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Anterior restorations: The performance of ceramic veneers
February 2018 | Daniel Edelhoff et al Adhesive bonding techniques in combination with tooth-colored restorative materials are one of the greatest achievements of restorative dentistry. Download the full article
Manage Your Patient Referrals Information in Dentrix
STORE PATIENT REFERRAL SLIPS AND TRACK GRATUITIES IN YOUR DENTAL SOFTWARE. Figure 1. The Document Types Setup dialog box. I was recently working with an oral surgery practice and a periodontal office. At both offices, I observed that the referral coordinators had an accordion file filled with referral slips of patients who had been referred to their office but were not yet scheduled. Both offices were in the process of going paperless, so we explored a system for managing these patient referrals inside of Dentrix. In this article, I’ll share my suggestions on how Dentrix can help you manage your patient referrals. When you go paperless, you will use
Doctor Goes Cross Country to Open Fourth Dental Office near Alma Mater
TRINITY DENTAL - BOSTON, MA | CHAD J. ANDERSON, MS, DMD Hopefully, Dr. Chad Anderson collects frequent flier miles, because this busy doctor just opened his fourth dental practice—2,500 miles away from home! Trinity Dental, the newest office for this successful general dentist, is literally across the country from where he lives in Fresno, California. He owns three practices in California, but the newest addition to his expanding dental network is a built-from-scratch practice he opened in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in September 2017. The opening of this Boston location might seem unusual, but it’s actually the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Dr. Anderson graduated from Tufts
Building a Family Legacy
SUMMIT FAMILY DENTAL CARE - MEDFORD, OR | IAN ERICKSON, DMD; NICOLE KECK-ERICKSON, DMD For the husband-and-wife dental team of Dr. Ian Erickson and Dr. Nicole Keck-Erickson, the desire to become dentists struck both of them at a young age. For Dr. Nicole, it was a career path inspired by her childhood dentist, Dr. Anne Barry, who she eventually joined in practice after dental school. For her husband, it was his parents—his father was a dentist and his mother worked as a dental hygienist. The Oregon natives followed their dream, to Oregon Health Sciences University, where they met and married. After working as an associate for five years, Dr. Nicole
New Office Allows Doctor to Fully Embrace His Passion for Aesthetics
SK SMITH: ADVANCED PERIODONTICS, DENTAL IMPLANTS, FACIAL AESTHETICS KING OF PRUSSIA, PA | SCOTT K. SMITH, DDS For Dr. Scott Smith of Dr. SK Smith Advanced Periodontics, Dental Implants, Facial Aesthetics, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the road to building a new office was two years long and paved with thoughtful analysis and projections of how it would impact his business. Now, five months after opening his gorgeous 3,100 square-foot practice, he’s seeing those projected numbers become reality. Growth Leads to Move to New Office, With Spectacular Views Dr. Smith has been practicing since 1994 when he opened his own 1,200 square-foot dental practice, specializing in periodontal and dental
Spring Branch Community Health Center Offers Dental Care on School Grounds
SPRING BRANCH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, CY-FAIR CLINIC - CYPRESS, TX | FOLASHADE OBITAYO, DDS In the Cypress-Fairbanks area of Houston, Texas, underserved children and their families now have greater access to dental care and a host of other health care services, thanks to the Spring Branch Community Center’s Cy-Fair location. The clinic opened in 2016 on Cy Park High School land donated by the Cy-Fair Independent School District (ISD), and it began offering dental services in July 2017. It is the sixth office in the non-profit organization’s network of community health centers throughout Houston and Katy. The Cy-Fair Community Health Clinic, which is designated as a Federal Qualified Health Center, serves about 20,000 people
A Platform to Connect It All
By Brad Royer, Product Manager, Dentrix -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once a tool for record-keeping, practice management software is a central hub that drives today’s practice. Twenty-five years ago, practice management software began a digital revolution. Today, electronic dental records, complete with images and add-on electronic services, are the standard. Now we are witnessing a new shift as practice management systems evolve into a platform providing total integration at every level of the patient interaction, lab communication, and beyond. “We’ve seen exponential growth in both the software segment and ancillary e-service add-on products,” says Brad Royer, Dentrix Product Manager, who has watched the industry move from systems designed to store patient data to those that
LayerCompliance® for Dental
By Katie Lay, Co-Founder & Ceo, Caek -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LayerCompliance is an affordable, cloud-based tool to help dental offices manage the requirements of HIPAA and implement policies that are tailored to the individual organization. It can help guide the practice through the various areas of HIPAA, including risk analysis, policy and procedures, implementation, and risk management. When used as part of a comprehensive data security program, LayerCompliance can help a practice reduce the risk of non-compliance. The LayerCompliance Risk Analysis tool can help practices perform the reviews required by the HIPAA Security Rule to uncover potential risks and vulnerabilities to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the protected health information (PHI) within
The Importance of a Layered Defense in Your Dental Practice
By Howard Grainger, Product Manager Henry Schein TechCentral -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Imagine how devastating it would be if you lost all of your patient data due to equipment failure, fire and water, theft and more. One especially deadly hazard, a data breach from one wrong mouse click, could be devastating to your patients’ security as well as your financial stability. Along with losing income from patient attrition due to a damaged reputation, you could also face large fines. Protect yourself from data loss by using a layered defense. While no single defense can protect your patient data completely from computer attacks, the more layers of security you have, the higher the
i-CAT 3D Imaging for Your Present and Future Practice
By Patrick L. McGee, DDS When learning about implants during my residency, 3D imaging was a significant part of the evaluation and planning process. 3D scans allow for measurements that facilitate precision. With this information, I can avoid possible complications by gaining anatomical information that may not be determined from a 2D X-ray. With 3D imaging, I don’t have to guess, estimate, or be surprised by patients’ anatomical anomalies. I knew the advantages of 3D imaging but was not sure which brand would best suit my practice. Thankfully, I already knew my Henry Schein Dental representative, Scott Rogers, would be very helpful regardless of whether I was interested in
Start-up Practice in North Carolina After Successful 30-Year Career Gives Doctor Fresh Start
DENTAL CARE OF MORRISVILLE - MORRISVILLE, NC | WILLIAM GROSS, DDS After practicing dentistry for 30 years in New Jersey, Dr. William Gross was ready for a change of scenery—not just to a new office, but to an entirely new city! He and his wife planned to move south to a warmer climate and for the opportunity to launch a vibrant dental practice in North Carolina. Although Dr. Gross is in his 60s, he opened a new dental office from the ground up at a time in his career when some dentists are considering retirement. Instead, he decided to build the practice that he always wanted, with the design, décor,
Every Dollar Maximized as Atlanta Area Dental Office Adds Satellite Location
LEMONS DENTAL - BRASELTON, GEORGIA | TERRY LEMONS, DDS The challenge of expanding a dental practice can include a number of considerations, from finding attractive, functional sites to the logistics of maintaining patient care at the original location while overseeing construction and equipment selections at the new one. But one issue not often discussed is how a doctor can grow a practice strategically so it is exceptional in terms of equipment, design, and efficiency to maximize financial goals and also fit within a carefully considered construction budget. Dr. Terry Lemons opened his second office, Lemons Dental, in February 2017, so he has a good working knowledge of how to balance all of
Doctor Embraces High-Tech Practice in His Second Silicon Valley Location
LOS ALTOS ORTHODONTICS - LOS ALTOS, CA | DAVID R. BOSCHKEN, DMD When you own a dental practice in tech-savvy Silicon Valley, expectations among patients are high. Many are accustomed to using cutting-edge technology every day at home and at work, so it’s natural for them to expect that same experience when they visit their dentist. Dr. David R. Boschken of Los Altos Orthodontics recognized this—so when he relocated and rebuilt his Los Altos orthodontic practice, he focused on investing in state-of-the-art technology and design. The industrial, utilitarian-styled orthodontics practice moved to a new address in July 2017, but with its new sophisticated aesthetic and visible location, it has already enjoyed
Section 179 Tax Deduction FAQs
What is the Section 179 Tax Deduction? Section 179 is the IRS Tax Code that allows a business to deduct the full purchase price of equipment and off-the-shelf software on their income taxes as an expense, rather than requiring that the property be depreciated over time. How much can I deduct? The 2017 maximum deduction limit is $500,000. Equipment must be purchased and placed into service before 12/31/2017 to qualify for a Section 179 tax deduction for 2017. What is the Bonus Depreciation? Bonus Depreciation allows a business to deduct 50% of what is spent in 2017, above the Section 179 cap, up to $2,000,000. What is the first-year
Rebranding, Rebuilding of Las Vegas Dental Practice Leads to Lower Overhead, Patient Growth
ABSOLUTE DENTAL - LAS VEGAS, NV | PATRICIA PRADA, DDS Absolute Dental is a large dental network, and a dominant force in the Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, dental markets, with 25 locations. Recently, this 20-year old company has been updating and rebranding each of its offices to create welcoming, bright beacons that will attract new customers, provide efficient service, and incorporate fully digital cutting-edge technologies. Henry Schein Field Sales Consultant Diane Zurko has worked with Absolute Dental from the very beginning, and she was intimately involved when they built a new office this year to replace one of their original flagship locations. Dr. Patricia Prada is the primary owner of the dental
Streamlining the Implant Workflow
By Alan Jurim, DDS TODAY’S TOOLS OFFER GREATER ACCURACY AND A BETTER PATIENT EXPERIENCE We try to obtain the “big picture” for every patient when they first join the practice. We take a 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scan for all new patients. That digital information is saved in their record, and we’ll use it later for virtual treatment planning. The more we can identify and work up on a case before we treat a patient is going to help predict the outcome. It helps the workflow to identify and know what we’re going to need. If we’re going to need any special components or the site needs more preparation
The CORE Cost of Ownership
The purpose of assessing the Cost of Ownership is looking beyond the short-term purchase price to determine its long-term cost, including operations, maintenance, supplies, team training, repairs, and replacement. The indirect expenses associated with a decent-sized investment can have a significant impact on overall cost. DentalEZ thought this concept through while developing its CORE Operatory Equipment line, which includes the dental chair, delivery unit, and light system—otherwise known as the CORE of each and every operatory. DentalEZ took the initial cost, plus installation and maintenance costs into consideration while creating and evaluating every design feature of the CORE system. They came up with these upfront solutions: CORE equipment is simple
Pediatric Clinic Showcases Doctor's High-Energy Personality
PHOENIXVILLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY - PHOENIXVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA | MELISSA BERGMAIER, DMD As her three kids ran around the 2,000 square-foot former gym that was still filled with blue gym mats and a treadmill, Dr. Melissa Bergmaier (Dr. Missy) sat on the hard concrete floor, mentally sketching ideas for transforming the raw space into a pediatric dental office. In January 2017, her vision was replaced by the real thing when she became the owner of a state-of-the art, captivating dental practice for children that is so personally inspiring to her, it still brings happy tears to her eyes whenever she unlocks the doors. A single mom, Dr. Missy worked in several group practices as an
New Oklahoma General Dentistry Office Built With Old-World Style
HERITAGE DENTAL - NORMAN, OKLAHOMA | ELIE ABOU-NASSAR, DDS When Dr. Elie Abou-Nassar built a brand new dental practice in Norman, Oklahoma, he knew one thing – its theme would be old – extremely old – as in antique! Always intrigued by the history of dentistry and its advances over time, Dr. Elie built Heritage Dental on a theme of antique dentistry. Showcased in the waiting room of his spectacular new office and scattered throughout, patients can see for themselves how dentistry has evolved through displays of old-fashioned instruments and photos from eras long gone by. These mementos, however, are the only things in the entire office that are dated. Built from the ground
General Dentistry Practice Grows In Size and Patient Load in New Modern Office
SUMMIT DENTAL - LAYTON, UTAH | SCOTT AND RACHELLE NEIL, DDS; CURTIS HADLEY, DDS Going from a 2,200 square-foot office to a total of 19 operatories in 9,840 square feet is a stunning upgrade for a general dentistry practice, but husband and wife team Drs. Scott and Rachelle Neil of Summit Dental in Layton, Utah, knew they could support an expansion of this size with their existing production. When they also added new associates, orthodontic services, and a layout that streamlined workflows so they could care for patients faster and more efficiently, the new office was bound to be a success, and it has been. Open since December 2016, the practice has
A Practice of Her Own-Doctor Opens Impressive Office in Florida Oceanside Community
MIAMI SMILE INSTITUTE - CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA | NORKA VELASCO, DMD; ROLANDO VELASCO, DMD In the sophisticated enclave of Coral Gables, Florida, about 25 miles from Miami, a new general dentistry practice opened in February 2017. Named Miami Smile Institute, its contemporary, cosmopolitan design suits this upscale, luxury community in South Florida. Behind a line of swaying palm trees, Miami Smile Institute is on the third floor of a large commercial/residential building on Ponce de Leon Boulevard and is a dream dental practice for owner Dr. Norka Velasco. A separate check-out area and the use of Dentrix practice management software for patient information keeps operations moving smoothly and efficiently. “I always had a dream to
Ransomware Attacks: They Could Happen to You
Ransomware is a dangerous cyber threat, with attacks on the rise: “From January to September of 2016, total ransomware attacks against businesses increased by 300 percent when compared to 2015.”1 Small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs), which include many dental practices, are often a prime target. Over 50 percent of SMBs have fallen victim to ransomware², and on average, they spend almost $880,000 to fix damages and recover data.³ When you consider possible fines, lost revenue, and recovery costs, you can see how one wrong click could potentially shut a practice down completely. What Is Ransomware? Ransomware is malware that can encrypt your data—patient records, financial and accounting information, payroll and inventory—so
Every Dental Practice Needs a Current Valuation!
At some point in your career you either joined or purchased a practice, and chances are a practice appraisal was done. So if you’re thinking, “I’m not bringing on an associate, or expanding or selling my practice; this doesn’t apply to me,” think again. There are other highly important reasons to have a current practice valuation. Your associates, staff, patients, and most importantly family, depend on the success and continuity of your practice. It represents one of, if not the most, important assets you own. You need to protect it and your loved ones in the process. All practice owners need to have a Letter of Instructions that spells
Technology Integration Will Drive The Future
The future of technology integration includes potential opportunities and challenges. The team of technology experts from Cellerant Consulting Group weighed in on what they see for the future. (as published in Dental Learning’s Dentrix Connected Supplement). DR. JOHN FLUCKE: I envision the total digital patient. When a patient comes into my office, rather than taking a pano, PAs, and bitewings, we would take a cone beam scan, which gives me a 3D rendering of the patient that I can update as I do restorative dentistry. For example, if I do a crown on December 19, the software can take the digital impression data and incorporate into the 3D data,