s New for 2012? Total Health & Beyond!
• Embezzlement, It Can’t Happen to You – NOT!
• Product Review – Quick Up (Implant secure hold for composite-based dentures)!
• Commentary for Sunday, December 18, 2011 – It’s Fetivus for the Rest of Us!

Total Health & Beyond!…………………………………………………………………

Henry Schein’s Total Health™ Beyond the Mouth program — This is an integrated wellness and education program that informs patients of the integral link between oral health and total health, and assists dental professionals in uncovering potential systemic health problems, including periodontal disease, oral cancer, sleep disorders, heart disease, and diabetes.

Developed in collaboration with the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, an organization of health care leaders and health professionals dedicated to the relationship of oral health and whole body health, Henry Schein Dental’s Total Health Beyond the Mouth includes the Total Health Checklist, which, together with screening and diagnostics, assists dental professionals in uncovering health problems, assessing a patient’s oral health, and its impact on their total health.

After completing the checklist, patients are given the Total Health Brochure, a powerful educational tool about the integral relationship between oral health and total health, the significance of periodontal disease, and the close links between other health conditions and oral health. If any potential issues are uncovered through the dental team’s review of the checklist, the patient is provided with a laminated Total Health Patient Guide to prepare for a health discussion following treatment, including discussing further screening and treatment options.

Henry Schein’s Sleep Complete™ — Sleep apnea is a serious problem worldwide and one that is drawing more attention within the dental community. To address it, three leading companies are joining with Henry Schein to provide Sleep Complete, a new comprehensive solution for dentists to incorporate sleep medicine into their practices.

Providing all of the information and products necessary for the successful implementation of dental sleep medicine into the dental practice, the program was developed in collaboration with Nierman Practice Management, Modern Dental Laboratory USA, and Itamar Medical.

Henry Schein Dental’s Sleep Complete program provides tools to address all of the key components of dental sleep medicine —education, treatment, reimbursement, and monitoring.

Sleep Complete – Everything You Need:

No other sleep program provides everything a dentist needs in one complete package. Most dentists struggle with implementing sleep, not sure how to select an oral appliance, what the rules on home testing are, how to bill medical insurance, and how to market this new service. Sleep Complete includes training that prepares dentists and their teams to do all of the above and more.

With the best products on the market:

…Dental Writer from Nierman Practice Management

…WatchPAT Home Sleep Monitoring Device from Itamar Medical

…Moses and EMA Myerson Appliances from Modern Dental Laboratory USA

…Training from Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine,

    Dr. John Tucker

We’ve done all the product research, so you don’t have to! Our solution is comprehensive and complete. On January 1, 2012 this new frontier opens wide. Maybe it’s time to bring a wellness program into your practice; it puts your patients back in the chair.

For more information, click here and in the comments box enter

Code: cliffmarsh-fsc/nj35

We Do That!

http://www.henryschein.com/us-en/sites/wedothat/wellness.html

Seminar Schedule:

http://www.dentalwriter.com/Events_list.aspx?node=education

CE Webinar:

http://www.totalhealthlearning.com/

Embezzlement, It Can’t Happen to You – NOT!………………………………….

As a practice owner (also known as a “business owner”), a dentist will face a multitude of business related tasks, issues and challenges.  However, the rewards far exceed the drawbacks to business ownership.  But there will be challenges.

One of these potential challenges a dental practice owner faces is possible employee theft.  Depending on the source checked, estimates for the number of dentists who will experience theft at least once during their dental career range from thirty-five to fifty percent (35-50%).  Estimates of dollar loss range from $100 to $500,000+.  This loss due to employee dishonesty may take the form of out-right theft, fraud, or embezzlement. 

The good news:  with certain minimal protective measures, the majority of this theft is preventable.  The key is to understand where the potential exists for theft to occur and implementing the necessary strategies to prevent this loss.

Meet the Thieves

First on our list is “Jane the Eraser” (her name has been changed to protect the guilty). Jane simply withheld any cash payments that were made for services and then erased the patient’s account information after posting the payment (and giving the patient a receipt), thereby removing any record of the payment from the system. 

How was she caught?  She Quit!  During the first couple weeks after her departure, the doctor noticed that although there was no significant increase in production, there was a definite increase in receipts.  Upon further investigation, the doctor discovered that the computer records for several patients seen during Jane’s last week of employment no longer existed.  

Estimated loss- $50,000+ over a three year period.  The doctor recovered $25,000 from his office insurance plan.  Jane got three years probation and was ordered to pay $10,000 restitution.  

Meet “Doris the Duplicator”.  When hired, Doris had successfully lobbied against computerization, convincing the doctor that it was not as efficient as the old manual pegboard system.  In turn, Doris kept a duplicate set of patient ledgers.  Payments and receipts were recorded on the duplicate ledgers while charges were posted on the real ledgers. 

Over a period of eighteen months Doris stole an estimated $40,000.  She was caught when the doctor became suspicious and carefully personally tracked daily financial activity for a couple of days.  Doris was not prosecuted and accepted a job with a different local dental office.

 “Mary the Master” – Mary was one of the best we have ever seen.  She was involved in

1) Skimming, taking cash and not posting it,

2) Layering a technique involving the taking checks and withholding for posting later,

3) Had an excessive need for petty cash, going through about $100 per week. 

 Mary also set up a second business checking account in the dentists’ name (she was the only authorized signer) and subsequently diverted the office credit card deposits to that account. 

 Mary paid all office bills, using erasable ink and thereby allowing for the checks to be made out to her personally and then changing them back to legitimate venders after they cleared the bank.  The deposit slips never matched the bank deposits actually made and subsequently the checking account could never be balanced with the ledger.

 But Mary’s most effective technique was to turn off the statement generator for most patients’ accounts.  And this eventually led to her getting caught.  The two doctors noted that while each year their taxable income had increased over the prior year, according to the computer, their accounts receivable had spiraled out of control and was showing a balance of $500,000+. 

 Feeling there may have been an error in how information was being entered into the computer, they called in a software specialist who discovered the statement generator problem.  After resetting the statement generator, the computer promptly spit out 3000+ statements.  These statements were mailed and the phone lines to the office began to melt as patient after patient called in to complain that this balance had been paid.  Who handled all the calls and comforted the patients?  Mary the Office Manager, of course, who promised to post credits to clear up the balances.

 How was she caught?   At one of the many extravagant parties thrown by Mary, another employee, while retrieving her coat from a closet, saw shoeboxes full of checks made out to the doctors.   But not before, over a five-year period, Mary had embezzled $400,000.   Apparently Mary had some “dirt” on one of the partners, so Mary was never prosecuted and nothing was recovered. Subsequently, the partnership was dissolved.

 Understanding the Thief                

Why do dental staffs steal?  There are different reasons for different individuals.  For some it is the need for money.  For others, feeling they have not been treated fairly, it is revenge.  For many, feeling they are not compensated enough in light of how much the doctor “earns”, jealousy plays a major role.  And for some, just like gamblers who continue to “lose” but continue to bet, it is the “excitement.”

 Many staff that steal share certain characteristics.  Many have life-styles beyond their means.  Excessive debt and constant money problems accompany many.  Many are also the victims of excessive family problems.  These problems come from children, spouses or significant others, and “ex” spouses/significant others.  Many have excessive habits including alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

 What does an employee who is likely to steal from you look like?  They are intelligent and knowledgeable in office procedures.  They are personable and friendly.  They are tireless, willing to put uncompensated over-time and rarely take their allotted vacation time.  Basically, the perfect employee, except for a tiny character flaw-they are dishonest!

 Conclusion

Most theft, fraud, and embezzlement is avoidable if minimal safeguards are instituted.  However, the doctor must take an active role.  Those doctors who blindly trust their employees are the easiest targets and suffer the greatest losses.

 Many new dentists who acquire their dental practice by purchasing an existing practice face the same problem relative to implementing safeguards that older dentists in practice for many years face.  How to implement new procedures without creating the impression that the dentist does not trust the staff? 

 This one is the easiest answer.  Blame it on your accountant.  Tell your staff that your accountant has recommended certain changes be made in how things are done because the recommended changes represent better compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).  In this manner, these changes will barely be questioned, except perhaps for a staff person who is guilty of theft.

 For more information please feel free to contact me at any time. Above all, DO NOT accuse anyone of anything until you have consulted with legal & financial counsel. Should you or your advisors require speaking with a “Dental Practice Embezzlement & Fraud Specialist, there are several very good independent organizations in the area and I would be happy to forward several recommendations.

Product Review – Quick Up – Secure hold for composite-based dentures…………….

In many cases the hold of full dentures is unsatisfactory. The main reasons for this are bone atrophy, resorption processes and changes to the denture base, which is made up of both hard and soft tissue. Implants are used today in many cases for fixing full dentures. This is because small implant diameters and simplified and less time-consuming surgical procedures make this option very attractive. In most cases the existing denture can continue to be worn and only needs to be fitted with the corresponding attachments or secondary components for removable attachment to the implants or primary components.

 To that end, VOCO now offers with Quick Up a self-curing, gingiva-coloured composite for bonding in attachments or secondary components and their reattachment in composite-based dentures. Quick Up enables these procedures to be carried out both quickly and easily chairside, eliminating inaccuracies caused by the transfer to a model in the laboratory.

 Firm hold, comfortable and economical

Quick Up ensures a firm hold of attachments or secondary parts in the denture base and has high strength values. Unlike methods using a support made only of non-hardening silicone instead of a (metal) attachment, attachments or secondary components used with Quick Up not only provide a more stable hold and a higher level of comfort but are also an economical alternative to fixing dentures with silicone. This is because non-hardening silicones tend to discolour and undergo changes the longer they are worn and any rebasings required can never harden, thereby increasing both the frequency of treatments and expense for the patient.

 Complete set for immediate use

Quick Up is available singly and as part of a complete set. Apart from the self-curing luting composite, Quick Up, in the practical QuickMix syringe, the complete set contains the Quick Up Adhesive as bonding agent for the intensive bond between the denture base and luting composite. The set also includes Quick Up LC, a light-curing luting composite for correcting and filling ditchings as well as Fit Test C&B, a special silicone-based control and covering for the trial fitting and blocking out of primary components or implants before the final attachment. The complete set enables attachments or secondary components to be luted in a procedure that is both uncomplicated and timesaving and is completed in just a few worksteps.

Click here to Learn more about Quick Up
Implant Pick up Material

 Sunday, December 18, 2011………………………..……………………….

It’s Festivus for the Rest of Us!

4:44 Add to

The Story of Festivus

3:05 Add to

Snoopy vs. The Red Baron (Snoopy’s Christmas) (CC)

4:07 Add to

ADAM SANDLER – CHANUKAH (HANUKKAH) SONG [PART 1]

Enjoy the rest of 2011!!

Cliff

Cliff Marsh

Henry Schein Dental

P.O. Box 663 / 45 Rt. 46 East, Suite 605

Pine Brook, NJ 07058

Cell: 201-321-7494

Fax: 201-262-2210

cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me  

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1644814090

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cliff-marsh/11/447/44

The Cliff’s Notes Channel http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

December 18, 2011 Posted by Cliff's Notes Blog | Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

“Transition Planning” / “Reducing Overhead” / “Product Review – OptraGate”

Cliff’s Notes for December 11, 2011

Cliff Marsh, Henry Schein ……Cell: 201-321-7494……Fax: 201-262-2210…..E-mail: cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

One of the reasons we do what we do, is so that we can to do what we want to do, when we want to do it! It’s a tongue twister, but working as a team and making informed decisions, will get us there.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin

This Week’s Feature on the Cliff’s Notes Channel

 “E-Services Website Manager”

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

In This Week’s Issue

• Transition Planning is NOT About Selling Your Practice!
• The Perfect Plan for Reducing Overhead!
• Product Review – OptraGate!
• Commentary for Sunday, November 20, 2011 – A Legend is Gone.

Transition Planning is NOT About Selling Your Practice!……………….

You have kids that are getting older and a lot more expensive. The swimming pool needs some repair and you really want to get away for a week this winter. So, you get up in the morning and fix teeth. Regardless of the fact that you can’t retire today while maintaining your current life style, you don’t want to. You have another 10-30 years to play the game and let’s face it, if you’re making money the game can be fun. Now, if you plan on walking off the field in less than 10 years, we need to have a conversation today! Don’t think about it, just get in touch with your financial advisor and call me!

Transition planning starts the day you buy a dental practice. It is part of your retirement plan. However, it is also the vehicle that fuels your retirement plan. In fact, it fuels your life and secures your family. Your business is your #1 asset and needs to be part of the foundation of your overall life plan. 

When you plan on buying or selling a dental practice, you need to forget you are a dentist and think like a business person. The following video will occupy 7 minutes of your life but it just may be one of the most eye opening presentations you’ll see with regards to your future. A dental practice has a measurable and quantitative value. A seller can realize twice the value while the buyer can realize a very friendly pay-out, if you have a good transition plan in place.

When you want to buy or sell a house you call a broker. When you buy or sell a business you call a Transition Specialist because it is worth a lot more. Please contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Cliff.marsh@henryschein.com / cell 201-321-7494

Click Here – 7:37 Add to

Henry Schein We Do That – Transition Planning

The Perfect Plan for Reducing Overhead!……………………………………….

I have the perfect plan for reducing overhead, fire everyone! You may think that is impractical but it is the only way to have any type of dramatic affect on your bottom line. However, what will happen to the bottom line?

Q. How do you reduce overhead?

A. You can’t!

You cannot reduce overhead. You can only reduce the footprint that your overhead has on your production. Consistency and automation allow for increased production and when you increase production your fixed expenses don’t increase but your gross revenues do.

The following video will explain the concept of controlling overhead. I met Kerry Straine for the first time in September 2006. I found him to be the most “real world” management consultant I have seen, and I have seen a lot. Kerry is currently a finalist for the Dr. Bicuspid “Best of 2011”. As a courtesy to our relationship, Kerry offered to review and analyze a current DPAT production report (Digital Practice Analysis Tool) and provide a one hour telephone consult at no cost or obligation.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at any time.

201-321-7494 / cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

Click Here – 6:57 Add to  

Improving Production and Controlling Overhead 

Kerry Straine discusses the necessary steps to build a $1200000-$1400000 practice at 50% Net.

Product Review – OptraGate by Ivoclar Vivadent………………………

OptraGate is a completely new auxiliary aid that enables the treatment field to be enlarged easily, effectively and comfortably. It allows lips and cheeks to be retracted completely and ensures relative isolation. OptraGate is comfortable to wear over longer periods of time, as it is constructed of a soft, flexible latex-free material.

(click here) The lips and cheeks are gently and evenly retracted to provide a full view of anterior and posterior teeth.

http://www.ivoclarvivadent.us/optra/optragate.php

Click Here – 2:02Add to  

Sunday, December 11, 2011………………………..…………………….

Yesterday I learned that we lost an industry legend. I was in my early 20’s when I first met Lenny Cowen. Lenny was known for his knowledge of Nitrous Oxide and was the repair center for most flow meter manufacturers throughout the 60’s and 70’s. One dentist told me that Lenny could build a chair from a bucket of nuts and bolts and I believe he could. At the age of 85 Lenny was still climbing under dental chairs and hanging x-ray. I have met only a few that were as honest and ethical as Lenny and never anyone who was more. Lenny Cowen touched many lives. He passed away quietly last week at the age of 95. The dental industry lost a legend and local hero and many of us lost a friend. Lenny, thank you for being you.

Please enjoy your family and the day. When it’s gone you can’t get it back.

Cliff

Cliff Marsh

Henry Schein Dental

P.O. Box 663 / 45 Rt. 46 East, Suite 605

Pine Brook, NJ 07058

Cell: 201-321-7494

Fax: 201-262-2210

cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me  

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1644814090

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cliff-marsh/11/447/44

The Cliff’s Notes Channel http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

December 11, 2011 Posted by Cliff's Notes Blog | Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

“Cancelations Will Kill You!” / “Product Review – Palodent Plus”

Cliff’s Notes for December 4, 2011

Cliff Marsh, Henry Schein ……Cell: 201-321-7494……Fax: 201-262-2210…..E-mail: cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

http://www.cliffsnotesblog.me

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

One of the reasons we do what we do, is so that we can to do what we want to do, when we want to do it!It’s a tongue twister, but working as a team and making informed decisions, will get us there. 

“Dogs Bark, Cows Moo & Politicians Spend Money”

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)

 This Week’s Feature on the Cliff’s Notes Channel

“Cubex Inventory Management System”

http://www.youtube.com/cliffmarsh100

In This Week’s Issue

• Dentist Threatens to Sue Patient!
• Cancelations Will Kill You!
• Product Review – Palodent^® Plus Sectional Matrix!
• Commentary for Sunday, December 4, 2011

Dentist Threatens to Sue Patient!…………………………………………………….

The following article was sent to me by an old friend. Marc Daichman is one of the owners of Asteto Dent Lab in Milburn, NJ. Marc is a wealth of dental information. He can be contacted @ 973-763-1000. 

Dentist Threatens to Sue Patient for Negative Yelp Review

By Mikaela Conley | ABC News – Thu, Dec 1, 2011 8:17 AM EST

Robert Lee went into Dr. Stacy Makhnevich’s New York dentist office for a sore tooth, but the year that followed turned into what one Public Citizen senior lawyer called an “unconscionable practice.”

The controversy began in 2010, when Lee went into Makhnevich’s office for a scheduled dentist’s appointment. Bleary from pain, Lee claimed he was told he had to sign several papers, including a “Mutual Agreement to Maintain Privacy,” before being treated. The form required Lee to agree not to publish any commentary or write anything disparaging about his experience with Makhnevich. While Lee said he was hesitant to sign such a form, he claimed he was in severe pain and, therefore, gave in to the requirements.

Lee received a bill for $4,766 for the dental work, according to Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Lee reportedly asked the dentist to send the necessary paperwork to his insurance company, but she sent it to the wrong company. When he asked for the forms to submit them himself, Makhnevich’s office apparently refused to hand them over and referred him to a third party that required five percent of the total bill for its services. Fed up, Lee wrote negative reviews about Makhnevich and her practice on Yelp and DoctorBase.

Lee then received a letter from the dentist demanding that he delete the post, warning him that he violated the agreement and threatening to sue for breach of contract. Makhnevich also reached out to both websites, asking for Lee’s comments to be removed, according to Public Citizen.

The sites refused to take down the negative reviews, but Makhneich reportedly claimed that a copyright clause gave her ownership of the harsh words. She then sent Lee an invoice for $100 for each day the criticism remained online. Makhnevich did not immediately return requests for comment. “We are now seeking a declaratory judgment from the judge to show that my client was not doing anything wrong,” said Paul Levy, Lee’s lawyer, a senior attorney at Public Citizen. “Doctors and dentists are expected to behave in an ethical manner, and to impose this sort of requirement on people who are having emergencies is unethical.” The suit argues that the forms that Lee signed should be deemed null and void. “Facing criticism comes with the turf of these jobs,” Levy said. “If they defame you, then that’s something else. A doctor can sue for that.”

A North Carolina company known as Medical Justice sells the agreement forms to health care providers. The company claims about 3,000 doctors and dentists use the forms, according to Public Citizen.

In response to the lawsuit Public Citizen filed Tuesday night, Medical Justice Spokespeople announced the company would stop recommending medical professionals have patients sign such forms, Public Citizen announced. “This is a form of bullying, and it’s absurd that this could possibly be an enforceable contract,” said Arthur Caplan, chairman of the department of medical ethics at University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.  ”It infringes upon free speech and you can’t just have that waived away on a silence contract.”

While Caplan acknowledged that doctors or dentists can indeed get “bum raps” from bad write-ups online, “someone who is put off by one negative review isn’t a patient you’d want anyway. If there’s a pattern of bad reviews, that’s a different story.” “This doctor is overreacting and attempting to muzzle patients,” added Caplan. “It is not a desirable reaction at all.”

Cancellations will Kill You!…………………………………………………………….

I always recommend that a dental office order a DPAT (Digital Practice Analysis Tool) on an annual basis. Every boat takes on a little water and the DPAT indentifies possible leaks in your boat. However, the one thing that always sticks out is Re-Care. We call it re-care because cars are re-called, people are re-cared. Now that sounds corny, but it is the thought process that will begin the culture change in your dental world. Dentistry is not high on your patient’s priority list. A culture change (it takes time) in your practice will move your services onto the radar screen. 

Think about what makes you important to your patient? How about a conversation about systemic health and wellness to start your new format. Don’t start by “telling” the patient about wellness, start by asking and listening. Train your staff to listen and make “observational” notes in the patient’s chart when having conversations.

Morning huddles are a key in preventing cancellations and filling holes in the schedule. You need to identify the reason the today’s patient needs to re-appoint. It may just be to maintain their excellent oral hygiene but you need to give them a reason to prioritize their visit and communicate that reason with them.

Cancellations are inevitable, things happen. That’s when you fall back on your ASAP list. However, if you change the culture of your dental office to a healthcare facility, you will raise the value of your services.

Product Review – Palodent^® Plus Sectional Matrix ……………………

The Palodent^® Plus sectional matrix system is comprised of six precisely designed components: rings, matrices, wedges, wedgeguards, forceps, and pin tweezers. These have been designed and refined for optimal performance individually and as a system. As a result, Palodent^® Plus is among the simplest and most accurate matrix systems on the market. 

Consistently accurate, tight contacts. The Palodent® Plus rings are made with nickel-titanium to create a consistent force to separate teeth and then return to their original shape after use, helping to deliver a tight gingival seal and anatomically shaped restoration.

Wide applications for sectional matrix system use. The Palodent® Plus ring tine design helps the system remain stable on significantly damaged teeth. The rings are stackable for multiple restorations at once, will prevent the matrix from collapsing into wide cavities, and can be used when a cusp is missing.

Minimized flash and finishing. The Palodent® Plus ring tines maintain a fit on the tooth that complements the wedge and works with the matrix to seal and shape the restoration, minimizing required finishing.

Wedge compatibility and performance. The V-shape of the Palodent® Plus tines accommodates the wedge from both sides. Fine wave-shaped wings compress and flare for easy placement and a true fit and seal that minimizes impingement of soft tissue.

Glass-fiber reinforced plastic tines maintain a fit on the tooth that complements the wedges and minimizes flash. Ring design promotes exceptional stability in the forceps during placement.

1. Matrix will not collapse into wide cavities, even when a cusp is missing.
2. Super-thin tabbed matrix has a pronounced marginal ridge and significantly greater horizontal curvature for accurate anatomy.
3. V-shaped tines allow you to wedge from both sides before or after ring placement.
4. Nickel-Titanium ring composition for spring strength and memory retention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7sJAJjU82g

Take the stress out of Class II restorations. It’s a fast, easy procedure that yields a tight marginal seal, accurate contact, and confidence in your restoration!

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Sunday, December 4, 2011 ………………………..………………………

Enjoy today, we are going to have a little more early fall weather. By now you have spoken to your tax and financial advisors, your 2012 plan is in place and it’s time to cap off the year. ADPAT report should be planned for the moment you close out 2011. Call me for more information.

Enjoy the day,

Cliff

Cliff Marsh

Henry Schein Dental

P.O. Box 663 / 45 Rt. 46 East, Suite 605

Pine Brook, NJ 07058

Cell: 201-321-7494

Fax: 201-262-2210

cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

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December 4, 2011 Posted by Cliff's Notes Blog | Uncategorized | Leave a Comment