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The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
To most people Arizona conjures up images of desert heat waves, cacti, and the Wild West. On the contrary, Mesa, the state’s third largest city behind Phoenix and Tucson, is home to exceptional vitality—and Arizona’s first dental school, the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH). ASDOH opened its doors to its inaugural class on July 21, 2003 and its 81-chair, state-of-theart clinic for its third-year students on April 28, 2005. The first ASDOH class is scheduled to graduate May 19, 2007. ASDOH operates under the A.T. Still University-Mesa campus, along with the Arizona School of Health Sciences. ASDOH operates as an accredited, private, nonprofit dental school
A Step Ahead…The Dental Implant Center of Memphis
The teeth are surgically placed using a local anesthetic, and are remarkably trouble-free compared to conventional crown-and-bridge dentistry. Implant dentistry benefits the patient and the dentist. The patient does not come to the dental office looking for bridgework—they come looking for solutions to current dental problems. In our society, good health and a pleasant appearance have increased in importance. Patients want beautiful smiles—and the ability to chew their food! The office’s 4,000-sq. ft. space houses 6 regular and 2 surgical operatories are equipped with the high-end technology needed to drive Dr. Schulter’s practice. Sleek, ultramodern Midmark patient chairs; Matrx central evacuation system, compressor, and nitrous units; and cable/DVD in each
Gateway Community Health Center
Equipment Sales Specialist, Todd Nickolich and Field Sales Consultant, James Claire managed the project. They focused on developing a plan that met the specific requirements of a facility that is both a teaching pavilion and a community clinic with increasing demands for specialized services. The Health Center’s liaison program with the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School results in periodontic and prosthodontic residents and dental students rotating through Gateway’s dental clinic. These heightened demands necessitate a streamlined, highly functional layout with up-to-the-minute technologies that allow a high level of productivity and the capability of adhering to the Center’s scheduling requirements. Todd Nickolich and Gateway’s Dental Director, Claudia Cavazos,
Annapolis Prosthodontic Associates
In the late 70s, Dr. William Finagin, a prosthodontist, was owner of both Annapolis Dental Laboratory and Annapolis Prosthodontic Associates (APA). Nick was employed at the lab, which did business with the dental office where he met his future wife, Lori. Twenty years later, APA rehired Lori and Nick now serves them as FSC for Sullivan-Schein. Throughout the years, Annapolis Prosthodontic Associates has provided high-quality dentistry by a staff that is committed to its mission and its patients’ best interests. It has had the same location since 1978—Annapolis, Maryland—only one-half mile from the state’s capitol building and its “city dock” on the shores of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The
New Horizon Family Dental Care-Greenville, South Carolina
All of the counties have been designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area either for all or part of the county or for the lowincome population. The new facility is designed to treat Medicaid and lower income populations of the community that would not otherwise have access to dental care. NHFDC is housed in a renovated space previously used as a doctor’s office. The 6,000-sq. ft. facility accommodates 13 operatories with professional services provided by a staff of 2 dentists and 2 assistants. Community needs and backing from numerous public, private, corporate, and foundation partners made the creation of the NHFDC possible. Marion Stokes, Equipment Sales Specialist; Mike Templeton,
Ritter & Ramsey, LLC-Jupiter, Florida
Dr. Ramsey notes, “Our practice represents a new beginning [for us]. When you are able to build your dream facility with your partner, it creates a positive energy that everyone can see and feel!” Dr. Ritter and Dr. Ramsey should have no difficulty in meeting the challenges that will come their way. The business now has “the right stuff” to continue its legacy of excellence in patient care and increased prosperity as well.
Shrewsbury & Associates, PSC Family Dentistry
RONALD G. SHREWSBURY, D.M.D. The new office boasts 14 operatories (count ’em!), 3 dentists, 5 full-time hygienists/ 1 part-time hygienist, 5 assistants, and plenty of space—specifically 7,600-sq. ft. of space—for an amazing and efficiently designed workspace that “finishes first” against the competition. The property had become available at an earlier date, and was purchased with the idea that it could used to expand for a third time at the current location—and obtain much-needed parking space. Shutting down for new construction didn’t seem like a cost-effective move, and the conglomeration of old infrastructure would leave a less than desirable result. It was then that the possibility of building an entirely new
Why Every Dental Office Needs to Install Digital Radiography
By Lorin Berland, DDS, FAACD At the time I bought it, I looked at competing systems very carefully. I was looking for clarity of image, number one. I was also looking for an intuitive, easy-to-use software interface. And I was looking for reliability and versatility as far as networking within my office's computer systems. Every other expensive piece of equipment I've bought — with the exception of my digital radiography system — is now outdated. I wouldn't even think of using the curing lights I bought six years ago, and curing lights are relatively expensive. I wouldn't use the camera I bought eight years ago. Eight years ago there
Carpet in Ops or Not?
By Nancy Higgins, Interior Design Group Sullivan-Schein Carpeting is harder to keep clean than nonporous, hard-surface flooring, and cannot be reliably disinfected, especially after spills of blood and body substances. Several studies have documented the presence of diverse microbial populations, primarily bacteria and fungi, in carpeting. Cloth furnishings pose contamination risks similar to those of carpeting in areas of direct patient care and areas where contaminated materials are managed (i.e., dental operatories, laboratories, instrument processing areas). For these reasons, carpeted flooring and furnishings upholstered with fabric should not be used in these areas. If you want to research this further go to: www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faq which took this passage from the CDC Guidelines for
Dr. Robert Cherry, State-of-the-Art...That's Straight from the Heart
He continued serving his patients until a family emergency necessitated relocation to Tamarac, Florida. He also revised his professional activities to enable the family to support his youngest daughter through a protracted illness. While in Tamarac, his daughter passed away, closing a very difficult chapter for his family. A few years afterward, Dr. Cherry felt the need to refocus his professional energies, and began considering a new office where he could attend to his patients in a manner that was closer to his philosophy of healthcare and also include expanded treatments for facial orthopedics in the practice’s venue. “A dream I have always had is...a state-of-the-art facility where patients
Why every office needs to be digital
Back in the late 1980s, the very first digital radiography systems and intraoral cameras were released onto the market. Although adoption of these systems was slower than expected, there have been numerous other changes as well. The vast majority of practices are now computerized and use Windows-based practice management software. Many systems that were once paper-based have now moved into the digital realm. However, there are still many practices that have not realized the benefits of a digital practice. According to Dental Equipment and Materials and Dental Products Report, only 44% of offices have computers in the operatories and fewer than 25% are using digital radiography. The latest buzzword
Signature Endodontics
From its exterior’s stucco walls and tile-roofed Spanish-style architecture to its sophisticated interior with a strong Art Deco feel and the latest in technology—the office is a “keeper.” Mike Dukes, Sullivan-Schein Equipment Sales Specialist, guided the project for Signature Endodontics. He worked through the budget constraints and with input from Genevieve Cicero, CAD Specialist, and set about configuring a space that would stand up to Dr. Ip’s present and future practice needs. Mike was instrumental in accelerating the project’s progress by introducing Dr. Ip to another satisfied Sullivan-Schein customer, Dr. Jeffrey Barrera of Arbours Aesthetic Dentistry. As it turned out, they became neighbors—housed in the same beautiful office complex. The office
Role of Diode Lasers in Soft-Tissue Applications Continues to Expand
The use of diode lasers continues to grow in general and specialty dental practices. The vast majority of dentists who purchase a soft-tissue laser today will buy a diode for a few key reasons: * The new diode lasers are very compact * They are relatively inexpensive and offer a rapid return on investment * They are easy to use clinically * They have an excellent safety profile and history, so you can feel comfortable about your hygiene team using them for periodontal applications without worrying about the possibility of tooth structure being altered * They are very
Destruction-Proof Your Practice
By Wolfgang Friedel PROTECTING YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE Since December 2005 Sullivan-Schein has been providing recovery services to many of the affected dentists assisting them in their efforts to achieve a fair settlement with their insurers as well as providing services to enable an efficient rebuilding of their practices. As the recovery team works through complex insurance issues, it has become evident that many of the dentists were not properly protected to cover their assets or their practice interruption needs. The question being asked by many dentists is: “What could I have done to better protect myself against such a disaster?” The obvious answer is, of course, to buy the proper
Look the Part
By Dr. Mark Tholen Yes, you will be practicing in the facility and treating patients, but the environment of the office will speak as loudly to the patients as you or any of your staff members. Patients, especially new ones, gauge or determine the level of care they receive by assessing the quality of the office environment. Don't believe it? Keep this concept in mind the next time you are a new patient to an unfamiliar doctor. Nonverbal communication is very powerful in new or unusual environments. Your office will speak to patients; you have a choice in the statement the office will make to them. Regardless of your
The Dental Specialists of Jamestown North Dakota
And, although this approach has been used upfront repeatedly, there can also be circumstances that help one gain entree into new venues. Such is the case in Jamestown, North Dakota when, as fate would have it, there was a need for another orthodontist in the area, opening up the opportunity for Dr. Alison Fallgatter to take the step up that would help to better define her professional goals by providing the option to create an office of her own. Previously, Dr. Fallgatter had worked in a private practice, but had a strong desire to start new and be her own boss. The timing was perfect. She would
Brown Family Dentistry
Brown Family Dentistry, located in Neenah, Wisconsin, is a showcase office for style and efficiency—as well as an extensive lineup of dedicated dentists who all bear the last name of—you guessed it—Brown. Specifically, Dr. Tim Brown; his son Tipton; Tipton's wife Dawn; and son Tyler complete the roster of "Brown" family members. Dr. Tim Brown started the practice over 30 years ago. In 1999, son Tip and daughter-in-law Dawn came on board—and Tyler joined the group after the renovation was completed in the summer of 2009. The need for expansion of the practice to accommodate Tyler provided the opportunity to assess the overall requirements of the business, resulting in
What's Your Advice?
CASE STUDY #1: Did you come close? THE PROBLEM A dentist barely produces enough to cover his overhead and have anything left over for him. His appointment book is rarely filled. And those are just a few of his headaches. THE FACTS The general dentist has been in practice for 15 years. He has four treatment rooms in his facility. His practice-management software report shows 2,356 patients have visited at least one time in the last 24 months, with more than 90% of his patients over 25 years of age. He claims to have 10% of his patients in periodontal therapy. He has one hygienist four days a week with eight appointments
A Solution for Retirement and Recruiting
Less than a year after opening their doors, Ping Hai DDS & Associates established their first 401(k) plan. When asked why, Chief Financial Officer Gan Mo stressed, "For retirement and recruiting. It's a great way for a dentist to put away money for retirement and enjoy potential tax savings at the same time. It's also an important consideration for new employees when they're making the decision to join our team." A THRIVING PRACTICE Located in Marietta, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, the growing practice is currently in its fourth year of business. Though there are many dental offices in the Atlanta area, there are enough potential clients living there
Your 179 Deduction - It’s Back And Bigger Than Ever
This year, the buzz is bigger because of the boosted amount and the bonus! No, this isn't a tongue twister;it's fact, and something you should definitely investigate with your accountant. Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code allows sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, including LLCs, to expense the full amount of the investment in the year in which they are added to the business. Prior to section 179, it was necessary to depreciate the cost of these expenditures over a five- to seven-year period. This meant that, for instance, if you procured $50,000 in dental units, you would amortize them at the rate of $10,000 per year for
Dr. Brian Schaefer - Green Bay, Wisconsin
"Much of our older equipment was breaking down...production was declining...and my lease was due to be renewed. There was a great thread on DentalTown called "Show Me Your Office." I was seeing all these great offices, and hearing stories of how the right location could rejuvenate a practice. When my new lease arrived in the mail, I was facing a major decision...I knew that this lease was going to tie me to the current office for the rest of my career." Dan Kroeger, Henry Schein Dental Equipment Sales Specialist recalls his conversation with the Doctor around that time. "I stopped by the old location to advise Dr. Schaefer
New Horizon Family Dental Care (NHFDC)
NHFDC is housed in a renovated space previously used as a doctor's office. The 6,000-sq. ft. acility accommodates 13 operatories with professional services provided by a staff of 2 dentists and 2 assistants. Community needs and backing from numerous public, private, corporate, and foundation partners made the creation of the NHFDC possible. Marion Stokes, Equipment Sales Specialist; Mike Templeton, Field Sales Consultant; Will anister,Equipment Service Technician; Bryan Allem, Regional Manager-South Carolina; and Dave Luckenbaugh, Regional Manager-Special Markets/Equipment brought heir diverse skills to the project, offering facility design, supply and equipment acquisition-plus support and advice during each phase of the transformation. "Everyone involved from Henry Schein Dental stressed how important it was
Creating a Greener Dental Practice
By Dr. Jason and Rebecca McMillan A ROOM-BY-ROOM GUIDE Not only will your practice benefit from your environmental stewardship, but you will have the personal gratification of knowing you are doing your part to protect the planet for generations to come. MATERIALS & FURNISHINGS * Use products and materials that are durable. A product that lasts longer usually requires less maintenance and saves energy. * Select building materials that will require little maintenance (painting, retreatment, waterproofing, etc.), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental impact. * Choose construction materials that are salvaged, have a high-recycled content, are
Keeping Up with the Times Using Digital Case Presentation
In the early 1900s, the invention of Novocain gave pain management an even greater shot in the arm (actually, mouth). By the 1950s, high-speed air-driven hand pieces, deemed by the ADA to be “an immediate commercial success” heralded the new era of high-speed dentistry. Fast forward to the new millennium. Fortunately for our 21st century dental practices, choices abound, in equipment and methods of diagnosis and treatment. Because of the many treatment options available, it is imperative for a growing dental practice to implement the technology and software to communicate these choices to our patients most effectively. When seeking solutions to their dental issues, patients are not only faced