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NERNESS ENDODONTICS NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2023 EDITION
02 “5 Keys to Protecting Your Patient Data” With the increasing trend in cyber-attacks, protecting data for your business and your clients is a must. By David O’Reilly, Erickson Dental Technologies 03 “Patient Success Stories” See what our patients have to say about their experiences with us. By The Nerness Endodontics Team 03 “Team Member Highlight” Margaret Rolnick makes a positive impact with her warm greetings, genuine care, and tireless support. By The Nerness Endodontics Team 04 “Clinical Distinction” Have you questioned what sets Nerness Endodontics apart from the rest? Discover the difference. By The Nerness Endodontics Team
04 “Nerness Endodontics Team Photo” Meet the team! By The Nerness Endodontics Team
“ELEVATING THE ENDODONTIC EXPERIENCE”
GUEST WRITER
5 KEYS TO PROTECTING YOUR PATIENT DATA
Cyber-attacks on small businesses are becoming more frequent, targeted, and complex. According to Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study (2022), 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves. As a dentist and small-business owner, how do you cost-effectively insulate yourself? For over 35 years, Erickson Dental Technologies has helped thousands of dentists protect their computer networks and patient information. Through our extensive experience, we have found five key strategies to protect your business without breaking the bank. 1. Offsite Data Backup – If you house your data on a local server, it is essential to have your data backed up to the cloud on a nightly basis at a bare minimum. Some IT companies even offer solutions for real-time data backup to the minute to minimize data loss and downtime. 2. Active Firewall and Antivirus – A firewall is the first line of defense to prevent unauthorized access to your network, whereas antivirus software is designed to detect malicious activity inside of your network. Most offices have some form of active antivirus, but far too often, we see practices using “static” firewalls or basic modem/routers from their internet provider. This means that without active security updates, their protection is only as good as the day it was installed. If you do not pay monthly or annually for your firewall, then it is likely static. 3. MFA for Remote Users – If you have any employees working remotely, implementing MFA (multifactor authentication) will add another step to the sign-in process, usually in the form of a texted code. If a hacker were to gain access to your remote software, this extra step makes it nearly impossible for them to get on your network since they would also need access to the user’s cellphone. 4. Email Phishing Awareness – Email phishing is the number one way that hackers gain access to dental office networks. We are seeing a steady uptick in phishing emails along with increased creativity and spoofing. Many HIPAA consultants and IT
companies will offer annual training, so your staff members know what to look for. 5. Cyber Risk Insurance – Your current business insurance likely offers cyber risk insurance. Contact them to see if you are protected and involve your IT company to be sure you have the right amount of coverage. If you have any questions about this article or would like to learn more about our services, please feel free to contact me. Erickson can help you with all five of these strategies and more.
-David O’Reilly
Erickson Dental Technologies is a family-owned IT company based out of Eagan, Minnesota.
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PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES “I have had several bad experiences with the dentist. I have such a fear that I will do anything NOT TO GO to the dentist. I had so much pain that I could not get a handle on the pain. Finally went to the dentist; she had to send me to have a root canal. I started to freak out. I arrived at the office, and they were all ready for me. So kind, PATIENT, understanding, and explained everything. While in the chair, the assistant was so professional and kind, went over all options and made me feel relaxed! I was offered several options to help me relax and be comfortable all before the dentist came in. He was kind, explained good options, and numbed me so easily that I DID NOT FEEL IT. Then he started and I fell asleep. YES, DURING MY ROOT CANAL!! I was so relaxed when I woke up, I asked when we were starting. Too bad they only do root canals!! Well done. Thank you so, so much. I truly wish I could use this office as my regular dentist. WELL DONE.” –Cyndi J. “Wow. What a phenomenal practice. The entire team made me feel like family. I haven’t had a root canal for nearly 30 years. When Dr. Nerness said I would need a root canal I was naturally feeling anxious. He assured me that the procedure is much quicker than in the past. His team was able to fit me in later in the day, and I couldn’t be happier. No pain and I was able to keep my tooth. The whole practice team was amazing. I definitely will recommend Dr. Nerness and his team to my family, friends, and anyone who is in need.” –Angela T. “Excellent care, highly recommend! Dr. Nerness and his staff (including the front desk staff!) were kind, caring, patient, and knowledgeable. We especially appreciate Dr. Nearness’ knowledge and expertise in using ozone therapy for my teenage daughter’s root canal. This clinic was completely worth the one-hour drive it took us to get there.” –Lindsay N.
TEAM MEMBER HIGHLIGHT GREETING OUR PATIENTS, EXCEEDING THEIR EXPECTATIONS At Nerness Endodontics, we take pride in the genuine level of care we deliver to our patients. Upon visiting our office, one of the first smiling faces our visitors see is Margaret. Margaret leads all of the billing and insurance aspects of our business. She’s also nationally certified as a dental assistant, and she assists with X-rays. She touches many areas of our work with true professionalism. “In some cases, our patients may not know what to expect if this is their first time visiting us. As part of that, they may have a lot of questions or they may have some nervousness,” Margaret emphasizes. “I enjoy taking time to help patients understand what we do and to put them at ease by talking patients through the process of their treatment.” Margaret grew up in Long Island, New York. It didn’t take her long to get her start in the dental industry. Right after high school, she started working at a local clinic. In time, she moved to New Jersey and started her family. From there, she and her family moved to Arizona to be GET TO KNOW MARGARET ROLNICK
closer to her father. She continued her growth in dental care there, beginning her work in Tucson, followed by Phoenix. In 2017, Margaret moved to Minnesota and married Scott Abbott in 2018. In the meantime, she started with a clinic in Wisconsin before making the move to join the team at Nerness Endodontics. Margaret and Scott cherish time with their family, which includes Scott’s son and daughter and Margaret’s son and three daughters. They also have a grandson and three granddaughters. In her free time, Margaret and Scott have a passion for rolling up their sleeves and taking on various home improvement projects, including a recent expansion of their garage. As a warm, engaged person who delivers genuine care to each of our patients, Margaret makes their experience — and our team — better.
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WHY YOU SHOULD SEND YOUR PATIENTS TO U S !
You have options when referring patients for endodontic treatment, but we want to be your first choice. Here’s why Nerness Endodontics is the best place for your patients! • We reserve time for emergencies every day. • Our next available appointments are only 1–3 days out. • Our availability has increased thanks to our shift away from insurance. • We offer single-visit treatment, allowing patients to return to your office as soon as possible. • Your patients deserve swift solutions, and we deliver! Do you have patients enrolled in your in-house membership plan? Just mention it on the referral slip, and we will honor your restorative discount! WE HONOR MEMBERSHIP PLAN DISCOUNTS!
Nerness Endodontics Team
NERNESSENDODONTICS.COM ○ 651-777-7744 2945 HAZELWOOD ST. STE. 330, MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109
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