Dental Articles

Minneapolis District Dental Society

Golf Tournament

August 2, 2010

The Northern Dental Alliance is sponsoring the Minneapolis Society's Summer Golf Event at the Golden Valley, Minnesota Golf Club.

We hope to see many dentists and dental professionals at the tourney.

Edentulous Mandible Reconstruction Using Zirconia Frameworks

Minnesota based laboratory, Renstrom Dental Studio, presents its Summer Featured Case Study. 

Cases as complicated as this one require excellent communication between the dentist, patient, and lab, to achieve the best possible outcome. Factors such as finances, stability, future risks, esthetics, and also level of difficulty are all taken into consideration when deciding on a solution for the patient.

For this particular case, an existing lower denture was to be replaced by three PFM bridges supported by six dental implants. Custom titanium abutments were milled by Atlantis and returned to Renstrom for fabrication of the bridgework.

Due to the wide span and large vertical dimension, a massive amount of metal would be needed to fabricate the three frameworks, resulting in very heavy dental restorations and exorbitant metal costs for the dentist.

• Article First Published on Aftco.net

There were three dental specialists working together in a group practice in the Northeastern section of the U.S. The practice was well run and extremely profitable (providing approximately $900,000 of annual income to each of its stockholders).

Their accountant had formed their corporation and allowed it to remain a “C” corporation rather than taking the time to file for a Sub “S” election (which would have eliminated any possible double-taxation and/or unnecessary payment of taxes that can result from operating as a “C” corporation).

A Primer By Dick Chwalek, NicheDental.com

The concept of Connective Communication^© incorporates these elements: improvers, gatherers and creators. The communication structure is visualized with these elements: a Pie Chart, three color slices and the π symbol  – image below.

This formula takes into account both simplicity and complexity in defining a path towards communication and marketing ongoing success, internally and publicly.

> The EFA Investment Approach

There is a science of investing. The body of knowledge for this science is often grouped under the heading Modern Portfolio Theory or MPT and it all began in 1959 with the publication of Harry Markowitz's classic book "Portfolio Selection."

Markowitz would go on to win the Nobel Prize in Economics for his groundbreaking insights. This work was expanded upon by Stanford's William Sharpe (another Nobel winner), Eugene Fama, Merton Miller, and many others.

While markets are complex adaptive systems too chaotic to allow for perfect prediction or control, we have learned much about how to control risk and capture returns. There is a science of investing, which I employ to guide the investment strategy of my dentist clients.

Northern Dental Alliance member Heritage Construction Companies of Elk River builds and remodels dental offices throughout Minnesota and the region.

This case study covers three offices: two were expanded & remodeled and the other was new practice construction.

All three building projects involved the same client: Smile Center. The offices are located in Big Lake, St. Paul and Brooklyn Park.

Besides creating exceptional restorations for its clients, Renstrom Dental Studio provides various levels of continuing education. Helping dentists stay on the leading edge of cosmetic and restorative dentistry is extremely vital.

Renstrom provides the information their dentists need to be successful – from case development to cost efficiency. The following FAQs offer insight into their straightforward strategy.

• Why do my PFM and gold crowns seem to be going up in price?
• How can I reduce costs?
• What should be used for cementing/bonding e.max restorations?
• Can I still send my cases to Renstrom if I am taking digital impressions?
• What is the cost of an implant abutment and crown

Dentists and other business owners are invited to a BABO (Bring a Business Owner) Event on Friday, March 19, 2010 (more details below)

The financial talk and business forum are sponsored by Rick Epple, CFP®, of Epple Financial Advisors, LLC (NDA member) and Margaret A. T. Cronin of Grandchamp, Guyette & Cronin, PLLC. 

Sooner or later, you, like every dental practice owner, will need to transfer ownership of your business. Selling the your dental office is the final part or your role in building it. For most business owners, this is an emotional event. It is also a complex process involving financial auditing, confidentiality issues, title transfers, price negotiations, all while continuing to run your dental office.

Marketing IS communication. Communication makes things work. Nothing occurs in our society or changes our approach to living without a heavy dose of communication. Dental patients, dentists, and dentistry practices all work (or don't) with gears greased by communication and the 'marketing' surrounding it.

Of course, our brains are always there to mess things up. The mind easily falls into stereotypes. The cerebellum will often travel down the rabbit hole of wackiness. Our prehistoric noggin presets can and will, without warning, leap over the logic wall. Therefore, we need to take the time to strategize rather than merely let our evolutionary senses propose pre-programmed reactions.

2010 Star of the North Meeting

• Minnesota Dental Association
• Saint Paul RiverCentre
• APRIL 22-24, 2010

The Star of the North Meeting presented by the Minnesota Dental Association is the Upper Midwest’s main state dental conference. Thousands of dentists and dental professionals from around the region will be able to take in dozens of seminars from clinical to practice management.

By Rick Epple, CFP®, NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor

As we enter 2010, are you thinking, I have been working as a dentist for a number of years and while I make a good income, I have no idea if I am on track for retirement? How do I take control of my future? The following process can be used to start you on your way.

• Project by Heritage Construction

Heritage Construction Companies, LLC is a general contractor business founded on honesty and respect, and dedicated to high levels of building expertise. We serve our dentist clients with professionalism and integrity. Our knowledge and innovation is infused into each dental office project, big or small, to exceed your expectations.

We are excited to present this dentist client case study for your review. 

New Dental Office Building

• Client: Silver Lake Smiles 
• Location: New Brighton, Minnesota
• Size: 1,200 sq. ft.
• Design Build

Keep up with your annual OSHA and infection control requirements. This two hour, two CE credit, special seminar will be presented by an experienced Minnesota-based instructor: Leanne Mathieu Kramer of Statements Plus Compliance Solutions.

With so much focus on quality patient care, new products and technology keeping up with written infection control, MSDS, and radiation manuals can fall on the back burner. Know how your office is doing before an inspector calls.

Put the worries of  hazardous waste and other environmental issues behind you. Leanne, a Northern Dental Alliance Member, makes it possible for dentists and teams to focus on Treatment Planning, Marketing, Recall and Scheduling.

Our three newest members are Promoted in the January/February Issue of Northwest Dentistry Journal via our full page Northern Dental Alliance advertisement. Included in this story is the color version the black and white that will start running in February 2010.

Review all the content and see the entire ad in the next section/paragraph.

> Jennifer Maschke, U.S. Bank 

Northern Dental Alliance welcomes Jennifer Maschke, Business Banking Officer with U.S. Bank. Jen works with dentists and dental offices, assisting them with financial solutions that build successful businesses.

The services she provides cover many areas of practice development as well as ongoing business banking. Whether it is financing your office real estate and construction or equipment purchases and merchant services, expect comprehensive banking solutions.  

Northern Dental Alliance would like to welcome new member Heritage Construction Companies, LLC of Elk River, Minnesota. Heritage has developed numerous dental practices and other healthcare related offices throughout the state and region, as well as other retail and commercial sites.

Their membership in the Northern Dental Alliance shows a commitment to serving their dentist clients in a comprehensive way with long-term success as the goal. From the dental operatory and reception area design to the most efficient and cost-effective office building process, Heritage Construction has developed the resources to help dentists create their dream practice.

Laboratory Technical Tip:

Predictable Results Achieved with Digital Photography

Communication as we know it is a critical element that is needed between the dental practitioner and dental laboratory in order to achieve the desired outcome. Visual images are a key part of this communication and provide the dental technician with valuable information about the patient.

Photos not only serve as a practical case tool but also allow the laboratory technician to have a better connection with the patient and a higher level of involvement with the dentistry case. Images of the actual dental patient versus a stone model, especially in an anterior case, are a key component needed in the fabrication process.

The Northern Dental Alliance will be at the St. Paul (MN) Midwinter Meeting. Our consultants can help you practice fearless dentistry!

• Date: January 15, 2010

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving traditionally or uniquely, the members of the Northern Dental Alliance wish you all the best. 

Experience exceptional levels of health, wealth, security and success. And don't forget to laugh some as well.

Dentists, when is a financial advisor working in your best interest? Only one of these terms, fiduciary or suitability, reflects the highest level of protection for your investments.

As a fee-only financial advisor and professional wealth building consultant, Rick Epple CFP® of Epple Financial Advisors recommends dentists understand the difference and know how to navigate to the best planner. The responsibility your advisor has to you and your financial interests should be more important than any other entity.

Northern Dental Alliance member Leanne Mathieu Kramer is attending the December 4th Mpls District Midwinter Meeting. This gathering will be held at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel Minnetonka, MN.

Start Practicing Fearless Dentistry! 

Northern Dental Alliance is dedicated to developing real results for dentists as well as their patients, team, dentistry and practice. While we are independent businesses, NDA member consultants work together to effectively present a complete array of exceptional services dentists in Minnesota and surrounding states require to be successful for the long term. 

With all of the changes and advancements in the dental industry it is important to stay educated on current trends and techniques. This is why Renstrom is committed to providing educational opportunities for not only its doctors but its own staff as well.

Over the summer, a few of Renstrom’s employees were able to attend some courses and touch up on some skills of their own.

Dentists and dental office team members will get the Nuts and Bolts of Radiation Safety Officer Responsibilities and X-ray Rules by attending this October training session in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. 

NDA member and Dental Consultant, Leanne M. Mathieu Kramer of Statements Plus Compliance Solutions will be conducting this seminar to help dental offices stay on the right track with their safety responsibilities and rules. This two-hour course will provide two dentistry CE credits.