Top 10 DPR Web articles of 2016

Here at DPR we're always looking for ways to learn and innovate. The articles, videos, e-books, webinars and newsletters we put out are designed to make sure you have all the knowledge you need to be the best healthcare professional you can be. As we take a look back on the Top 100 in 2016, we're showing you the top articles, videos, e-books, webinars and products that helped you.

Here we look at the Top 10 articles of 2016. These were chosen based on the number of views. This year, you were interested in new things like the Affordable Care Act, CDT codes, fresh product innovations and more.You were also interested in the personal side of the business: we loved hearing about your grossest, freakiest, most embarrassing stories,  and you loved reading about them. We hope you enjoyed these articles as much as we did, and we look forward to bringing you great new articles in 2017! 

9 of the scariest medical conditions with links to oral health

By Laura Dorr

There’s been a lot of buzz about oral systemic health in the news lately, and for good reason: A whole host of new discoveries have pinpointed that poor oral health is linked to some very serious medical conditions-and that treating oral health conditions could potentially serve as a preventative measure. 

A game changer: 2017 will bring a new CDT code for gingivitis

By Patti DiGangi RDH BS, Kara Vavrosky RDH

Your patient presents with inflamed, hemorrhagic gingiva, light to moderate subgingival calculus, light supragingival calculus on the mandibular lingual anteriors and generalized pseudo-pocketing. For all of the history of Current Dental Terminology (CDT) coding, there have been no truly accurate codes that can be used for the treatment this patient needs. In 2017, that story will change.

From 1 to 50, the best and worst states to work in a dental practice

By The DPR Editorial Team

For many of us, we’re pretty partial to where we live and work. But is where you are right now a great place to work in a dental practice? Have you ever thought about that? We did, and we used a set of 10 “measuring sticks” to help us build our inaugural list of the best and worst states to work in a dental practice.

Is the Associated Press right? Response to the AP regarding the benefits of flossing

By Kara Vavrosky, RDH

The Associated Press (AP) came out with a report stating there are no proven benefits to flossing. Working in dentistry, we know how important cleaning in interproximally is, not only for oral health, but for overall health.

The top 13 freakiest dental horror stories

By Laura Dorr

We polled our readers for their most outrageous stories ... and the responses did not disappoint. Ghosts are scary. Ghouls are scary. But these creepy apparitions have nothing on some of the terrifying things that happen in the dental practice.

The latest fee data for 18 popular procedure codes

By Alitta Boechler, AuD, MBA

Keeping your fee schedules up-to-date is imperative to keeping your practice healthy. There are many important factors to take into account including geography, your patients, how you practice and data from other practices in your area. However, quality data on fees in your zip code can be challenging to find. Here’s some help.  

Some of the worst infection control mistakes we’ve heard ... and why 2016 is the year to stop making them

By Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, FADAA

Tija Hunter looks back on 2015: “I think about some of the people I’ve met, the places I’ve visited, and the things I’ve learned. Some of the things I’ve learned weren’t so good. In this day and age of OSHA, CDC and proper infection control procedures, I am appalled at some of the things dental assistants have shared with me.”  

10 ways to handle parents of your pediatric patients

By Brenda McNulty

Parents trust your office with their most prized possessions, and can often cause far more drama than the patients themselves. Your team should go to great lengths to connect with both the patients and their parents. A successful practice will take a parent’s perspective into consideration at every step of the treatment process. Here’s how you can make sure you’re ready.

Demystifying pain among women in dentistry

By Bethany Valachi, PT, MS, CEAS

The percentage of women pulling up chairside in the operatory is increasing. And studies show that women in dentistry experience a higher frequency and severity of pain than their male counterparts, with the thumbs, hands, hips, neck and shoulder being particularly problematic.

The top 8 most embarrassing dentist/patient situations

By Lisa Newburger, LISW-S

There is tremendous pressure in running a successful practice. You have to have both business acumen as well as clinical expertise. This isn’t always so easy. Being the person ultimately responsible for everything going on in the practice, “the buck” has to stop somewhere. At times, some embarrassing issues have cropped up. We have stockpiled a few of them that some of our dentists have shared with us.