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Dr. Edward MacMurdo – East Pointe Trails Dental Centre Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
“Less is more”...we have all heard the phrase many times. In this instance, we can showcase Dr. Edward MacMurdo’s new practice, East Pointe Trails Dental Centre, to more fully understand the philosophy behind the notion. After moving to Tecumseh from the Vancouver area, Dr. MacMurdo sought to enter into an associateship. When this was not forthcoming, he revised his plan of action and decided to build new. What evolved was a great plan for a compact and streamlined 1,600-ft., 3-operatory office. “I prefer the smaller office with a single practitioner and hygienist...it’s less like an assembly line,” comments the Doctor. The vision for the office was further defined as
The Voice of Experience
By Paul Perme, DDS In so many aspects, 1956 was a very good year. It was the year videotape was first used on TV; gas cost 22 cents per gallon; and the minimum wage was $1.00. The Yankees beat the Dodgers in the World Series—and I graduated from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry. After serving two years in the Air Force, I began my dental career in Belton, Missouri. During my 55 years in dentistry, I have witnessed new materials and technologies that have improved the dentist’s ability to provide the best patient care. After a half century in business, I became associated with Dr. Terry
Social Media for Dentists
The world of Dentistry has definitely changed over the past several years. It is no longer a business where you can put up a sign and expect to have hundreds of patients knocking down your door. Dentists have embraced marketing and now employ several different methods to drive traffic. Nowhere has this been more noticeable than on the Internet. Dental Web sites are now a universal tool, and offer everything from computer graphics to appointments. They may range from the simple to the complex, but the common consensus is that everyone should have one. The Web is constantly evolving. More and more of the content is being created
Drs. Tina Nichols and Samaria Mascagni-Arkansas Family Dentistry Little Rock, Arkansas
ARKANSAS FAMILY DENTAL Dr. Tina Nichols A location was chosen about one-half mile away from the existing office. It would better provide the opportunity for continuous growth and enhanced services to more fully meet the Doctors’ vision of the ideal dental practice. The process began by contacting Henry Schein Dental. A rough draft of the new floor plan was created and then a tour of the Pelton & Crane factory and showroom was set up to view the many upgrades that were available in operatory equipment. The design impact of the new building harmonized perfectly with its natural setting. The interior design specifically creates a separation of patient care, staff, and
Dr. Joel Berg – The Center for Pediatric Dentistry University of Washington Seattle, Washington
The Center for Pediatric Dentistry is a merger of the former pediatric dentistry clinics at the University of Washington and the Seattle Children’s Hospital. The new clinic resides in the Washington Dental Services Building at the University of Washington. In order to respect the historically preserved building during the repurposing process, existing challenges were met with a combination of creativity and commitment that saw the premises emerge from nearly three years of design and planning into a facility that is beautiful, functional, and technologically on the front lines. > “We will see any child who needs pediatric dental care, but will focus on > early intervention and prevention of
i-CAT + E4D = 3-D Integration At Its Best
What happens when E4D meets i-CAT 3-D? The result is a dynamic pairing of technologies for implant and restorative planning and placement—expanded clinical capabilities, workflow, and time savings at its best! i-CAT technology is already adding more precision to dental planning and treatment. During the implant process, the ability to see a “surgical view” before surgery, or to even avoid surgery altogether, is of great benefit both to the dentist and the patient. The capability to view the image 360 degrees offers the clinician the confidence that he/she will not be confronted with any surprises that impede the achievement of the ultimate goal—the successful placement of the implant. E4D CAD/CAM
3D – Dawning a New Day for Dentistry
By Mark A. Hanna DMD Business people are always searching for new ways to expand their horizons. Even as a new dentist, investing in new technology has been my priority. As a result, Cone-Beam imaging has had a positive impact on my practice—on diagnostic capabilities, on expanding in-house procedures, and on my patients. For diagnostics, having a 3-D scan is like having X-ray vision. Without performing surgery, it is not possible to detect anatomical anomalies, hidden nerve canals or nerves extended in unusual directions, impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, or hard-to-see infections. My Gendex medium field-of-view scanner offers a range of scan sizes ranging from 8 or 14 cm diameter
Social Media Checklist
PLANNING * Set goals for your social media campaign * Know your audience who are you trying to reach-where do you get most of your patients * Who will run the campaign * How much time are you willing to spend on social media * What type of social media will work best for you Examine each thoroughly: * Twitter - Fast paced and fairy temporary Collect email or contact information quickly as most people do not stay with Twitter * Facebook - More
CBCT-A Clear Perspective on Implant Options
By Joel L. Rosenlicht, DMD With the growing popularity of implants, many dentists are exploring ways to add this type of procedure to their treatment options. When implants are indicated, the process of determining the optimal treatment plan starts even before the details of the implant itself are considered. The opportunity to view a three-dimensional scan of my patient’s anatomy before starting an implant makes me a better dentist. My i-CAT® provides me with better visualization and a clearer perspective on my options. Most importantly, CBCT gives me the ability to achieve my desired results more easily and less stressfully. Not only do 3-D images prepare the dentist for
No Time Like The Present — Section 179 Offers Extraordinary Benefits for 2010 Investment
It is impossible for a dentist to stay aware of all of the clinical breakthroughs in the dental profession and still have time to track all of the changes on the tax scene. Taking advantage of tax incentives, such as Section 179 can result in financial and clinical business improvements. Right now, even a crystal ball would not give a succinct view of the nation’s tax future. The Section 179 deduction is one sure incentive currently available to businesses this year. In March 2010 President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, with some of its best benefits, such as Section 179, having
Causes of Scheduling Stress: Part 2
ARTICLE CONTINUED FROM SPRING 2010 ISSUE (5) DOCTOR SCHEDULED OPPOSITE DOCTOR. There is NO WAY that a doctor can be in two rooms at once! That seems like a silly thing to say, I know, but in thousands of practices across the world, we find that type of scheduling problem to be common. Instead of allowing a scheduling overlap, keep the dentist(s) moving smoothly and carefully from room to room with clear allotments of when they’re to be where. The doctor is given the desired amount of time for each aspect of each procedure. Thus, he or she is able to sit down, concentrate on that procedure, get
Keeping My Schedule Filled With the E4D Dentist CAD/CAM System
In today’s economy, every patient counts. When I see holes in my schedule, it’s frustrating to me and challenging to my team. I’ve found that the best way for us to fill or refill our schedule with meaningful production is to convert patients from our Hygiene schedule to the operative schedule. With the E4D Dentist CAD/CAM system from D4D Technologies and Henry Schein Dental, we have a fantastic way to offer patients one-time appointments or same-day crowns, inlays, onlays, or veneers. Patients really value this service because they don’t want to take any more time off from their busy lives than they have to. We offer every hygiene patient
Causes of Scheduling Stress
Rushing one appointment so you can get on to the next? Wondering why, at the end of the day, it feels like you’ve been running a chaotic zoo more than an orderly business? Scheduling can cause stress of great magnitude! The management issue of “running behind” seems to affect all of the dental teams I’ve coached and researched over the past few decades. You feel uncomfortable when others are held up or inconvenienced. This strong feeling of responsibility for so many others—for personnel and patients alike—weighs heavily on you when you are unable to stay on schedule. Rest assured that organizational and management systems that function effectively with one another
Dr. Robert Van Dyke–Distinctive Dentistry, Las Vegas–Nevada
It began when he relocated from his home in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to sunny Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001. After settling in, he purchased an aging practice and set out to rebuild the client base. There were things about the facility itself, however that just weren’t ideal. His practice was hard to find because it was on the fifth floor of a medical office building. He had no street exposure or signage to tell potential patients that he was there. The inside of the office wasn’t any better. The equipment and furniture he inherited was dated, which made it inefficient, unattractive, and unpleasant to work with. Dr. Van
Dr. John Cranham - Chesapeake, Virginia
It might be unnerving for some dentists to have people studying their every move, but for Dr. John Cranham, it’s something he encourages. Both a practicing dentist with a thriving practice in Chesapeake, Virginia, and a leading educator in the field, he balances his time caring for patients in his esthetic-focused dentistry practice and sharing his expertise in demonstrations and lectures all over the United States and abroad. Balancing these two passions has become easier now that Dr. Cranham has relocated to a stunning new 2,400-square foot office in the Greenbrier area of the city because it is in the same building as the Mid-Atlantic Center for Advanced Dental
Answers @ d4dtech.com
There are so many sources of information facing today's dental professionals, it is sometimes difficult to know which way to turn, or which link to "click." At D4D Technologies, our primary goals are to provide dentistry with the latest technology, the most comprehensive support and education, and accurate, concise information-all intended to exceed patient satisfaction and assist in achieving excellence in dentistry. If you are like many dental professionals, you may be confused with the myriad of choices available to you in order for your practice to enter the digital age of dentistry. Let us suggest a few online resources where you can explore the revolutionary new technology
Dental Insurance Reimbursement and Documentation For E4D® Restorations
In restorative cases, the utilization of chairside or lab fabricated CAD/CAM restorations are equivalent to reporting conventionally fabricated metal-free restorations (ceramic and composite) using other methods. Utilizing the correct codes (CDT – Current Dental Terminology) is now mandatory on all insurance processing and helps ensure proper claim adjudication. In order to file insurance efficiently, the doctor and business assistant must develop appropriate insurance documentation/ justification scenarios. In general, ceramic onlays, 3/4 crowns and full crowns are reimbursed with appropriate documentation. Patient education as to the uniqueness and benefits of E4D® should be discussed chairside by the doctor and staff. The digital camera, intraoral camera, GURU (patient education) and E4D® all go
Embracing Implant Dentistry in Tough Economic Times
It is easy to be stressed about open spots in an appointment book that once always seemed to be filled. I have found in my 22 years of practice that, when the economy ebbs, it is a great time to expand the services that you provide to your patients. Taking advantage of the additional time that you have to learn new ways to serve your patients, will decrease the stress of the moment and lead to increased productivity and profitability as you utilize your new skill. We have been heavily involved in the restoration of Dental Implants and recently chose to learn the surgical aspects of the
Lean On Me—Lean Office Practices Are Just Better Business
Lean and mean is the buzzword of the times of modern business. Operating “lean” now reflects the values of efficiency, financial responsibility, and good leadership. The concept transfers quite effectively to the dental environment—the lean practice. This method of improving a business is universal to all successful endeavors, especially in this era of evolving technology. The primary concept behind lean office is “continuous improvement.” Although this sounds like a lot of work, actually, these methods result in a calmer, less burdened workplace. To continuously improve, a lean office must concentrate on three aspects: willingness to change, involvement of employees, and effective communication. Digital radiography touches all of these points,
The GXCB-500— A Good Fit for Any Practice
Many dentists continued to practice their profession without those first films that showed the inside of the human body, but soon dentists realized that utilizing the best information available resulted in the best service to and the best result for their patients. The necessity to use the best diagnostic tools is as valid now as it was then, and 3D imaging is as important an upgrade to dentists in 2010 as 2D radiographs were to dentists in 1910.In addition to being a necessity, quality imaging, such as digital intraoral and digital panoramic radiology and Cone Beam scanning technology, has brought even more opportunities for professional excellence and growth. As an
FICO Reveals How Common Credit Mistakes Affect Scores
Did you max out your credit card? Expect a credit score drop of 10 to 45 points. Declare bankruptcy? Your score will plummet by up to 240 points, and your odds of getting credit will nosedive with it. The “damage points” data, unveiled recently by Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), a leading consumer credit-scoring system, are part of the most revealing glimpse into the firm's oncesecret – and still mysterious–credit scoring model. The new information discloses how many points borrowers' scores will drop when they make the most-common mistakes. “HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND” SCORES “I hope this information will help people to better understand FICO scores and the value for them of
Less is More
Although dentistry, in general, has been slow to adapt and endorse all of the benefits and capabilities of digital dentistry, with more and more options becoming available, the horizon and hopefully acceptance has now broadened. Today’s CAD/CAM systems–both chairside and laboratory based–are being used to design and manufacture metal, alumina, and zirconia frameworks, as well as all-ceramic and composite full-contour crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers that may be stronger, fit better, and are more aesthetic than restorations fabricated using traditional methods. The accuracy of these types of technologies also allows us to provide cosmetic and restorative options that are minimally invasive. There are more than 20 different CAD/CAM systems that
The Black and White Facts of Platinum
My digital experience began seven years ago with just one laptop and a powerful little sensor, the DEXIS® Classic. Over the years, I have been constantly impressed by the opportunities that digital radiography have offered for improved diagnosis and patient education. With the debut of a new sensor, DEXIS Platinum, imaging has become even better. The clear, crisp images retain incredible detail even when enlarged. The nice part is that dentists and their teams don’t need to understand the complexities behind the magic. For us, it is as easy as pushing a button. I am not a technology person, but have done a bit of research on the
Using Practice Management Software to Grow Your Practice
You can’t imagine how many dentists complain to us, “I just don’t feel like my practice is doing well,” but when asked to show any statistics that support their feelings, the doctors rarely turn to facts. The amazing thing about practice management software today is it provides enough bells and whistles to power the Pentagon! Yet, most of the tools that generate valuable statistics are never touched and reports pile up, gathering dust on the dentist’s desk. So where is the disconnect? Most dental teams do not realize their practice management system has a goldmine of data, that when properly analyzed, can drive major improvements in efficiency, productivity, and