Our top story of the week covers findings from the latest large study to explore a connection between dental procedures, antibiotics, and life-threatening heart inflammation.
Invasive dental procedures were linked to endocarditis in high-risk individuals in a study published in Oral Diseases. However, antibiotic prophylaxis reduced the incidence of the condition.
Also popular this week, dentists reported that it's still "extremely challenging" to hire dental hygienists and assistants, according to new data from the ADA Health Policy Institute. More than one-third of dentists are actively recruiting dental hygienists and assistants, and another quarter are seeking administrative staff.
The news from the ADA may leave you wondering how to keep your team for longer. In his monthly column, Dr. Roger P. Levin listed five behaviors that can help practice owners keep their team for life.
Given the practice management news this week, perhaps it's no wonder that a new study showed that about 1 in 10 dentists experience burnout. Among dentists with burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment were common symptoms.
Last but not least, one dentist in North Carolina is seeking the help of an unusual team member: a safecracker. The dentist moved his dental practice into a former bank building and found two locked safes. Now he's looking for help to break them open so they can be moved.
