June 29, 2009

Take part in our annual office relationships survey
Get 4 CE credits for $10 by taking this course and entering code DAD0609 by July 14
CE: Anesthetic agents and computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery in dentistry -- earn 4 CE credits
CE: Occlusion, function and parafunction: Understanding the dynamics of a healthy stomatagnathic system -- earn 4 CE credits
CE: Methamphetamine abuse: oral implications and care -- earn 4 CE credits
What you need to know about fireworks safety
VIDEO: The history of the Fourth of July
Learn more about the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries

 The ADIA is a component of the largest professional implant society in the world, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Become involved with the ADAA today

 The American Dental Assistants Association is the oldest, largest group representing professional dental assistants.
Learn more about the AADOM

 The American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) is an organization of professional office managers, patient coordinators, insurance and financial coordinators, and treatment coordinators of general and specialized dental practices.
Learn more about DANB

 DANB is the nationally recognized premier certification and credentialing agency for dental assistants. Since 1948, the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB), a nonprofit organization, has played a vital role in the oral health-care community.



Leading Off
Looking back at PDA 2009 and moving forward
DAD Editor Kevin Henry looks back at a successful Professional Dental Assisting (PDA) conference in Texas.
Studying for the DANB CDA exam: advice from DANB
At the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB), we frequently hear, "How do I study for a DANB exam?" Here are some tips and strategies.
It's in the numbers
Steve Spadaro, president of ADAA, says that a recent survey shows 86% of ADAA's dental assistant members come to work educated in an ADA-approved dental assisting program and have continued their education as a working professional. He talks about this and other survey findings.
The self-directed assistant — creating value in everything you do
Start thinking of the dental practice as a business and yourself as a key business associate. As a business associate you owe it to yourself and your business to create value in everything you do, says Amy Morgan, CEO of Pride Institute.
Clinical Knowledge
Current recommendations for infection control
It is essential to keep up with the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations for infection control, notes Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA.
KOMET Korner: Q&A with Niki Henson, RDA
In this month's installment, Niki Henson, RDA, answer your questions about how to deal with sales reps, what courses assistants should take to further their education, and how to make dental assisting a long-term career.
Measuring the value of time
Natasha V. Welsh, CDA, EFDA, explains how CAD/CAM has opened up new opportunities in fostering personal growth, increasing occupational development, and creating an opportunity for assistants to contribute directly to overall office production.
It's Your Life
Harassment: an ounce of prevention
Tim Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, explains what you need to know about harassment issues in the dental practice.
Crushed ice for Dad
After watching the effort her son went through to get his dad a cup of crushed ice, Niki Henson, RDA, asks you if you're putting forth your best effort every day.
Gossip ... The "Langolier" that will eat away the heart and soul of your dental practice!
Though most gossip is benign, it can easily spiral out of control into untruths that could cause another person harm, pain, or confusion, says Cynthia McKane-Wagester, RDH, MBA.
VIDEO: Dental assistants and CE
Consultant Christine Taxin explains why it's so important for dental assistants to continue to expand their knowledge through CE.
For the Front Desk Assistant/Office Manager
What you need to know about coding for lasers
Tom Limoli Jr., helps you understand the complex world of coding laser procedures.
Scheduling for productivity, profitability, and stress control (Part 2)
Following last month's article, the smoothness of days, providing excellent patient care, and producing the necessary amount of dentistry daily depend on scheduling strategies, points out Cathy Jameson.
Overriding office policy: Can the office still operate smoothly if exceptions are made?
Sabrina Hinkle, EFDA, shares a story about Nicole and how she didn't survive the office manual's rules and the discipline of the office manager. Is it better to always adhere to the rules or lose a valuable employee? You decide.
From the ADIA
Greetings from the ADIA
This month, ADIA executive director Lynn Mortilla tells you about a new product that can help you in your practice.
Dental meetings from a dental assistant's point of view
From an earlier issue of Dental Assisting Digest, Kimberly M. Pajak, CDA, explains why she gets so frustrated at dental meetings.
Building the implant team
ADIA executive director Lynn Mortilla explains the role of everyone in the dental office and how they come together to make a successful dental implant practice.
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