Week in Review: Giant salivary stone removed from jaw | SmileDirectClub, Walmart team up again | The right benefits for your team

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

There is no question that the biggest news of the week has been the impact that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had on our world. This coming week, there will be no Hinman meeting, shows on Broadway, or Major League Baseball spring training games. Truly, our society is being affected by this disease in stunning ways.

With that in mind, we know there will likely be an effect on the business of the dental industry, including practices around the U.S. in the coming days and weeks. That's why we asked our clinical editor, Dr. David Rice, to share his thoughts on how dental practices should be dealing with this unprecedented set of circumstances.

In response to many questions we've received and heard from dental professionals, we also have this very detailed set of frequently asked questions and answers about the virus and disease written by Dr. Louis DePaola that should be of interest to you, your team members, and potentially your patients.

Of course, plenty of other things are currently impacting our industry as well. That includes some business moves by SmileDirectClub and Walmart that North American dentists will likely want to keep an eye on as the clear-aligner company's business model continues to evolve.

Also making news in recent days was a giant calcified salivary stone that was recently found growing in the mandible of a 37-year-old man. The rare 2-cm-long sialolith, initially diagnosed as an impacted tooth, was removed, and we have the details on the incredible dental-related find.

Finally, let's turn to practice management and talk about what your dental team members really want. Everyone loves to get a raise but, when it comes down to it, most employees prefer the security of a solid benefits package to a little more money in their paycheck, writes Sally McKenzie in this article.

Wishing you and your loved ones health and wellness during these historic times.