ResiDental Movement

E75: The Evolving Role of House-Call Dentistry in Senior Care Communities

When dental professionals discuss the current state of oral healthcare within senior communities, a recurring theme emerges; the profound need for change and attention to this often-overlooked aspect of elder care. Observations I’ve had from various interactions—from social media discussions to direct communications with peers—highlight a distressing trend: a systemic inadequacy in providing quality dental care to individuals residing in senior living facilities. In places ranging from assisted living environments to skilled nursing homes, oral care frequently falls short, exacerbating health challenges for residents who deserve better support for their dental needs.
The core of the issue lies in the prevalent disconnect between caregivers and the specialized demands of oral health. Many facility staff members lack the specific training necessary to manage and maintain dental hygiene effectively for older adults, who face unique challenges due to aging and decreased autonomy. Busy and often understaffed, caregivers struggle to dedicate time to dental care, resulting in minimal attention and poor standards of care. This situation calls for more dental professionals to fill the gap, ideally through house call practices that can provide personalized and consistent care directly to residents.
The solution? More house-call dentists. Our model allows for tailored care that focuses solely on the individual needs of patients, rather than merely ticking a box for compliance. House-call dentists have the opportunity to advocate for improved standards and to raise awareness among families about the importance of regular dental visits for their loved ones. So as house-call dental practices grow, there is hope that through innovation and dedication, the status quo can be changed to ensure that oral health becomes a priority in senior residences, rather than an afterthought.
 
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Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
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E74: My Thoughts on Continuing Education for House-Call Dentistry

Embarking on a journey to become a house-call dentist is not about obtaining a specific certification but about gaining hands-on experience and a passion for improving patient lives. The initial stages can be daunting, yet offering simple services such as at-home denture adjustments can significantly enhance patient care. It is crucial for dentists aspiring to provide house calls to recognize the value of continuous learning, even though no single Continuing Education (CE) course will officially qualify them to offer such services. Being a lifelong learner is invaluable, further augmented by mandated CE requirements that ensure professionals stay adept.
Upcoming conferences provide fantastic opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and enrich one’s expertise. The recently canceled SCDA conference, now rescheduled for March 2025, represents an excellent chance to engage with groundbreaking topics in hospital, geriatric, and special needs dentistry. Additionally, the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference in March next year offers unique insights tailored specifically for mobile dental professionals. For those preferring the digital route, online CE courses are a viable, affordable alternative—conveniently accessible from home.
Running a successful dental house-call practice requires more than just clinical skills. It's about understanding the business side of this niche and seizing learning opportunities that align with personal and professional growth. This is why the Dental House Call Practice Academy was created, designed to guide aspiring house call dentists through establishing their practice. It encapsulates the knowledge needed to model a fulfilling career in this dynamic field, rooted in a commitment to continuous improvement and patient care excellence.
 
Free Master Class 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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E73: The Peaks & Valleys of Dental Insurance on My House-Call Journey

In today's fast-paced world, pursuing house-call dentistry is about more than just patient care—it's about advocacy and change. As a fee-for-service dentist, I’m often at pains to explain why I don't accept traditional dental insurance, which typically overlooks the value of home visits. This can sometimes make for difficult conversations, as people struggle to understand the true costs and the significant worth of these services. However my commitment remains to deliver care and comfort to those who cannot easily access it, and I stand by the fair pricing that reflects the quality and convenience of my practice.
Every house call is an opportunity to bring vital dental services to patients who are homebound, often dealing with complex health issues. Despite the emotional burden some conversations carry, I'm driven by the understanding that my work makes a meaningful difference in people's lives. Patients and their families realize the immense value of my services, which go beyond mere convenience—they offer security and dignity, far surpassing the additional costs they might incur otherwise.
Looking ahead, my goal is to ensure that in-home dental care becomes a standard service, readily covered by dental insurance. While current policies can be discouraging, there are moments of hope! For instance, an insurance company recently contacted me with questions about why a house-call fee was necessary, signaling a possible shift in understanding. With each patient I care for, I work towards a future where house-call dentistry is the norm, inspiring other dentists to join this transformative movement. Every visit is a step towards changing the landscape of dental care, one house call at a time.
 
Free Master Class 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
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E72: Owning a Practice That Doesn't Own You

In this episode, I wanted to take a moment to share a poignant story about a patient I’ll call James Doe. Over a year ago, James reached out, seeking help for a sharp tooth problem that was cutting his tongue. When I first visited his charming home, I was greeted by his wife, Elaine, and navigated through their cozy residence to find James seated in a recliner. Our initial appointment was filled with heartfelt conversations; James regaled me with stories about his five kids, grandchildren, and his adventurous past, including his service in the military and a long career that took him around the world. After treating his immediate dental issue, I advised James that he needed a comprehensive oral exam to address other dental concerns—advice he surprisingly heeded.
Weeks later, I returned for a complete examination and treatment planning session. James and Elaine were faced with tough choices, such as whether to undergo transportation for oral surgery or to manage his condition at home. Elaine’s emotional response emphasized the overwhelming nature of caregiving and the importance of support systems. Despite the challenges, James made pragmatic choices typical of many of my patients: opting for SDF placements and focusing on visible restorations to maintain his appearance. Unfortunately, James's health took a downturn, leading to a temporary stay at a care facility where dental hygiene was not prioritized. This exacerbated his dental issues, and upon his return home, we had to adjust our treatment plans.
The story reached a touching and insightful conclusion during our last session. James, now bedridden and beset by rheumatoid arthritis, chose comfort over aesthetics for his dental care. He shared life lessons with me, reflecting on the time he wished he could reclaim to spend with his family. This sentiment resonated deeply, reinforcing my own philosophy of valuing time and cherishing moments with loved ones. House-call dentistry, as James' story illustrates, is not just about medical procedures—it’s about connecting with patients on a personal level and making a profound impact on their lives. This fulfilling practice model is a unique and rewarding career choice that stands apart from traditional chair-side dentistry. If you’re interested in exploring this path, I invite you to join my free masterclass, “Own a Practice That Doesn’t Own You.”
 
Free Master Class 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
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Produced by: Social Chameleon

E71: Why Autumn Is The Perfect Time for an Audit on Your House-Call Practice

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their colorful descent in Western New York, it's more than just a signal that fall is on its way. September marks a key moment to step back and focus on your business, especially if you’re running a dental house-call practice. With the kids back in school and a brief respite before the holiday rush of Q3, this is the prime time to conduct a thorough audit of your practice. Assess whether you achieved your goals, identify any shifts in priorities, and set new objectives that reflect your evolving vision. This reflective pause can ensure that your practice is not just surviving but thriving as you head into the new year.Taking a day off from patient appointments may seem counterintuitive, but it's crucial for long-term growth. When I evaluated my progress and personal goals after becoming a mom, I recognized a paradigm shift where quality time with my daughter took precedence over strict income targets. This led me to establish firm boundaries, such as limiting patient appointments to align better with my personal life. The nimbleness of a house call practice allows for these kinds of quick adaptations, sparing you from bureaucratic hurdles and long waiting periods that can plague traditional practices.For those still in the early stages of establishing a dental house-call practice, now is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in learning and strategic planning. My free ebook, "A Day in the Life of a House Call Dentist," and the comprehensive online course, Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA), offer valuable resources to get started. Taking decisive action today can set the stage for a successful 2025, providing the structure and momentum needed to reach your professional and personal goals. Whether you're adapting your current practice or starting anew, use this September to make impactful changes that will benefit you and your future patients.
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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E70: Why Cash is King When Starting Your House-Call Practice

This week I wanted to address why starting a dental house-call practice doesn't have to lead to a mountain of debt. While traditional brick-and-mortar practices can cost upwards of half a million dollars, a dental house-call practice can be launched for as little as $30,000. Opting for cost-effective equipment and making savvy choices, like sterilizing at a friend's practice initially, can significantly reduce startup costs. This low-budget approach provides the flexibility to invest more as you grow your practice, avoiding the looming burden of servicing massive loans.The key to a debt-free start is discipline! Much like dieting, saving cash requires spending less than you make, just as losing weight requires consuming fewer calories than you burn. This process may not be easy, but it is straightforward. Building your practice with cash rather than financing ensures you won't be working just to keep up with loan payments. Instead, you'll have the freedom to adjust your schedule as needed and truly enjoy your work, all while providing your patients with excellent care free from financial pressures.It's essential to remember that living debt-free isn't about luxury; it's about security and freedom. Saying no to unnecessary spending allows you to save for significant purchases, providing peace of mind and the ability to make choices without financial strain. Starting your dental house-call practice with cash not only sets a solid financial foundation but also allows you to work without desperation, making your professional life more fulfilling. For support and advice on beginning your journey, reach out at hello@residentialmovement.com. Thank you for joining me on this path to financial freedom and professional satisfaction.
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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E69: The World Still Needs More House-Call Dentists

This month marks the two-year anniversary of The ResiDental Movement Podcast! I initially created this podcast to shine a light on the critical necessity for in-home dental care, which remains as crucial today as it was when the first episode aired. Despite some progress, there's still a glaring gap in access to dental care for homebound patients. This being said it’s my hope that this podcast has inspired many to explore house-call dentistry, highlighting a unique opportunity for dental care practitioners willing to think outside the traditional clinic setting.
A recent debate in a dental Facebook group sparked a critical discussion about the role of dentists in improving access to comprehensive dental care. The dialogue touched upon whether independent dental hygienists could help mitigate this gap, a suggestion I remain skeptical about. However, the argument reinforced the urgency for more house-call dentists. With millions of homebound individuals needing dental care, setting up practices that specifically cater to these patients can make a tremendous impact. By embracing this model, dentists can address a massive unmet need, empowering both their professional practice and the lives of countless patients.
Simple math shows that if each of the 4 million homebound adults has access to a house-call dentist, the dental care crisis could be resolved with just 10,000 dedicated professionals. As nearly 7,000 dentists graduate each year, it’s a realistic goal within reach. The world desperately needs more House-Call dentists, and if you're ready to step up, resources are available at the ResiDental Movement website to help you get started. Let's come together and become the change that’s so urgently needed.
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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E68: Remembering Your Why When Times Get Tough

Welcome to this week’s reflections from the Residential Movement. This week’s episode is inspired by a tough house call I recently faced when a patient was unable to cooperate causing an unproductive appointment. Unlike a traditional dental office where such moments might get lost in a busy day, these situations feel more pronounced. The effort of packing up, driving to a patient’s home, and then dealing with a challenging situation can be disheartening. However, these moments are a part of the profession, and it’s important to know how to navigate through them.
To get through tough times, I always remember that it’s vital to revisit your ‘Why.’ Remembering your purpose—why you chose this path—helps during difficult days. Whether you're doing house-call dentistry to increase access for homebound patients, for time freedom, or to be your own boss, ensure your 'Why' is meaningful beyond just monetary gain. For instance, my mission to provide dental care to the homebound always keeps me motivated even on days when I'm feeling down. So remember, the key to enduring these tough times is to embrace your deeper motivation and stay committed to your mission. 
If you're serious about building your house call practice, consider joining the Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA). This online course provides a structured roadmap for house-call dentists. Enrollment is open at ResidentalMovement.com/DHCPA. Remember, by staying true to your mission and continuously learning, you can overcome challenges and make a positive impact. Thank you for being part of this journey, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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E67: The Basics of Forming a Strong Legal Foundation for Your House-Call Practice

Starting a dental house call practice can be a rewarding venture, but it’s crucial to get your legal foundation right from the outset. As a licensed professional, you need to protect yourself and your patients by making informed decisions about your business structure. Begin by consulting with a lawyer who can guide you in choosing the right legal entity, such as a Professional LLC (P LLC), which is required in several states for licensed professionals. My own journey began with this vital step, avoiding pitfalls by not attempting to form an LLC by myself.Once your legal entity is established, the next important moves involve setting up a business bank account and securing insurance. After your state approves your legal business name and issues a tax ID or employer ID number (EIN), you’ll need to open a business bank account to track your finances accurately. This effort ensures that all business-related expenses are easily managed and utilized for tax purposes.Only after these steps are in place should you focus on obtaining insurance, as your agent will need your business details for accurate coverage. To make this process less daunting, I developed the Dental House Call Practice Academy, a course offering a step-by-step framework based on my experiences. I understand the challenges since I didn't take business classes during my education, but I successfully navigated through them, and so can you. If you're considering entering this unique and valuable field, visit ResidentalMovement.com/DHCPA for more information and resources. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions at hello@ResidentalMovement.com. The world needs more house-call dentists, and I’m here to help you get started!
 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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E66: Why I Don't Share Patient Photos Online: A House-Call Dentist's Perspective

In this week's episode, we tackle a common question that Dentists ask me in emails or on social media: “Why don't I share more patient photos online”? This query arises from the trend of using patient photos to attract social media followers, who could potentially become new patients. However, posting identifiable patient photos without explicit permission is a violation of HIPAA laws. While it might be easier to share radiographs or clinical photos, sharing a patient’s face requires informed consent, which isn’t just a matter of getting a signature but involves a detailed conversation about privacy.As a dental practitioner who makes house calls, the dynamics of seeking consent are even more nuanced. Many of my patients are dealing with complex medical conditions and prefer not to draw attention to their personal spaces. Early in my practice, I learned that presenting a media consent form could make patients feel uncomfortable. As a result, I no longer initiate these conversations to avoid triggering negative feelings. While I believe there may be patients willing to give permission for photos, maintaining a strong, trusting rapport with them takes precedence over social media content.
On a practical level, social media is not a significant referral source for my practice, and we remain busy without posting patient photos. While patient photos can be enticing for outsiders, many of my patients don't even use the internet. Instead, I focus on creating more meaningful content through podcasts and blogs, which help other dentists learn about this career option and enhance their practices. All this being said I still love it when listeners connect with me on Instagram or email me. In addition, listeners can visit the blog version of today's episode and past episodes if they prefer to read the content. Your feedback on how you prefer to learn online is always welcome, as it helps me to better serve you and the future of house-call dentistry.
 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
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