Davis on scams, part II; Doniger on why patients leave; e-cigarette knowledge and discussion

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

In the second of a three-part series, Dr. Michael W. Davis details some of the ways dentists and dental offices are vulnerable to scams. This part discusses unethical practice management consultants and practice brokers.

In her latest Sheri's Solutions, Dr. Sheri Doniger explores a situation you are no doubt familiar with: why patients leave a practice. Some explanations make perfect sense, while others are a little more complicated, she writes.

Dr. Ted Sherwin, the president of the Virginia Dental Association, makes a thoughtful case for a new pilot program awaiting funding in Virginia that would place oral health coordinators in nursing homes throughout the state.

The use of e-cigarettes is exploding, and there is lack of knowledge about them among medical professionals. A new survey of doctors and nurses found that the vast majority know very little about e-cigarettes and want to learn more. More than half were uncomfortable discussing the topic with their patients. Read Associate Editor Rob Goszkowski's article here.

When you ask your patients about tobacco use, do you include e-cigarettes or vaporizers? My anecdotal experience is that sometimes people who use these products tell me that they don't smoke. And I'm sure there's a reason for that response, so it's a reminder that sometimes it's important to ask one, or two, more questions of your patients.