Professional Courtesy: Rock the Vote: TCA Edition by Dr. Thomas Giacobbi

by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, editorial director, Dentaltown magazine

In this issue, we’re happy to start the 18th annual Townie Choice Awards season with a preview of some of the products on the ballot. As most of you know, each year we ask Townies to vote for their favorite products and services in a wide range of categories so our members can have a reference point for purchasing decisions. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the purchase of equipment, supplies and services has become a more remote process; in fact, several major dental meetings, including the ADA meeting in October, have been canceled.

Dentaltown continues to be an ever-present resource for dentists and a safe place to share candid feedback on a new material or experience. We have witnessed an explosion of online activity as dentists have come together to support one another and make plans for their businesses to reopen. When my practice reopened in early May, every patient was required to wear a mask. The total time in the mask is very short because of the way patients are scheduled, but we want them to understand how important it is to wear a mask in public. Just like wearing a mask in public, your votes on the TCA ballot will benefit the dentists around you!

One of the new features of the TCA ballot this year is just that—new stuff. We added categories for best new material and equipment. One trend we have seen over the years is how dominant some legacy products are on the ballot, but there are also some amazing new products that hit the market each year and we wanted to have a category to recognize some of the great innovations that are still growing their fan bases.

Moving forward

By now, you certainly know that the return to practice is anything but business as usual. We are learning new protocols, working at a different pace and taking additional precautions for the safety of our patients and team. Considering these changes, working efficiently will be critical to your long-term success. You might consider a bulk-fill material to save time, or perhaps you’re finally ready to invest in same-day dentistry. Maybe you deliver a printed denture in fewer visits, or you need an isolation device to help while one of your assistants is prepping the other operatory. Some insurance companies have responded to the additional financial pressures brought by reduced schedules and increased PPE costs. However, these are temporary measures and elements of this new normal will become permanent.

Please take the time to get help through the many resources available on Dentaltown, including CE courses and message boards. And most importantly, cast your vote in the Townie Choice Awards!

Cast your TCA ballot today!
Voting in the 2020 Dental Townie Choice Awards is now live. Be sure to make your selections at dentaltown.com/tca— and check out the prizes that voters can win in our special feature that begins on p. 54.