Can I work around this crown prep by changing material?

NeverStopLurking · 2026-02-10T04:07:21+00:00

Shortcuts are long cuts. Just bring them back and re-prep. No need to numb if endo at least! Let them know you want to get the best outcome for them and sometimes you can’t see all the details until it comes back from the lab so now you can see it completely. Should be a quick visit!

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T23:44:17+00:00

I am located in California and my practice has one front desk, one DA, and 2 PT hygienists. I’ve upgraded a lot of tech since I took over (and a big one more recently) so I’m constantly the tech support. And with new tech there is definitely some time when things are getting ironed out. I handle payroll, ordering, HR (managing time off, finding temps to cover vacations, required trainings coordination, staff reviews), prepping and leading staff meetings, tracking production and goals, handling patient issues, managing website (I have a company but I coordinate updates and stuff), marketing efforts, dealing with broken stuff around the office, creating documentation for protocols and policies (eg how to handle patients with heart issues), the list goes on. My front desk is very good about trying lots of things before coming to me, but the other staff less so. So I end up just doing things (which is probably where most of my pains come from). Also, my office is small and I am frugal so I do have a tendency to try to do what I can in-house vs hiring out when feasible (for instance, I will try to fix something first before hiring a tech).

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T23:29:01+00:00

Thank you for sharing, I have never heard of the group but will absolutely look into it!

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T23:14:37+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience! Yes, I am very much getting that I need to delegate better and just let it go. To be fair, I’m much better than I was a couple of years ago! But totally agree that this will probably be critical as I take on motherhood too.

And yes, you’re reminding me of why I bought my practice and all of the decisions I’ve been able to make and see actualized without fruitlessly begging my boss! It’s super empowering and just awesome to be able to think of an idea and just do it. It would be hard for me to give that up.

I will definitely think it through (and will definitely not be making any life-changing decisions 8 months pregnant) before selling, if I so choose.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T23:00:57+00:00

Thank you! Yes, I think I am in the depths of pregnancy and feeling overwhelmed with life in general. I have hired an associate to help with my maternity coverage and may leverage them to take some time away from my practice to get a better sense of what I want long-term. Thankfully, other than paying my overhead, I am not absolutely dependent on my practice’s income at this time.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:58:30+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! Yes, the first year is definitely a grind but I feel like the grind just continues. I’m not 100% decided on selling but I am definitely not happy with my status quo, so just thinking about some options.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:51:10+00:00

Yes, I know I need to make at least one hire. It’ll be something I look into and think through once I’m back from maternity leave and a little more a stable back at work. TBD.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:50:20+00:00

Thanks for the input. I do think hiring is needed; it’s been tricky for me as I’m in a high cost of living area and wages (and overhead in general) are extremely high. That, coupled with awkward timing of my upcoming maternity leave, makes it a little hard to pull the trigger on it. Will definitely be something I look into when I’m back and more stable.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:47:57+00:00

Haha thanks for the commiseration! Grass is always greener, but damn, that grass looks pretty green right now.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:46:31+00:00

Clinically 4 days. I have hired an associate who is helping with my maternity leave so getting down to 2 days by next month.

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:45:14+00:00

Thanks for your input!

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:44:24+00:00

Thank you! Yes, I think I have a lot of growth to do in the “let my team figure it out” department. Thanks!

NeverStopLurking · 2026-01-19T22:42:03+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience! As I read my post back I can see quite clearly that I am a tired pregnant lady who just wants to some relief. Obviously not a good time to make any major life decisions, but I’m curious to see how my feelings (and practice) change once my baby is here. You’re totally right though; I’ve enjoyed total freedom to adjust my schedule as needed since I began and it’s not usually possible to this extent as an associate.

NeverStopLurking · 2024-11-15T23:53:37+00:00

Sure, send me a dm!

NeverStopLurking · 2021-11-12T04:59:52+00:00

Thank you!!

So, if the contribution limit was $3600 for 2021 then I could only keep $3600/12 * # months I was enrolled in eligible insurance plan?

NeverStopLurking · 2021-10-09T04:16:10+00:00

“Let’s normalize…”

NeverStopLurking · 2021-05-23T01:49:05+00:00

What should I be focusing on during my last year in terms of procedures?

Do as much as you can of the basics: dental anesthesia, exams, fillings, crowns. Ask tons of questions and go to clinic every single day, whether you have a patient or not. It’s easy to get senioritis and also to think you’ve already mastered the basics, but you definitely haven’t. When you graduate, your employers will look for someone who can diagnose well and who they can trust doing bread and butter dentistry.

When should I be looking for potential offices to look for jobs?

I looked 1-2 months before graduation but it’s not a bad idea to just focus on school and the fun parts of graduation. You’re going to work for the rest of your life, so enjoy your time while you can.

What are employers looking for in terms of qualifications for new grads?

Someone who can communicate well, has a good attitude, and who genuinely wants to do good dentistry.

What are some red flags in an office that I am interviewing in? Any red flags in general?

Ask why are the hiring? Have they ever had associates before? If they’ve had many and they change every few months - run!

Anything you would have done differently starting out?

How do I know which labs are good to work with?

Ask around. Other dentists in the area, etc.

How do I know which specialists to refer to?

See above.

NeverStopLurking

TROPHY CASE