Category: Opinion & Editorial

The other day in our pediatric dental office, I looked at our hygiene supply drawer and realized we have seven different flavors of prophy paste available to our patients. The menu reads as such: raspberry, cherry, cinnamon, cookie dough, orange, unflavored and the venerable mint. For a moment, I shook my head at the seemingly overindulgent ... [continue reading]

When we usually think of “dental safety net” programs, we are drawn to clinics, public health programs, hospitals and dental educational programs like our two dental schools and the advanced general practice residencies across our state. This list also includes local programs run by societies, faith-based groups and local health ... [continue reading]

I was in the office of my primary care physician for a routine visit recently. He entered the treatment room with his iPad, muttering under his breath and alternately cursing as he fought with entering the information he needed to record. As we talked, he finally put down the computer tablet and vented his anger at the new electronic medical ... [continue reading]

When I was young, I remember my mother scolding me when I was caught wearing make-up to school in fifth grade. She would often say “Don’t be in such a rush to grow up … everything in good time.” Today I understand that this common message really has a broad application to leading a healthy, happy life. At the age of 43, ... [continue reading]

Earlier this year, the Super-Valu grocery store in Vinton County’s town of MacArthur closed, leaving residents without a full-service food store, and relegating them to a half-hour drive for what they had just down the street for a long time. Some might say it was just the latest domino in another Appalachian town with high unemployment, ... [continue reading]

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]