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Dental X-Rays - ADA Response Press Release

  
  
  

American Dental Association: Dental X-rays Should be Used Sparingly To Reduce Radiation Risk

CHICAGO, April 10, 2012 —The American Dental Association (ADA) is aware of a recent study that associates yearly or more frequent dental X-rays to an increased risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor. The ADA’s long-standing position is that dentists should order dental X-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Since 1989, the ADA has published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable.

The ADA has reviewed the study and notes that the results rely on the individuals’ memories of having dental X-rays taken years earlier. Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is often imperfect. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call "recall bias."   Also, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental x-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater.  Radiation rates were higher in the past due to the use of old x-ray technology and slower speed film.  The ADA encourages further research in the interest of patient safety.

As part of the ADA’s recommendations to minimize radiation exposure, the ADA encourages the use of abdominal shielding (e.g., protective aprons) and thyroid collars on all patients. In addition, the ADA recommends that dentists use E or F speed film, the two fastest film speeds available, or a digital x -ray.

In addition to the X-ray recommendations, the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs will publish clinical guidance on the use of cone-beam computed tomography in an upcoming issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association. The ADA will share these recommendations as soon as they are available.

Dental X-rays are valuable in helping dentists detect and treat oral health problems at an early stage. Many oral diseases can’t be detected on the basis of a visual and physical examination alone, and dental X-rays are valuable in providing information about a patient’s oral health such as early-stage cavities, gum diseases, infections or some types of tumors. How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on the patient’s oral health condition, age, risk for disease and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that the patient might be experiencing.

The ADA encourages patients to talk to their dentists if they have questions about their dental treatment. As a science-based organization, the ADA fully supports continuing research that helps dentists deliver high-quality oral health care safely and effectively.

Additional information about dental x-rays is available on ADA.org.

About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 156,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's website at www.ada.org

Buying local means businesses can give back

  
  
  

logo

Buying local means businesses can give back

Posted: March 16, 2012

article source:  http://insidebiz.com/news/buying-local-means-businesses-can-give-back

"Buy local!" is the often-heard battle cry for small and community-based businesses, and the reasons to support the businesses in Hampton Roads are infinite. Unique items. Neighborly service. Dollars to support the local economy. Job creation, and more.

But one unexpected reason to support local businesses is that successful businesses actively look for ways to give back to the communities that embrace them.

A flourishing locally owned and locally grown dental practice, for example, has recently organized a way to give big.

Dr. Timothy Johnston, founder of Norge Dental Center in Williamsburg, is hosting a "Dentistry From The Heart" event, providing an expected $75,000 worth of free fillings, extractions or cleanings to any adult patient who shows up - with no strings attached. And, he will not be alone.

With fewer than half of Americans having dental insurance, Johnston's ability to see patients for this one-day event would be too limited to really meet the community's needs. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he called upon his peers, staff, friends and his favorite local businesses to make the event a success.

So far, he's enlisted the three other dentists in his practice, at least seven other dentists, and dozens of volunteers to be sure the event will be able to serve the expected 300 patients, many of whom are like local resident, Melissa Moore. A single mom of three kids, Melissa is experiencing financial struggles resulting from her inability to work as she cares full-time for her toddler, who is battling cancer. Dental work, she says, has been a "luxury she can't afford." She's looking forward to the event.

Countless local and national companies - completely unrelated to the dental field - have also welcomed this opportunity to serve Hampton Roads. They are contributing supplies, food and miscellaneous items needed to accomplish this monumental charity event. Team members at Norge Dental Center have helped organize most of the donations: "Local business owners, many of them patients of the practice, have been extremely generous and supportive of our project," they said.

But, why? Why - when research shows that 80 percent of small businesses fail and when so many local businesses were recently hit hard by economic realities and challenges - are small businesses so excited to give? "It all comes down to wanting to provide something greater to my community," Johnston said. "The services provided by Dentistry From The Heart helps more than just a patient's teeth, it gives them a renewed reason to smile."

Every business associated with this event details all the good they'll be able to do through Dentistry from the Heart. None - to their credit - seem to be even remotely concerned about what they'll gain from their participation.

But gain, I hope, they will. Beyond feeling good and doing good, giving back to our local community is a great way for businesses to connect with their target demographic. The truth is that recent economic challenges have created an even more discerning consumer base. In fact, a 2011 global study revealed that 93 percent of consumers want to know what companies are doing to make the world a better place. When done with the unabashed authenticity, generosity and compassion of those associated with this event, cause marketing can and should allow business owners to do well by doing good.

Norge Dental Center's March 24 event will be the first DFTH in Hampton Roads. The care is provided on a first come, first served basis, and most DFTH events have people arriving to get in line early in the morning, or even the night before.

Again, thanks to the outpouring of support from local businesses, Norge Dental Center will have hot coffee and food for those waiting. There will even be plenty of distractions to keep the kids busy while mom and dad are being helped, including a bounce house, and a play area with adult volunteers - all donated by who? You guessed it - local Hampton Roads businesses. It's just their way of saying, "Thanks!"

For more information about the event, contact Alyssa at (757) 564-0804.  

B. Michelle Pippin is a small business coach and strategist based in Hampton Roads. Her website is www.bmichellepippin.com.

Free Dentistry for Hampton Roads - Dentistry from the Heart

  
  
  

We are so excited to announce we will be hosting Dentistry from the Heart at Norge Dental Center on March 24th, 2012.  We will start seeing patients at 8AM and hope to care for over 200 members of our local community. 

This year, Dr. Timothy Johnston and his team of dentists, volunteers and sponsors will provide as many patients possible with a free extraction, filling or cleaning. This is the first annual event for Norge Dental Center.

“It all comes down to wanting to provide something greater to my community,” said Dr. Johnston. “The services provided by Dentistry From The Heart helps more than just a patients teeth, it gives them a renewed reason to smile.”

Participating Dentists:

Dentists of Norge Dental Center In order to provide healthy smiles to as many people as possible Dr. Timothy Johnston, Dr. Ray Henley, Dr. Matt Wolfe and Dr. Ryan Buckwalter and our team of Dental Hygenists and Assistants of Norge Dental Center will be joined by the following dentists:

 

 

 

 

Dr.CarlBlock

Dr. Carl Block is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, meaning that he is a board certified specialist - the highest recognition offered by his specialty. He is also a Fellow of the American Society of Osseointegration and was voted "one of Richmond's top periodontists," as published in Richmond magazine.  Learn more about Dr. Block.

 

 

Dr. GoreDr. Gore has been serving patients in the Richmond Metropolitan area for over 19 years.He and his office have participated in Donated Dental Services since 1999.  Through this program, dentists in the Richmond area provide free dental care to those who cannot afford treatment due to financial limitations associated with advanced age, disability, and/or mental disabilities.  Learn more about Dr. Gore.

 

 

Jose E. Gallegos

Dr. Gallegos graduated from the University of Richmond in 1986 with a  Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of VA School of Dentistry in 1989, and has been practicing in the Midlothian area since.  Learn more about Dr. Gallegos.

 

 

 

Dr. Steve StenslandDr. Steve Stensland graduated from MCVs School of Dentistry in 2006 after completing his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech where he obtained a dual degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry.  After graduating from MCV, Dr. Stensland moved to Williamsburg and practiced with a large group dental practice for four years before founding Stensland Dental Studio in April of 2010.  Learn more about Dr. Stensland.

 

 

Dr.Michael C. Shuck

Dr. Michael C. Shuck graduated from the College of William and Mary, receiving a bachelor of science in Biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the Medical College of Virginia, Cum Laude. He takes part in many volunteer outreach events, including Virginia’s Mission of Mercy projects, Virginia Special Olympics, Give Kids a Smile, and the Jamaica Project.  Click here to learn more.

 

Dr. ChandDr.Chand is a graduate of Virginia Tech and loves watching some good college football.  Dr.Chand received her dental training from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She loves working with patients of all ages and making dentistry a fun and pleasant experience. 

 

Dr. John Speegle of Lifetime Family Dental

We'd also like to thank the following sponsors for making this event possible:

Mission of Mercy
Biotene/Proenamel
Johnson and Johnson
Va Gazette
Blood Bank
Patterson Dental
Henry Schein Dental
Kavo
Oral B
3M Dental Products
Dentsply Rinn
Zaxby's
Williamsburg Event Rentals
Qdoba
Panera Bread
NY Deli
Rite Aid
Farm Fresh Norge
St. Olaf Church
AM Sutherland Photography

Icelandic Seafood

Who is that Masked Man? Dr. Matt Wolfe, Williamsburg Dentist

  
  
  

Williamsburg Cosmetic Dentist, Norge Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Wolfe

Now Introducing Dr. Matt Wolfe

Cosmetic Dentist Matt Wolfe, Norge Dental Center, Williamsburg

Dr. Matt Wolfe took an interesting path to dentistry — he started his professional career as an engineer, working in the auto industry.

“I liked working with my hands, fixing things and had a mechanical sort of mind. I thought engineering would be a good field for those skills,” he said.

But engineering didn’t turn out to be a good fit for Wolfe. He did not like sitting at a desk working on the same small part or problem for long hours.

“There was so much desk time, and limited interaction with people.” he said.

He’d always been interested in science, and medicine. He made the decision to try something else, and he decided dental school would be the right fit for him.

After dental school, he knew he wanted to move South. He looked at numerous practices, including Norge Dental Center in Williamsburg. “This was the office I liked best. I liked the attitude, and I wanted to be somewhere I could continue to learn and grow as a dentist,” he said. “I saw a few places that were focused on ‘get in and get out’ dentistry — but Norge was about building relationships with patients. I was excited that I could be doing patient-focused customer service and doing the best dentistry we can,” at Norge Dental Center,” he said. Today, Wolfe knows, “That’s what makes us who we are.”

As a dentist, Dr. Wolfe’s engineering background and mind tend to make him a bit of a perfectionist — and he readily admits it.

“I want it to be done the right way. I want the work I do to be so steady, and have perfect margins and just be the best for the patient,” he said. “We use all the technology possible for our patients, and take our time. We give them all the options for the best smile, and the best mouth possible.”

He thinks that most patients realize the difference, but he always talks to patients first about treatment options, explaining the what and the how of each step. “I hear from people all the time ‘that’s the first time someone has explained that to me.’ I think talking and spending the time is important,” he said.

“A personable dentist is going to explain things, and ask ‘Do you have any questions?’ I want them to know what’s happening in their mouths, and understand the technology we have now. I let them know what we offer, and we do a lot of our own work here — like implants. We just sit and talk until they are comfortable,” he said.

His pride in his work rests on doing what’s best for patients with a treatment plan that works for them. Sometimes that means going back to education on the basics. Dr. Wolfe always keeps in mind that patients didn’t go to dental school and tries to start any explanation with the basics.

Proactive dentistry is also a key part of working for Norge Dental Center, and it’s a philosophy that Wolfe feels is important for the patients’ sake.

“We want to take care of problems now and we don’t want to wait until something breaks. It usually breaks in a bad way and the fix is worse at that point — we may have fewer options,” he said.

Personally, he’s very proactive about his own health, eating a low sugar diet, running regularly with his dog Bentley and avoiding processed foods. He also loves sports, especially the NFL. Dr. Wolfe is engaged to a dental hygienist, Michelle, that he met at dental school in Michigan and the wedding is set for May 2012.

"Let our experience put a smile on your face."

become-a-new-patient

Who is that masked man? Dr. Ryan Buckwalter, Williamsburg Dentist

  
  
  

Williamsburg Dentists specializing in Sleep Apnea and Cosmetic Dentistry

Introducing Ryan BuckwalterWilliamsburg Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Ryan Buckwalter

Back in the 7th grade, Ryan Buckwalter knew he wanted to be a dentist. His dentist “was a cool guy, and I thought he had a cool job. It was fun and never stressful. It also helped that I never had any cavities,” Buckwalter said.

But shortly after that, Buckwalter’s easy time in the dental chair came to an end.  At the age of 13, he had an accident that resulted in facial trauma. The experience was scary; five of his front teeth got pushed up into his gums. As a result, he had to undergo extensive repair work.

“I saw a whole rotation of specialty practice dentists, from oral surgeons to endodontists,” he said.

Rather than dampening his enthusiasm for the profession, it actually made him more committed to it.

“It was important for me to see how much my mouth affected me. I thought about it every day. I was self-conscious about my smile, and I spent a lot of time in the dental chair getting work done,” he said.

Buckwalter said that today, those experiences have given him the ability to truly relate to patients and their fears. During the course of his dental work, he spent a lot of time with his mouth “under construction.” Although initial repairs worked well, changes to his teeth in his early 20s sent him back for more.

“For every new solution, I had to relearn how to speak and eat. Those are the kinds of things you take for granted — well, I don’t anymore.”

Buckwalter eventually decided on implants for his front teeth — and one of the compelling reasons for him was that dental techniques and materials have come a long way over the years.

“I believe a lot of the anxiety comes from people’s perceptions of what dentistry used to be, not what it is today. I like that dentistry is a dynamic industry — it’s rapidly evolving, and the profession has changed a lot. The materials are better and so are the techniques we are trained on.We even have lasers at work!” he said.

What Buckwalter takes away from his personal experience is that patients need to know how much their dentist cares.

“I make sure to talk with patients about their needs and expectations before any work starts.Trust is so important – and I know that from having been in the chair myself so many times,” he said.

“You want to connect with your patients and know where they are coming from – what makes them tense, and what kind of dental experiences have they had before they came to see you,” he said.

With his own children (5 year old twins and a 11⁄2 year old,) he’s seen that the first few experiences in the dental chair can set the tone for life.That makes him want to make each experience a great one for each and every one of his patients.

“I am so excited to be at Norge Dental Center. It’s an amazing place that’s focused on the patients, and everything is top quality.The staff is on the ball all the time, and we all receive training constantly to make sure the care we give our patients is the best,” he said.

Buckwalter is glad he pursued his childhood dream of becoming a dentist so he can connect with his patients. That career assessment test from back in 7th grade indicated he should go into carpentry — he’s saved that for a hobby instead. And the patients at Norge Dental Center are glad he did!

"Let our experience put a smile on your face."

schedule-appointment

Who is that masked man?

  
  
  

Williamsburg Dentists specializing in Sleep Apnea

Dr. Tim Johnston, Norge Dental Center, Sleep Apnea

Introducing Dr. Tim Johnston

Dr.Tim Johnston is working to put himself out of business. He firmly believes that if everyone got good preventive dental care, that he’d have no teeth to “fix.” The practice he created, Norge Dental Center, is known for taking a proactive approach, as well as an emphasis on education and technology. Dr. Johnston’s goal is for everyone to have “a comfortable mouth with teeth that last.”

When he started his practice in 1989, he decided to do it the best way he knew how.That’s why Norge Dental Center lives the mission he set for them over 20 years ago: to “look after the needs of our patients so thoroughly and with the highest level of competence, integrity, and care, that they will feel privileged to be members of our family of patients.”

Many people are fearful, to the degree that they come to appointments with apprehension and anxiety. Dr. Johnston and his staff know that this is common and one of their commitments is talking to patients first, before they ever ask for them to open their mouth:“Meeting the person before meeting the teeth helps us know what people expect, and what fears may need to be overcome.” No one is made to feel ashamed of prior dental neglect: “The past doesn’t matter — I can tell you what I see now, I can help look forward for you, and we can make this a positive experience where we take care of your teeth, your smile, and your entire self-image.”

Dr. Johnston’s staff are a big part of his success. He starts with high standards, trains his people well and then entrusts them to do their best for the patients.“I give my employees permission to be their best.We continually evaluate what’s new and what works the best for our patients,” he said. It works. Compared to the industry average, employees at NDC stay much longer so staff turnover is low. Continual training and opportunities for feedback help make them all key team members.

Dr. Johnston feels that “A dental license is nothing more than a license to learn more.” Continuing education is part of his life, with many days each year spent on new knowledge. After teaching dental students for 17 years at his alma mater, the Medical College of Virginia, he’s now focused on teaching at his growing practice. He’s mentoring his associates and staff, and sharing his unique philosophy.

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Johnston is helping coach the New Kent High School swim team that his children are on, as well as pursuing adventure sports. “The dentist part of me is careful and methodical, but the business owner part of me is always pushing the envelope,” he said. Pushing the envelope leads him to hobbies like scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, car racing — it keeps him fresh and edgy.

With a daughter in college who plans on becoming a dental hygienist, and a 14-year-old son who plans on becoming a dentist, the next generation of Williamsburg patients are in good hands already! His 16-year-old son has his eye on the business world.

Dr. Johnston’s wife, Kelly, was a Labor & Delivery nurse at Williamsburg Community Hospital for over a decade. Kelly now helps coordinate functions for the team at Norge Dental Center: “We’re really very close with the people we work with, and I think that shows and creates a wonderful work environment!”

iPad2 Contest - Refer a friend!

  
  
  

We love a contest and we happen to enjoy the iPad a lot too!  So we thought a little giveaway where one of our patients could win, would be exciting for all of us!  Refer a friend for a chance to win!

 

Norge Dental Center, iPad 2 giveaway

Oral Cancer is on the rise...

  
  
  

 

Oral cancer is indeed on the rise. At Norge Dental Center we utilize the latest technology in early oral cancer detection: The VelScope. It is a simple hand held light that identifies normal tissue from abnormal tissue. Anything abnormal then requires follow up. Oral cancer screening should be considered the standard of care during regular dental appointments. Here is a great video on the importance of oral cancer screening and who is at risk...

When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately the majority of cases are found as late-stage cancers, accounting for the high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors.

  • Found early, while still Localized (confined to the primary site), oral cancer's five-year survival rate is strong: about 83%. Only 33% of all oral cancer discoveries fall into this category.
  • Found while Regional (after progressed to regional lymph nodes), the five-year survival rate drops significantly, to about 55%. Approximately 46% of all oral cancer discoveries are Regional.
  • Found late, oral cancer's five-year survival rate is poor: approximately 32%. This accounts for approximately 14% of all oral cancer findings.

Clearly, finding oral cancer in its early stages is key to survival. Routine VELscope Vx examinations can improve the morbidity and mortality of oral-cancer, because the VELscope Vx system assists in early detection, potentially saving lives through less invasive, more effective treatment.  We consider this a part of our standard of care here at Norge Dental Center

Here are some of the known risk factors:

velscope oral cancer detection

  • HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus)
  • oral sex
  • family history of cancer
  • use of alcohol
  • use of illegal drugs
  • history of eating disorders
  • substance abuse problems
  • smokeless tobacco
If you have not been screened for oral cancer ask your dentist/hygenist today about their screening methods. 

Snoring and Camping.. & Sleep Apnea

  
  
  

My kids and I go camping along the Appalachian Trail a couple of times each year. We go with two of my best friends and their kids, hiking a few miles and then camping overnight with a big fire, spooky stories, tents, etc.  

Sleep Apnea and Camping

A few trips ago, one of the little girls in the group woke up in the morning and asked if we heard the bear in our camp the night before! It was then that one of my friends, who happens to be a neurologist and runs a sleep study center, informed us all that it was not a bear… just me snoring!  

Sleep Apnea and Camping

Well, I’ve known for a long time that I snore at night. But since my wife can sleep through anything (really!), it was never a problem in my house.  But my friend the neurologist informed me that I also stopped breathing… several times… and for long periods of time. He suggested (no… insisted) that I come in for a sleep study to determine if I needed a CPAP machine to sleep properly. 

Being ever the skeptic, I simply took home my own pulse oxymeter (which measures the concentration of oxygen in your blood through a finger) and set it up to record while I slept.  Now it’s an important detail to know that we have played with this little machine in the office, and no matter how long someone holds their breath they can never get the reading below 90%.  So that night I set the machine to only record a reading any time it went below 90.  Much to my surprise, it recorded so many “events” that it ran out of paper!  Sometimes it went into the low 80’s, which is very dangerous, and can lead to cardiac arrest!


So by now I was a believer. But the last thing I wanted to do was wear a scuba mask (CPAP) to bed every night. I will let the image below speak for itself.

cpap machine and sleep apnea

That’s how I became interested in oral sleep apnea devices (aka: snore guards). As soon as I researched the best devices on the market I had one made for myself, and have been wearing it ever since.

oral sleep apnea deviceIt resembles a simple mouthguard, about the size of a sports mouth protector.  It works so well I have noticeably better sleep, feel more rested in the morning, sleep completely through the night, and I barely snore at all anymore.  My oxygen saturation is normal now also… all night long.  And recently a new and improved model came out that promised to be even better!  I have just sent my own models off to the lab to have one fabricated for myself.

Oral sleep apnea devices are appropriate for mild and moderate sleep apnea (a sleep study will determine that), or people with severe apnea who cannot wear a CPAP machine.  Men and women are equally at risk, and respond equally as well.  If you, or someone you love, snores or has documented sleep apnea, you might be a candidate for an oral sleep apnea device. 

If you or your spouse keep you up at night snoring, or you find yourself completely exhausted even after a full nights rest you might be a great fit for an oral sleep apnea device.  Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consult.  

Curious to know more?  Click here to watch Tim Johnston's video on Sleep Apnea.  

Norge Dental Center on Good Morning America

  
  
  

Yes, it's true...  Norge Dental Center, Timothy K. Johnston was on GMA Tuesday! Check out the real story here:

Workplace 101: Tory Johnson's Tips for How to Ask for A Raise

Know Your Worth, Don't Threaten to Leave If Things Don't Go Your Way

GMALOGOBy TORY JOHNSON Workplace Contributor

Jan. 18, 2011 — Will you see an increase in your paycheck this year? There's a good chance, but don't go spending big bucks so quickly. In 2011, employees can expect median base increases of 2.8 percent, according to Hay Group and Buck Consultants. It's better than last year's 2.4 percent, but far from the pre-recession raises of the last decade that averaged 3.5 to percent. For starters, unless it's in your contract, a raise isn't guaranteed. Erin Edwards, owner of The Vintage Pearl, a boutique store and e-commerce jewelry business based in Tulsa, Okla., with about 30 employees, says she pays a very fair wage and there's often a cap on what some positions are worth.

Determine your eligibility. No matter how fabulous you are, many roles are only worth so much to an employer. Start by doing your research using online salary calculators such as PayScale.com and Salary.comto get a sense of the realistic range for your particular position. Ask your boss or the HR department for the range allotted for your role and where you currently fall on that spectrum. If you're already at the very top, you'll either have to go for a promotion to higher paying role, or you'll have to look elsewhere for a new job.

Focus on performance -- yours and your employers. Depending on your organization, raises may be based on your performance, the employer's performance or both. At food services giant Sodexo, Arie Ball, the VP of talent acquisition, says employees are ranked by immediate managers on individual performance, which determines the eligibility and amount of a raise, if any. On the flip side, Dr. Timothy Johnston of the Norge Dental Center in Williamsburg, Va., says his practice will grow 10 percent this year and he anticipates average raises as a result. If an employee expects greater than average, he or she must prove a contribution to the firm's bottom line.

Ask for benchmarks. Ask your manager directly -- and now is a great time for that conversation, at the start of the year: "What exactly must I do to earn a raise?" Focus on the specific benchmarks, milestones or results that you must reach or achieve in order to qualify for an average raise. Then ask what it must look like for a larger than average raise. Put it in writing and send a copy recapping the conversation to your boss and consider copying the HR department so everyone's on the same track. Refer back to that document every month on your own to be sure you're on track and continue to monitor your results. Each quarter you might review this with your manager, and be prepared to readjust based on company performance or shifting priorities. In the case of Dr. Johnston, the dentist, he's very clear about awarding above average raises to employees who impact his bottom line, which means referring patients, selling specialized dental services, and finding ways to cut costs and save money. Find out what your manage values most -- and then focus on delivering it.

Don't fake it. When you're at your wit's end, which many workers now are, it's so tempting to dangle the idea that you have another job offer as a way to get a raise. Don't do it unless you truly do have another role lined up because the boss may call your bluff. Avoid threats that you can't carry out.

Identify alternatives. If more money isn't an option, consider other forms of perks or benefits you might ask for: a spot bonus, a few additional vacation days, tuition reimbursement for some courses you'd like to take, or a better title which may help you as you pursue your next job.

Know your own bottom line. If you're not going to get the raise you believe you deserve  based on your research, your performance, and your conversations with the boss  then it's time to focus on a full-force job search. But don't quit because right now the reality is it's easier to find a job when you have one. Continue to do your job well and simultaneously look for new work. Finally, if you're out of work now and negotiating for a new job offer, there's natural concern of being low-balled because you've been out of work and you think employers know your options are limited. But rest assured that the savviest employers won't do this because they know if they severely underpay you, you'll jump as soon as something better comes along. Nobody wants a sullen worker on their hands. And while that may have worked two years ago, it doesn't work now. We're seeing a move away from employers getting rock bottom, cheap labor.Even if you've been out of work, you should negotiate the offer with confidence, not cockiness. If they've made you an offer, it means they've decided they want you. Thank them for the offer and let them know you're thrilled at the prospect of coming on board, and also ask if there's an opportunity to negotiate. Find out where this salary falls in the range budgeted for this role. Do your research quickly and even if more money isn't an option, perhaps there are other perks and benefits to negotiate.

Tory Johnson is the workplace contributor on "Good Morning America." Connect with her at Facebook.com/Tory or Twitter.com/ToryJohnson or www.womenforhire.com. Click here to return to the "Good Morning America" website. Copyright © 2011 ABC News Internet Ventures

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