Dr. Tracy Adams, Professor and Chair in the Department of Sociology at Western University, spoke with Dr. John O’Keefe about the constantly evolving concept of public interest and its impact on dentistry.  Read Dr. Adams’ article: Professional Self-Regulation and the Public Interest in Canada (PDF) Highlights The regulation of professional groups has often been justified as being in the public interest. In recent decades, policymakers in Anglo-American countries have questioned whether self-regulating professions have truly served the public interest, or whether they have merely acted in their own interests. Based on legislative records and policy reports an exploration is undertaken of meanings ...

Dr. John O’Keefe spoke with Dr. Jaime Edelson, FDI Council Member and general dentist in Mexico City, who made a change for the better in public dentistry for school children: introducing mandatory brushing in public schools in Mexico City.  Highlights As a continuation of his work with FDI, Dr. Edelson was instrumental in introducing a public health measure to improve the health of kindergarten and primary school children. Public schools in Mexico City have adopted a new mandatory tooth brushing program which will be supervised by teachers in the hopes of reducing the prevalence of dental decay. In Mexico City, ...

Timothy Brown returns to speak with Dr. Suham Alexander about two different dental practice owners. The changing landscape in the dental industry also brings about changes in how dentist owners view their dental practices. Highlights iDentist, is a trademarked concept which refers to the dentist as an “investor” dentist with a very entrepreneurial outlook on the business. These dentists, alone or in partnership, accumulate multiple practices and thrive on growing their businesses. In general, these dentists tend to have spontaneous, ambitious, energetic and dynamic personalities. In contrast, “I, the dentist” is a dentist who prefers to operate his/her solo practice. This owner enjoys ...

Have you ever had to take a break from practice due to illness and lost confidence in yourself as a competent clinician because of these circumstances? If so, would you be prepared to share your story and give advice, on a totally confidential basis, to a colleague who is now emerging from a dark tunnel, but feeling very nervous about getting back chairside? If the answer to both questions is “yes” I invite you to keep reading. A couple of weeks back I received an email message from a colleague who had read an editorial of mine, written in 2008, ...

Dr. John O’Keefe spoke with Drs. Paul Allison and Carlos Quiñonez about a recent meeting held at McGill University that centred on access to oral healthcare. Highlights The panel discussion was set-up as part of a 2-day symposium dealing with outreach and health delivery systems. There was much learning about models of delivery and resulting outcomes. The panel discussion was open to the public. The panelists were made up of representatives of two groups with difficulty accessing care, those in poverty and those with physical disabilities: Dr. Antonia Maioni, Dean, Faculty of Arts, McGill University Dr. Peter White is a dentist ...

In this video, Dr. Suham Alexander asks Timothy Brown, President and CEO of ROICorp, to give dentists the basics on practice appraisals. A is for APPRAISAL All owners should have their practice(s) appraised at regular frequencies. An appraisal is a document that supplements other relevant and important personal and professional documents, including wills, financial statements etc. The document can be used for various purposes such as insurance, divorce settlements, disability or death amongst others and most obviously, practice sales. The document is not actually written for the owner but, for the intended reader. B is for BROKER The appraisal document ...

Highlights Dr. Deborah Battrum, an endodontist from British Columbia, spoke with Dr. John O’Keefe about an issue that has been on her mind lately. Since the election of a new American President who denigrates women, minorities and those with disabilities, Deborah feels uncomfortable purchasing equipment and supplies made in the United States. This issue is important and close to Deborah’s heart; she feels as Canadian dentists we should not be supporting goods and products from countries whose morals and values do not align with ours. Currently, it is not easy to find products or supplies from other countries other than ...

Dr. Larry Levin spoke with Dr. Chiraz Guessaier about his attendance at the recent Health Canada Opioid Conference on November 18, 2016. The conference discussed relevant issues related to the harmful effects of opioid use. Highlights The Canadian government is aware of the crisis that has been growing over the past years. Canada is second worldwide in opioid use. The initiative was co-chaired by the federal and provincial (Ontario) ministers of health. A broad spectrum of stakeholders were invited to participate including first responders, doctors, long-term addiction care workers, social workers, and members of affected families. What is the role ...