Category: Opinion & Editorial

In the Feb. 17, 2014 edition of “The Wall Street Journal,” reporter Laura Landro broke the startling news of a modern medical breakthrough. “An increasing number of practices are scrapping the traditional one-on-one doctor-patient relationship.  Instead, patients are receiving care from a group of health professionals who ... [continue reading]

I met a few friends for a drink at our favorite local pub last Friday, and our conversation turned to a recap of the day.  I worked from 7 a.m. until noon, grabbed a quick lunch, and then attended my study club meeting from 2-5 p.m.  Once a month, that is a very normal Friday for me.  My friends, on the other hand, found it bizarre ... [continue reading]

A few Fridays ago, I read a news article in the “Columbus Dispatch” about a study from the “New England Journal of Medicine” on childhood obesity. As we all know, just looking around (or in the mirror), obesity is pandemic today. What was troubling was the headline that said for obese children, their fate was determined by ... [continue reading]

A goal of marketing experts is the establishment of brand identity. It remains one of the lofty targets that they hardly dare discuss openly. When people care enough about the product that they identify with the brand as a part of their personality, the marketers have more than a customer. They have a disciple. Take Harley Davidson motorcycles, ... [continue reading]

“Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth.” Lillian Hellman (1905 - 1984) Did you ever try to figure out just what you’re all about? It’s kind of like writing your own obituary. Sometimes, you need to get introspective in order to get some perspective on your life. Today, I’m almost there. And I’ve been ... [continue reading]

Last month marked the 17th anniversary of what I believe is one of dentistry’s darkest moments, when February’s “Reader’s Digest,” with an article written by William Ecenbarger enclosed, titled “How Honest Are Dentists?” hit American newsstands. William, an investigative freelance journalist, ambushed 50 ... [continue reading]

 The recent move by Ohio's largest dental insurer to limit periodic cleanings for its own employees' dental plan should be a warning to all of us about the dangers and risks that science and evidence-based dentistry bring along with their obvious benefits. We’ve entered an era of “big data” where almost any hypothesis or ... [continue reading]

I was talking with a patient today about her thoughts for 2014.  I asked if she had made any resolutions for the New Year.  She said that she had no plans, but hoped that something would happen to surprise her.  I told her the chances of that coming true were excellent!  There is no doubt in my mind that something will occur ... [continue reading]

When I think back to my dental school interview, I remember being an enthusiastic bright-eyed, possibly idealistic 20-year-old. “Why do you want to become a dentist,” I was asked. In a very rehearsed fashion, I listed what I thought was a very politically correct, intelligent, broad answer, sure to resonate with anyone sitting across ... [continue reading]

In 2013, the Connecticut Health Foundation published a report on the success of that state's Medicaid reform. A large part of the improvement came from a reasonable increase in Medicaid reimbursement to dentists. As a result of the Medicaid changes, participation by dentists increased and, more importantly, utilization by covered citizens ... [continue reading]