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May 6, 2024 | 
dentistryiq.com | Brent Pohlman |Elizabeth S. Leaver |Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg
Although noncompetition agreements (NCAs) have been a staple in associate dentist employment agreements for decades, there could soon be a seismic shift regarding a practice’s ability to limit where an associate can work. This is the result of a rule that was recently issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In a 3-2 vote on April 23, 2024, the FTC adopted a final rule that essentially bans all NCAs arising from the employer/employee/independent contractor relationship.
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Apr 19, 2024 | 
dentistryiq.com | Nina Garlo-Melkas |Annie Walters |Tija Hunter |Rebecca Boartfield
As diabetes continues to surge worldwide, the link between diabetes and gum disease is becoming an increasingly important topic of scientific study. Ignoring dental care in diabetes management raises health risks and costs. Fortunately, new dental technology helps diagnose and treat illnesses faster, benefiting patients and society.
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Apr 18, 2024 | 
dentistryiq.com | Vicki Cheeseman |Annie Walters |Tija Hunter |Rebecca Boartfield
Every three minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke.1In 2024, an estimated 26,890 new cases of stomach cancer will occur.2In 2023, 10,660 liver transplants and 27,329 kidney transplants were performed, both record numbers.3In the US, there are approximately 110,000 new cancer diagnoses related to head and neck cancers and 17,000 deaths.4What does all this have to do with dentistry?
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Apr 17, 2024 | 
dentistryiq.com | Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg |Pamela Maragliano-Muniz |Meg Kaiser
HR experts Rebecca Boartfield and Tim Twigg, of Bent Ericksen & Associates, address some of the latest concerns they've received from dentists. QUESTION: We had an expensive piece of equipment break in the office. The employee who broke it has been seen mishandling dental equipment before, which I have discussed with him in previous meetings. I told him he had to be careful with the equipment, but it seems like he’s not following my instruction.
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Apr 17, 2024 | 
dentistryiq.com | Annie Walters |Tija Hunter |Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg
Nitric oxide (NO), a gas that is enzymatically produced in the saliva, has proven to be a molecule of immense benefit to a patient’s oral and systemic health.
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Apr 11, 2024 | 
dentistryiq.com | Nina Garlo-Melkas |Annie Walters |Tija Hunter |Rebecca Boartfield
Scientific evidence of the connection between oral infections and overall health is steadily increasing. A recent doctoral dissertation from the University of Turku, in Finland, reveals that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of severe infections in the head and neck area, requiring hospitalization. Simultaneously, it is found that investments in oral health and dental care can reduce the costs, complications, and mortality associated with these infections.
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Jul 19, 2023 | 
dentistryiq.com | Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg |Elizabeth S. Leaver |Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
HR experts Rebecca Boartfield and Tim Twigg, of Bent Ericksen & Associates, address some of the latest concerns they've received from dentists. QUESTION: When we give an employee a write-up and they refuse to sign it, what do we need to do or say? ANSWER: There are several options that can be deployed if an employee refuses to sign a disciplinary write-up: Ask the employee who refuses to sign the document to write at the bottom, "I refuse to sign" and initial their written statement.
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Jul 7, 2023 | 
dentaleconomics.com | Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg |William P. Prescott
Have you seen posts similar to this on social media? “Dr. Smith is a terrible employer. He doesn’t appreciate his workers, he pays low wages, and he plays favorites. It’s why I quit!” That’s not a real quote, but it could be. We’ve seen versions of it throughout the years, some significantly worse and more disparaging. Even if this hasn’t happened to you, it’s probably something you worry about, even if just a little bit.
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Jul 7, 2023 | dentaleconomics.com | Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg |William P. Prescott
Have you seen posts similar to this on social media? “Dr. Smith is a terrible employer. He doesn’t appreciate his workers, he pays low wages, and he plays favorites. It’s why I quit!” That’s not a real quote, but it could be. We’ve seen versions of it throughout the years, some significantly worse and more disparaging. Even if this hasn’t happened to you, it’s probably something you worry about, even if just a little bit.
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Jun 5, 2023 | 
dentaleconomics.com | Rebecca Boartfield |Tim Twigg |John A. Wilde |David Phelps
While it’s true that mistakes happen, avoiding them when you can is the best practice. But what’s the best part about mistakes? Learning from them. If you’re lucky, sometimes you can even learn from others’ mistakes and avoid a problem altogether. Here are some common mistakes we see happening in the world of employment compliance. If you’re looking for ways to shore up your practice and ensure compliance, fixing these (if they’re happening in your practice) is a great place to start.
