Top 5 columns of June 2015

DrBicuspid.com takes a look back at the most-read stories from June 2015, as measured by page views. This list includes the most-read columns. Reflecting the diversity of interests of DrBicuspid.com readers, our most-read columns of June include important considerations for adding an associate to your practice, what to consider when branding your practice, a typically insightful column by the Madow Brothers, a penetrating look at what HIPAA means for your practice, and a study of what you don't know about dental service organizations

You can see the most-read news and clinical stories, including our news on Aspen Dental Management here.

1. Dos and don'ts for bringing on an associate by Roger P. Levin, DDS
June 8, 2015 -- Each year, thousands of practices add associates. An associate can be a valuable asset when the practice is growing or the doctor is approaching retirement. If you've decided to hire an associate doctor, it's in your best interest to smooth his or her transition into the practice. Adding an associate can alleviate scheduling stress while facilitating an increase in productivity, but only if the practice is properly prepared. Read more.

2. Dos and don'ts for branding by Roger P. Levin, DDS
June 22, 2015 -- In the new dental economy, dentists operate businesses in intense competition for a smaller number of patients. Those who recognize the importance of promoting their practice strengths will gain the advantage and see their production and income multiply. As CEOs, dentists are ultimately responsible for protecting and enhancing the practice's brand -- which is essentially the image of the business and everything associated with it. Read more.

3. Office visits can be stressful -- for the dentist by Richard H. Madow, DDS, and David M. Madow, DDS
June 24, 2015 -- We've all heard the urban legends about high dentist suicide rates, but you don't need to get Snopes.com involved to know that dentistry can be a high-stress profession. Hre are some factors that contribute to this stress. Read more.

4. A closer look at HIPAA: Part 1 -- The rules and myths by Lindy Benton
June 2, 2015 -- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), passed in 1996, was enacted to protect health information, increase oversight of transaction standards for the exchange of health information, and improve standards for security and privacy. Ultimately, HIPAA regulation protects "protected health information." This information is defined as individually identifiable health information that is transmitted by electronic media, maintained in electronic media, or transmitted or maintained in any other form or medium. Read more.

5. What you should know about DSOs by Kevin Cain, PhD
June 29, 2015 -- Recently, many of my discussions with private care, fee-for-service dentists and dental school faculty have touched on "corporate dentistry." It is one of the elephants in the room at dental association meetings (along with midlevel providers), yet years of following this industry have made me acutely aware of the fact that most dentists have no idea what they mean by corporate dentistry. Read more.