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Welcome
to the World of Orthodontics III Class One Orthodontics/Zulauf Inc; 2004; 352 pages  |
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This updated text, as the title suggest, welcomes us to a combined philosophy of orthodontic practice that has evolved through and been modified by the experiences of two well-known educator clinicians. The first several chapters takes us through the mundane but, never-the-less necessary, thought processes that the "fledgling orthodontist" must address when initially starting a practice. We begin by hiring a staff, setting down office procedures and employee policies. The staff is then familiarized with general treatment procedures, orthodontic terminology, materials and equipment. They are taught to procure diagnostic materials, educate parents and patients on what orthodontic treatment entails, work efficiently in the laboratory and to assist chair side. There is an in-depth chapter on direct and indirect bracket bonding techniques as well as tips and protocols for bonding to difficult surfaces (porcelain, gold, amalgam etc.). This is followed by the necessary procedures for appliance and adhesive removal. Once the clinical procedures have been described, the authors then move on to the office management portion of the text. They describe reception methods and scheduling systems, the necessity for financial reporting, collection of fees, contracts and other, seemingly basic, business models that are, in large part, not taught in our orthodontic programs. Hiring and firing procedures are also covered. Practice promotion, correspondence with examples of letters and techniques for dispensing this information, leads us nicely into informatics, digital imaging, computer technology, and its effects on future office design with HIPAA compliance. This text nicely describes the myriad of issues that must be addressed when the recent graduate intends to open a new practice. It is obvious that the authors have made this journey, step by step, over many years. They have now given a new generation the benefit of their struggles with the hope that, with this tool, they will be able to avoid some of the pitfalls along the way. |
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Anthony L. Maganzini, DDS,
MSD Director of Orthodontics Montefiore Medical Center Telephone: 718-920-2385 |
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