May 2003

Think Tank 2003:Strategizing the Worst

Case ScenarioBy Suzanne Cohen

Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark. ~ Richard Cushing

It is rare that Directors have the opportunity to meet outside of the Symposium or Show & Tell, and rarer still that they are given a forum to discuss issues of particular concern to surgical specialists (such as those raised in Michael’s letter of April 11, 2003) and develop a plan to deal with them. Undoubtedly, this is the reason that one session of this Summer’s Think Tank — the second session, July 25-26 — was completely filled soon after our Directors received that mailing.

Fortunately, there are still some spots available in the first session (July 24-25). The two sessions

will overlap on July 25 in order to allow the Directors

attending session one to collaborate on strategies

and solutions with those Directors attending session

two (as well as attend the Mariners’ game

together that night). Lisa Blumenfeld is co-

ordinating this event, and Directors who would like the

opportunity to reserve a spot in the first session should call her right away at 425.576.8000. The

focus of Think Tank is not to lament the “gathering storm” that is rapidly appearing on the horizon for surgical specialists, but rather to make intelligent use of the combined experience and insights of those who are part of this “brain trust.” The goal is for Directors to leave Seattle with a new vision of their personal and professional “ark” (if you will) and an action plan to make it a reality.

Clinical Sessions on the Internet

By Lisa Blumenfeld

One of the benefits of belonging to a Seattle Study Club is the opportunity to interact with top-notch lecturers in a small group setting. By now, most clubs have a keen understanding of the difference between hearing the likes of Dr. Gerard Chiche or Dr. John Kois present to a group of 45-55 people compared to seeing them from the back of a 600-seat lecture hall. The intimacy of the setting, the camaraderie between the participants, and the one-on-one interaction with a “superstar” makes the presentation far more meaningful and creates a unique learning experience.

Now, imagine being able to have someone like Dr. Chiche or Dr. Kois facilitate one or more of your

Continuity is the Key!By Dena Taylor

Summertime is approaching which means most of our Directors are gearing up for the final social event or last educational program of the 2002-2003 study club year. However, just because the study club year is coming to a close does not mean it is coming to an end. Continuity and connecting one study club year to the next is vital. As a Director, you have worked hard to develop strong relationships with the members of your club and it is important to maintain those ties over the Summer. We provide our study clubs with a Summer issue of the Journal specifically for this reason. It serves as a subtle reminder of all that your club provides to members from an educational perspective. If handed-out by your Coordinator in person, it can also remind your members of the personal touch that you bring to the delivery of that education.

We know that many Directors want the “downtime” of Summer, and believe that their members feel the same. It is not the “all or nothing” principle, however. A balance can be struck that gives the Director and the members some time off while still preserving those important links to the study club.Continued on reverse

evening clinical treatment planning sessions. Cost prohibitive, you say? For just a couple of hours to pay a full honorarium, airfare, hotel etc., it just won’t work! Well, you may be in for a surprise.

We are currently exploring avenues to bring you top-flight clinical sessions in the evening that are facilitated by these world class teachers. The power of the Internet is making this possible. Our plan is to have tested this programming idea by the Fall in order to work the kinks out of the system and ideally, have a package available at Symposium 2004.

How are the costs controlled? Your club will still gather as a group for a treatment planning or case presentation session, but the presenter will remain at home and be able to participate with several clubs at a time, thus reducing costs for all involved. An Internet connection, a data projector and a conference phone are all that will be required from a technical standpoint. Stay tuned - more information will be available over the Summer.

Introducing the Hygiene Problem Solving Session

by Greg Tice

In February, I had the opportunity to attend the Chicago Midwinter Conference at the invitation of Philips Oral Healthcare (Sonicare). The company had asked me to help them give their field representatives a better understanding of the Seattle Study Club, and more specifically, our newly created Hygiene Problem Solving Session.

Before I tell you about the Hygiene Problem Solving Session, I want to describe my impressions of the people at Philips Oral Healthcare and their team. Outside of the Seattle Study Club offices, I have never seen a team so focused, dedicated and excited to share experiences and information with each other. This is truly a “family” organization where

they care about one another and those in the profession with whom they work.

Many times I heard the expression “it’s important that I take care of my doctors.” The Seattle Study Club is very proud to be associated with such a first-class company and their representatives in the field.One of the concerns Philips Oral

Healthcare had regarding the Hygiene Problem Solving Session was making sure

their field representatives could adequately facilitate the program. As a result, we spent the better part of an entire day working on the logistics and the unique challenges

presented by facilitating this session. (I should also mention that we tested this program here in Seattle twice, and I have just received a report from our Chicago club that their Hygiene Problem Solving Session was a huge success.)

Now, on to the particulars of the Hygiene Problem Solving Session itself. This is a dinner meeting (although Chicago had a breakfast meeting), and every hygienist has to bring a clinical problem in order to eat. Sonicare opens the meeting with a brief introduction to the new Elite Toothbrush. The group then spends about 10-15 minutes discussing each hygienist’s problem, issue, or challenge they have brought with them. Although the problems need not be complicated, they must be clinical in nature.

Here are a few logistical points to make the meeting a success:

1. No doctors! The staff members feel much more comfortable opening up without a doctor present.

2. A strong facilitator. This is crucial to keep the conversation moving along, to recap salient points, and to keep the workshop from turning into a “complaint bureau.”

3. Stack the deck. It is important that there be hygienists in attendance from the Periodontist’s office. They will help carry many clinical aspects of the discussion.

4. Lay the groundwork. Let those in attendance know right up front that the success or failure of this program rests squarely on their shoulders and on their level of participation.

The Hygiene Problem Solving Session is a good way to get the hygienists working in your club members’ offices involved and interested in your study club. It’s a fun program that moves quickly and creates a lot of camaraderie among the participants. For more information on setting up a Hygiene Problem Solving session for your club, contact your local Sonicare representative.

SSC Partners With Orapharmaby Greg Tice

Recently purchased by Johnson & Johnson, Orapharma (makers of Arestin) is the newest member of the SSC family. Our partnership with Orapharma will allow us to bring cutting edge periodontal education to our clubs. In fact, we are currently working on a full day periodontal program that will be co-produced by Orapharma and Sonicare. Look for more information on this shortly.