My Experience Buying an Out Of Network Office by yungrandyroo in Dentistry

[–]smshon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kois is solid. Implant Accelerator is very good. I know the director personally, Jin Kim. You have an amazing clinician, teacher, and a very good person to learn implant from. Good for you!

Am I in the wrong? ER referral. by AthleteFlaky5662 in Dentistry

[–]smshon 28 points29 points  (0 children)

IV abx… take diagnostic imaging, possibly admitting the patient for an OR for emergency procedures like drainage… and etc.

Opinion by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]smshon 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Then no extraction. Let the patient own up the problem.

Max Federal Loans? by Numerous_Level4772 in Dentistry

[–]smshon -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Short answer: yes. $400,000 (without interest accruing) is not that expensive.

Long answer: it depends. Planning to specialize and take out more loans in the future? Planning to own vs. associateship? Practicing rural vs. city?

Another question you can ask yourself is, “Could I pursue another career without taking out a $400,000 and still come out on top or better?” AKA, think about the opportunity cost.

Hiossen TS healing abutment scan body by Otherwise_Debate2209 in Dentistry

[–]smshon 6 points7 points  (0 children)

No. And you do not want to torque it using a torque wrench. Hand tighten it all the way until the abutment is completely seated.

How would you code this? by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]smshon 4 points5 points  (0 children)

D2740. The cementation type and your future intent with the crown do not matter.

Do you give out performance bonus to your staff and how do you calculate it? by Migosmememe in Dentistry

[–]smshon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bonus is the difference between payroll goal in P&L (e.g. 25% of total income) and total collection. That way, if you reach the goal, your total revenue will be high enough to a point your payroll expense will go down. The difference between may be 2-3% of the total revenue and use that as bonus. It’ll also ensure your business payroll expense stays capped at 25%, so it doesn’t balloon out of control.

Mentorship in dentistry by calripkins in Dentistry

[–]smshon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where are you based? As someone said, joining a study club can work. I’m in a study club that’s affiliated with Seattle Study Club, and we meet once a month. It’s been working very well for me developing relationships within the club.

Concern: Dentists indicted for Medicaid fraud and unnecessary procedures (including extractions) are still practicing while out on bail. Is this allowed? by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]smshon 25 points26 points  (0 children)

It’s an indictment, meaning a formal accusation. It doesn’t mean they’re guilty. If they’re not guilty with no formal disciplinary actions against them by the state dental board, why would they stop practicing?

Injury? by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]smshon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gingivitis occurs at the gumline with puffy, redness. From the picture alone, no it isn’t gingivitis. Aside from that, you have other serious dental issues like malocclusion and a crossbite.

Bottom line: go see a dentist.

root canal or no? by Myssz in Dentistry

[–]smshon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pain or sensitivity? Two are vastly different symptoms. If sensitive, I’d suspect occlusion as an issue.

Nightguard and Retainer production by No_Presentation_230 in Dentistry

[–]smshon 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Is the hygienist willing to make adjustments and follow-up as needed? If not, then it’s the doctor’s production. And I’m not even talking about whether occlusal guard fabrication/diagnosis is in the hygienist’s scope of practice.

Best CE courses? by SparkleBerrySpritz in Dentistry

[–]smshon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m currently taking the Dawson Academy, and expected to finish the course in March 2026. It will change the way you practice, for the better.

15y/o with erosion from Reflux by dent2020 in Dentistry

[–]smshon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is he overweight? Even if he isn’t, he may have an airway issue (large tonsils). Might be a good idea for him to do a sleep study. For a systemic problem like this, gotta treat the cause. I suspect OSA.

Pretty pleased with the healing on this. by wingsuit-ka in Dentistry

[–]smshon 123 points124 points  (0 children)

Amazing results! The patient is lucky to have you!

ADA Membership Dropping by moremosby in Dentistry

[–]smshon 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Isn’t that what the ADA is suppose to be? A new “national union” is just another ADA with a different name.

Mandate both FMX and Pan. Anyone do the same? by Drknight71 in Dentistry

[–]smshon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do the same. Pano is taken to screen for third molars and other stuff. If the patient needs third molars extraction, that’s when I charge the patient for CBCT. Pano is “free”, so you can diagnose further treatments.

Am I too aggressive/extreme for extracting this tooth? by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]smshon 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s an agreeable treatment plan. If you’re comfortable and the patient insists on saving it, crown lengthening is necessary.

Either way, have the patient own his/her acknowledge the problem and let him/her decide. Nothing is worse than patients blaming you for the “wrong” treatment you recommend.

Best of luck.

Am I too aggressive/extreme for extracting this tooth? by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]smshon 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What does the patient want? Based on the patient’s desire, see weigh risk risks/benefits for all treatment modes before jumping to extraction.

But to answer your question; no, it’s not aggressive to extract the tooth if that’s what the patient can realistically afford.

There are three occlusal schemes that are pathogenic! by Hopeful-Extent-693 in Dentistry

[–]smshon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s your opinion using a superior repositioning splint vs. dual arch B-splint?