The cannabis-caries connection
Laughter just feels good, doesn't it? Today's exclusive interview highlights a dentist making visits a lighter experience for his patients with nature's oldest remedy. But first: Find out which state is tightening its regulations on dentists following patient deaths.
In today's newsletter:
đź”· The heart-dental health connection
đź”· How do you scale to a bigger DSO?
đź”· A new warning about cannabis and oral health
đź”· The implications of AI in dental work
'Humor has been such a game-changer for us'
Dr. Edmund T. Zysik Jr., DDS recently offered a patient a free treatment if he could make a simple basketball shot from the exam chair. The Massena, N.Y.-based dentist failed to mention that his assistant was allowed to block that patient's shot. The exchange was posted on his Instagram account, @zysikdental, and has garnered almost one million likes (and counting).
This is just one example of how Zysik is humanizing the experience of dental visits through social media. He spoke with Dental Bite about his social media strategy and why he thinks it is such an advantage for fostering patient connections.
You often use humor to share information about dental health and your practice. How has this helped you engage with your patients?
Let’s be honest, most people don’t love going to the dentist. Whether we like it or not, that’s the hurdle we all have to get over in this profession. If we can make people laugh, get them to relax and maybe even enjoy their visit (crazy, I know), we’ve already won half the battle. That’s why humor has been such a game-changer for us. It helps patients feel more comfortable, turns routine visits into something they don’t dread and honestly, makes our days more fun, too. The patients have come to expect that and it puts them at ease.
Sometimes patients appear in your social posts. How do you ask them to participate, and what advice would you give on that?
First off, no pressure. We just keep it natural. If a patient is having a great visit and we think they’d be up for it, we ask. A simple “Hey, would you be cool with us sharing this?” goes a long way. We also make sure they know exactly what we’re posting and that they’re totally comfortable with it.
You make yourself the face of your brand and your social content. What benefits has this had on patient relationships?
At the end of the day, patients don’t just want a dentist. They want someone they like and trust. Putting myself out there has made a huge difference in how people connect with me and all of our staff. By the time they walk through the door, they already feel like they know me, which makes everything from treatment plans to small talk way easier.
What's your favorite social account to follow and why?
I love following people who make learning fun—whether it’s in dentistry, business or just life in general. The best accounts are the ones that take something people usually find boring or intimidating and make it relatable. That’s what we try to do, too, because let’s be real, no one is scrolling Instagram hoping to see a deep dive on gum disease. Specific account callouts go to @dentalnachos for great advice and connection with other dentists and @theforeverassociatedentist for a reality check of what dental associates are looking for and dealing with.
Above, Dr. Zysik pranks a patient with the help of his dental assistant. (Image and accompanying video courtesy of @zysikdental)
What's on our radar: February is Heart Month, and the Oral Health Foundation reminds us of how healthy teeth and gums can help us keep a healthy heart.
What we're reading: Cyber-attackers continue to target the healthcare industry, dental practices included. How can dentists protect their businesses and their patients?
What we're listening to: Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, talks about staff turnover on the Dentistry Uncensored podcast.
What we're attending: On Feb. 27, Colgate is hosting a webinar featuring Cameron Shahbazian, DMD, MBA. Listeners will get a beginner's guide to buying a practice and a CE credit.
Plus: Registration for the Academy of General Dentistry's annual scientific session, AGD2025, is now open.
What it takes to build a big DSO business
What does it take to build a major DSO business? Mark Costes, DDS, sits down with Matt Ornstein, co-owner of Oak Dental Partners, in this podcast episode to talk about the ins and outs of taking a DSO from $7 million to $30 million in EBITDA. Ornstein talks about his acquisition strategies and plans to grow his business even further.
Why it matters: More dentists are affiliating with DSOs. As dentists consider various practice models, they can learn about the DSO option and what it looks like to build a business in that space. (The Dentalpreneur Podcast)
The cannabis and caries connection
Cannabis is a popular recreational substance and a legal one in many states. Frequent cannabis use has been associated with oral health risks, however. A new study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) reports a link between frequent cannabis use and caries, as well as severe tooth loss.
Why it matters: Cannabis use is a part of many patients' lives. Dentists should think about ways to talk to their patients about cannabis and its impact on oral health. (JADA)
Does AI raise dental malpractice risks?
Artificial intelligence is introducing exciting new possibilities for dentistry in the realms of diagnostics and imaging, scheduling, patient engagement and more. But this quickly evolving technology also comes with risks for dental practices. The California Dental Association (CDA) delves into AI's possibilities, risks and strategies for mitigating the chance of facing AI-related malpractice claims.
Why it matters: AI is being increasingly integrated into dentistry. Dentists need to think about how that technology can help and potentially harm their practices and their patients. (CDA)
- Flossing reduces stroke risk, according to research
- Dentsply Sirona: One of America's greenest companies
- The continued debate over fluoride in drinking water
- AI dentistry startup sees $40M in venture capital funding
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