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The Next “Magic 50 Feet”
By Robert Staub, Director, Henry Schein TechCentral TechCentral looks forward, and back, at dental business technology. What will the next five years bring? I remember demonstrating the remarkable ability of Dentrix, a new practice management software. At that time, about 20 years ago, few practices even used computers chairside. I posted completed procedures to a digital chart that was immediately accessible to the front desk for patient checkout and future appointment scheduling. When the demo was over, the doctor proclaimed, "You just fixed the ‘magic 50 feet' in my practice!" To my blank stare, he explained, "You know, the ‘magic 50 feet', where patients get charged incorrectly because some procedures
Modernize Your Collection System for Maximum Profit
By Keith Drayer, Vice President of Henry Schein Financial Services In today’s tough economy, there are many professionals who are are faced with the challenge of accounts receivable. Uncollected receivables are a financial burden to any small business. You and your staff have given your professional time and services, only to lose revenue opportunity. Accounts receivable issues are a growing concern for many practices. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem that utilizes a systematic approach to collections. Why not collect more funds and save valuable staff time, while balancing the patient-practice relationship? The biggest mistake providers make is not recognizing the signs of early default. When a patient
Can a Single Piece of Technology Make That Big of a Difference…Oh yeah!
By Tony Soileau, DDS I have a general dentistry practice in Lafayette, Louisiana. In the summer of 2005, I was practicing out of a 900-square-foot office with three operatories. I made a very good living, and I was profitable because I had little overhead. But my office was certainly nothing to brag about; it was dated and run down. And of course, it was too small for my growing practice. I was, however, quite high-tech with computers in every room, digital X-rays, digital cameras, DIAGNOdent, and all the other “toys” you could think of. And then disaster struck… In the summer of 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. A
Save Money on Credit Card Processing
By Keith Drayer, Vice President of Henry Schein Financial Services Accepting credit and debit cards has become a necessity for dental practices. Patients increasingly want to pay their bill by credit or debit card because of the ease, convenience, ability to better manage their finances, and the opportunity to earn points, miles, and other rewards. There are many benefits to accepting credit and debit cards including increased cash flow, reduced collections, and improved staff productivity. However, one area where practices often overpay is credit card processing. Many payment processors claim to offer the lowest rates, but often charge hidden fees or offer low rates initially, but increase them over
R.I.P. Windows XP
By Jason Werner, Henry Schein TechCentral Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. If your practice is still running Windows XP, learn what this means for you and what your upgrade options are. After numerous extensions, Microsoft announced that Windows XP support will end in early 2014, and Microsoft will stop providing Windows XP updates, technical support, and security updates. Microsoft’s Kristina Libby, in her October 2011 blog post, said of Windows XP, “While turning 10 is often lauded, in the tech industry it means you’re falling behind. Ten years is a long time to have the same old technology.” Microsoft says it is time to
A New Era in Dental Management and Marketing
By Thaddeus Rowell, DMD A dentist is no longer just a dentist. To survive in today’s economic climate, a dentist must shift attention to matters such as employee management, OSHA compliance, malpractice, web presence, and search-engine optimization. This “juggling act” has forced dentists to wear too many hats and sacrifice the one thing that led them to dentistry in the first place, caring for patients. In order to regain this lost identity, dentists must develop creative and efficient ways of marketing. Today, marketing companies offer endless opportunities to promote a dental office. However, a dentist must be careful and prudent to avoid potential scams and maximize their investment. Through my
Amazing Decor and State-of-the-Art Technology Key to Innovative Business Model
SMILING SEAL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA Dr. Ninus Ebrahimi and Dr. Angela Choi According to a wise proverb: “Experience is the best teacher.” In the case of Dr. Ninus Ebrahimi and Dr. Angela Choi, that is true, but not in the way you might think. These graduates from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine are benefiting from the expertise and advice of two seasoned dentists who founded Smiling Frog Group, more than 1,000 miles away! NEW PEDIATRIC DENTISTS OPEN THEIR OWN OFFICES WITHOUT UPFRONT COSTS Smiling Frog Group is a new company founded by Dr. Patrick Martin and Dr. Tonya Triplett that has developed a ground-breaking business model for
Building a Successful Pediatric Practice, From the Ground Up
BRAZOS VALLEY - COLLEGE STATION, TX Dr. Larry Kalke When Dr. Ketan Sukkawala built his new pediatric dentistry practice, Brazos Valley Pediatric Dentistry, in College Station, Texas, it was the third time he had partnered with Henry Schein to grow his practice by building a new office. However, this time the project was different because the office was new construction, custom built from the ground up! This spectacular office now showcases the high level of care that Dr. Sukkawala aspires to, while also providing his patients with a colorful and welcoming environment that is well-designed and efficient. The 5,600-square-foot office is in an ideal location, within walking distance of both an elementary school
Precise SHP Diode Laser and iPod touch® Pair to Make Care More Effective
We live in the golden age of dental technology. The advances allow us to provide more comprehensive and better treatment for our patients. I am a true believer in laser technology, but I feel many dentists avoid lasers or purchase lasers only to have them gather dust. What if we paired a new concept in technology with a proven dental technology? That’s what was done with the new Precise® SHP Diode laser system from the CAO group–it pairs a diode laser with an Apple® iPod touch. > I am a true believer in laser technology, but I feel many dentists avoid > lasers or purchase lasers only to
Wi-Fi for Your Waiting Room and Beyond
By Jason Werner, Henry Schein TechCentral This is the information age, and your patients have embraced technology. They receive news updates, tweets, RSS feeds, and texts throughout the day. A few years ago, practice visitors expressed surprise at the availability of Wi-Fi, but now they are frustrated when it’s absent. WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? Here are just a few of the benefits of adding complimentary Wi-Fi to your practice: * Save time. A Wi-Fi network, kiosk software for Dentrix, and a few iPads® allow patients to check in and update information without involving office staff. * Reduce clutter. Complimentary Wi-Fi for your visitors
Spectra’s Digital Explorer Benefits Your Patients and Your Practice
By Parag R. Kachalia, DDS The diagnosis of caries has been an inexact science for many years, and the vast majority of practitioners around the world have made this diagnosis by utilizing their eyes and explorers. The common perception has been that if an explorer sticks into a pit or groove then the tooth must have caries. Thankfully, the vast majority of time that an explorer sticks into a pit or fissure, clinical decay is present; however, studies have documented that explorer detection alone can miss early areas of decay. Unfortunately, when these areas are missed on clinical examination, patients are forced to have larger restorations placed at a
Acree & Isenhower Family Dentistry Modesto, California
ACREE & ISENHOWER FAMILY DENTISTRY - MODESTO, CA Dr. Kevin Isenhower In Modesto, California, a largely agricultural area with a strong presence from Gallo Winery, Dr. Corey Acree purchased a general-dentistry practice from a retiring dentist in 2002. After 10 years, revenues nearly doubled. Then a new associate, Dr. Kevin Isenhower joined the practice providing additional services such as wire-free orthodontics and new bonding techniques that complemented the existing treatment options already provided by the practice. As Dr. Acree experienced this amazing growth, the office layout became an obstacle to providing superior patient care and to continuing the expansion of services and technology. At just 1876 square feet and 6
Dramatic Growth by Putting Patient Care First
ADVANCE DENTISTRY - CINCINNATI, OH Dr. Scott Sayre To Dr. Scott Sayre, dentistry is not just his day job; it is a vital part of everything he does. In addition to owning Advance Dentistry—his very successful general dentistry and oral surgery practice in Cincinnati, Ohio—Dr. Sayre serves as commander of the 445 Aerospace Medicine Squadron (AMDS) in the Air Force Reserves. In this role, which he’s held for the past 10 years, he serves 2,500 squadron members, overseeing their health and wellness. In that capacity, he has traveled around the world on medical missions, providing complimentary dental care to people in Senegal, Ghana, and Guatemala. Closer to home, Advance Dentistry
A Lifetime of Dental Experience Guides “New” Doctor in Build Out
WILLIAMS FAMILY DENTISTRY - DENVER, CO Dr. Margie Williams Dr. Margie Williams was what you might consider a “new” dentist when she opened Williams Family Dentistry. She had been practicing for less than two years at a nonprofit clinic when she opened her own office. However, she had years of experience in various other roles in the dental industry before she became a dentist: She assisted in her brother-in-law’s practice during her high school years, worked as a dental hygienist after earning her bachelor’s degree, and then became a Henry Schein representative after a serious fall injured her arm and prevented her from caring for patients. Eventually, after completing a lengthy rehabilitation,
Section 179 and Digital X-ray — Professional Perspectives
By Sally McKenzie For dental professionals who are considering an investment in a digital radiography system, there is both good news and better news. The good news is there is still time to take advantage of Section 179 of the tax code that allows dentists to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. The better news is that this year, the deduction limit for Section 179 is $500,000! Section 179 has been enhanced for both 2012 and 2013 tax years. The limit last year was $125,000, but thanks to the passage of H.R.8: American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012,
3D Cone Beam: Where This Multi-Disciplinary Imaging Modality can fit Into Your Practice
3D imaging provides a non-invasive way of gathering more anatomical information than 2D radiography for a wide variety of clinical applications and conditions, such as implants, extractions, oral surgery, orthodontics, TMD, plus sleep and airway disorders. Practitioners who have implemented this dynamic and flexible imaging method are eager to provide feedback on how i-CAT scanning technology has helped to improve their practice, helped their patients, and given them more information for more comprehensive dental care. GUY GROSS, DDS, OF NEW HORIZONS DENTAL CARE IN SALINA, KS: “As a general dental practice, Cone Beam 3D imaging has allowed us to cater to a broader range of patients’ needs by offering
One Practice’s Digital Dentistry Success Story: Integrating CAD/CAM
By Dr. Gary Kaye WHY A FUNDAMENTAL, TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE? Change is rarely easy. If what you are doing is working, you may think there is no reason to change. The point of a fundamental transformation isn’t to fix what’s not working, but to enhance what is working and make it better. EXPECTATIONS AND OBJECTIVES When I purchased our first CAD/CAM system, there were limitations with the technology and struggles with its implementation. For our practice, our goal was to provide single-visit restorations, benefitting patients in more than one way. They would receive the most technologically advanced treatment, and experience the convenience of one appointment. The practice upgraded to the E4D System
Turn Your Payroll Into a Profit Center
By Gary Kadi Did you realize your team is your most valuable investment? It can feel like salaries take a big chunk out of the bank. But realize that the instant you start to view salary as an investment in your own financial future, you are on the path to making more money. This psychological shift is subtle and extremely important. I have seen this time and time again: the more salary my clients pay, the more money they make. This is because they have come to view many of their expenditures as investments in their practices, and they see the stunning return on investment. THE RIGHT BALANCE This is
What You Don’t See Will Hurt You... and Your Patients!
By L. Don Wilson, DDS Every hour in our country a patient dies of oral cancer! Oral cancer is increasing at the rate of 11% annually. The death rate from oral cancer is now higher than cancers like cervical, thyroid, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular, laryngeal, or malignant melanoma. Over 5,000 men and more than 2,000 women die each year of oral cancer primarily due to late diagnosis. More physicians diagnose oral cancer than do dentists, and we should certainly be the frontline of defense against oral cancer. Over 40% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer have a non-contributory history–they don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco, and they do not drink
SoproCARE Intraoral Camera The Swiss Army Knife of Diagnosis
By Paul Feurstein, DMD The use of an intraoral camera is invaluable for documentation, diagnosis and patient education. Although there are many in the marketplace, few excel in resolution, lighting and ability to zoom in on specific areas. When a patient presents with a broken tooth, the dental professional merely has to show the image on a screen, and in many instances, the patient actually makes the preliminary diagnosis. Fractures, broken restorations, missing cusps, etc. are all obvious to the patient, allowing the dentist to explain the type of restoration necessary. Less obvious issues might be incipient caries or gingival inflammation. Here is where the SoproCARE device becomes a
Dental Innovations–Omaha, Nebraska
DENTAL INNOVATIONS - OMAHA, NE Dr. Michael Danahay and Dr. Matthew Hanfland > “Digital X-rays mean no more dark room and instant viewing of radiographs,” > says Dr. Hanfland. The opening of Dental Innovations in Omaha, Nebraska, brought a beautiful, state-of-the-art general dentistry practice to the community, but more importantly, it allowed two dentists, Dr. Michael Danahay and Dr. Matthew Hanfland, to partner in a new location while enabling them to maintain their separate, unique practices. This creative arrangement began when they expressed a desire to build a new practice with their shared Henry Schein Field Sales Consultant. "I was an associate dentist at a private practice here in Omaha," explains
How Do You Measure Return on Investment in Marketing?
By Douglas Sligting, President, Dental Branding I want to focus on two questions about the return on investment (ROI) in dental marketing: 1. What should I expect as a typical ROI in dental marketing? 2. How do I improve my ROI? To understand what kind of ROI you should expect, it’s important to identify typical dental marketing mindsets. Most dentists have a “lottery” mindset. They employ a specific marketing tool and expect a windfall of revenue. One example is a dentist who spends $10,000 on a direct mail campaign and expects to reap $50-$100k in return over a short period of time. While that is not impossible, it
How Much Is That Next Call Worth? Phone Systems That Integrate With Dentrix G5 Will Tell You
By Jason Werner, Henry Schein TechCentral In a technology-driven world, patients demand more immediate, helpful support when they call your office. The latest integration solution from Henry Schein TechCentral combines an innovative phone system with the power of Dentrix® G5 to help maximize revenue every time the phone rings. When phone systems and practice management are not integrated, your front desk may be missing business opportunities. For example, when Mrs. Smith calls, does your receptionist have to put her on hold to look up the record, deal with other visitors or answer other calls before picking up again? In the meantime, how many unanswered calls are costing you new
The Outstanding Financial and Clinical ROI from i-CAT
By Guy Gross, DDS When selecting advanced technology for your practice, return on investment takes both a financial and clinical meaning. In my general dental practice, properly selected technology gives me greater accuracy and thus, greater confidence in providing more specialized services to my patients, including dental implants, orthodontics, hard and soft tissue grafting, and sleep disorder-related procedures. Serving this broad range of dental needs precipitated an investment in Cone Beam 3D technology, and I chose the i-CAT. This imaging method has dramatically changed how my practice approaches diagnosis, and it is so important to my diagnosis and treatment planning that it is now a part of my routine protocol. I