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The Perfect Launch! How to Prepare Your Practice for New Technology
Nothing is more devastating than rushing head first into a new innovation, embracing the vision, firing up your staff, and then stumbling upon “hidden” traps that undermine you and everyone in the practice. Your mission, your patients, and your team need to connect. Why is it, many committed and passionate dental practice owners wonder, that a revolutionary piece of equipment failed to yield the clinical and economic results anticipated? It was innovative, it clearly supported your standard of care, and your patients were asking for it—what was the ingredient that kept you and your team from experiencing success? The answer was in the LAUNCH—a series of steps that must
Digital Dentistry-Not If, But When…
Dr. Santine Anderson, Enspire Dental, Ann Arbor, MI DECISION TO PURCHASE THE E4D DENTIST SYSTEM The decision to invest in a chairside CAD/CAM system requires considerable research on the technology and available systems. As a progressive practice, it is critical to exceed the expectations of the patients and provide exceptional esthetics, function, and convenience. The E4D Dentist System offers the ability to scan in the mouth on a model and from an impression without powder—and deliver same-day restorations. The advanced software uses Autogenesis® to create a proposed design of a tooth with consideration given to the opposing dentition and offers simple design tools that allow the user to manipulate
Implementing Cone Beam Technology: 3-D Made Easy
By Ryan Lee, DDS, MS 3-D Cone Beam eliminates superimposition seen in traditional 2-D radiography and provides much more detailed images. Many general dentists and specialists, even if they take their own scans, look to radiologists to ensure that no pathology is being missed. As a radiologist, I knew I could fulfill this need by establishing an imaging practice. Recently, with the opening of COR Imaging (Center of Oral Radiology) in Honolulu, Hawaii–my dream became a reality. I needed to choose a machine that could do it all—from implant planning to orthodontics and pathology, but at a competitive price. I chose the i-CAT®, for scan speed and ease of use.
A Winning Design and Technology That Leads The Way
DR. JULIANN R. DEMAND-BALSKI, BRUNSWICK, OH Through their combined talents, team members, Brian, Wade, and Rob have provided Dr. Demand-Balski with an ideal setup to pursue her professional goals and achieve a greater level of patient satisfaction in an environment that truly reflects her philosophy on the practice of dentistry.
Digital Impressions
By Marvin Berlin DDS, Gary Severance DDS, and Sherri White RDA CDD Yes, the buzzwords in dentistry today are digital impressions; getting rid of the goop in the mouth, the potential of gagging and numerous other benefits for the patient and the dental team. But are there truly advantages to just capturing the information digitally that make it worth an investment? Unfortunately, several systems have been grouped together both in style and categories, and dental professionals should be aware of the differences and what each system can really offer. There are basically 1) acquisition units—or scanners only—Itero, LAVA COS and 2) Total Digital Solutions-E4D Dentist, CEREC 3D. The Itero and
Chairside CAD/CAM Dentistry: Cents and Sensibility
With the introduction of the new E4D Dentist® System (Figure 1) through Henry Schein Dental, providing Same Day Dentistry™ solutions for single-unit indirect restorations is a more viable alternative to conventional two-appointment “prep and seat” procedures than ever before. Although the opportunity is not new, the E4D Dentist System makes Same Day Dentistry™ more practical by offering multiple options for capturing data; more efficient, with DentaLogic Software that guides the user through an easy to use and easy to understand design process (Figure 2); and more exciting with Autogenesis™, SOS™ remote access, and Henry Schein Dental Sales and Support. Let’s take a look at some of the factors
Choosing The Right Software For Your Practice
Although it may seem that all dental specialty software is alike, only a specialty practice-management system like PerioVision, EndoVision, and OMSVision, can truly meet the unique needs of a specialty practice. Easy Dental is not available in Canada.
It’s Time To Switch To Digital Radiography
When the most conservative dental educators state that there’s no reason for dental practices to use film, then it’s time to revisit why digital radiography is so beneficial. BENEFITS FOR YOUR PATIENTS First, there’s typically less radiation exposure with sensors than with film; exposure still remains a concern for most patients. Secondly, sensor-based radiography is fast, nearly instant. Just as you don’t want to waste time, neither do your patients. They want to be in and out of your office in the shortest time possible. Not only do they appreciate the speed of digital, patients prefer the comfort of an ergonomically shaped sensor over film (Fig. 1); capturing X-rays becomes
Fiscally Fit in 2008
By Keith Drayer Dentistry has fared better in the present economic environment than many other industry sectors. In speaking with dentists nationwide, I have learned that many face increased demand for their services and are booked ahead anywhere from one to three months. A combination of existing tax incentives, (IRS Section 179 and Section 44), the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and substantially lower interest rates make this a strategic time to invest in your practice to meet the demands of healthcare today. Because of these beneficial conditions, installing equipment and technology in 2008 can create a cash flow win for dentists in the know! Please check with your individual
Invest In Yourself
By Ralan Wong, DDS, MS This is not the time to abandon your goals for your office. On the contrary, it is time to invest in yourself and take pride in your own work. An extraordinary practice deserves equipment that can achieve extraordinary results. If you believe in your practice, your patients will too. As endodontists, X-rays are our most important asset. These images are how we show our patients what is happening in their mouth, and how we plan to fix it. We were early adopters of digital radiography. We originally used another system for several years before we discovered DEXIS® radiography was setting the standard for the
The Full Exam
THE DAWSON APPROACH TO GATHERING PROPER RECORDS Thus, it is extremely important that a system is created to handle patients efficiently, while creating an experience that will be impressive to the patient. Although most everyone sees the value in doing a complete exam on each new patient, somehow when they get back to their office, logistically it just does not seem possible. Many offices are used to bringing in patients through hygiene, and with their own book completely full, there does not seem to be anywhere to put these patients. Others are bringing in new patients with the Doctor, but don’t have enough time to gather quality records
Dental Implants in the Dental Practice, Part One
By Mark A. Iacobelli, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., F.I.C.D., M.I.I.F. THE “SENSE” OF IMPLANTS FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER It is a constant amazement to me how, through education and marketing, the pendulum has swung into favoring dental implants. Currently implants are riding a huge wave of acceptance not only in the dental community, but also by the dental consumer. Patients are now routinely inquiring about dental implants as a part of their desired treatments. At first glance, this good news of acceptance provides us better alternatives for replacing missing teeth. Fortunately for general dentists such as myself, it goes much deeper than that. In order to understand the true benefits of
Dental Implants in the Dental Practice, Part Two
By Mark A. Iacobelli, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., F.I.C.D., M.I.I.F. In this article, I will illustrate the bottom-line effects of providing this high level care – namely, profitability. As you may recall, there are two types of potential implant patients: those who are already missing teeth and those who will be missing teeth. Patients who are already missing teeth desire a more secure restoration, possibly even a fixed restoration. The novice implantologist may believe that unpredictable implant sites, more difficult diagnosis, and more demanding treatment plans–as well as the continuing education needed to perform the necessary treatments–will offset the increases in production associated with these types of cases, thus making them too
Cone Beam CT Technology: Clinical Benefits in Today's Dental Practice
By Scott Keating, VP Engineering, IMTEC (a 3M Company) What is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)? When using CBCT imaging, clinicians have the most accurate anatomic information to plan the placement of dental implants in optimal sites by using technologically advanced digital imaging devices. Computerized tomography is advancing rapidly. The imaging source-detector and the method of data acquisition distinguish cone beam tomography from traditional CT imaging. Traditional CT uses a high-output rotating anode X-ray tube, while cone beam tomography utilizes a low-power, medical fluoroscopy tube that provides continuous imaging throughout the scan. Traditional CT records data with a fan-shaped, helical X-ray beam onto image detectors arranged in an arc around the
Spring Training: Maximizing Your Potential With 3-D Imaging
By W. Bruce Howerton, Jr., DDS, MS Although having the best equipment gives any player an advantage, becoming competent and confident with its applications and knowing how to put it all into practice separates the adequate players from future Hall-of-Famers. As many dentists are now upgrading their imaging repertoire to include 3-D, obtaining the best equipment is just the start, like choosing the right bat. The training received at the i-CAT Imaging Institute can give you the momentum to hit the ball out of the park. The Institute, in Raleigh, NC, was created to help meet the overwhelming request for education on this new, dynamic technology. Receiving the most
Implementing Dental Digital Radiography Into A Dental Practice
If offices have not converted as of yet, all offices will be facing this decision within this decade. Dental X-ray film is slowly being phased out and virtually all of the radiographic manufacturers are switching to the production of digital imaging systems. Multiple factors need to be considered when a dental office is transitioning from film based radiography to digital techniques. Conversion to a totally digital imaging environment for a dental practice requires the practitioner to do a little bit of homework on the various digital imaging systems that are available on the market. Additionally, it is advisable for the office to perform a work-flow study to determine
Receivables at Risk
Does your practice extend open credits to your patients? This is an important question, as veteran dental practice owners know that their practice’s fiscal health, profitability, and success requires BALANCING a prudent patient-financing policy. BALANCE allows the flexibility to accommodate your patients, and also needs to be firm enough to avoid cash flow/collection problems that may have material consequences for both the doctors and staff. Even a temporary cash flow problem is stressful for a practice owner, creating the potential for uncertainty in making the payroll. What is a dental practice’s uncollectible percentage? Although this number will vary substantially, (many factors ranging from service mix, use of practice-management software, aggressive or
Starting A Practice In Difficult Economic Times
Several banks have failed and many more are on the edge of failure. The credit industry has collapsed. So has the home mortgage industry. Businesses are unable to secure loans for expansion, maintenance or even just survival. The United States is in a recession. And whether the U.S. led or precipitated the problem, or it occurred simultaneously worldwide, this is not just a U.S. problem. It has affected International Trade and International Economy’s. And all of this might be the good news. By now you should be asking, if that might be the good news, what is the bad news? The bad news is this has all occurred
Understanding the Impact Fees Can Have on Your 401(k) Plan
It can help you attract and retain good employees, as well as provide potential tax advantages for your practice. However, there are costs associated with these plans, so it’s important to understand the fees and expenses that come along with them. Considerable attention has been given to plan fees in the past year, with a goal of making them more transparent and more easily understood by plan participants. Fees have been the subject of several Congressional Hearings, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports, and regulatory initiatives. Employers today have a variety of options for how to implement a workplace savings plan. These affect the types of fees and expenses the
Where There's a Mill, There's a Way!
By Shannon Pace, CDA, CDD We’re all faced with tough decisions: What to buy, what to put off, what to forgo? Wants suddenly give way to necessities. The pinch can also be felt across many industries and professions nationwide—and dentistry is no exception. The dental procedure that might have at one time been a priority, has taken a back seat to more pressing issues. Money that might have been saved for a more esthetic smile, restoring a fractured tooth, or eliminating tooth pain, might now be used to pay the utilities or phone bill. As part of a progressive practice offering comprehensive care, we are seeing more and more
Protecting Yourself from Employee Theft, Fraud, and Embezzlement
One of the challenges may be employee theft. Estimates of the number of dentists who will experience theft at least once during their dental career range from 35–50%. Estimates in dollar loss range from $100 to $500,000+. Loss due to employee dishonesty may take the form of theft, fraud, or embezzlement. With certain minimal protective measures, the majority of this theft is preventable. The key is to understand where the potential exists for theft to occur and implementing strategies to prevent the loss. MEET THE THIEVES (All names are fictitious) Jane the Eraser–Jane simply withheld any cash payments that were made for services and then erased the patient’s account information
You Can Become A More Productive Dentist
By Woody Oakes, DDS, FAES Bruce accomplishes this in a number of ways including adjustments to routine procedures and more efficient use of equipment. One key aspect of his philosophy is to “buy technology that pays dividends” and yields “higher levels of performance and profitability” for the practice. A great example of technology that gives back is digital radiography. I’ve been using and enjoying this technology for years. Although I know it saves time, money, and effort, I decided to put my system to a quantitative test when we were presented with a patient who needed root canal therapy on both lateral incisors. We decided to perform #10 with
Premier Dentistry
“I wanted independence,” notes Dr. Daniel M. Casel when asked what the predominant reason was for opening his new office, Premier Dentistry. “I had practiced in the old office for 8 years and was part owner,” he continues. “But I was a minority partner there. I wanted to be closer to home and lose the contractual restrictions I was bound by in the previous office.” Thus began a whole new chapter in Dr. Casel’s professional life. As the saying goes...it was definitely time for a change! Timing is, of course, extremely important and so is planning when considering a change as important as the one Dr. Casel had
Word-Of-Mouth 2.0: Gain New Patients With Your Online Reputation
By Dr. Lorne Lavine They offer trusted insight and give a potential patient valuable piece of mind that they are choosing the right practitioner. Without a doubt, word of mouth is the most powerful way that you can influence someone’s decision about choosing their next dentist. However, today, word of mouth is changing. What once occurred over a cup of coffee or in front of a water cooler is now taking place online. The change in venue also means that the conversation is no longer between two people; it is now shared with millions upon millions of prospective patients actively seeking a new dental practice. Understanding this phenomena and employing