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 with heartfelt conversations; James regaled me with stories about his five kids, grandchildren, and his adventurous past, including his service in the military and a long career that took him around the world. After treating his immediate dental issue, I advised James that he needed a comprehensive oral exam to address other dental concerns—advice he surprisingly heeded.

Weeks later, I returned for a complete examination and treatment planning session. James and Elaine were faced with tough choices, such as whether to undergo transportation for oral surgery or to manage his condition at home. Elaine’s emotional response emphasized the overwhelming nature of caregiving and the importance of support systems. Despite the challenges, James made pragmatic choices typical of many of my patients: opting for SDF placements and focusing on visible restorations to maintain his appearance. Unfortunately, James's health took a downturn, leading to a temporary stay at a care facility where dental hygiene was not prioritized. This exacerbated his dental issues, and upon his return home, we had to adjust our treatment plans.

The story reached a touching and insightful conclusion during our last session. James, now bedridden and beset by rheumatoid arthritis, chose comfort over aesthetics for his dental care. He shared life lessons with me, reflecting on the time he wished he could reclaim to spend with his family. This sentiment resonated deeply, reinforcing my own philosophy of valuing time and cherishing moments with loved ones. House-call dentistry, as James' story illustrates, is not just about medical procedures—it’s about connecting with patients on a personal level and making a profound impact on their lives. This fulfilling practice model is a unique and rewarding career choice that stands apart from traditional chair-side dentistry. If you’re interested in exploring this path, I invite you to join my free masterclass, “Own a Practice That Doesn’t Own You.”

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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 audit of your practice. Assess whether you achieved your goals, identify any shifts in priorities, and set new objectives that reflect your evolving vision. This reflective pause can ensure that your practice is not just surviving but thriving as you head into the new year. Taking a day off from patient appointments may seem counterintuitive, but it's crucial for long-term growth. When I evaluated my progress and personal goals after becoming a mom, I recognized a paradigm shift where quality time with my daughter took precedence over strict income targets. This led me to establish firm boundaries, such as limiting patient appointments to align better with my personal life. The nimbleness of a house call practice allows for these kinds of quick adaptations, sparing you from bureaucratic hurdles and long waiting periods that can plague traditional practices. For those still in the early stages of establishing a dental house-call practice, now is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in learning and strategic planning. My free ebook, "A Day in the Life of a House Call Dentist," and the comprehensive online course, Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA), offer valuable resources to get started. Taking decisive action today can set the stage for a successful 2025, providing the structure and momentum needed to reach your professional and personal goals. Whether you're adapting your current practice or starting anew, use this September to make impactful changes that will benefit you and your future patients.

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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 significantly reduce startup costs. This low-budget approach provides the flexibility to invest more as you grow your practice, avoiding the looming burden of servicing massive loans. The key to a debt-free start is discipline! Much like dieting, saving cash requires spending less than you make, just as losing weight requires consuming fewer calories than you burn. This process may not be easy, but it is straightforward. Building your practice with cash rather than financing ensures you won't be working just to keep up with loan payments. Instead, you'll have the freedom to adjust your schedule as needed and truly enjoy your work, all while providing your patients with excellent care free from financial pressures. It's essential to remember that living debt-free isn't about luxury; it's about security and freedom. Saying no to unnecessary spending allows you to save for significant purchases, providing peace of mind and the ability to make choices without financial strain. Starting your dental house-call practice with cash not only sets a solid financial foundation but also allows you to work without desperation, making your professional life more fulfilling. For support and advice on beginning your journey, reach out at hello@residentialmovement.com. Thank you for joining me on this path to financial freedom and professional satisfaction.

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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 inspired many to explore house-call dentistry, highlighting a unique opportunity for dental care practitioners willing to think outside the traditional clinic setting.

A recent debate in a dental Facebook group sparked a critical discussion about the role of dentists in improving access to comprehensive dental care. The dialogue touched upon whether independent dental hygienists could help mitigate this gap, a suggestion I remain skeptical about. However, the argument reinforced the urgency for more house-call dentists. With millions of homebound individuals needing dental care, setting up practices that specifically cater to these patients can make a tremendous impact. By embracing this model, dentists can address a massive unmet need, empowering both their professional practice and the lives of countless patients.

Simple math shows that if each of the 4 million homebound adults has access to a house-call dentist, the dental care crisis could be resolved with just 10,000 dedicated professionals. As nearly 7,000 dentists graduate each year, it’s a realistic goal within reach. The world desperately needs more House-Call dentists, and if you're ready to step up, resources are available at the ResiDental Movement website to help you get started. Let's come together and become the change that’s so urgently needed.

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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 dealing with a challenging situation can be disheartening. However, these moments are a part of the profession, and it’s important to know how to navigate through them.

To get through tough times, I always remember that it’s vital to revisit your ‘Why.’ Remembering your purpose—why you chose this path—helps during difficult days. Whether you're doing house-call dentistry to increase access for homebound patients, for time freedom, or to be your own boss, ensure your 'Why' is meaningful beyond just monetary gain. For instance, my mission to provide dental care to the homebound always keeps me motivated even on days when I'm feeling down. So remember, the key to enduring these tough times is to embrace your deeper motivation and stay committed to your mission.

If you're serious about building your house call practice, consider joining the Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA). This online course provides a structured roadmap for house-call dentists. Enrollment is open at ResidentalMovement.com/DHCPA. Remember, by staying true to your mission and continuously learning, you can overcome challenges and make a positive impact. Thank you for being part of this journey, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

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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 is required in several states for licensed professionals. My own journey began with this vital step, avoiding pitfalls by not attempting to form an LLC by myself. Once your legal entity is established, the next important moves involve setting up a business bank account and securing insurance. After your state approves your legal business name and issues a tax ID or employer ID number (EIN), you’ll need to open a business bank account to track your finances accurately. This effort ensures that all business-related expenses are easily managed and utilized for tax purposes. Only after these steps are in place should you focus on obtaining insurance, as your agent will need your business details for accurate coverage. To make this process less daunting, I developed the Dental House Call Practice Academy, a course offering a step-by-step framework based on my experiences. I understand the challenges since I didn't take business classes during my education, but I successfully navigated through them, and so can you. If you're considering entering this unique and valuable field, visit ResidentalMovement.com/DHCPA for more information and resources. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions at hello@ResidentalMovement.com. The world needs more house-call dentists, and I’m here to help you get started!

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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 might be easier to share radiographs or clinical photos, sharing a patient’s face requires informed consent, which isn’t just a matter of getting a signature but involves a detailed conversation about privacy. As a dental practitioner who makes house calls, the dynamics of seeking consent are even more nuanced. Many of my patients are dealing with complex medical conditions and prefer not to draw attention to their personal spaces. Early in my practice, I learned that presenting a media consent form could make patients feel uncomfortable. As a result, I no longer initiate these conversations to avoid triggering negative feelings. While I believe there may be patients willing to give permission for photos, maintaining a strong, trusting rapport with them takes precedence over social media content.

On a practical level, social media is not a significant referral source for my practice, and we remain busy without posting patient photos. While patient photos can be enticing for outsiders, many of my patients don't even use the internet. Instead, I focus on creating more meaningful content through podcasts and blogs, which help other dentists learn about this career option and enhance their practices. All this being said I still love it when listeners connect with me on Instagram or email me. In addition, listeners can visit the blog version of today's episode and past episodes if they prefer to read the content. Your feedback on how you prefer to learn online is always welcome, as it helps me to better serve you and the future of house-call dentistry.

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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 instance, for a loose bridge, I pack cement, an explorer, floss, and more. I also need to consider the possibility of a loose partial, broken resin, or non-restorable teeth and pack accordingly. This extensive planning is crucial to ensure I’m ready for any eventuality given the unreliable initial patient reports. To avoid misunderstandings, my practice advises that treatment might not happen until after an initial exam.

Even for existing patients with previous records, I must be thorough in preparation. Teledentistry has its limitations and cannot fully replace in-person exams. This meticulous planning and adaptability are essential in house-call dentistry, and in this episode, I hope to illustrate some of the basics of this preparation and packing process. I go into much more detail about this topic and so much more in my online course, Dental House Call Practice Academy or DHCPA. Check out the link to find out more! Thank you for considering house-call dentistry as a career and as always I really appreciate you.

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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Produced by: Social Chameleon