“I had previously donated to the Red Cross to help Haiti and then I saw a special segment on CNN and I knew I had to do more.” said San Clemente Owner Doctor Darin Reagan.   That’s exactly what Dr. Reagan and his team at San Clemente Dental Group did.

The office decided that they would volunteer their services, come in on a Saturday and partner with their patients.  San Clemente Dental Group contacted their patients through e-mail and phone to offer an opportunity to receive previously diagnosed dentistry for a flat donation to the Red Cross in support of Haiti.

“We wanted to do something to make a difference and help those poor people and this was a way to get involved.” said Barb Vartanian office manager.  The office targeted patients who needed a crown or an onlay so that they could put their CEREC machine to work and provide patients with the “right fit” all in a day.

It was a great opportunity for the patient to get a great deal with a tax write-off, receive the dentistry they needed, and help someone in need.  Talk about a win, win, win for the patient.

Dr. Reagan and his team were able to win as well because it allowed them to strengthen their relationship with their patients and use their talents to help others who desperately need assistance.  At the end of the day the San Clemente team was able to see 10 patients and raise $5,000 for the victims of Haiti.

Great work Dr. Reagan, Barb, and the rest of the San Clemente team.

You can also watch the above video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlXrxnteg8E

Our December Winner Cassi!

Here is our Colorado – I’m a BIG DEAL winner for December!! Cassi Foster our BC from Marketplace Dental Group . She has been nominated every month since we began the award.  We had 14 different nominations for December for various team members and the momentum is growing each month. Staff is really getting involved recognizing our top performers and it is great fun to watch, and get the stories about why they want the person they are nominating to win!

She is a joy to work with and truly is a BIG DEAL!!  Congratulations to Cassi!!!

Congratulations to our Colorado PDS November “I’m a Big Deal Award” – Employee of the Month

Dr. Tuchklaper is Kind of a Big Deal

Dr. Scott Tuchklaper – Associate Dentist from Orchard Dental Group and Orthodontics in Westminster, CO.

Dr T won a $250 Gift Certificate to Knezel Photography for a Family Photo with his brand new sweet baby daughter, and a commemorative plaque.

The Colorado Region “I’m a Big Deal Award”  Award Criteria is:

Must be Excellent in the following areas

• Can do attitude, passion and purpose
• Perfect Patient Experience
• Attendance
• Appearence
• Teamwork

Great job Dr. T!

President & CEO Steve Thorne

It’s amazing to me that most dentists still practice dentistry the same way my grandfather did for 50 years; and he retired about 30 years ago!  Yes, bridges and partials were common practice for him.  I don’t believe he ever did an implant.  He used film to take x-rays (most dentists in America still use film).  He also sent his crowns out to laboratories and told his patients to come back two weeks later for a delivery, hoping that the patient’s temporary didn’t come off and the crown would fit.

Check out this video clip from David Letterman prodding at dentists in America for their deficiency in practicing Modern Dentistry (a concept that PDS is pioneering).  It’s an excellent commentary; a true patient’s viewpoint on what patients want from their dentist!  Patients don’t want goopy impressions.  Patients don’t want multiple visits.  Patients don’t want temporaries that simply fall off.  Patients want to be offered up-to-date techniques and the best possible care.  They deserve to have their dentist practicing Modern Dentistry. At PDS we are continually working to make sure that patients don’t have the same experience as Mr. Letterman.

To all of our colleagues in the world of dentistry, what advancements have you seen add real value to your patient’s experience?  What are ways that you have helped make your patients love coming back to your office?  If we can make going to the dentist an efficient and enjoyable experience for everyone; it’s a benefit for all!  Tell me your thoughts.

P.S. Mr. Letterman, I would love for you to experience true Modern Dentistry at any PDS affiliated office any time you want, compliments of me!

Video Courtesy of Youtube®

The following article provides insight into the changing trends within the dental industry. There is a good explanation of typical dental practice settings and where basic financial metrics fall. You will see a good explanation of the benefits of larger dental practices and how management companies alleviate some of the headaches and add value within this setting. This reasonably explains and helps confirm the logical existence of a dental management organization like Pacific Dental Services, Inc.

Please read the article below and feel free to come back and comment:
The Emergence of the Dental Practice Management Company – By Thomas A. Climo, PhD, Courtesy of Dental Economics

What trends do you see happening in the dental industry? What pros and cons do you feel this brings upon the dental field? We would like to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles Rodgers, DDS
Vice President of Clinicians

Today we  announced that all 195 affiliated practices have migrated from paper charts to electronic dental records (EDRs). The technology is user-friendly because it mimics the way that providers have traditionally used paper charts. EDRs are fully integrated with existing practice management solutions, such as patient treatment plans, charges, insurance records, digital x-rays, appointments and billing. By incorporating EDRs, PDS affiliated owner doctors are now able to run their practices more efficiently while enhancing patient care.

“We are committed to providing dentists with state-of-the-art resources for their practices, and our affiliated dentists have seen a tremendous value in EDRs. Patients’ records are more precise, can be located quickly, and are backed-up to minimize the impact of catastrophic events. Furthermore, our PDS network is secure so patients can be assured that their privacy will continue to be maintained,” said Steve Thorne, Pacific Dental Services founder and president.

Photo Courtesy of waynemah via Flickr

“Using EDRs has been such an advantage in running my practice. Ultimately, I was pleased that PDS offered my office the opportunity to make the transition to EDRs so that I can open a chart and study it from any workstation in my office. The time I would have spent locating my patients’ charts can now be allocated to treating the patients themselves,” said Lance Rygg, DDS. “Of course, the fact that EDRs are environmentally friendly, require less storage space, and are backed-up in the event of an emergency are also great benefits.”

Our goal is to allow dentists to concentrate on providing the highest levels of cost-effective patient care by providing business support services including human resources, marketing, daily operations, billing and collections, with ongoing educational training and strategic financial and practice development planning. The Company continues to grow, reporting a revenue growth of $102M, increasing from $178.8M in 2005 to $280.8M in 2008. Additionally, 136 new offices have been opened between 2005 and today increasing the number of employees and affiliated dentists to more than 3,000.

We are excited to be part of the modernization of dentistry and business. What other advancements in dentistry would you like to become a standard? Comment below and let us know where you think the world of dentistry is going or where you would like it to be.