ResiDental Movement

This week, I wanted to share an important announcement about taking a brief summer break from the podcast. I reflect on my journey of starting my house-call dental practice focused on underserved and medically complex patients. In addition, I also discuss my growing involvement in teaching at my alma mater, which I’m finding both fulfilling and enjoyable. My decision to align the podcast schedule...

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elizabeth Ike, the owner of Comfort Home Dental in New Jersey. Elizabeth, a recent Housecall Practice Academy graduate, shared her inspiring journey from the initial idea of starting her housecall dental practice to seeing her first patients within a year. Despite the challenges of moving and obtaining new licenses, she successfully launched her p...

In this episode, I share my experiences attending two significant dental conferences this month: the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference (Denobi Awards) and the Special Care Dental Association (SCDA) meeting. At the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference, it was a privilege to be nominated for a Denobi and to connect with various professionals who are passionate about mobile dental...

In this episode, I share a quick and practical tip for managing your house-call practice's phone line using VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Learn why it's crucial not to use your personal cell phone number and the benefits of having a dedicated VoIP number, including remote assistance, call tracking, and multiple voicemail recordings.  We'll delve into the importance of choosing HIPAA-complia...

This week I wanted to address some inquiries from listeners about why I chose to establish a house-call dentistry practice. Inspired by Simon Sinek's Ted Talk, 'Start with Why,' I explain my personal motivations and the significant unmet needs within my community, particularly for patients who cannot leave their homes for dental care. I share experiences from my hospital residency and personal lif...

In this episode, I share a recent office hours conversation with a Doc who was feeling conflicted about the next step in her career. She was burned out from traditional practice ownership and struggled with team management and financial stress. I recommended that she consider owning a dental house call practice, which offers the benefits of low debt, no team, and significant flexibility, making it...

In this episode, I wanted to discuss a topic that has been frequently brought up by listeners! The safety of conducting dental house calls. After nearly four years of experience, I have never faced significant safety issues. So I’m reminding listeners of some practical tips from previous episodes on how to ensure safety, such as hiring an assistant, keeping your phone nearby, and situating yoursel...

This week I wanted to address a listener's question about the essentials for starting a house-call dental practice. I want to clarify that you do not need a specialized mobile dental van—any mode of transportation, like a simple minivan or even a small car, will suffice. Sharing my personal journey, I discuss how I started with a basic suitcase and evolved to using the Milwaukee Packout system, a...

This week, as we enter the New Year, I wanted to address the pervasive issue of dentist burnout, a challenge that has shadowed our community for years. With a recent survey revealing that 40% of dentists feel unable to continue in their roles, it's crucial to explore the root causes of this stress, including financial burdens, workplace conflicts, time management issues, high-pressure procedures,...

This past year marked a turning point in my journey as an in-home dentist when I received my first one-star Google review after years of house calls with five-star feedback. While some could view it as a setback, it offered invaluable insights. The review originated from an encounter with a patient who had severe scent sensitivities, which required me to adjust not only my professional protocols b...

This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the multitude of blessings that 2024 has brought into my life. This year marked an incredible personal milestone with the addition of our beautiful baby girl. Watching my husband transition into his role as an amazing father has deepened my love for him even more. His unwavering support allowed me the flexibility to return to work at my own pace and e...

When dental professionals discuss the current state of oral healthcare within senior communities, a recurring theme emerges; the profound need for change and attention to this often-overlooked aspect of elder care. Observations I’ve had from various interactions—from social media discussions to direct communications with peers—highlight a distressing trend: a systemic inadequacy in providing quali...

Embarking on a journey to become a house-call dentist is not about obtaining a specific certification but about gaining hands-on experience and a passion for improving patient lives. The initial stages can be daunting, yet offering simple services such as at-home denture adjustments can significantly enhance patient care. It is crucial for dentists aspiring to provide house calls to recognize the...

In today's fast-paced world, pursuing house-call dentistry is about more than just patient care—it's about advocacy and change. As a fee-for-service dentist, I’m often at pains to explain why I don't accept traditional dental insurance, which typically overlooks the value of home visits. This can sometimes make for difficult conversations, as people struggle to understand the true costs and the si...

In this episode, I wanted to take a moment to share a poignant story about a patient I’ll call James Doe. Over a year ago, James reached out, seeking help for a sharp tooth problem that was cutting his tongue. When I first visited his charming home, I was greeted by his wife, Elaine, and navigated through their cozy residence to find James seated in a recliner. Our initial appointment was filled w...

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their colorful descent in Western New York, it's more than just a signal that fall is on its way. September marks a key moment to step back and focus on your business, especially if you’re running a dental house-call practice. With the kids back in school and a brief respite before the holiday rush of Q3, this is the prime time to conduct a thorough audi...

This week I wanted to address why starting a dental house-call practice doesn't have to lead to a mountain of debt. While traditional brick-and-mortar practices can cost upwards of half a million dollars, a dental house-call practice can be launched for as little as $30,000. Opting for cost-effective equipment and making savvy choices, like sterilizing at a friend's practice initially, can signifi...

This month marks the two-year anniversary of The ResiDental Movement Podcast! I initially created this podcast to shine a light on the critical necessity for in-home dental care, which remains as crucial today as it was when the first episode aired. Despite some progress, there's still a glaring gap in access to dental care for homebound patients. This being said it’s my hope that this podcast has...

Welcome to this week’s reflections from the Residential Movement. This week’s episode is inspired by a tough house call I recently faced when a patient was unable to cooperate causing an unproductive appointment. Unlike a traditional dental office where such moments might get lost in a busy day, these situations feel more pronounced. The effort of packing up, driving to a patient’s home, and then...

Starting a dental house call practice can be a rewarding venture, but it’s crucial to get your legal foundation right from the outset. As a licensed professional, you need to protect yourself and your patients by making informed decisions about your business structure. Begin by consulting with a lawyer who can guide you in choosing the right legal entity, such as a Professional LLC (P LLC), which...

In this week's episode, we tackle a common question that Dentists ask me in emails or on social media: “Why don't I share more patient photos online”? This query arises from the trend of using patient photos to attract social media followers, who could potentially become new patients. However, posting identifiable patient photos without explicit permission is a violation of HIPAA laws. While it mi...

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...

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 i...

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 recommendatio...

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 pr...