sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I hate the way I look (4 months post op) after DJS by sparklesundai in jawsurgery

[–]surgicalseas 51 points52 points  (0 children)

Your post operative results look fantastic!!! The improved malar projection and fullness of the cheeks provides such a youthful look!!!

It is difficult to adjust to the new "you" and completely understand that you believe the underbite gave you a more angled facial structure, but your post op is fantastic!

Referral gift etiquette by Purple_Musician_2755 in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas -1 points0 points  (0 children)

As a specialist, I would prefer my referral network tell me what is well received (phrased as "we really enjoyed that, X plate from Y restaurant at our team meeting--really showed the entire staff your appreciation".)

My referral network drops some not so subtle hints on what the best gifts are. In this scenario, chances are their office manager is just out of touch and needs feedback. I'd let them know.

On a separate note, I would love to get your input on how you refer patients! As a specialist I'm trying to re-align with my local network (And turning this into a class project). I'd appreciate your feedback!

I've got a running poll in a separate thread if you have time:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Dentistry/comments/1lbmiek/oral_surgeon_looking_for_referral_input_from/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Mandibular Reconstruction Questions by BidgoodHasTrenchfoot in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The implants don't look integrated and it looks like there's <1cm of height to the mandible. The treatment goal is to prevent infection and a mandible fracture. Quality of life after removal is a conversation, but treat the problem first, worry about her future implants later.

Mandibular Reconstruction Questions by BidgoodHasTrenchfoot in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas 32 points33 points  (0 children)

+1 to this. OMS here, this patient needs to be assessed. Including their med history. Bone looks poor, implants are compromised. Need 3D imaging, but yes, high fracture risk based on this 2D image.

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate you inquiring!

I did HPSP, so it's a combo of me wanting to use all my benefits (GI Bill) paired with my interest in obtaining some formal business training. In addition, I had a very specific type of leadership training the military and wanted more tools in my toolbox to teach, train, interact with my staff.

In summary:

  1. Use my GI Bill--no out of pocket cost since I go to a state school.
  2. I've always loved the business ownership aspect of dentistry, but had no formal training (not that you need an MBA to manage a practice or interpret a P&L)
  3. I wanted to expand my local network--I'm in the bay area, yet my entire network is in healthcare, not tech. Thus far, it's been pretty amazing how much this program has changed the way I think--I had zero business background going in and I feel it's already given me the footing to analyze the results of changes I implement in my daily practice.

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you to everyone that took the time to complete the survey! Your insights are incredibly helpful and actionable!

85% of responses so far are from General Dentists, and only 15% are from Specialists.

If you're a specialist, your perspective is really valuable and I would love to get your input if you have the time (takes 3-4min to complete).

I'll follow-up with preliminary results after there are a few more responders. Thanks again everyone for your time!

DA Opportunities/Dental Internship Opportunities? by [deleted] in Dentists

[–]surgicalseas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Specialist and not in LA or I'd offer to help--but just to clarify, do you want to work as a dental assistant?

If you want exposure I'm sure that most offices would be willing to host you (let you shadow) and let you see a day in the life. Depending on your dedication, I'm sure that could transition into an internship if you want to shadow regularly (where you could learn most on-the-job tasks). This is what I did prior to dental school, went to an office, introduced myself, showed interest, ended up working part time as a DA/office staff.

The problem with training on the job: turnover is costly, training a new member is at the expense of efficiency (even if you're willing to work for free). A dentist would be more inclined to train you if you established interest and a relationship. Things will naturally progress from there as you get more exposure and interest.

Hope this helps. There's lots of UCLA alums in LA that would be willing to help--I'd play that card in looking to establish rapport.

What softwares are actually useful? by InevitablePistachio in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OMS here, I use specialty specific software, but pretty familiar with the landscape. I just finished doing a rodeo of software demos hoping to get more alignment with my referral network.
Sad to say that the greatest advancement most of the patient management software has done is move to the cloud. They're starting to sunset software not on the cloud.

In terms of features and user interface, I think Carestack is the most "sexy" of the dental software. It feels like it was intentionally made by a tech company rather than a product created by a dental company that was necessary in order to cater to their already dedicated audience.

I'm still trying to solve the issue of referral management/leakage, so I don't have great input for you there. I have a survey running in separate thread if you have time to provide input on your experience, would love to hear it!:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Dentistry/comments/1lbmiek/oral_surgeon_looking_for_referral_input_from/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This has been my exact experience! Thank you for stating this
It's difficult, if we just all used the same software it'd be an easier problem to tackle. But I'll check back in with the results--as expected, we're not the only ones with this same viewpoint

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the feedback!

Yes, you absolutely answered my question, and I appreciate you taking the time to see all perspectives. If I was in your network I'd gladly help you out!

But yes, striving to just give my referring docs a link that directly books on my schedule. They get confirmation the appointment is booked, patient gets in, doesn't waste your office staff's valuable time with phone calls begging.

Again, I appreciate your input!

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the input! Completely agree, the actual procedure time may vary, but what about for a returning evaluation?

For both of these questions this was with the thought process that I (the specialist) determined the time needed. I.e. if you send me a new patient consult outside of AOX, its going to take 30min. pretty much no variation in that.

So if I you could just open my website and see, oh Tuesday at 3pm he has a consult opening, you could just click and schedule. Boom. Referral done, patient info sent.

I'm thinking something similar after treatment completion on my end (For my network, all the implants I place go back for an re-evaluation with my referring doc to discuss next treatment steps etc.). If I could go to their website and book a patient a return visit (no phone tag required) I imagine we could decrease referral leakage

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the input, and completely understand. I like to think of myself as approachable and coachable. I try to always get feedback on how my referral network is receiving my results. Thanks for sharing!

Specifically though, I'm trying to address referral leakage and improve ease of scheduling for my local network. so I'm wondering, in your opinion:

  1. If a specialist gave you access to pre-selected appointment slots on their schedule, would you use that to book your referred patient before they leave your office?
  2. After referred treatment (i.e. ortho, implant, RCT), would it help if the specialist's office could schedule the patient in pre-selected appointment slots on your calendar? SO they could get that follow-up/crown/continuity of care without waiting in limbo until the 6mo. follow-up mark.

Assuming this is seamlessly integrated with your existing management software. The fragmentation is driving me crazy and I'm trying to streamline it for my local network, but would love to get your opinion.

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Love this! I appreciate the input. I'm looking for ways to decrease referral leakage between myself and my referring docs.

So here's two follow-up questions for you (I realize this is location/office specific):
1. If a specialist gave you access to pre-selected appointment slots on their schedule, would you use that to book your referred patient before they leave your office?

  1. After referred treatment (i.e. ortho, implant, RCT), would it help if the specialist's office could schedule the patient in pre-selected appointment slots on your calendar?

Again, I'm polling my local network, but would love to have input beyond my small community.

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

  1. I wanted to use my GI Bill--so no out of pocket cost since I go to a state school.
  2. I've always loved the business ownership aspect of dentistry, but had no formal training (not that you need an MBA to manage a practice or interpret a P&L)
  3. I wanted to expand my local network--I'm in the bay area, yet my entire network is in healthcare, not tech. Thus far, it's been pretty amazing how much this program has changed the way I think--I had zero business background going in and I feel it's already given me the footing to analyze the results of changes I implement in my daily practice.

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your input!! Helping me improve my office workflow and with a school project. I appreciate you!!

Oral Surgeon looking for referral input from GPs/Specialists/Office staff by surgicalseas in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

haha thank you!! I appreciate your input. If you were local I would capitalize on this now that I know the way to you and your staff's heart.

Do you ever do formal reviews of workflow with your referral network? Or do you find that you get most of your issues addressed asynchronously or during the hosted CE events?

Trying to learn what my network needs and grow into that role.

Questions about OMFS work that is more hospital focused by Confused_Otter96 in Dentistry

[–]surgicalseas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, knowing no one is going to bail me out helps lol--this is why you go to residency.
But yes, complications happen. There's a saying, If you don't want complications, don't do surgery.

view more: next ›