ResiDental Movement

E53: Can House Call Dentists Make Chairside Dentist Money?

This past week, I had the honor of speaking to students at my wonderful alma mater, The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. It's funny how things change! After graduating, I never thought I'd be back there so soon. However, I was invited to speak to dental students about House-Call Dentistry, and how it transformed my life. This year's presentation was extra special as one of the students told me she had already heard about House-Call dentistry from The ResiDENTAL Movement Podcast! It's amazing to see students who are ahead of the curve. That's what the podcast is all about - encouraging more dentists and students to explore House-Call dentistry.
Speaking with this group of students was so exciting because I had some incredible news to share. I've accepted a one-day/week faculty position at UB! This allows me to contribute to the curriculum and discuss alternative delivery systems and access to care, including House-Call Dentistry. I'm beyond grateful for this opportunity to spread the word and increase access to care through formal dental education.
Now, onto a question I received from a student:
"Can a House-Call Practice provide a reasonable and equitable income?"
The short answer is yes, House-Call Dentists can make or even exceed chair-side Dentist money. As a House-Call Dentist, you control the factors that determine your income. You set your fees, and your schedule, and decide if you'll have supplemental income from other sources. It's all about setting a minimum show-up fee, determining your service fees, and scheduling enough appointments to earn the income you want.  Yes, you may have to charge high fees for the premium service of house-call dentistry, but it's worth it. Taxes are also something to consider as a House-Call Dentist, visit my link at QuickBooks for 30% off for the next 6 months!  
While exclusively practicing House-Call Dentistry may not make you the highest-earning Doc, it does provide an income fit for a Dentist and a schedule that most colleagues would envy! If you're interested in learning more about starting your Dental House- Call practice, consider joining Dental House Call Academy. It's my online course where I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting started!
Thanks for listening! I really appreciate you.
 
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

E52: How the Right Software Helps Me Keep Track of My House-Call Practice

In this episode, I want to delve into a burning question I got from a recent graduate of the Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA). The topic revolved around the challenge of managing the multitude of tasks inherent in running a Dental House-Call Practice. The grad, clearly aware of the intricacies involved, sought advice on staying organized and avoiding overwhelm. Building a Dental House-Call Practice is no small feat, and I acknowledge that the sheer volume of responsibilities can be daunting.
The first key takeaway that I pointed out to my student is the importance of delegation, emphasizing that managing tasks doesn't necessarily equate to doing them all. My recommendation was to enlist the help of a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks like answering calls, scheduling patients, and submitting claims. While I always emphasize the perks of not having a large in-person team, the value of my virtual assistant in streamlining efficiency and enhancing patient communication is invaluable!
Secondly, I pointed out the many hands-on, and in-person tasks that a Dentist in a House Call Practice must handle personally. This includes activities like sterilizing instruments, setting up for the day, sorting through mail, and cleaning the office. The delicate balance between virtual and physical tasks is a crucial aspect of successful practice management.
To address the challenge of keeping track of these tasks, I also pointed out some of my personal strategies. A detailed to-do list with a focus on maintaining accessibility is a must for me. “Time-Blocking” or scheduling dedicated time for specific tasks, is also a practical way to manage your daily workload. I think of time blocking as making an appointment with myself that cannot be rescheduled. 
However, despite all these recommendations, my main suggestion to this student was to invest in a great Electronic Health Record (EHR). Regular listeners to the show know that my EHR of choice is Curve. Curve is a cloud-based Electronic Health Record incorporating credit card integrations, patient contact automation, imaging, invoicing, reporting, and ePrescribe. However, I don’t believe I’ve ever pointed out the incredible task management tools in Curve.
Curve has a safe HIPAA-compliant to-do list where I can track my tasks and where my assistant can track hers.  This helps for virtual tasks, like reminders to call patients, but this helps me with my in-person tasks, too.  I can make notes to myself regarding particular patient cases I need to take to the lab in the to-do list. Curve also allows me to make time blocks on my schedule, so I can schedule my to-dos like packing in the morning and stuff like that. There aren’t many eHRs with organizational tools built right in, so I have to give Curve major credit for keeping me and my assistant on task.  
Utilizing Curve as a task-management software is so much better than a random notebook, or post-it notes that easily go missing. It’s also much better than having to invest in additional task-management software, like Asana or Monday. If you haven't yet I recommend you check out this incredible time-saving tool! Listeners can schedule a demo with them plus save on data conversion. As always thanks for listening, I really appreciate you!
 
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

E51: Why Choosing The Right Lab Is Vital For Your House-Call Practice

In this episode, I want to delve into the topic of choosing the right lab for your House-Call Dental Practice. I've found that selecting the right lab is crucial for ensuring a positive experience for my patient's long-term care and overall wellness. I’ve taken some time to break down an outline to highlight some key factors to consider when choosing a lab for your future or current practice.
Procedures Offered: It's essential to align the procedures you offer with the expertise of the lab. Whether it's fixed, removable, ortho, or aesthetic procedures, finding a lab that specializes in the type of work you do is incredibly important.
Quality: Opting for a high-quality dental lab is paramount. The fit, look, and patient satisfaction with the prosthetics are directly influenced by the lab's quality. This is especially crucial for house-call dentists to avoid repeated adjustments and breaks, which can waste time and money.
Proximity: Consider the distance of the lab from your practice. Having a lab nearby can facilitate faster turnaround times, safe delivery, and the ability to discuss cases with the lab technician in person.
Workflow: Whether you choose a digital or analog workflow depends on the practicality of your house call practice and the procedures your patients demand. This decision will ultimately play a role in choosing a lab that aligns with your workflow preferences.
These factors have been instrumental in my practice, and I hope they provide valuable insights for your lab selection process as well! As we all venture into 2024 I’m excited to share some updates from the ResiDENTAL Movement. I'm currently offering a 50% percent discount for the Official Membership program! Members can connect with like-minded dentists and gain access to exclusive resources and discounts.
If you're interested, you can use Promo Code 2024 for a special discount on the annual membership fee. Also, The Dental House Call Practice Academy, an online course designed to guide dentists through starting their house call practices, will be open for enrollment soon. If you're considering venturing into House-Call Dentistry, this course could be a valuable resource for you. As always I appreciate you.
 
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

E50: The Value of Your Drive Time as a House-Call Dentist

This week I want to address a common question and even critique that I often hear about House-Call Dentistry. Colleagues and fellow Docs often quip…”Don’t you feel like you are wasting your time driving to patient's homes every day”?
Personally speaking, I absolutely love my drive time as a House-Call Dentist, and I want to share with you why it's far from a waste! Despite a couple of recent fender benders, driving in Buffalo is generally smooth, and traffic is rarely heavy or stressful. Plus, I factor my drive time into my fees, so I'm not missing out on potential earrings during my drives. When I'm on the road, I get to enjoy the beautiful natural scenes and happenings around town. From changing seasons to snowy hills and summer sunsets I just love taking in the beauty of Western New York and all it has to offer.
In addition, let's not forget about the audio aspect of my drives! Listening to podcasts and music while driving is a game-changer. Podcasts are a great opportunity to learn about a whole host of topics and also get in some good old-fashioned entertainment. While we're on the topic of podcasts I want to recommend my favorite true crime pod, Dark Down East. In addition to enjoying podcasts, my drives also give me the chance to relive my glory days as the lead singer of a Dentists-only band called Central Groove. There’s nothing like rocking out to Taylor Swift in your car to infuse the day with a little energy and joy. 
However, as much as I love taking in the scenery and enjoying podcasts and music, the best part of my drive time is being able to catch up with friends and family over the phone during the day. It's something that's not possible in a traditional office setting. My drive time makes me feel free and connected, and it's definitely not a waste of time in my book!
These are just a few of the many reasons that I believe that the time driving to treat your patients is time well spent. I just wanted to share these thoughts as it’s just one more perk of being a House-Call Dentist. If you're interested in exploring the House Call Dentist lifestyle, consider joining the waiting list for Dental House Call Practice Academy. It's an amazing opportunity to learn how to build your dental house-call practice step by step. Thanks for considering a career as a House-Call Dentist – I truly appreciate you!
 
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

E49: The Role of Auxiliary Dental Providers on House Call Teams with Cathy Grinham, RDH

This week I’m so excited to welcome Cathy Grinham to the show for a wonderful conversation about mobile dentistry and new advancements in mobile scanning technology. Cathy is a Mobile Public Health, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in Massachusetts. Beyond being a dental provider with over 14 years of mobile experience, she’s an entrepreneur who alongside her husband invented a revolutionary portable, mobile, panoramic unit known as the Portopano.
 
Cathy is a prominent figure in the field of dental hygiene. She is widely recognized for her expertise, contributions, and advocacy in promoting oral health and advancing the dental hygiene profession. With over four decades of experience in dental hygiene, Cathy has made a significant impact. She has held various leadership positions, including serving as the President of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA). In these roles, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of dental hygiene practice, education, and research.
Cathy's contributions to the dental hygiene profession have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the CDHA's Award of Merit and the IFDH's Distinguished Service Award. Her dedication and passion for oral health have been inspiring and empowering dental hygienists to provide exceptional patient care and advocate for the oral health of their communities.
In our discussion, we dive into the changing landscape of house-call dentistry and telehealth dentistry. Cathy shares her experience helping underserved populations in Massachusetts while providing an overview of some of the policy changes and evolving thoughts on public health and house-call services. Cathy and I discuss the invention and implementation of the Portopano as she shares the many ways that this incredible new technology is transforming dental health and access. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in mobile or house-call dentistry and I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback about our chat in the coming weeks.
Remember what Cathy says in this episode…go out there and get started so you can also provide care to people who can’t get to the dentist! Your patients are ready for you to start your practice. If you need any help with that, join the waitlist for the next cohort of Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA). DHCPA is an online course that provides a step-by-step roadmap for establishing your dental house call practice. You can join the waitlist at residentalmovement.com/dhcpa. If you’re ready to get started, I’m here to help you!
 
Connect with Cathy: 
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Mobile: 508.813.6034
 
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

E48: Increase Access to Care Without a Stressful Schedule

I recently had a great conversation with a listener who's working at an FQHC and is considering her next career move after fulfilling her student loan forgiveness agreement. She's passionate about serving patients in need but is feeling burnt out by the demands of public health. If you're listening to this podcast, chances are you're also dedicated to providing dental care to underserved communities, possibly in a public health setting. I get it - that's where my career started too. I shared with the listener my own experience of feeling conflicted about the limitations of public health dentistry. While I have immense respect for those who dedicate their careers to it, I knew it wasn't the long-term path for me. And if you're feeling the same way, considering a shift to house-call dentistry might be the perfect next step for you.
The beauty of house-call dentistry is that it allows you to focus on individual patient needs rather than efficiency. You can spend quality time with patients who are homebound and medically complex, providing personalized care and education to both patients and their caregivers. It's a stark contrast to the rushed nature of public health settings. As a house call practice owner, you have the freedom to set your own schedule and prioritize quality over quantity. Imagine being able to spend more time with fewer patients each day, all while having the flexibility to structure your day according to your preferences.
If this sounds appealing to you, I encourage you to explore the Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA), an online course that provides a step-by-step roadmap for building your own dental house call practice. It's everything I wish I had known when I started out. If you want a glimpse of what your day could look like as a house call dentist, check out our free scheduling guide, A Day in the Life of a House Call Dentist. The flexibility and low-stress nature of house call practice ownership, combined with the ability to increase access to care, make it a truly unique and rewarding career choice. If you have any questions or want to learn more about DHCPA, feel free to reach out to us at hello@residentalmovement.com.
Thanks for tuning in! I truly appreciate your support. Keep making a difference in the lives of those who need it most!
 
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

E47: Looking Back At the Past Year While Looking Ahead to the Next

I'm really grateful that you are taking the time to tune in this week, especially during this busy time of year! 
Last week, I talked about reflecting on your dental house call practice's performance and setting goals for the new year. This week, I want to share my personal reflection on the ResiDENTAL Movement with you. I reached my 2023 goals, but more importantly, it helped me set goals for the community in the coming year.
In 2023, I committed to being more consistent with creating podcast episodes, which was a challenge with all the other things going on in life. But with the help of my podcast production agency, I achieved that goal. Teamwork really does make the dream work!
I also created the Dental House Call Practice Academy, which was something I wished I had when I started my own practice. It's been a new journey for me, and I'm excited to improve upon it based on the feedback from the first cohort of students.
In 2024, my goal is to grow the audience and the community. I'll be more active on social media to spread the word about dental house calls. I also want to expand the ResiDENTAL Movement Official Membership to help more house-call dentists connect and grow.
I'm sharing my goals with you because accountability is important to me, and I'd love to hear your feedback. If you have any requests or suggestions for the new year, please reach out to me. Your input is valuable to me.
Thanks again for tuning in. I really appreciate you! See you in 2024!
 
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit:  AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon

E46: Year-End Reflection for Dental Practices

As the New Year approaches I’m so grateful for a season of reflection and planning for how my house-call practice can both grow and serve members of my community. The New Year is always an ideal time to examine best practices for both tracking and evaluating where your house-call practice is going in 2024.  
In this episode, I want to address the importance of conducting an end-of-year reflection on dental practices. I hope to emphasize the significance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and offer actionable insights and tips to help dentists assess their practice's performance, set goals, and make informed decisions for the upcoming year.
From evaluating active patients and treatment scheduling to assessing revenue and expenses, this annual review will highlight the use of technology, such as EHR software and QuickBooks, to streamline data collection and analysis. Tune in to gain invaluable advice for implementing this reflective practice in your dental business and discover how it can lead to both professional and personal growth.
 
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit:  AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon
 

E45: Meet the Need and the Demand Will Follow

Are you considering starting your own dental house-call practice but are unsure of the demand in your area? Don't worry, I've been there too! When I started AccommoDental, I wasn't sure if there would be enough demand for house calls. But let me tell you, there is a significant need for this service. While demand refers to the number of people actively seeking a service, it's important to understand that need and demand are not always the same thing. There may be people in your community who desperately need dental care but are not aware that house-call dentistry is an option. That's where you come in!
Consider this: there are millions of homebound adults and children with special needs or limited mobility who require dental care. These individuals find it challenging to visit a traditional dental office, and they need your help. By starting a dental house call practice, you can make a real difference in their lives. Instead of solely focusing on measuring demand, I recommend looking at the needs of your community. How many people suffer from medical conditions like MS or dementia? What's the age demographic in your area? By exploring these factors, you can assess the need for house-call dentistry.
Once you start meeting that need, the demand will likely grow as more people become aware of your services. And trust me, there can never be too many dentists on the ground when it comes to providing in-home dental care. So, don't worry too much about gathering data and measuring demand. Your dedication to pursuing dental house calls is truly appreciated by me and all your future patients. Together, let's transform the way dental care is delivered and ensure that everyone has access to quality oral health services.
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit:  AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon
 

E44: Determining the WHY Behind Your House Call Practice

Recently, here in my hometown of Buffalo, NY, we’ve had some snow. Now I'm sure that comes as little surprise to anyone who knows anything about Buffalo! I'm usually not the type to complain as soon as snow falls, but I want to mention the weather because the recent snow made me a bit nervous. Normally, I love snow. I enjoy skiing and think it's pretty, but this year feels different. However being pregnant, I can't go skiing, and with a new home, packing my car for house calls in the snow is a new experience for me. I'm being extra cautious as I move equipment around from house to house because slipping and falling could cause problems not just for me, but for the baby on the way.
Dealing with winter weather during pregnancy is just one of the challenges that house call dentistry has presented me with. Challenges are a natural part of this profession and I see them as opportunities to overcome and grow. When faced with challenges, I need to remember my WHY - why I do this every day. I always need to remind myself of the purpose behind my practice. Today, I want to share an exercise with you that can help you determine your WHY - the reason behind your practice and why you offer house calls.
This exercise is part of my course, Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA). If you're new to this podcast, you may not be familiar with DHCPA. It's a comprehensive digital course that guides you through building your dental house-call practice step by step. I'm excited to share more about (DHCPA) in the coming weeks because I've received great feedback from students and an improved version will be available in the new year. 
Listeners might think reflecting on your WHY is a bit cheesy, but trust me, it's one of the most crucial things you can do when planning your future. So I hope this episode sparks pondering some deeper questions and encourages you to take some time to reflect on your purpose and mission during these last weeks of 2023.
 
Sign Up to Become An Official Member of the ResiDENTAL Movement
 
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
Visit:  AccommoDental
Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation
 
Let’s Get Social:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
 
Produced by: Social Chameleon