Category: Opinion & Editorial

Welcome to 2022! A chance to turn the page and try to start anew. But how to begin? My suggestion is to start with something simple. I’m recommending a new motto for 2022. “Use Your Best Judgement” or “UYBJ.” Business guru Seth Godin wrote recently advocating for this idea. I’m in agreement with him! There are no guarantees in life. ... [continue reading]

(This column isn’t about dentistry, or COVID-19, as I think we all need a break!) Having lived in Ohio for over 30 years, a number of driving-related observations have perplexed me and may be unique to Ohio. My mother was born and raised in Cleveland, so understanding some of these ought to be instinctive, but explanations still escape me! My ... [continue reading]

“Why join organized dentistry?” It’s a question I have heard many times during my short time in practice. Usually asked by an enthusiastic new graduate wondering how to get involved or a more cynical seasoned doc really asking “why spend the money?” My answer always centered on the community organized dentistry offered with a brief ... [continue reading]

I am humbled, honored and grateful to serve our profession, our ODA. We are blessed with outstanding leadership and a team of professionals at our headquarters in Columbus. It also is great to work with dedicated volunteer leaders amongst colleagues who also serve and inspire. And we continue to be successful for dentistry and our patients with a ... [continue reading]

Every time we fly, we hear flight attendants reciting their variation on the FAA oxygen mask rule. “Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead compartment. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.” We’ve heard these instructions so many times that it doesn’t register for ... [continue reading]

Many of you know that for the past one year I have been on a personal transformational path. While the physical is obvious, the mental is what I want to talk about here. Between turning 50 last December and COVID stress eating, I had put myself in an unhealthy place. I avoided mirrors, stopped getting on my scale and hid behind layers of ... [continue reading]

The ADA is considered America’s leading advocate for oral health. My concern is that in setting policies or standards for our profession not based in true science but politicized information of the CDC we will lose our autonomy. Everyone has the personal right to make a choice based on their age, health status and other influences such as ... [continue reading]

For years, I have been telling patients and members of the media that it’s a great time to be a dentist, because there’s almost nothing that we can’t fix. My tenure as the director of dental oncology for Ohio State has tested that long-held belief. I spent time today with a patient. Let’s call him Bill to protect his true identity. ... [continue reading]

As I write this, the wheels are turning in Washington to create a dental benefit in Medicare Part B. There is no doubt that there are access issues regarding dental care for senior citizens in the country. What is open for debate is how to address those issues. Unfortunately, that discussion is currently proceeding in the worst possible place for ... [continue reading]

As I have conversations with many colleagues around the country, one thing is absolutely clear: we have a workforce shortage! As the smoke clears from the carnage of the pandemic and we assess the past two years in our sector of health care, most of us reported being busier than ever coupled with having less than the normal number of qualified ... [continue reading]