Townie Book Review By: Tom Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD

Remember Y2K? Aside from the panic created by the two-digit-year abbreviations, I remember believing paper would soon perish. In spite of the advances computers have provided, we are still hopelessly dependent on paper. Most insurance companies still send paper EOBs, offices must send recare post cards and collection letters still travel by snail mail.

I recently received a three-ring bound collection of letters and forms titled: “What to Say…and How to Say It!”. In a short time I read all 91 forms and letters created by Cindy Hutcheson for her husband’s Midlothian, Virginia dental practice. This seems to be a comprehensive collection of forms and letters including an Associate Contract, Patient Survey, Medical Report and much more.

Also included is a collection of six different letters written to delinquent accounts making it very clear to patients there will be repercussions for non-payment on their account. Since Dr. Hutcheson provides orthodontic services in addition to general dentistry, there is a collection of nine different forms and letters that address payment plans, missed appointments, spacers and early removal of appliances. Human resources is another area covered with dental assistant and hygienist duties lists, interview questions and an employee welcome letter clearly outlining benefits provided and owner expectations.

The binder lacked a table of contents and the forms did not appear to be in any particular order. However, there is a CD-ROM included which contains all the forms in Microsoft Word format.

I would recommend this book to new practitioners who need guidance developing clear lines of communication with their patients. Every practice should have a collection of forms and letters similar to this if they want to communicate effectively.

Thomas J. Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD is a general dentist in Chandler, AZ who owns a private practice with his wife, Grace Giacobbi, DDS. Originally from upstate New York, Drs. Giacobbi are1995 graduates of SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Please send comments or questions to DrTom@ChandlerDentalHealth.com. Send items to be considered for review to 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 206, Chandler, AZ 85248.