Westborough, MA, April 30, 2026 — Effective April 15, 2026, AM Best has reaffirmed Eastern Dentists Insurance Company’s (EDIC) Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook. EDIC, domiciled in Burlington, Vermont, is a leading dental professional liability insurer created and governed by dentists, for dentists. AM Best’s rating reflects EDIC’s excellent financial strength and claims paying ability. AM Best credit ratings serve as independent evaluations of an insurer’s financial stability and its ability to meet ongoing policy and contractual obligations, offering a trusted benchmark for both consumers and industry professionals.

“We are pleased that AM Best continues to recognize EDIC’s prudent financial management and commitment to its policyholders,” said Dr. Stephen McKenna, Chairman of the Board of EDIC.

In its report, AM Best stated that the latest rating decision was based in part on EDIC’s financial strength at the highest level as “strongest,” organic surplus growth through earnings, favorable loss reserve development as reported in each of the prior ten years, and high quality of capital. The report also notes EDIC’s strong, seasoned management team with significant industry experience specific to MPL and dentistry.

About EDIC – Founded in 1992, Eastern Dentists Insurance Company (EDIC) is a mutual-based company located in Westborough, MA governed by dentists and owned by dental policyholders. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the field of dentistry as well as our dental institutions and students. The company has grown to include thousands of dental colleagues in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, and Indiana. For more information, visit EDIC’s website at www.edic.com.

Copyright ©2026 Eastern Dentists Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

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As my career has evolved, so has my understanding of what service truly means. What began as a desire to follow in my father’s footsteps grew into a lifelong commitment to leadership, education, and caring for others whether in uniform or in the clinic.

After returning home from deployment, I purchased the dental practice where I had been working, continued my monthly Army Reserve drills, and continued volunteering at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. Teaching started as a way to give back, but it quickly became a defining part of my professional identity. Guiding students through their clinical development reminded me that leadership is not about position or rank, but about investing in people and helping them reach their potential.

Balancing family life, private practice ownership, military service, and dental education was not always easy, but the Army had prepared me well. The values I learned such as discipline, adaptability, accountability, and teamwork, became my foundation. Those lessons shaped not only the dentist I became, but the husband, father, educator, and officer I strive to be.

In 2010, I was deployed to Kosovo in support of Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led international peacekeeping mission. Stationed at Camp Bondsteel, I served as the sole dentist for Soldiers from Greece, Italy, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Turkey. It was an extraordinary professional experience and a powerful reminder of the global impact of healthcare. Being able to preserve teeth, rather than extract them. This mission reinforced the importance of advanced training and access to care.

That deployment was deeply rewarding, but also personally challenging. My wife was pregnant at the time, and being away from my family was the hardest part of service. Daily Skype calls helped bridge the distance, but nothing compared to returning home and seeing my family waiting for me at Logan Airport, a moment that remains forever etched in my memory.

After returning, I joined the 455th Dental Company at Fort Devens, Massachusetts — a unit of more than 30 dentists. Today, I am honored to serve as the Commander of the 455th. Our monthly drills are more than training events; they are opportunities to mentor, learn from one another, and strengthen a community of professionals dedicated to service.

My role in dental education continued to grow as well. In 2012, I started to teach part-time at Tufts two days a week while maintaining my private practice three days a week. Teaching, clinical practice, and military leadership are no longer separate paths, they are interconnected, each reinforcing the other.

Looking back, service has never been confined to one uniform or one role. It has been a thread woven through every chapter of my life. My hope is that through leadership, education, and example, I leave behind a legacy that encourages others to serve with purpose, compassion, and commitment and to always strive to leave things better than they found them.

The post My Legacy of Service as a Dentist in the Military – Part 3 appeared first on Eastern Dentists Insurance Company (EDIC).

By early 2003, I thought I knew what my Army Reserve experience would look like — weekend drills, two weeks a year of training, and opportunities to help the underserved like my time at Rosebud Reservation. I was still a full-time associate dentist. I was even a faculty volunteer at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. But the call I received later that year changed everything: I was being deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The benefits I received from the Army were numerous. The most significant benefits were the price of family health insurance and my school loan payment assistance. I was still a young captain, new to military life, a wife and two young children, and suddenly I was stepping into the unknown. The war had just begun. Like so many other Soldiers, I packed my duffle bags, promised my family that I would see them soon, and prepared myself for a world I had only seen on the news.

I was attached to the 380th Medical Company (DS) Millington, TN as part of the first dental Army Reserve unit to be deployed.

Our unit landed in Kuwait before pushing into Iraq. The heat, the sand, and the cold nights were another world I had never experienced before. Dental care in combat zones isn’t just about fillings and extractions— it’s about keeping Soldiers in the fight, treating injuries under pressure, and being ready for emergencies far beyond routine dentistry.

What struck me most wasn’t just the dentistry needed; it was the people. Young Soldiers, many barely out of high school, with enormous responsibility on their shoulders. They looked to us officers not just for care, but for calm, for guidance, for confidence that everything would be okay. That was a vital part of our leadership responsibility both to our own soldiers in the unit as well as the soldiers we treated.

I would love to say that we were in a safe zone, but having several mortar attacks a day, running for shelter, and the constant weight wearing body armor reminded me otherwise. The near miss of shrapnel really hit home. I was in war.

In those months, I learned more about leadership than any classroom or textbook could ever teach. I learned the value of resilience, of staying steady when the world around you doesn’t make sense. Fortunately, finding purpose in service to others kept me grounded. The deployment tested me in ways I could never have imagined, and it shaped the officer, dentist, and person I would become for the rest of my life.

It was time to go home and return to my civilian life and back to my family, my job, and the Army Reserve.

In January, I’ll conclude my blog series by sharing the next chapter of my dental career—highlighting the path toward my 2010 deployment and the evolution of my journey into dental education.

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When I graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1995, I thought my path was already set: work in my uncle’s private practice, care for patients, and build my career. But deep down, I always carried a sense of admiration for my father, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and an anesthesiologist. He had discovered a calling greater than himself, and it quietly inspired me. He would discuss with me the advantages of being in the Army Reserve. The chance to travel all over the world, pay off my school loans and make connections that last a lifetime.

By 2001, I began to realize that the Army Reserve could offer me that same opportunity. The promise of service, leadership, and a chance to be part of something larger than myself drew me in. On August 7th, I raised my right hand, swore the oath, and became a United States Army Reserve Dental Officer.

The commitment was simple on paper: one weekend a month, two weeks a year. But I quickly learned that wearing the uniform was about far more than sharpening clinical skills. It was about military readiness, adaptability, leadership, and above all — teamwork. My weekends were filled with military training, and my two weeks each year rotated between Individual Readiness Training (IRT) and large-scale Warrior Exercises (WAREX).

Then, just one month after I raised my hand, the world changed. The tragedy of September 11, 2001, forever altered the meaning of service and reshaped the role I had chosen.

In 2002, after completing the Basic Officer Leader Course, I set out on my first IRT mission at the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Providing free dental care to the underserved Lakota Sioux community was humbling and profoundly rewarding. For the first time, I saw how my skills could directly impact lives beyond the clinic and true selfless service.

By 2003, I was preparing to head to Egypt for my next annual training when plans shifted. All travel to the Middle East was canceled. Shortly after, I received the call that would change the trajectory of my military career: I was being deployed to Iraq.

That one call shifted everything. My mission was no longer training — it was real. What followed was a journey that would forever change how I viewed service, dentistry, and leadership.

I’ll continue my story next month in Part 2, where you’ll hear how my dental career in the military took some unexpected twists and turns.

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One of the first and perhaps most important lessons to learn is that geriatric patients are the most diverse group you will ever treat. Your patients will span decades ranging from those in their mid-60s to those well into their 90s or beyond. Age alone often reveals little about their health, lifestyle, or abilities. The 85-year-old in your chair isn’t just another “elderly patient”—they might be training for their next marathon or managing multiple chronic conditions. Age is truly just a number, and successful treatment demands looking beyond that number to see the whole person.

So, how do you navigate this complexity? That’s where the “5 Ms” of geriatric care come in: a framework to help you provide the best possible care.

Why does this matter?

Because successful treatment demands more than clinical skill, it requires empathy and understanding. The 5Ms—Mind, Mobility, Medications, Multi-complexity, and Matters Most—represent the essential aspects of patient care that every dentist should consider when working with older adults. Each “M” is a must, helping you to see beyond surface-level symptoms and build a truly person-centered practice.

Let’s dive into how the 5 Ms can guide you to become a more effective, empathetic, and prepared provider for your older patients.

1. Mind

Cognitive health plays a critical role in a patient’s ability to make informed decisions and follow care instructions. Many older adults experience cognitive changes, from mild impairment to dementia, which can affect their understanding and recall. Engaging caregivers and using techniques like the “teach-back” method—where patients explain instructions back to you—can significantly enhance understanding and compliance.

Tip: Approach each interaction with patience and encourage questions. This builds trust and greatly improves adherence to care. Evaluate a patient’s capacity at each interaction and react appropriately.

2. Mobility

Mobility issues impact nearly every part of a patient’s dental experience, from attending appointments to completing oral hygiene routines at home. Arthritis, muscle weakness, or balance issues may make it challenging for some patients to hold a toothbrush or sit comfortably for extended periods. Short, frequent appointments and introducing adaptive tools like electric toothbrushes and floss holders can empower patients to maintain their independence in oral care.

Tip: For patients with severe mobility limitations, teledentistry can be a convenient option for consultations and follow-ups.

3. Medications

Older adults often manage multiple medications (polypharmacy), which can significantly impact oral health. Common side effects—like dry mouth or increased bleeding risk—necessitate careful adjustments to treatment plans. Be diligent in reviewing each patient’s medications, including over-the counter and herbal products, as these can also affect treatment.

Tip: Collaborate with the patient’s other healthcare providers to ensure safe, coordinated care and minimize potential drug interactions.

4. Multi-complexity

Older adults frequently face multiple chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis, complicating dental care. For instance, diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, and certain heart conditions may limit treatment options. Tailoring your care plan to address these conditions and consulting with other healthcare providers as needed—can greatly enhance patient safety and outcomes.

Tip: Set realistic goals that consider the whole health picture, helping patients maintain their oral health while managing other conditions. If you consult with the patient’s other providers, document those discussions in the patient’s chart.

5. Matters Most

This final “M” emphasizes the importance of personalizing care based on what truly matters to each patient. For some, comfort may be the top priority, while others may prioritize aesthetics or specific functional outcomes. Taking time to understand each patient’s values and goals can help you create a treatment plan that respects their preferences and enhances their quality of life.

Tip: Ask open-ended questions to uncover patient goals. This fosters trust and allows for a truly person-centered approach.

Final Thoughts

Geriatric dentistry isn’t about treating old age—it’s about honoring and caring for individuals who happen to be older. Each patient brings a unique health profile, history, and set of values to your chair, and your role is to recognize and respect that uniqueness. By using the 5 Ms framework, you will be prepared to deliver personalized, compassionate care that aligns with each patient’s health, lifestyle, and preferences.

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As a new dentist stepping into practice, one of the most critical responsibilities you’ll face is obtaining informed consent from your patients. Informed consent is more than just a legal formality—it is a vital part of patient care that ensures transparency, fosters trust, and promotes ethical practice. Here are five key considerations to help you master informed consent in your practice.

1.) Channeling Neil deGrasse Tyson: Making Complex Procedures Understandable

When discussing treatments with your patients, clarity is essential. Take a cue from Neil deGrasse Tyson, renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, who excels at breaking down complex concepts into easily understandable terms. Use clear, simple language to explain:

• The nature of the procedure.
• The steps involved.
• The expected outcome.
• Any alternatives to the proposed treatment

Avoid technical jargon, and always pause to ensure the patient comprehends the information. Visual aids, like intraoral photographs or models, can enhance understanding—much like Tyson’s engaging and illustrative explanations in his discussions about the universe.

2.) The Atul Gawande Approach: Navigating Risks and Benefits in Patient Care

Patients have the right to know the potential risks and benefits of any treatment. Look to Atul Gawande, a prominent surgeon and author, who emphasizes the importance of transparency in medical discussions. Be upfront about:

• Possible side effects.
• Chances of success.
• Recovery time.
• Long-term benefits versus short-term discomforts.

Gawande’s approach highlights that a thorough discussion empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care.

3.) Fostering Patient Inquiries: The Tim Ferriss Method

Encouraging questions is essential for building patient confidence. Embrace the mindset of Tim Ferriss, who advocates for learning through inquiry and excels at crafting and promoting questions. Just as Ferriss fosters curiosity and exploration, invite your patients to ask questions and share their concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. Some patients may require more reassurance, while others might need time to process the information. A well-informed patient is more likely to trust you as their dentist and feel satisfied with their care.

4.) Inspired by Charles Darwin: Meticulous Documentation

Informed consent involves more than verbal discussions—it must be documented. Take inspiration from Charles Darwin, who painstakingly documented his observations and findings. Make sure you have:

• A signed consent form that outlines the treatment, risks, and alternatives.
• Notes in the patient’s chart detailing the discussion.

Proper documentation protects both you and the patient. If there is ever a legal question regarding the procedure, thorough records will serve as a vital reference, much like Darwin’s comprehensive notes.

5.) Yoda’s Teachings: Honoring Patient’s Autonomy

One of the fundamental principles of informed consent is respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions. Embrace the wisdom of Yoda, who exemplifies the role of a mentor guiding Luke Skywalker toward understanding. Like Yoda, it’s important to provide support and knowledge to your patients, empowering them to make informed choices. After presenting all the necessary information, honor your patient’s decision—whether they accept or decline treatment. Even if you believe a procedure is essential for their health, remember that, as Yoda would advise, the final choice lies with the patient. Your role is to guide them, helping them feel confident and informed in their decision-making journey.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the process of informed consent will not only protect you legally but will also enhance your relationship with patients. As you start your career, take the time to refine this skill, ensuring that every patient feels informed, respected, and involved in their own care. By doing so, you’ll lay the foundation for a successful and ethical dental practice, just as these influential figures have in their respective fields.

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As the population ages, the incidence of diseases requiring antiresorptive therapy is also increasing. The term antiresorptive therapy refers to the administration of oral or parenteral medications to reduce or stop the loss of bone mass associated with ailments like osteoporosis, osteopenia, metastatic cancer to the bone, and hypercalcemia.

There are two main class of drugs used to combat bone fractures and skeletal related events – Denosumab and Bisphosphonate. The most common complication in patients on antiresorptive therapy is osteonecrosis of the jaw, or medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), which can occur after any surgical dental procedure.

At present, there is no effective treatment for MRONJ, so prevention is extremely important. Maximum precautions should be taken in patients who are at the risk of development of osteonecrosis, especially with dental surgical procedures like extractions, retrograde apicoectomies, periodontal surgery, or implant placements. Dentists should keep up to date with the latest prevention guidelines and the risk factors when treating patients who are on antiresorptive therapy.

It’s important to include a question regarding antiresorptive therapy in your medical history form and to incorporate this information into your treatment planning.

EDIC has a Bisphosphonate Consent Form. Here is also a clinical piece, “Antiresorptive Therapy: Roles and Responsibilities of Dental Professionals,” by Reza Radmand, DMD, FAAOM.

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Westborough, MA, June 18, 2024— Eastern Dentists Insurance Company (EDIC) announced today that Stephen McKenna, DMD has been elected as Chair of the Board of Directors effective June 2, 2024. EDIC is a leading provider of dental professional liability insurance in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states.

Dr. McKenna, an EDIC Board Director since 2003, has played a crucial role in EDIC’s success. Dr. McKenna hails from a long line of orthodontists, with the first McKenna Orthodontics office opening in 1918, McKenna Orthodontics is potentially the oldest continuously operated orthodontics practice in the country. He has received numerous awards, has held leadership roles in organizations including The Massachusetts Dental Society, Massachusetts Association of Orthodontists, Valley District Dental Society, and is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, Northeast Society of Orthodontics, Pierre Fauchard Academy, American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

“The mission of EDIC is to provide exceptional service and coverage, ensuring that insureds feel supported by a knowledgeable ally,” said Dr. McKenna. “The Board of Trustees, including thirteen experienced dentists and one insurance regulator, understands the daily challenges faced by insureds. Reflecting the commitment to being “By Dentists, For Dentists,” the Board has become more diverse, and three of the six Committee Chairs are now held by women. Under the former Board leadership of Dr. Richard LoGuercio, EDIC has become a respected dental malpractice company, well positioned to protect practices from external influences. Thank you Dr. LoGuercio for your dedication and unwavering commitment to the company.”

As Chair, Dr. McKenna will oversee EDIC’s Board of Directors alongside the recently elected Board Executive Committee: Dr. Michael Cooper (Vice Chair), Dr. Barry Brodil (Treasurer), and Dr. Peter Arsenault (Secretary). During his term, Dr. McKenna will prioritize working with the Board to further EDIC’s mission and execute on its strategic framework. “Dr. McKenna has been an incredible champion of EDIC and its vision throughout his entire tenure on our Board,” said Ed Carroll, Esq., President & CEO of EDIC. “I am confident that Dr. McKenna’s leadership will continue the success of EDIC well into the future.”

Dr. McKenna, a Tufts University School of Dental Medicine graduate with postgraduate studies in orthodontics and a pediatric residency at New England Medical Center, resides with his wife Ellen in Longmeadow, MA. He has three adult children, including a daughter, Catherine, who is a general dentist in Boston. Dr. McKenna and his business partner, Dr. Michael Caban, operate five orthodontic offices in central Massachusetts.

“As a third-generation orthodontist, I am dedicated to advancing EDIC to become the gold standard in dental malpractice insurance. With President Ed Carroll and his outstanding team, I am confident we will achieve great success.”

About EDIC – Founded in 1992, Eastern Dentists Insurance Company (EDIC) is a mutual-based company in Westborough, MA, governed by dentists and owned by dental policyholders. Committed to supporting dentistry and dental education, EDIC now serves thousands of dental professionals in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, and Indiana.

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The purpose of expert testimony is to help a jury understand whether the plaintiff has met the elements of a dental malpractice claim. The expert’s main task consists of explaining how the defendant dentist met, or failed to meet, the applicable standard of care. To provide context, the expert will describe the practices and procedures followed by a competent dentist in the specialty at issue. They will then explain how the defendant’s actions met or deviated from the standard of care. An expert can rely on their own experience and knowledge, but they can also integrate academic publications and industry standards to support their opinions.

An expert witness may also be asked to evaluate the merits of a claim before legal action is filed. The expert witness may be tasked to review the dental and medical records and provide a written opinion regarding the standard of care and whether there were any deviations from the standard of care. In the event legal action moves forward, the expert witness may be asked to testify at trial as to their opinion on the standard of care. They may be asked to attend depositions as well as evaluate the opposing side’s expert opinions.

Recently, an EDIC policyholder asked if there are any malpractice implications to providing expert testimony or an expert opinion. The short answer is, No. As the expert is not treating the patient or establishing a doctor-patient relationship, the expert’s opinion about the standard of care has no implications for their own dental malpractice coverage.

However, there are some factors you should keep in mind when deciding whether to act as an expert witness. First, if you’re asked to testify at trial as an expert, you should know that the jury is free to give your testimony as much or as little weight as it chooses, so opposing counsel will work hard to discredit you on the stand. Opposing counsel will ask about your qualifications, your training, how much money you’re being paid to testify, etcetera. The attorney who hires you will prepare you for this cross-examination, however, it may still be grueling and uncomfortable.

Second, some expert witnesses may choose to turn their expertise into a career. In this situation, it may be a good idea to explore separate expert witness liability insurance (often called “errors and omissions” insurance or “E&O”). In most jurisdictions, expert witnesses are immune from suits from the opposing party. Lawsuits by the retaining party against the expert are typically allowed. Therefore, if the attorney who retains the expert believes that the expert provided incorrect testimony, made a scientific error, lied, missed a deadline, or did something else incorrectly that cost them the case, they may choose to sue the expert for negligence. In such a situation case, the EDIC malpractice policy would not respond to cover the expert. Claims arising from expert testimony or opinions are not covered under EDIC’s dental malpractice policy because there is no dentist-patient relationship. Therefore, there are no “dental professional services” rendered. An E&O policy tailored for professional experts, however, would respond to cover claims arising from activities related to providing expert testimony or opinions.

Finally, if you’re a treating provider asked to submit an affidavit or provide factual testimony (as opposed to expert testimony) in a case involving your own patient, please contact EDIC so we may advise you on how to proceed.

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When we completed our dental education, our instructors emphasized a focus on dentistry by learning to implement our skills to better serve our patient population. It’s often the sole focal point for recent graduates fresh out of their respective programs. With that said, the actual practice of dentistry involves much more than how you treat a patient. You now must learn how to manage an entire operation with many moving parts. These parts can, and will, contribute to an overall positive patient experience.

It’s impossible to write an article that will encompass and appropriately capture everything that should be done in a dental practice. In fact, running a practice with no prior experience or background in ownership has a steep learning curve. Many of us learn as we go, taking classes and sourcing colleagues’ opinions for guidance. And although there are multiple philosophies on how to approach a successful operation, I think many can agree on some basic tenets that will keep your office running smoothly. Outlined below are a few practice management tips that I’ve found to be impactful to not only my staff, but myself and my patients as well.

Communication/Values: Have you ever had a poor customer service experience? Or even frustrated when someone can’t communicate an idea or feeling clearly to you? Communicating effectively with your staff and setting expectations early on can help eliminate confusion. Occasionally, office staff can be caught up in their own work and forget the needs of the dentist or the patient. Having monthly team huddles can ameliorate this road block. While I know some practices have team meetings weekly or daily, I believe that this can create a system where staff are too micromanaged. Micromanaging can breed resentment and lack of trust.

To communicate your values effectively to staff:

• Leverage your team’s talent to your advantage and take their input seriously.
• Treat your team with respect and come to a mutual agreement on divisive issues, as long as that compromise doesn’t affect other team members, your patients, or yourself.
• Always advise your team of your goals and values on how you want your office to run. Great organizational and behavioral development gurus like Drucker and Schein talk about having clearly articulated beliefs and values. Running an established and well-functioning practice boils down to whether or not your staff (and patients) share
  your values and philosophy.
• Communicate early in order to minimize contention in the workplace.

Finances: Be cognizant of your finances. Ultimately responsibility for the practice’s financial situation cannot be delegated.

At a minimum, practice owners should:

• Check your production sheet at the end of the day and look through your invoices to make sure you aren’t
  being overcharged by suppliers. While I know many Practices delegate these tasks, at the end of the day it’s your practice and you should know what your suppliers are billing.
• Do your due diligence and become familiar with common codes and what their general reimbursement rates are. People make mistakes and codes get miss-billed.
• If there is excess petty cash in your office, lock it up in a secure area. Cash can’t be tracked if it’s missing versus an electronic payment.
• Organize your finances by hiring an accountant or use a software program such as Quickbooks or an excel spread sheet to track your finances, business expenses, and payments, or to view your profit and loss ratio.
• Track bad debt expenses. I do this by having an adjusted entry in my financial statements. It’s important to know how much of collections goes uncollected, i.e., Patients not paying and writing off uncollected copayments, etc.

Patients: I can’t count how many times patients have told me they “hate” going to the dentist. Lots of people have had some adverse experience and I empathize whenever a patient tells me of a situation that left them unhappy. I try to take every encounter with a grain of salt but make every effort to listen regardless of my personal opinion. We, as clinicians, are already pressed for time and gaining a patient’s trust in several minutes is a feat requiring finesse.

To encourage your patients to feel comfortable and safe:

• Always try to make treatment clear in layman’s terms, and if you don’t know the answer, tell them you’ll get back
  to them.
• Don’t over promise. If you don’t feel comfortable doing a treatment or procedure, refer to a specialist.
• If patients have questions regarding costs, don’t get involved. Let your front desk staff handle it. No one likes
  surprises. Send a pre-treatment estimate. Disclosing costs and terms of payment up front work best.

Overall, practice management can be overwhelming. Try to tackle each issue one step at a time. Organize your framework into a simple equation for success. At the end of the day, if you pay attention to problems as they develop, you’ll put out the small fires before they become unmanageable flames.

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Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that inhibit bone resorption. They are used to treat a range of pathologies including Paget’s disease, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, and metastasis associated with breast or prostate cancer. The most common complication in patients on bisphosphonate therapy is osteonecrosis of the jaw, which can occur after any surgical dental procedure.

At present, there is no effective treatment for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis, so prevention is extremely important. Maximum precautions should be taken in patients who are at the risk of developing of osteonecrosis, especially with dental surgical procedures like extractions, retrograde apicoectomies, periodontal surgery, or implant placements. Dentists should keep up to date with the latest approaches or guidelines to prevention and the risk factors, particularly when treating patients who are on bisphosphonates, or who will be taking bisphosphonates.

It’s important to include a question regarding bisphosphonates in your medical history form and to include this information in your treatment planning.

EDIC has developed a new Informed Consent for Treatment of Patients on Bisphosphonate Drugs. All EDIC members have direct access to the form from their online portal.

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Most teenagers dream of being astronauts, CEO’s, or celebrities. The notion of looking inside a person’s mouth who tends to express mixed emotions when in the chair is not something I had initially envisioned for myself. The harder truth lied in having parents as dentists knowing I wanted to avoid becoming a cliché. It wasn’t until a series of life events that made me realize that Dentistry would not only be my passion but lead to other fulfilling avenues that would define my character and career for the next 9 years.

As a home grown native of Newton Massachusetts, I was fortunate to stay somewhat local and attend the University of New Hampshire in 2006, after which I attended Boston Unviersity for Dental School and then Lincoln Medical Center for my GPR.

My experience was like most students my age at the time. Dental school was rigorous, and the bar was set high to succeed. There were days I questioned whether I was cut out for this profession. Emotions ran high. Will I graduate? Will I know everything to succeed? What If I don’t get into my specialty program of my choice? While all these feelings ran rampant, it was humbling to be in a community of students, faculty and staff who would always offer an open ear and create a safe space for discussion and growth.

As I approached the end of my Pre-Doctoral education I started to see a change in my attitude and perspective towards my career goals. For starters I knew there were aspects of my education I felt comfortable with, while others required more attention. I realized that while my Dental School established a strong foundation, I needed repetition and autonomy (in a controlled environment) to make me a competitive clinician. For me, personally, I knew I needed an additional year to cement more of those concepts I learned as a Dental Student.

No Dental School will ever prepare you to know everything. The plus side is, it’s a profession where we can choose what we want to be in our wheelhouse when treating patients. It’s called private practice for a reason after-all. Every practice set up in how it treats patients is different. I know personally I wanted as much exposure possible to all specialties. To do this, I realized my next move would involve attending a General Practice Residency in New York City.

I made the difficult, but obvious decision to move to New York City and attend Lincoln Medical Center for my GPR. It was the furthest I had moved away from home in a city that had a sports rivalry for over a generation. I was thrown into the deep end of the pool and re-lived familiar struggles and new. But also saw old challenges as easy ones. Boston University, the institution that granted me admission, prepared me to be an effective resident in a high energy, and fast paced environment. What I didn’t expect was that during my time at Lincoln would expose me to the opportunity to teach. I was fortunate to have this exposure when I was a Dental Student, but my love for academia didn’t really take off until I was in my residency year. I found dentistry to be a collaborative endeavor. I had cases to present and discussions regarding various treatment decisions with my peers. I found these discussions to be helpful and towards the end of my training I had reached out to my Department Chair at my alma mater asking if she needed any instructors. She was kind enough to interview me and ask about my aspirations. I was transparent and explained I wanted to bridge the gap of teaching between an old generation and new. To take everything I was taught and add my own twist. Two weeks later I was hired.

Getting into academics is not as complicated as many may think. Generally having either post graduate education or a few years out of school will usually help. After all there are students who are looking to you for advice and guidance. This often takes shape when you have exposure to a variety of clinical situations. If there isn’t a job opening online don’t think your help isn’t warranted. Sometimes all it takes is a thoughtful email to a program chair or to a faculty member. University’s may not give you a paying job right out the gate but will never say no to a volunteer. It’s not ideal but a good first step to get your foot in the door if you’re looking to start a career in education. When I first was hired I started off as a volunteer and within a year and a half I was working three days a week; all while working in clinical practice another 3 days. Was this a lot? Absolutely! But when you’re young you want to be able to practice and work as much as you can as it’s the only way you can sharpen your skills and experience.

Being able to balance the two is not as difficult as one might imagine. There are many benefits to teaching as it keeps you current with the field, and also allows you to participate in the next generation’s education. Teaching wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing, but I thought being younger had its advantages. I knew I’d be able to relate to students better and conversely, they might be able to relate to me. Very few can say they enjoy what they do for a living. That’s not to say that the world of academics and private practice are not without its challenges. However, I can say with utmost confidence, that Dentistry has been a profession I love and I can’t wait to see what future opportunities and experiences lie ahead.

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