Big announcement!

After 15 years of service at UT Southwestern, I will be ending my faculty appointment at the end of 2017, to dedicate more time to Ellis Orthodontics and to my family.  This is an exciting and bittersweet event for me - my years on the faculty have been both challenging and rewarding.  The oral surgery faculty is one of the best in the world and I am fortunate to have worked with so many great people.  While I expect that there will be an orthodontist replacing me at UT, my patients are welcome to join me at my private office.  I will accommodate patient transfers gladly.

For my patients at Ellis Orthodontics, I look forward to continuing the pursuit of orthodontic excellence in 2018 with a refreshed and renewed focus on my private practice.  Thank you for your business and for the opportunity to be your orthodontist!

Happy 4th of July, friends!

The Ellis family is looking forward to tomorrow's 4th of July celebration in Lakewood.  We love our traditions - it all starts tonight when we talk about waking up early and doing the Lakewood fun run.  Occasionally that happens, but more often we rack it out of bed, throw on clothes and race over to find a place to sit and watch the parade.  For 12 years we have talked about having a float, and I'm sure the topic will come up again tomorrow.  For the record, my daughter has been on a float once.  So I have moved that off my bucket list.  The thing we never miss are the fireworks - we always manage to get our act together by 9pm one way or another!

I hope you all have a great time doing whatever you do to celebrate our great country.  Given all the political rancor that is nearly impossible to avoid, we need a day to lay aside our disagreements and recognize that all of us, regardless of political affiliation, are so blessed to live in freedom.  May that always be the hallmark of the USA.

Happy 4th of July, friends!

Summertime Smiles

We have been super busy at Ellis Orthodontics this summer creating healthy, beautiful smiles.  It has been a lot of fun seeing my cute, braced up patients around the neighborhood, at the pool and in the office.  If you have been thinking about improving your smile through orthodontic treatment, summer is a great time to start!

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Is maintaining your dental health possible on a budget?

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I am posting this because it has been on my mind quite a bit lately.  The business person side of me understands (all too well) the importance of business cash flow from billable care but the health care provider side of me knows that some people just can't afford the cost of care at the prices we have in Dallas.  My schizophrenic dental personality is well represented in the raucous public discussion over our healthcare system.  One side calls for universal "free" healthcare while the other demands a  free market marketplace.

It is a privilege to work with good people who value their oral health to the point that they are willing to sacrifice other things for the sake of their teeth.  Dentists have spent many decades working to increase what we call the dental IQ - basically understanding the importance of good oral health - of the general public, only to reach the point that our high dental IQ patients fear that they cannot afford what they know they need to do.  

Prevention is always the best way to keep your dental costs down.  Establish good dental hygiene practices early and your teeth will benefit.

 Below you will find my do's and don't list of how to maintain your dental health without breaking the bank.

DO:  Brush after eating and before bed.  Floss.  Practice prevention by establishing a relationship with a dentist and see that same dentist every 6 months or more often if recommended.  Address problem areas in your mouth before they become bigger problems.  Wear a mouthguard for sports where your teeth are at risk.  Use Fluoride toothpaste.  Obtain orthodontic treatment if the position or fit of your teeth causes you problems with cleaning and/or chewing.  Reduce stress.  Life a healthy lifestyle.

DO NOT:  Smoke. Use chewing tobacco.  Eat or drink sugary foods in between meals.  Go to bed without brushing your teeth.  Visit the dentist only when a problem comes up.  See a different dentist every time you see the dentist.  Ignore dental pain.  

Your oral health often is a reflection of your overall health.  Take care of your body and it will save you big bucks in the long run.

The near-total worthlessness of Relying on on-line reviews

It is rare that a week goes that I don't receive a solicitation by some company to boost the number of my online reviews to help me grow my business.  Of course, this help comes with a contract committment and monthly fees - adding several $1000 to my cost of doing business annually.  As a healthcare provider, I know that my patients are price conscious and do not want to spend their healthcare dollars on unnecessary stuff, I always ask myself "how will this purchase help me deliver better orthodontic care?", before adding expenses to my (already pretty steep) overhead.  If the answer is "yes - my patients will benefit from this purchase!", then I either make the purchase right away or begin saving up for a future purchase.  Believe me, not all new toys make the cut.   High quality brackets that make treatment more efficent and are easier for me to use - YES!, I buy those.  Costly promises of more Google review - NO!, that adds nothing to the quality of the orthodontic care found at Ellis Orthodontics.

Not only does focusing my attention on my on-line reviews drive up overhead, they also take my attention off patient care and put it on something I call "how to game the system".  What do I mean by "game the system"?  Well, that would be the age old idea that you can short cut the tried and true method of orthodontic success - persistent, consistent, committment to your patient's orthodontic health and wellbeing, with a get-rich-quick sceme via a lot of on-line reviews.  The more I worry about what is on-line, the less time I am able to spend focusing on my patients.  (what an ironic thing to post in a blog!)

The idea that healthcare businesses can game the system to get rich quick thanks to the internet  is very popular propaganda with lots and lots of self-proclaimed marketing experts, these days.  I have found that the best ROI for my business is delivering really good care and treating my patients like I would want to be treated.  If you want to leave an on-line review, great.  But I refuse to buy into the idea that Google has more influence on the success of my business than I do.

SEO and Google - friend or foe of small business?

As a the owner of a new orthodontic office, I am always on the lookout for new ways to increase the patients seeking orthodontic treatment at my business.   Many other new dentists and orthodontists seek the same thing.  When we talk about what can be done to increase business the one thing that constantly comes up is SEO - search engine optimization - which is needed to drive a website to the top of Google searches.  Blogging new content apparently helps do this.  Numerous businesses are available to do the posting for me; of course with a fee.  I've considered it but have not pulled the trigger yet. 

I haven't pulled the trigger because the posts that I have seen are of no real value to anyone other than the paid for SEO optimizers and Google.  The information posted is common sense stuff that you already know like brush your teeth, flossing is good, smoking is bad, mouth-guards protect teeth and tons of dental humor.  Paying money to appease Google while adding zero valuable information to the public, other than a dental humor inspired giggle, just doesn't make sense.  Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot and all that my business needs is a steady stream of goofy teeth comics and dental platitudes posted daily to Facebook and on my blog to really take off.  Somehow I doubt it.

So valued patients and curious blog readers, know that I respect your intelligence and value your time.  Ellis Orthodontics presently considers Google more foe than friend of small business and will feed the beast with regular postings that I hope you find fresh, interesting and valuable.

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Straightening teeth, running a business and blogging some thoughts, oh my!

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In the post, I am going to blog a little about what it is like to be a business owner, particularly an owner / operator of a start up orthodontic office in an established (and awesome!) area of Dallas.  After opening Ellis Orthodontics in the Fall of 2015, I have been surprised at how many people are intrigued and curious about my experience "sticking it to the man", also known as becoming self employed.  So this blog is here for posterity, and to encourage others who may be considering or doing the same thing.

First of all, my experience with business ownership runs to all ends of the spectrum of feelings.  It is fun and exciting one day, and anxiety provoking and frustrating the next.  As a start up office, the anxiety provoking days are many, but the fun, exciting and rewarding days increase with time.  I believe that I feel a greater thrill with each success of my new business that those felt by seasoned business-people.  I suppose this is much like the way it is thrilling to see a baby take their first steps, but hardly a second thought to watch a 10 year old run down the sidewalk to visit a friend.  The newness of each success stands as proof that my business is making that slow but steady progression towards maturity.  In order to enjoy each success, I have come to realize that it is best to look at my practice and it's growth as an adventure and a project, not as a business plan.  While the plan is important, if I only judge my office on whether or not I meet a metric, that takes all the fun out of it.

 I've also come to realize that being a business owner is not something that is just one part of who I am, it has profoundly effected all of who I am.  Let me explain....because this sounds a little crazy and I don't what to leave any reader with the impression that business ownership will diminish the other areas of life like family, community, spiritual, etc.  Rather, as a business owner, I see things differently now, and consequently I participate differently and think differently in settings outside of my office.  For example, I have become much more patient with the struggles others are going through, as I have a very real knowledge of just how difficult and challenging and scary life can be at times.  Of course we all KNOW these things, but that knowledge is with me quite acutely now, as opposed to buried somewhat deep in my memory. 

For anyone considering opening a business or any new dentists/ orthodontists considering hanging out a shingle, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am happy to share the good, the bad and all the stuff in between with you about what it really is like.  

Merry Christmas to all!

I hope all of you have had a very Merry Christmas with much rest, relaxation and reflection.  This year, I spent Christmas in a small town in Iowa with my husband's family.  Although Pella only has about 12,000 residents, it makes up for in charm what it lacks in amenities.  We had a great time and even got to see a little snow!

Our fun time in Iowa got me to thinking about our neighborhood and what makes Lakewood and Lake Highlands such a great part of Dallas in which to live.  Namely, we are able to live in a small community with tons of charm AND enjoy all the amenities of big city living that Dallas has to offer.  I truly love seeing my friends and neighbors around the 'hood, at our unique local restaurants, helping out at the schools, and of course, at Ellis Orthodontics.  The Ellis family is so blessed and so thankful for all of you that have trusted us with your orthodontic care.

Merry Christmas from Ellis Orthodontics, y'all!

Just do it!

Ah, the holiday season is here once again!  I don't know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.  I LOVE all the decorations, cozy clothes, excitement and anticipation that make the Thanksgiving/ Christmas / New Years season so special.  But I HATE the overwhelming feeling that hits about the morning of the Dallas Marathon, when I look at my to-do list and panic that it will never be done on time.  

Last week I was thinking about how I can approach the holidays differently, to improve the Love part of our relationship and reduce the other part.  My solution - I need to quit worrying about what won't get done and just do it!  Taking my mind off the worries and putting it on the preparation has done wonders to improve my mood this year.  

So how does this relate to orthodontics?  I have come to realize that many of my adult patients have a similar love/hate relationship with the idea of braces.  They love the idea of straight, healthy beautiful teeth but hate the anxiety they feel about braces as an adult.  As an orthodontist who has seen the great benefit that adults can receive from orthodontic care, I encourage anyone considering treatment to put the worries aside and just do it.  I have yet to have any adult tell me they wish they hadn't straightened their teeth - and have lots and lots tell me how glad they are that they did.

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.  Ellis Orthodontics is blessed to have so many wonderful patients and colleagues to work with.  We are grateful for your support this year and always.

 

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My advice when looking for a dentist....

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I subscribe to a local Facebook page and am surprised at how often people ask for advice in finding a dentist.  Fortunately many good names are handed out, so it seems that query by Facebook may, at least in this instance, be a good way to find a dentist.  That said, I would suggest a few other things.

1. Go to a private practing dentist and avoid corporate dental chains.   Unfortunately corporate dental chains often require their employee dentists to "produce" a certain dollar amount of dental work to maintain their job.  Dental chains also will not allow their dentists to determine what materials are used or which dental lab they work with.  While dentistry is a business, the dentist-patient relationship is protected when your dentist is also the owner of his or her business.  

2. Ask personal friends and family who they recommend.  Do not overly rely on internet "ratings" like Google+ and Yelp.   "Word of mouth" referrals are a great way to pre-screen a potential healthcare provider.  Good dentists often have many happy patients in the community who are more than willing to tell you about their experience.

3. Check out the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website and avoid going to a dentist with a record of board reprimands.    The state board exists for the benefit of Texas dental patients.  Actions that the board has taken against dentists are available on their website.

 

 

A little bit about Medicaid fraud

Recently I've had some people ask about my role as a patient/taxpayer advocate in the battle aginst Medicaid fraud.  For those of you who would like more information about my history in this, I have attached links to the testimony I gave in DC several years ago, as well as some stories Byron Harris ran on WFAA about local problems.  

Suffice it to say that Medicaid fraud needs to be stopped at the provider level.  Not only is Medicaid fraud an abuse of taxpayer dollars, it also is often harmful to Medicaid recipients.  My activism was and continues to be based on my belief that dentists and doctors owe their patient competent care, if they accept the role of becoming that patient's doctor.  

https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/joint-hearing-is-government-adequately-protecting-taxpayers-from-medicaid-fraud/

https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/4-25-12-Ellis-Testimony.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfBQyTYSVIs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lykSySqzyPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-EPrXeKZ4U

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Back to school!

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I hope everyone had a fun, relaxing summer.  The Ellis family stayed busy with swim meets and trips to visit relatives.  It was fun but we are ready to get back to a routine - bring on the 2016-2017 school year!

For my patients returning to school, I wish you all success with your return to class.  Great things await you and I'm excited to hear all about it at your next orthodontic appointment!

As a reminder, Ellis Orthodontics loves to support our local schools and is already gearing up for this year's fundraisers.  Last year we sponsors the following:

  • The Long Run, benefitting JL Long Middle School
  • The Trek for Tech, funding technology at Lakehill Prep
  • The Community Partner Program at St. John's Episcopal School
  • The St. John's Episcopal School Carnival and Auction Party
  • The St. Thomas Aquinas School's Fall Carnival and Spring Auction Party
  • The Carnival at Stonwall Jackson Elementary
  • The Fall Carnival at Lakewood Elementary
  • Homecoming at Woodrow Wilson High School

If you would like Ellis Orthodontics to assist with fundraising at your child's school, please let us know!  

 

Question - "Why don't you do cleanings?" Answer - As a Dental Specialist, my practice is 100% committed to your Orthodontic care.

Did you know that an orthodontist is a dentist with 2-3 extra years of training specifically in orthodontic care?  After attending and graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry, I continued my education for another 2 years as an orthodontic resident at St. Louis University.  During those 2 years, I was taught by some of the finest orthodontic educators in the country.  I attended class 5 days a week and treated about 60 patients under the supervision of the SLU clinical faculty.  When I wasn't seeing patients, I was attending classes on biomechanics, growth and development, anatomy, statistics, orthodontic principles, and many other classes that prepared me to be an orthodontist.  During my final year at SLU, I completed a Masters Thesis on the impact of patient compliance on post orthodontic satisfaction and was awarded a Masters of Science in Dentistry, as well as a Certificate in Orthodontics. 

My dental education laid the foundation on which my orthodontic residency built.  As a specialist, my practice is fully committed to providing my patients with excellent orthodontic treatment. 

While any person with a dental license can legally provide orthodontic services, only orthodontists are trained by ADA accredited universities and receive ADA recognized specialty designation.  As a dental specialist in orthodontics, I am dedicated to ensuring that the investment you make in your orthodontic treatment is time and money well spent, and one that you will value for a lifetime.

Early braces for your elementary age child?

Both of my kids had braces in 2nd and 3rd grade to help make space for teeth that had no place to go.  They will still need braces to get everything in the right place once they are in middle school, but those problems will be much easier to fix because of the work that has already been done.

Elementary age children who are in need of early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase I braces, are welcomed at Ellis Orthodontics.  Crossbites, moderate to severe crowding and "buck teeth" are all things that can be helped with early orthodontics.  My goal of early orthodontic treatment is both functional and aesthetic improvement - in other words, better fitting and better looking teeth.

Often, the child's dentist has alerted their parents to the need to visit with an orthodontist, but not always.  I also see young patients because parents are concerned about what is happening in their child's mouth and would like my opinion.  If you think your child needs to have an orthodontic evaluation, I'd be happy to take a look and let you know if your child is a good candidate for Phase I orthodontic treatment.  For your conveniences, there is no charge for the initial exam.

All about aligners!

I've been spending quite a bit of time evaluating the variety of aligner systems now on the market.  The ability to improve the alignment of teeth without braces has come a long ways since Invisalign first got going 20 years ago. 

Presently, Ellis Orthodontics offers the following aligner treatment options.

1. Simpli5 - Simpli5 is a limited aligner system that is designed to improve minimally aligned teeth.  It is a nice option for patients who have already had braces, but who have had some movement since braces were removed.  Simpli5 is limited to 5 aligners and takes approximately 3-4 months to complete. 

2. Clear Correct - Clear Correct offers aligners that are designed to correct a bit more of a problem than Simpli5.  For patients who had more than a little movement after orthodontics, Clear Correct may be an option.

3. Invisalign - Invisalign is designed to treat more complex alignment problems.  It combines technology and orthodontic treatment planning to provide patients with multiple aligners to address a variety of tooth alignment problems. 

Aligners are certainly not for every patient, but they are an option for some.  If you are thinking about ways to improve your smile, I'd be happy to talk about the pros and cons of aligner treatment to see if they are a good fit for you.

What's new in Surgical Orthodontic treatment?

I recently attended a joint conference put on by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to learn what is new in the field.  It was a great conference with a number of excellent speakers.  Here are the Cliff's notes -

1. Treatment planning difficult cases is critical and can be assisted by new technology.  3D surgical treatment planning is becoming more common, saving the oral surgeon time and adding to the precision of the surgery.

2. Extremely rapid tooth movement is possible but requires addition dental surgery and orthodontic precision.  For those patients who want braces completed as fast as possible (think 6-10 months), there are options.

3. Airway risk issues like sleep apnea are being recognized more often by orthodontists and oral surgeons.

I've been very fortunate to work with many excellent oral surgeons over the years.  If you have a complex orthodontic case that you think might require surgical correction, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and help you navigate the process.  While most orthodontic cases are limited to orthodontics, patients who have challenging cases can obtain a great result as well, with the help of an orthodontist and oral surgeon working together.

Why braces? Esthetics or Function or Both?

Recently I've seen a number of patients who wanted straight teeth but were questioning whether they should get orthodontic care because they thought they were "just being vain".  In fact, the generally understood reason people get braces is for straight teeth, but that is really only part of the story.  Yes - braces will give you nice looking teeth, but more importantly, braces place your teeth in the position where they will best function.  Proper dental function can improve both dental health and dental longevity.  Although it is almost never too late to gain the benefits of improved dental health with orthodontic care, the earlier one obtains needed orthodontic treatment, the better.  Preventing detrimental wear and tear that can result from malpositioned teeth and certain bite problems with early orthodontic treatment provides a life long benefit. 

I often tell my patients that I cannot give them improved dental function without also improving their appearance.  Taking steps to ensure dental health is wisdom, not vanity.  I welcome the opportunity to help my patients obtain a fantastic smile - onethat is both beautiful and optimally functional. 

Flex spending helps save money!

Flex spending is a great way to help save some money on all healthcare costs, including orthodontics.  The New York Times recently covered the tax benefits of FSA's in a recent post, which is linked below. 

I believe in the lifetime benefits of competent, compassionate orthodontic treatment and promise each patient that I will provide them with the type of orthodontic care that I would provide my own family.  I value your trust and appreciate the opportunity to be your orthodontist!

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/24/your-money/health-insurance/saving-on-taxes-while-saving-for-health-care-costs.html?_r=1