Practice Agility Advisor - April 2023 Edition
Welcome to the April edition of the Sowingo Practice Agility Advisor!
April showers bring May flowers, and with tulips already poking out we can look forward to more sun and warmer weather. As the grass starts to green and trees begin to bloom, relax and enjoy this issue of Practice Agility Advisor.
In the latest issue, we’ve added three new articles that focus on the relationship between staff and patients, how great communication skills can prevent practice churn, and how AI is impacting the dental industry. Plus, read about Sask. Polytech providing free dental care for Ukrainian immigrants. Lastly, learn about Sowingo's newest inventory management feature which alerts you of low inventory!
Practice Tips
Excellent phone skills are essential for a receptionist to perform their duties effectively. Patients often form their first impression of a dental practice through their interactions with the receptionist, making it crucial for them to convey a professional and friendly demeanour over the phone. Read More
A positive and trust-based relationship between your staff and patients can significantly impact patient satisfaction, retention, and referrals, ultimately contributing to the practice's success. That’s why it’s important to provide practical strategies for building and sustaining these relationships. Read More
Looking to revolutionize your dental practice and provide the best care possible to your patients? With AI technology, it's easier than ever before! Learn more about the options available to you and how to get started. Read More
Industry News
Sask. Polytech in Regina provides free dental care for Ukrainian Immigrants | April 1, 2023
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Regina hosted a free dental care and wellness day for new Ukrainian immigrants on Saturday. The event included presentations by nursing students, table clinics about smoking and nutrition, and oral hygiene instruction. Read More
Yukonomist: Designing a new Yukon dental program | April 2, 2023
Yukon Dental is a new program designed by the government to provide $1300 per year in dental coverage to lower-income Yukoners without existing dental coverage. The income cut off is $60,000 for individuals, rising with the number of children. Read More
Oral Cancer Awareness Month | April 4, 2023
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which emphasizes the importance of good oral health and having your mouth checked for signs of oral cancer. Learn more about ways that you can improve your dental health. Read more
‘Dramatic’ increase in teeth clenching, grinding during pandemic: dentist | April 5, 2023
Bruxism is a dental condition that is being diagnosed more frequently by Dr. Scott Leckie, dentist and president of the Manitoba Dental Association. The increase in diagnosis has been 'dramatic' and the major link to the climb in cases is stress. Read More
Dental hygienists prepare for influx of people who haven’t had teeth cleaned for years | April 5, 2023
Sylvie Martel, director of dental hygiene practice at the Canadian Diagnosis Association, said the program would likely cost more at the beginning because of an influx of people whose teeth require extensive cleaning and dental work, including for cavities, extractions and dentures. Read More
Students raise nearly $6K with ‘Walk for a Smile’ event | April 6, 2023
Cambrian College's Dental Hygiene program held their 20th annual Walk For A Smile event to raise money for Cambrian's community dental clinic and Northern Ontario Families of Children with cancer. Read More
Dental services available for Guelph’s low-income children, seniors | April 7, 2023
April is Oral Health Month, and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is reminding residents of local programs to ensure everyone has access to the care they need. The Healthy Smiles Ontario program provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services to eligible children and youth 17 and younger from families with limited income. Read More
Hamilton has 300 low-income seniors waiting for dental care | April 8, 2023
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) provides comprehensive dental care to low-income seniors age 65 and older with an annual income of $22,200 or less and no other coverage. Read More
Thousands of Canadians missed out on federal housing and dental benefits: report | April 18, 2023
David Macdonald, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, has found that only 44% of those eligible for the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit actually received it, while just over half have received the Canada Dental Benefit. Read More
Canada has a dental assistant shortage. Experts worry it’ll only get worse | April 18, 2023
The dental assistant shortage in Canada has been ongoing for years, and with the federal government's new dental care plan, many dentists may not be able to meet patient demand. Read More
Feature Highlight
Receive Weekly Low Stock Alert Emails
In the latest update to the Sowingo platform, we’ve created a weekly automated email if inventory has dipped below your minimum level. Simply navigate to My Profile, then under Email Preferences, click the checkbox to receive weekly low stock alerts. You’ll never have to go searching for low stock products again!