ResiDental Movement

E65: Helpful Advice on Packing & Prepping for House-Call Visits

Even with good intentions, patients often struggle to accurately describe their dental issues. They might report a "loose bridge," which could actually be something different, like a loose partial. Unlike traditional dental offices, house-call dentists must carefully prepare and bring a variety of tools based on these potentially inaccurate reports.
Preparation is key in house-call dentistry. For instance, for a loose bridge, I pack cement, an explorer, floss, and more. I also need to consider the possibility of a loose partial, broken resin, or non-restorable teeth and pack accordingly. This extensive planning is crucial to ensure I’m ready for any eventuality given the unreliable initial patient reports. To avoid misunderstandings, my practice advises that treatment might not happen until after an initial exam. 
Even for existing patients with previous records, I must be thorough in preparation. Teledentistry has its limitations and cannot fully replace in-person exams. This meticulous planning and adaptability are essential in house-call dentistry, and in this episode, I hope to illustrate some of the basics of this preparation and packing process. I go into much more detail about this topic and so much more in my online course, Dental House Call Practice Academy or DHCPA. Check out the link to find out more! Thank you for considering house-call dentistry as a career and as always I really appreciate you. 
 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy
 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
 Produced by: Social Chameleon

E64: A Few Tips on Developing Scheduling Guidelines

A listener recently asked me about scheduling systems in a house call practice. This got me excited because I could simply refer her directly to A Day in the Life of a House Call Dentist. This is the free scheduling guide I made to show you exactly what life as a house-call dentist looks like. However, I thought in this episode I would offer up some simple tips and tricks that I’ve learned when it comes to scheduling your house-call patients. When you open up your eHR, when you look at a blank calendar for the week or month, it’s exciting to know that you can fill it in whenever you’d like. That’s an incredible privilege! It also can be very overwhelming. For your eHR, I recommend Curve, a cloud-based software that I’ve been using for my practice from the beginning. Visit the link for a great deal on Curve when you’re ready to get started!One of the greatest perks of being a house-call dentist is the freedom to create a schedule This being said, Establishing boundaries around work hours is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In my journey as a house-call dentist, I’ve learned the importance of listening to my instincts and setting firm boundaries. By prioritizing my well-being and personal time, I can provide better care to my patients without compromising on my own needs. By considering procedure lengths and commute times, my assistant and I efficiently schedule appointments to optimize our workflow. Adopting the practice of appointment stacking has also helped us minimize gaps in our schedule and maximize our productivity throughout the day.Another key aspect of scheduling is understanding patient preferences. I’ve found that starting appointments later in the morning, around 9:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. aligns better with most patients' schedules. By catering to their needs and preferences, we can ensure a positive and convenient experience for everyone involved. The flexibility and autonomy that come with a house-call dentistry career are so rewarding. By implementing these scheduling strategies and principles discussed, you can build a schedule that not only meets the needs of your patients but also allows for a fulfilling work-life balance. Thank you for considering house-call dentistry as a career path—a choice that brings gratitude from both practitioners and patients alike.
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E63: Tips on Going Above & Beyond for Your Patients

In the world of dentistry, going above and beyond for patients is not just a nice gesture—it's a calling. As a dentist who truly cares about the well-being of your patients, you already strive to provide them with the best possible care. But have you ever considered what it means to go above and beyond as a house-call dentist? This week I want to explore some unique opportunities and recommendations to elevate your patient's or future patient's experience.Punctuality may seem like a basic expectation, but it can truly make a difference. Patients who are unable to leave their homes appreciate when you respect their time by arriving promptly for appointments. While unforeseen circumstances may arise, a simple courtesy call can go a long way in showing that you value their time and schedule. As a house-call dentist, you also have the opportunity to assist patients with more than just dental care. Whether it's picking up medication from the pharmacy or sending letters through the mail, these small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on patients who may have limited mobility or resources. In the realm of house-call dentistry, building relationships with patients goes beyond the dental chair. By engaging in meaningful correspondence such as sending personalized notes, reaching out during difficult times, or taking the time to listen to patients' life experiences, you solidify your connection with them. These gestures of compassion and empathy demonstrate that you truly care about them as individuals, not just as patients. Being a house-call dentist is a privilege that comes with unique opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your patients. By going above and beyond in your care, you not only enhance the patient experience but also create lasting relationships built on trust, respect, and compassion. The honor of being trusted to provide dental care in the intimate setting of a patient's home is one that should inspire you to give your best every single time.
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E62: Why Good Marketing Is Actually a Service to Your Patients

Are you considering a career in house-call dentistry but feeling hesitant about marketing your services? This week I want to share some motivating words with you, inspired by the insights I impart to my Dental House Call Practice Academy students. Consider this episode a pep talk, guiding you through the importance of marketing in the world of in-home dental services. After all the planning and preparation, it's crucial to announce your in-home dental services to the world. Your practice won't launch itself magically! Marketing plays a pivotal role in connecting you with your potential patients. In the past, traditional dentists may have relied solely on word-of-mouth, but in today's digital age, spreading the word is key.In the past marketing your dental services was often stigmatized as "icky" by old-school professionals. However, times have changed, and marketing is now recognized as a valuable tool to reach those who need your services the most. By viewing marketing as a service to your patients, you can shift your mindset from reluctance to enthusiasm. Also, marketing isn't just about promotion; it's also an opportunity to educate and build relationships with potential patients. Sharing relevant and helpful information in your ads or social posts can benefit patients even before they meet you. Additionally, showcasing your personality through marketing materials can help prospective patients feel more comfortable with your practice.By keeping service at the core of your marketing efforts, you can authentically connect with those who need your specialized care. Remember, marketing your house-call practice is a service to the individuals you aim to help. Your patients need to know you're available to assist them, and effective marketing is the bridge that connects you with those in need. Share the news about your practice proudly. So just a reminder, consider marketing an integral part of your commitment to providing exceptional dental care and be proud to promote your services, your future patients will thank you! 
 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E61: Navigating Maternity Leave as a Solo Dental Practitioner

This week I wanted to address the one question I have been getting the most recently! Many of you have written in and asked how I both planned and carried out my maternity leave recently. As a solo dental practitioner, taking maternity leave came with its unique set of challenges and considerations. In this episode, we'll dive into some insights and valuable lessons for anyone facing a leave or similar situation. Solo practitioners face distinct challenges when it comes to taking extended leave, particularly in a field where personal presence is crucial. Unlike group practices with multiple providers, solo practitioners must rely solely on themselves to maintain their practice while on leave. So this being said, one key aspect of preparing for a maternity leave as a solo practitioner is ensuring financial stability during the absence. I always want to emphasize the importance of saving up to cover expenses while not earning! The need for strategic financial planning and preparation is key. Secondly, securing a capable and trustworthy replacement during maternity leave is essential. I was lucky to find a colleague who I did my residence with to fill in but the value of having a reliable support system and network cannot be understated. Next, effective communication with patients is vital when preparing for a leave. I informed my patients about my pregnancy early on, allowing for proper scheduling and ensuring continuity of care during my absence. Returning to work after maternity leave was a gradual process for me. By easing back into clinical work slowly and strategically managing my schedule I was able to balance professional responsibilities with caring for the baby. Ultimately, the decision to reduce work hours and prioritize family time reflects a shift in priorities for me and will be unique for everyone.Balancing professional commitments with personal values alongside the importance of flexibility and autonomy in shaping one's career path is so important to me. As a solo practitioner navigating maternity leave is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of being a house-call dentist. By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to offer a valuable perspective to fellow healthcare professionals facing similar circumstances.
Handling maternity leave as a solo practitioner presents its own set of challenges, but with careful planning, a supportive network, and a willingness to adapt, it is possible to navigate this milestone successfully. I hope this episode has provided valuable insights and inspiration for those embarking on a similar journey!
 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 Produced by: Social Chameleon

E60: Why Aren’t Dental House Calls More Widely Available?

This week’s episode is inspired by a conversation I had with a fellow Dentist this past weekend. Mind you this was by no means a planned chat or networking event. My husband Chris, baby Robinson, and I traveled to the Long Island area of New York for a jiu-jitsu tournament that Chris was competing in. Typically, jiu-jitsu is the least violent martial art. There’s no kicking, no punching, and it isn’t bloody.  But as luck would have it, Chris chipped a tooth during one of his matches. Luckily in the New York City area, there are plenty of dentists open on a Sunday morning. So we got that tooth restored and his smile is as good as new.
However, when Chris was getting numb, his nice dentist asked me about my practice. When I told him that it’s a house-call practice, his first remark was “There’s a lot less competition in that.” This comment got me thinking, why aren’t dental house-call practices more widely available? Why is there such little competition? In this episode, I want to shed some light on the historical reasons behind the scarcity of house-call practices and challenge the existing norms in the dental industry. In addition, I want to address some key challenges that house-call dentists face, including ergonomic concerns, safety considerations for in-home visits, and questions about the profitability of a house-call practice.
By dissecting these barriers and offering practical solutions, such as embracing evolving dental technologies, I believe a paradigm shift towards more inclusive and flexible dental care solutions is inevitable. This is exactly why I started Dental House Call Practice Academy, an online course designed to guide prospective house-call dentists through the many ins and outs of starting their practice, ensuring they're well-prepared to embark on this rewarding journey. By fostering awareness, and collaboration among healthcare providers, and empowering dentists to embrace innovation, I truly believe a revolution in dental care is within reach.
 
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at:  ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E59: The Importance of Community for New Dentists with Dr. Ellie Halabian

On Today’s episode of the Residential Movement Podcast, we have a special guest, Dr. Ellie Halabian, the founder of the Teeth Matter Podcast, a community for dentists navigating the challenging career path of dentistry. Dr. Halabian's journey from public health to various dental settings in New York City reflects the quest for work-life harmony shared by many house-call dentists. In this episode, she breaks down her transition from public health to private dentistry and explains how it mirrors the diverse paths dentists can take in their careers. Her aim to find balance resonates with house-call dentists seeking harmony between work and personal life. By founding the Teeth Matter Podcast and community, Dr. Halabian has created a platform for dentists to connect, learn, and support each other in this demanding profession.During this episode, Dr. Halabian explains how connecting with like-minded dentists in your community can provide valuable support and insights. As regular listeners know, house-call dentistry offers a unique way to diversify one's practice and find the equilibrium many dentists aspire to achieve. However, there are also additional ways that you can diversify your practice and Dr. Halabian’s quest to build a career within varying practices, each with its own unique challenges is a shining example of how young Docs can find fulfillment and financial security in this current market. In addition to Dr. Halabian’s incredible insights, this week I’m also sharing some incredibly exciting news! enrollment for the Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA) is now open. This online course offers a comprehensive guide to establishing and growing a dental house call practice, covering everything from practice naming to patient acquisition and equipment preparation. Join this cohort to kickstart your journey in house call dentistry and visit the website to enroll. The dental community is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared knowledge among dentists. Remember, whether you're exploring house call dentistry or looking to enhance your current practice, there are resources and communities like DHCPA to support you on your professional journey.
Connect with Dr. Halabian:
Podcast
Instagram
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E58: Do I Need a Van for My Dental House-Call Practice?

When people first discover that I’m working as a house-call dentist the first question they often ask is if I have a van. Well, the truth is up until this past week I didn't have a van. My patients require care in their homes and would not benefit from a mobile dental unit. One of the huge benefits of starting a dental house-call practice is the minimal initial investment required compared to starting a traditional brick-and-mortar practice. House-call practitioners avoid the substantial expense of office space and hiring a large staff. This being said, a reliable form of transportation is one of your most important investments. 
For years my trusty Toyota Corolla served not only as my means of transporting dental equipment to patients' homes but also as my vehicle during my stint as an Uber driver. Despite the unconventional setup, I managed to operate efficiently for nearly three years, until my growing family necessitated an upgrade to a minivan. This change wasn't prompted by the need for a dental van but rather to better accommodate my equipment and ensure the safety of baby Robinson. In this episode, I wanted to remind listeners that to get started as a house-call dentist they don’t have to start with a van. As your practice grows you can always upgrade to a van to accommodate equipment or your practice's unique needs. 
I also want to remind Docs of the importance of keeping in mind the many tax advantages that come with operating a house-call dentistry practice, such as vehicle expense deductions and the potential for a significant deduction under section 179 of the tax code for vehicles used predominantly for business. In addition, it is so important to utilize tools like QuickBooks for meticulous bookkeeping and consulting with a tax professional to maximize these benefits. If you are not familiar with QuickBooks feel free to click the link here to save 30% on the first 6 months of their services.
Lastly, I want to extend an invitation to listeners interested in house-call dentistry to consider enrolling in Dental House Call Practice Academy, an online course designed to guide prospective house-call dentists through the many ins and outs of starting their practice, ensuring they're well-prepared to embark on this rewarding journey with or without a van.
 
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E57: Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Start Your Dental House-Call Practice

Regular listeners to The ResiDential Movement Podcast know how much I enjoy reading and how continued reading and education shape both my worldview and my House-Call Practice. In fact, in October 2023 I dedicated an entire episode to how reading can make us more informed and empathetic Practitioners. In this week's episode, I wanted to share my thoughts on a book I recently finished, 'Die With Zero' by Bill Perkins. This incredible book challenges the conventional wisdom of saving as much money as possible for the end of one's life. Instead, Perkins argues for a life spent maximizing experiences and fulfillment by strategically utilizing one's financial and temporal resources. 
The book's central thesis is that many people work hard to accumulate wealth but often fail to enjoy the fruits of their labor, leaving behind their peak net worth upon death. This can represent a missed opportunity for personal enjoyment and impact. Perkins suggests a more balanced approach to spending and saving, encouraging people to spend on meaningful experiences throughout their lives and consider the timing and impact of their expenditures to enhance their and others' lives. Upon reflecting on the book’s philosophy I realized how many parallels his ideas have with planning for a future in either Private Practice or House-Call Dentistry! The timing of entering the House-Call field can greatly affect one's enjoyment and effectiveness in the role. Factors such as physical fitness, financial stability, and personal fulfillment are critical elements in deciding when to pursue a career in House-Call Dentistry.
While patients may require immediate assistance, the decision to pursue this path should align with both physical readiness and financial stability. Finding the balance between readiness and opportunity is crucial in maximizing the impact of a Dental House-Call career. Though the financial rewards may be greater in the long run as an owner, the timing and potentially overwhelming debt incurred by starting your own practice might stifle your best years for giving back and making an impact. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Are you looking to save before starting your House-Call Practice or is right now the best time to take the leap? Let me know at hello@residentalmovement.com.
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Link to Episode #39 Mentioned In This Episode
 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E56: Can You Be a House-Call Dentist Without Completing a Residency?

This week, The ResiDental Movement Podcast returns after a few weeks off to welcome Baby Robinson into our family and household. Initially, I did not plan on taking a break from the podcast, but I quickly discovered what any parent already knows, babies take a lot of work and a lot of time and energy! My sincerest thanks to the audience for their understanding during my brief hiatus. My perspective on what constitutes 'real work' has humorously evolved, especially in light of managing a newborn's needs. However, it’s always a joy to bring you this show and I’m happy to be back to share my insights and perspectives on House-Call Dentistry.
In this episode, I’m addressing a question I received from a brand-new Doc. The Listener wrote in to ask, “If I haven't completed a residency, can I still be a House-Call dentist"? The short answer to this question is yes There is no certification or training to become a House-Call Dentist. My GPR helped me become more confident working with medically complex patients, and it gave me a lot of relevant experiences to make this work easier for me. I definitely think residencies are very helpful, however, while formal education and residencies hold value, nothing compares to hands-on experience, especially in House-Call Dentistry! Every Doc’s path is unique of course but sometimes, practical experience can surpass theoretical learning. 
Speaking of learning, In this episode I also break down my new role at The University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. One day a week I’ll be aiming to demystify House-Call Dentistry for students while helping to educate them on broader access to care. This is an exciting opportunity for me and in many ways an extension of the work that I’ve been doing with Dental House Call Practice Academy. If you’re not familiar with (DHCPA), it’s an online course designed to guide dentists in establishing their own House-Call practices. By outlining the benefits and flexibility of this model, I hope to inspire dentists to explore alternative career paths. 
I envision a future where dental home care is normalized within the profession, a change made possible by the pioneering efforts of current and future dentists. There is vast potential within the dental profession for innovation and adaptation and whether you have completed a residency or not House-Call Dentistry has a place for you!
 
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy 
Link to Episode #30 Mentioned In This Episode
 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit: AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon