This episode of Talking with the Toothcop is a two-parter! In the first half, you’ll get a look behind the curtain and get to know me—Duane Tinker—and my co-host, Andrea Baysinger. In the second half of this episode, we share an important reminder about nitrous oxide compliance rules. Don’t miss it!
Outline of This Episode
- [3:01] How Andrea became my co-host
- [6:05] I’m an introvert—until I take the stage
- [8:09] Andrea is an introvert disguised as an extrovert
- [9:29] Country versus city living (who is who?)
- [12:22] Raising Australian Shepherds on a ranch
- [13:05] Dentists that administer nitrous oxide
- [14:31] How dentists get busted for lack of compliance
I’m an introvert—until I take the stage
I am an introvert. I’m like Sylvester Stallone (Hawk) in the Movie “Over the Top.” Hawk is a professional arm wrestler preparing for a national event in Las Vegas. At the end of the movie, Hawk is interviewed. He said that before he steps in the ring, he turns his hat backward and it’s like he turns his face and becomes a different person. That’s how I feel when I’m about to walk on a stage and speak. I’m a shy wallflower until I take the stage.
Andrea is very talkative and is a self-proclaimed social butterfly. But she believes it’s just a different version of her. She has a degree in English and loves writing and being introspective. So she’s at her best when she’s chosen to be alone. She feels at peace. She recharges, then gets back out with people.
Country living versus city living
My wife and I have a ranch and sometimes I’ll go weeks without leaving it. We’ve got everything we need here (including fast internet). Andrea grew up in the country, too, in a small town of 1,500 people. She thought she was going to stay there for life but she followed her brother to Texas. She packed everything in her Maxima, got a part-time job within two weeks, and has been here for almost 8 years. She’d never in a million years thought she’d end up in a field close to healthcare and now she can’t imagine anything else (including living in the country again).
My wife and I have 6 Australian Shepherds, five of which are related. We have a lot of livestock (sheep, goats, ducks, and geese) because my wife does competition herding with her dogs. Supporting my wife in training the dogs is my extracurricular activity. Plus, there are always things to do around a ranch.
Dentists that administer nitrous
Switching gears, I’ve been getting a lot of calls and emails from dentists who are shocked about rules that have been in place for three years now. Many dentists are way out of compliance and don’t know where to start.
How are dentists getting busted for lack of compliance? The state only does inspections for those with level 2, 3, and 4 sedation permits. Those who are administering nitrous will never be inspected for that. But let’s say a new patient comes to see you for a second opinion. You prepare a treatment plan, make your recommendations, and the patient decides to go with you for treatment.
Six months down the road, you get a letter from the state board. They want to copy the patient’s record and the dentist’s emergency plan, and the dentist has no idea what they’re talking about. Nine times out of ten, it’s a complaint against another dentist. That’s how dentists get busted for not having emergency plans. It’s how the conversation starts with me.
Dentists who administer nitrous: What you should be doing
What do you need to do? You need to have a written emergency plan in place and train your staff on that plan. You need an AED, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, backup suction unit, and emergency oxygen unit. Most of the dentists that are calling me had no clue. Luckily, it’s an easy fix.
The takeaway? Be in the know. Get the newsletter from your state licensing board. Visit their website frequently for important information and updates. Get on our email list. We’ll inform you of new rules and regulations. Something is always changing and impacting dental offices.
Need help with compliance? Give me a shout! Or just CLICK HERE to schedule some time with me!
Resources & People Mentioned
- Learn more about protectIt dental at https://dentalcompliance.com/drugkit or call them at 888-878-8916 and tell them that the Toothcop sent you!
- Over the Top with Sylvester Stallone
- More information on sedation inspections
Connect With Duane
- https://www.dentalcompliance.com/
- toothcop@dentalcompliance.com
- On Facebook
- On Twitter