Where's the best place to be born?

A series of large city rankings developed from federal agency reports were reviewed to increase appreciation of the factors that impact the general health of newborns. Efforts to provide the "right start" for the beginning of life may decrease the incidence of children with developmental disabilities.     

Where's the best place to live and raise kids, and incidentally practice dentistry?

Factors involved in the selection of the "best place" to live and raise a family could be related to comparable criteria used in the selection of locations for a dental practitioner interest in providing care for children. A series of state and metropolitan area rankings, developed with voluntary and government agency reports, were reviewed to increase an understanding of the factors that may attract to a particular location (1) families with children and (2) pediatric dental practitioners.     

What drives the practice?

There are many opportunities to expand the role of the dental hygienist and provide patients with exceptional oral health care. The hygiene department has the potential to significantly increase production and profits. However, the proper business systems must be incorporated into the practice. Improving hygiene-department systems involves training hygienists to provide comprehensive care and new services to patients.