News + Issues

Dental student develops the job-finding site he wishes he’d had

I’m not an advertising executive. But my imagination stands to tell you about a website called Dental Potential. I had it developed during my senior year of dental school to help resolve the job seeking scenario many D4s find themselves in. I found it takes a lot of effort to find the right practice. A lot of this effort is unnecessary and leads to frustration. I imagined a site where dentists all over the country would post their practices and positions online so I could see them on a map, and filter out the ones that best suited me. It would be free for everyone. It would save everyone time. Most importantly, it would result in more dentists finding the right practice for them.

Management + Leadership

How gratitude can help build your network

thank-youThank You. Danke. Merci. Gracias. Simple words, powerful words and a powerful concept. It is amazing how far a simple thing like saying thanks will get you. Have you ever found that you feel better when someone tells you thank you or expresses their gratitude for your work? I certainly have. It is an uplifting experience. Showing gratitude in any interaction leaves a positive impression on those with whom you have associated. As you participate and serve others you may not do so for recognition or reward, but you still feel a swell of good emotions when someone reaches out and notices you’re work and effort…

News + Issues

Finding Nemo at the dentist’s office: why aquariums are so popular

463693681(1)Have you ever wondered why many dentists have aquariums in their offices? It’s not just a coincidence! Believe it or not, aquarium therapy is a legitimate concept. The use of fish tanks, aquariums, or even digital images of fish in aquatic environments can provide potential health benefits to people in various ways. Having an aquarium in a dental office gives patients something to watch and contemplate while they wait in the lobby. This can lead to significant reduction in their stress and anxiety levels.

News + Issues

Talk less, do more

465520267Mentalis. Buccinator. Risorius. As dental students, we are all familiar with speaking—well, at least we’re familiar with what muscles are used in speaking. Dental students rely heavily on interpersonal communication with our faculty, our peers, and our patients. Our goals for patient care often include a change in habit, whether it is flossing more or quitting smoking. Though the bulk of habit formation relies on the patient, a sizable burden rests on how we communicate those goals to the patient. But when it comes to that communication, our approach is sometimes backwards!

Sponsored

Create your insurance login, get a $5 coffee card

ADA Members Insurance Plans_Blog Thumbnail ImageEligible ASDA and ADA student members automatically receive both ADA-sponsored Student Members Life and Disability Insurance.* Insurance is the cornerstone of a solid financial plan and having it in place will better prepare you for your future dental career. Read this post to see what your ADA student member insurance provides and to get a free $5 coffee card!

Advocacy

Help ASDA reduce barriers to care

84469760(1)This past April, ASDA members from across the U.S. came together in Washington, D.C. to advocate for improving access to care. ASDA joined with the ADA and a host of other dental organizations to urge our legislators to support The Coordination of Pro Bono Medically Recommended Dental Care Act (S. 466/H.R. 963). These bipartisan bills create a grant program to help meet the medically recommended dental needs of low-income individuals. Specifically, the program would give $2 million to fund health navigators to match patients with needs and dentists willing to perform the treatment at no cost to the patient.

News + Issues

Pulling back the curtain on oil pulling

coconut oilThe topic of oil pulling usually sparks the same types of responses:

“Oil what?”

“Twenty minutes?”

What type of oil?”

Yes, oil pulling. The act of oil pulling involves the user placing a teaspoon to a tablespoon of their choice of oil in their mouth and gently swishing it around for 20 minutes. The term “pulling” is referring to the medicinal action of the oil “pulling” out toxins and bacteria from the user’s blood stream. Keep reading to learn more about this health craze!