SideKick Magazine

Mississippi practice learns the E4D Dentist pays for itself—and then some

Jon Baucom — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:14:08 +0000

Even dentists who are eager to upgrade their equipment often experience “sticker shock” upon seeing what such purchases will cost. But as Henry Schein digital technology specialist James Kinney learned when he visited a Mississippi-based dentist, explaining how upgrades often pay for themselves almost immediately can soothe the nerves of a dentist and encourage him or her to make a practice-changing investment. Kinney took the Mississippi dentist who was hoping to convert the office to digital on a tour of the E4D facility in Dallas, where the dentist realized the E4D Dentist (which has modernized, from start to finish, restorative dentistry) would save so much money in lab fees—as much as 85 percent each month—that it would allow the practice to purchase additional digital technology, which it did within a month of adding the E4D Dentist.

Dentists must emphasis “oral systematic connection” with patients

Jon Baucom — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:10:50 +0000

The most important thing dentists can do for their patients is explain the “oral systematic connection,” i.e. how dental health indelibly impacts their overall health. With that in mind, dentists should emphasize a “total wellness” program with patients so that they can not only diagnose, treat and hopefully prevent periodontal disease—which is linked to a variety of serious ailments, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and stroke—but also detect other previously undiagnosed problems. For instance, by asking a patient about his or her sleep patterns, a dentist can figure out whether or not he or she is suffering from a sleep disorder. Up to 70 million Americans are suffering from some kind of chronic sleep disorder, yet between 80 and 90 percent of those cases have never been diagnosed Knowing their patients’ medical history and conditions can allow a dentist to have an impact well beyond their dental care!

Convergence leads patients to expect “all-in-one” treatment from dentists

Jon Baucom — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:07:19 +0000

Technology has not only made it possible for people to have all the information they need in their lives one touch away on a single device but to expect such convenience out of everyone they encounter—including dentists, who need to take advantage of the cloud movement and have everything a patient needs ready for him or her at a moment’s notice. The ability of a dentist to quickly capture information (such as X-rays, photos and patient histories) and then access and share it both with the patient and within the office will improve his or her efficiency as well as engender trust with the patient, whose satisfaction will make it more likely he or she will both return and recommend friends to the practice.

Dentrix, DEXIS and Guru make treatment planning much easier for dentists and patients

Jon Baucom — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:05:05 +0000

Back in the old days, when managing a dental practice meant juggling a bunch of files per patient and developing X-rays was a complicated and extended process, coming up with a treatment plan involved a lot of guesswork and even amateur psychology by the dentist, who often had to read body language to understand how much treatment a patient could afford and/or tolerate. But as Dr. Bill Busch learned, dentists who utilize the Dentrix practice management software as well as DEXIS digital imaging and Guru’s ability to provide an interactive preview of treatment find it much easier to map out a plan with patients. Dentrix almost the paperwork and uncertainty once associated with operating a dental office by placing a patient’s insurance plan and billing/payment history in a file that can be easily accessed by all involved parties. DEXIS images, meanwhile, provide a dentist and a patient with an immediate idea of what kind of work needs to be done and can also be inputted into Guru, which allows the patient to see how their dental issues will be addressed.

The switch to DEXIS radiography from film leaves dentists with no regrets

Jon Baucom — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:39:36 +0000

The idea of a dentist changing from film-based X-ray systems to digital radiography sounds like a no-brainer. After all, digital is faster, more economical and better for the environment, since there’s no need to buy or dispose of the chemicals needed to develop old-fashioned X-rays. But for many dentists, the trial and error involved in finding the right digital system was a frustrating, time-consuming and expensive task—at least until they discovered DEXIS, which allows dentists to quickly and painlessly take X-rays of a patient’s teeth and provides easy-to-view images. Making the decision to switch to DEXIS even easier is DEXIS’ “trade-up” program in which dentists who are looking to modernize their X-ray equipment can swap their old machines for the new DEXIS one.

Determine which dental technology is worth the investment with the Kaye Technology Acquisition Scorecard

Jon Baucom — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:37:42 +0000

When you’re stumped about something, the best way to make a decision sometimes is to grab a notepad and jot down a list of pros and cons and see which side wins. That’s what Dr. Gary Kaye does, albeit with a modern twist, when he is trying to decide whether or not to purchase a particular piece of dental technology. The “Kaye Technology Acquisition Scorecard” asks dentists to pit an existing piece of technology against the new technology in four categories: Clinical use, product features, service & support and business case. Breaking the decision down in a simple yet thorough fashion allows dentists to make decisions that positively impact their office in the short- and long-term.

An inviting design brings a smile to the faces of patients in Texas

Jon Baucom — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:31:10 +0000

Dr. Mash Ameri, a dentist based in Humble, Texas, had a simple idea: The more inviting and modern his office, the better his chances of landing and retaining new patients. Dr. Ameri worked in conjunction with Henry Schein to purchase top-of-the-line dental equipment as well as come up with a warm and welcoming décor. The result: A thriving practice. Thanks in large part to the presence of DEXIS and Dentrix products as well as an eye-catching waiting room and interior—which includes 20-foot ceilings, a 240-gallon aquarium and an 8-foot water feature that is embedded with the logo of Dr. Ameri’s practice—the practice is seeing 100 new clients per month and has enjoyed a 30% increase in business since opening the new office.

The ADA CRC is no more—but is that good news for dentists?

Dr. Roy Shelburne — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:52:09 +0000

The ADA Code Revision Committee (CRC), which was responsible for establishing new codes, modifying existing codes and deleting “bad” codes, is gone. Many dentists might be singing “Ding dong the witch is dead!” But is the enemy you know better than the one you don’t?

The CRC was made up equally of representatives from the ADA and the insurance industry, which provided the type of checks and balances that evened out the playing field. It wasn’t perfect, but at least both sides were fairly represented.

Now the CRC is gone and the codification process is controlled by the ADA. While that seems to be good news, the fact is the insurance industry will determine whether or not to reimburse codes. So who is really in control here?

In addition, the change in power in coding has resulted in Delta instituting a reimbursement reduction of 15 percent for dentists in California and Idaho. Such a slashing will dramatically impact the bottom line—and not in a good way—for dentists in these states. As a result. the foreseeable future may be filled with worry and dread for dentists in California and Idaho.

Audit issues remain the same for many dentists

Dr. Roy Shelburne — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:06:54 +0000

I just finished another audit and the issues remain the same. I see the phrase “The documentation does not support the treatment provided,” which means the dentists faces significant financial loss because he is being asked for repayment for the “unjustified” services.

Audits can be very, very costly for dentists. If a “random” audit of 20 patient charts suggests that a dentist mistakenly billed 10 percent extra, the auditor will use an extrapolation formula to determine how much the dentist owes over the period of time covered by the audit. Then he or she will multiple the amount by the 10 percent established by the audit and demand 10 percent back based on the entire amount paid to a dentist over the specified period of time.

Does that get your attention? It should. Legally speaking, if a procedure is not in your dental record, then it never existed. Dentists MUST document the services administered to EACH patient in such a way that there’s no questions left unanswered or treatments left to the imagination. If you think there’s not enough time in the day to embark upon these thorough reports, well, ask the dentist who will likely have to cut a six-figure check as penance for his inability to maintain these detailed reports. Doing whatever necessary to defend yourself and your practice is priceless.

Charting can save (prison) time and money

Dr. Roy Shelburne — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:49:59 +0000

Charting is the most tedious, time-consuming, non-productive waste of time for any dentist. At least that’s what I used to think, before I spent several months in federal prison—a sentence I could have been spared if I’d realized the chart is the most important document a dentist can have in his possession if he is ever the subject of an insurance audit, malpractice claim, legal action or any other kind of challenge.

A dentist’s clinical record speaks volumes and can exonerate or condemn him. It testifies to competence and attention to detail—or a complete disregard for the treatment of the patient. It is worth the time and effort to construct a complete, concise and comprehensive record of every single patient, a record that should include dialogue and pertinent conversations, a description of the setting and what was observed and a description of the actions of both dentist and patient. When it is read, this record should leave no questions unanswered and provide the reader the thorough story of what happened. Failing to do so may lead to a significant loss of income—and even a loss of your freedom.

PPOs: The good, the bad and the ugly

Dr. Charles Blair — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:56:29 +0000

The argument has raged for years, are PPO’s a good thing or a bad thing? And like every other question like this, seldom is there a clear cut answer… other than, “it depends.” The answer does most decidedly depend on many factors. The greatest determining factor as to the good, bad, or ugly of the PPO question lies in who you are. Are you the doctor, the payor, the employer, or the patient looking at the PPO plan?

In the past, many dentists drew a line in the sand and said they would never participate in any of the PPO plans; however, that definitive line drawn in the sand has become blurred. With the economy in the tank and patients taking a closer look at expenses and at making ends meet, dentistry is appearing in an ever lower position on that list of essentials. Those baby boomers who were to be retiring with inheritances and retirement plans that would allow them to seek, value, and pay for reconstructive and cosmetic procedures at a rate never before experienced by the dental profession have seen their huge nest eggs disappear and the dream of a leisurely luxurious retirement turn into a search for another job to supplement their retirement.

This unforeseen change has caused dentistry to look for alternative methods to fill the empty chairs caused by today’s economy. Many practices have looked toward PPO’s as a way to become busier. Many have become successful opening their doors to PPO patients. Others have opened their doors to the PPO’s with dismal results. The key to success in a PPO environment, should you decide to play, is to work efficiently and effectively utilizing the staff and available recourses to their maximum allowed by your state’s dental practice act. Success will depend upon the practice’s willingness to invest in the new technology, the latest products, and training for the staff. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that with technology improving and techniques developing that streamline the process, and an ever growing employee pool, dentistry can live and survive in this environment. The situation will be ugly if the practice continues to operate as a fee for service practice in the PPO environment. If you choose to play in the PPO pool, great! Be aware, you must be willing invest in the practice to be able to swim competitively. Remember, the marketplace is shifting as employers demand PPO plans, more and more.

Ground breaking new technology for your reception room

Dr. Bill Busch — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:19:11 +0000

I’m very excited about eAssistant from Digital Clinic. Digital Clinic is an exclusive Henry Schein partnership with the world’s leader in digital signage. eAssistant is a turn-key solution which consists of a flat panel TV and a small computer which is plugged seamlessly into you network in your practice. It contains content about you and your staff, services you provide, products you recommend, tips for living a healthy lifestyle, RSS feeds, social networking and so much more.

What separates this solution from the rest is that its content is updated automatically without the need of DVD’s or software updates. You just simply turn it on in the morning and let it go to work. E Assistant transforms behavior by engaging patients, families and friends with relevant and captivating information in your reception room.

Your patients want three things when they walk into your practice. They want to feel safe, educated, and have a pain free experience. eAssistant can accomplish two of these before they even sit in your chair! I have an e-Assistant front and center in my practice when you walk in.

Coming soon in early 2012 exclusively from Henry Schein, for more information please go to www.digitalclinic.com or contact Jason Krause at Jason.krause@digitalclinic.com.

Smart Imaging for your office!

Dr. Bill Busch — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:07:11 +0000

Square footage in your office is always at a premium. I’m always trying to fit more stuff (equipment) in a smaller space to do the best job for the patient. I had been looking at Cone Beam CT for a few years because I just started doing implants and also so the benefit of the CBCT for endodontic, periodontics, oral diagnosis, sleep medicine, oral surgery, treatment planning, patient education, etc.

I had a 1200 square foot office and already had Digital Panoramic X-ray, but wanted to add CBCT. Well, I found a machine that did both. It is called the Scanora from Instrumentarium. Just a year ago it was the only one that did both 2D panoramic and CBCT in one footprint. Now I-CAT and Gendex have a similar offering. Check it out. CBCT is so precise. It is like the 1-800 call before you dig technology. You will know exactly where you are and where you’re going, like GPS for the dentist. No more sweating while you are building your experience in a particular new treatment modality that you might be adding. I use to say to the patient that the tooth is probably cracked. CBCT makes the word probably go away forever!

Take a look at it at the next tradeshow. It will definitely not disappoint! Or ask your local Henry Schein technology specialist to take you by an office that is using it.

CAD/CAM E4D dentistry can transform your practice!

Dr. Bill Busch — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:57:35 +0000

I have been using CAD/CAM single visit dentistry in my practice since 2001. I dreaded doing single tooth crowns in my practice before CAD/CAM came along. You know the scenario. The patient needs quadrant dentistry but only can afford to do one crown. So you schedule the patient for two visits for one procedure and you see your profit decrease by 20%. The gold standard of the lab being the best place for the best most accurate restorations is now changed by the fact that the labs are now using the same technology to make your lab work.

Start looking at those postcards that get sent to your office soliciting lab work from you every month. They are showing pictures of CAD/CAM mills and advertising CAD/CAM restorations. Why not do it yourself, and save at least 10-16 hours a month in a second visit appointments for a crown seat?

Take a look at the technology this year. I know you will be amazed. We use the E4D system in our practice and love it. No powder and no problems. I would recommend a trip down to Dallas, TX for a preview event where you can spend the whole day using and learning about this great opportunity to be more profitable and productive in your practice.

E4D CAD/CAM system is a complete powder-free chair side CAD CAM system for digital impressioning, designing and fabricating metal-free inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers in your office – or collaborating with your laboratory via the E4D Sky network. You control the workflow. It gives you the best of both worlds. Your patients will love you for not putting a mouth full of impression material in their mouth.

You’ve got to go Paper-Less in 2012! ….The Electronic Medical/Dental Record (EMR/EDR)

Dr. Bill Busch — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:53:12 +0000

I know that one of best things you can do for your practice at this moment is move to a more efficient way of doing business. And one way would be to upgrade your records keeping method by going paper-less. This is something that every practice will eventually do, and will save the practice an average of $40,000 a year in overhead according to Dr. Larry Emmott, DDS.

I switched to the electronic dental record in January of 2001. We set a date and converted every patient to a new digital record one patient at a time. Before you knew it the charts still on the shelf were the ones to be purged and archived. I really got a great look at how many active patients I had. I would never go back to a paper chart. The way computer systems are designed today, your office will never be down because of a computer issue. Don’t let that fear stop you from making one of the best decisions you could ever make for your practice.

I have used Dentrix since 1998. It by far is the best practice management system around. I should know because I have tried most of them practicing for 22 years. Henry Schein Tech Central can help you create a complete technology plan and implement it very easily. I promise it won’t be painful. Just do it.

Just make an appointment with your local Henry Schein Technology Specialist today. The benefits are so compelling:

Time savings- Automatic, streamline and simply all the time-consuming everyday tasks that slow your practice down.
Save money-Improve your billing and collection processes. You can even have patients pay you online through your existing website for free if you on a support plan.
Increase production- Keep your chairs full and make your entire staff more efficient and productive.
Boost your reputation- Integrate technology that presents your practice as a well-established, polished organization.
Build digital practice- Incorporate integrated technologies that streamline office operations from the front office to the treatment rooms. For example DEXIS digital x-ray, E4D CAD/CAM restorations, Cone Beam CT, Guru patient education, etc.

Summary: Going wireless—especially with lasers—becoming the only way to go for dentists

Jon Baucom — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:13:12 +0000

The days of walking into a dentist’s office and having to step over and around all sorts of equipment with wires are long gone. Most offices today feature modern devices such as wireless intraoral cameras, wireless digital X-ray sensors, wireless remote controls and diode lasers, all of which reduce clutter in the office while dramatically shortening the procedure time for dentists and patients alike. The diode lasers, in particular, are a fascinating addition for dentists old enough to remember when dental lasers were so big they were nicknamed “coffee tables.” Yet diode lasers can fit into a shirt pocket, all while providing the power and potency dentists have come to expect from lasers.

Summary: 3-D imaging “precisely” what dentists desire

Jon Baucom — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:10:18 +0000

Moviegoers aren’t the only one fascinated by 3-D technology. Thanks to 3-D imaging—and the i-CAT Precise system in particular—dentists are able to provide more efficient and successful treatment during oral surgery and dental implant procedures. The technology provides far better images with which dentists can examine teeth and better plan the implant process, from single implant placement to multiple implant placement to restorative treatment for the implants. The i-CAT Precise system, in conjunction with Tx Studio software, also dramatically hastens treatment. It takes fewer than 30 seconds for a scan of a tooth to be completed, after which the dentist can immediately discuss the treatment with the patient. For more information about the i-CAT Precise, visit this link.

Summary: The “Art & Dentistry” office is exactly what it implies

Jon Baucom — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:41:33 +0000

Who could have ever imagined the day in which going to the dentist’s office would be like going to the art museum? Yet Dr. Ellen Brodsky has “mashed up” these two seemingly divergent worlds with her “Art & Dentistry” office in Bethesda, Maryland. Patients who walk in for an appointment with Brodsky could easily mistake her office for a building in the hippest part of Manhattan. Dozens of beautiful paintings and other works of art are on display throughout the office and are rotated every few months. Such surroundings help relax patients who often dread the trip to the dentist. But Brodsky also knows all the art in the world won’t matter if she doesn’t offer top-of-the-line service, and the nearly 4,500 patients she serves in the seven operatory facility is all the evidence that the dentistry and the accompanying technology is as impressive as the art at Art & Dentistry.

Spotlight: Sometimes, you can go home again—and rebuild it

Jon Baucom — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:34:27 +0000

Dr. Justin Moody embraced a unique opportunity in 1997, when he headed home to Nebraska to work with—and eventually take over for—his longtime family dentist. After almost a decade at the office, Moody decided he needed to upgrade the technology he provided and installed the DEXIS 2-D intraoral digital X-rays in 2006. Observing the benefits of the DEXIS 2-D first-hand convinced Moody to embark upon a complete technological overhaul of his office, complete with a 8,600-square foot expansion that includes the best equipment in the industry and expanded treatment choices such as same-day crowns, in-house tooth whitening, veneers (both of the no-prep and conventional variety), soft-tissue procedures and a variety of dental implant restoration and placement options. Enhancing the technology has allowed Moody to both welcome new patients into the office while cutting down on the amount of time patients spend in the chair and removing all the “trial and error” from the diagnosis process.

Summary: For dentists, “cloud computing” is heaven sent

Jon Baucom — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:48:18 +0000

Anyone who uses a cell phone or ATM, listens to songs on iTunes or downloads documents using Google Docs does so thanks to “cloud computing,” the term that refers to the variety of ways in which information can be stored and instantly shared around the globe. Cloud computing has made its way to dentistry thanks to Henry Schein DDX, which has started an integrated network that allows dentists to share, via technologies such as 3Shape, D4D and Dental Wings, prescription information, account details such as statements and payments, case design and lab case information. DDX requires no software, is delivered and built online and has already been embedded, free of charge, into all 47,000 of Henry Schein’s practice management platforms. (It is available free to all dentists, though those with Henry Schein software have the maximum amount of integration capabilities) DDX will be even easier to access in 2012, when its mobile apps are released. DDX improves the profitability and efficiency of dentists, who are able to see more patients and cut down on distractions such as patient rebookings, phone calls and digging into a patient’s “hard copy” files.

Spotlight: On the road again with Gendex

Jon Baucom — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:45:56 +0000

Most dentists don’t take their show on the road, but riding America’s highways in a 45-foot bus is the best way for Gendex to bring its biggest product release ever to dentists. The “Experience Gendex 2011-12” tour spotlights the GXDP-700™ Series Pan-Ceph-3D, GXDP-300™ Pan, and GXPS-500™ PSP system, all of which can be accessed on flat screen monitors and in conjunction with iPads and live GPS tracking. The GXDP-700 is a robust pan that can be upgraded to include a 3-D Cone Beam CT, cephalometrics or both. Such features allow dentists to make more precise diagnosis and treatments in areas such as implants, impactions and root investigation. The GXDP-300, meanwhile, features better projection technology for the dentist, which cuts down on processing errors, while also providing better positioning for the patient in the chair. Check out www.expereiencegendex.com to see the tour’s schedule and to suggest additional stops.

Summary: Digital revolution a profitable and productive one for dentists

Jon Baucom — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:40:48 +0000

Dentists barely used computers when John Cranham graduated from dental school in 1988. More than two decades later, of course, computers have revolutionized dentistry and allowed dentists to digitally store everything from appointment books to patient files and turn their offices paperless. Advances such as digital radiography, digital photography, chairside CAD/CAM and computerized cone beam tomography (CBCT) make a dentist’s job easier while allowing him to see more patients, which in turn maximizes the investment he makes in upgrading the machinery.

Summary: New building built to last at Crestway Park Dental

Jon Baucom — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:35:46 +0000

Getting it right the first time is the only goal for dentists of all ages. For Brandon Allen of Athens, TX, the same sentiment applies to building a new office. After several years in the building he bought from another dentist, Allen realized he needed a bigger space to better serve his patients yet understandably wanted to make sure the new building would be the only one he’d have to construct in his career. Working with Henry Schein Dental. Allen came up with the office layout and design plans for a two-floor, 6,500-foot building that is impressively modern both in terms of appearance and the dental amenities it provides. The new space allows Allen to house a periodontist and an orthodontist one day a month, to accommodate 30 new patients each month and increase his practice’s production by between 10 and 20 percent.

Summary: Improving Periodontal Treatment Acceptance

Jon Baucom — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:58:26 +0000

Periodontal disease would appear to be one of those conditions that must be treated as soon as possible. So why do less than five percent of patients suffering from periodontal disease actually get the required treatment? The answer is complicated and the “fault” is shared equally between dentists, patients and insurance companies. Dentists must do a better job of conveying to patients the urgency of periodontal treatment and educating and encouraging them to undergo the procedures—dental patients, after all, are famously unwilling to get into the chair! And dentists must do a perfect job of “perio coding” to ensure the treatments and procedures are covered by insurance companies.

Summary: Traveling With An Old Friend–DEXIS

Jon Baucom — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:56:41 +0000

For Dr. Thomas J. Ritter of Towson, Maryland, DEXIS digital X-ray equipment helped establish his solo practice in the late 1990s. Now it’s allowing him to bring modern dentistry to one of the places in the world that needs it the most. Ritter has spent time in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, where his DEXIS digital sensor made it possible for him to treat hundreds of people in an area that still had no electricity. The DEXIS digital sensor could be used on any computer with a USB port and the X-rays can be saved—and all pertinent information about the patient stored—with a single click of a mouse and eventually transferred to a thumb drive. DEXIS also donated to the Haiti Dental School a digital sensor that will allow its students to practice the same type of modern dentistry that is now commonplace in America.

Spotlight: Hoekwater Family Dentistry 2011 Working Towards Future Success

Jon Baucom — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:53:47 +0000

For Hoekwater Family Dentistry in Michigan, the secret to success is the complete modernization of the office it underwent earlier this year. That means everything from the filing system to the waiting room and, of course, the dentist’s chair. Patients who walk into Hoekwater will notice an unusually efficient and welcoming environment. Hoekwater is a paperless office, which greatly reduces bookkeeping and clerical errors while also aiding the environment. As they wait to see one of the three full-time dentists, patients can watch TV, play video games, choose from a variety of beverages or just gaze at the floor-to-ceiling fireplace, all of which is located in a high, wide and well-lit room intended to put people at ease and keep foot traffic to a minimum. And once patients head in for their exam, they’ll be part of a futuristic experience in which intraoral cameras allow them to see inside their mouth and better understand the dentist’s proposed treatments.

Roundup: Technology continues to benefit dentists of all ages

Jon Baucom — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:52:54 +0000

Technology must be embraced by dentists—not only inside the office but outside of it as well. We heard four interesting stories this month of dentists thriving with technologies that were difficult to imagine even a few years ago.

Cone-Beam imaging is a revolutionary 3-D imaging solution that allows dentists to find impacted teeth, hidden nerve canals, anatomical anomalies and/or abnormalities and discuss these urgent issues with patients immediately—without actually performing surgery. Cone-Beam imaging is well worth the investment for dentists, who will yield immediate dividends by bringing it into their office.

Technology is keeping Dr. Paul Perme young a mere 55 years following his graduation from dental school! When Dr. Perme partnered with Dr. Terry Myers, Perme figured it was the beginning of his transition into full-time retirement. But Preme has been invigorated by the technology Myers brought with him—including digital X-rays that allow Plume to have in a few minutes consultations that used to take days—and continues to treat patients two days a week.

Social media might not seem like an obvious venue for dentists, but Virginia-based dentists Dr. Jason Lipscomb and Dr. Stephen Knight have proven otherwise. The duo have authored a book, “Social Media For Dentists,” and operate a website and Facebook page based on the book. Websites and, in particular, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are valuable opportunities for dentists to not only promote their offices but to also introduce themselves to potential patients and establish themselves as an expert voice in a relaxed setting.

And even though the economy is as bad as anyone has ever seen it, Dr. John C. Cranham of Virginia is steadfast in his belief dentists need to invest in the newest technologies and continue to offer the newest treatments to patients in order to not only survive but also recruit new patients. Cranham recently began providing dental implant surgery at his office and provided six tips for dentists who are looking to provide more services to their patients—old and new.

Summary: Dentists can generate more business in a tough economy by adding services

Jon Baucom — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:08:02 +0000

Virginia-based dentist Dr. John C. Cranham has been in business for more than 20 years, which means he’s seen his share of ups and downs in the economy. Even in this lingering recession, though, Cranham believes in the philosophies he espoused during earlier economic downturns—namely, when the economy is bad, offer more options to your patients

With that in mind, Cranham recently began providing dental implant surgery at his office. While patients are choosing to pass on many cosmetic services because of tighter budgets, they view dental implants as a more necessary and urgent procedure and are wiling to pay for it.

Cranham identifies six key points dentists must adhere to when adding to the services they provide:

1.) Find a mentor who will not only tutor a dentist on the new services he or she is providing but also shorten the learning curve.

2.) Follow a timeline and budget for the implementation of these new services.

3.) Make sure to become an expert in this new discipline.

4.) Embrace the technology of the new discipline, because it will make everything easier, more productive and more profitable for everyone involved.

5.) Find a support team of experts, both locally and nationally, that the dentist can rely upon during the transition process.

6.) Be cautious in scheduling patients to undergo these newer procedures so that dentists may spend as much time and focus as necessary getting things right.

Summary: Dentists can embrace the world of social media

Jon Baucom — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:05:17 +0000

The days of dentists generating new business by neighborly word-of-mouth—and of reluctant patients having little choice but to simply walk into an office unannounced with no idea who they were about to encounter in the dentist’s chair—are long-gone.

Thanks to social media such as Twitter and Facebook, dentists have a far bigger pool of patients to tap into while patients have the opportunity to grow comfortable with a dentist even before their first appointment. Nobody knows the benefits of social media better than Virginia-based dentists Dr. Jason Lipscomb and Dr. Stephen Knight, who have authored the book “Social Media For Dentists” and who provide advice on navigating the world of social media to dentists and patients alike at www.socialmediadentist.com and http://facebook.com/socialmediadentist.

Lipscomb and Knight view social media as a way for dentists to put a human face on their office and to ease the fears of those who are unenthusiastic about heading to the dentist. It is also an incredibly lucrative marketing opportunity, as it costs nothing to operate a Facebook and Twitter accounts and such accounts allow dentists to not only promote their offices but also establish themselves as a local expert by answering any questions patients may pose on these platforms.

Spotlight: Dental technology aids the “voice of experience”

Jon Baucom — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:01:45 +0000

More than 50 years after he graduated from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry, Dr. Paul Perme is still greeting patients two days a week at an office that he shares with Dr. Terry Myers. Perme believed teaming up with Myers would allow him to begin transitioning into full-fledged retirement, but the partnership rejuvenated Perme.

In particular, Perme was invigorated by the dental technology Myers brought to their practice, including digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, a CBCT scanner and the DEXIS system on which the digital X-rays are read. Perme recalled the days when X-rays had to be dunked in a tank, which was only the first step in an overnight process that didn’t always provide a clear picture of the teeth to the dentist—or patient. But the nearly instantaneous results provided by digital X-rays—Perme can now conduct in a matter of minutes consultations that used to take days. The technological advances have Perme enjoying dentistry as much as ever and looking forward to work at an age when most of his peers have long retired.

3D Imaging – The Dawn of a New Day for Dentistry

Jon Baucom — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:31:58 +0000

Innovations in dental technology are surfacing every day, it seems. One of the latest and greatest technological advances is Cone-Beam imaging. The diagnostic capabilities of this revolutionary 3-D imaging solution have had a positive impact on dental practices all across the country. Without performing invasive surgical procedures, dentists can now detect hidden nerve canals, impacted teeth, and anatomical anomalies or abnormalities and discuss their findings with patients immediately. By positioning the Gendex medium field-of-view scanner screen next to the dentist’s chair, a dentist can share his or her diagnosis and suggested treatment plan with patients without delay. With the option to rotate images 360 degrees or slice the view to show a different angle or greater detail, as well as share information via CD or electronic transfer, Cone-Beam imaging is an indispensable tool of modern dentistry whose multiple benefits far outweigh the initial purchase costs.

SUMMARY: DEXIS—A Dental Practice’s Driving Force

Jon Baucom — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:16:40 +0000

Cedric Chenet, DDS, tried many different X-ray systems before he
encountered DEXIS. The DEXIS sensor has rounded corners, is the most comfortable for patients, and the image quality and software has its persuasive benefits. For Dr. Chenet, switching to digital X-rays produced better image clarity and created improvements in viewing detail. The clarity in images is important because it improves the ability to diagnose dental conditions and explain it to the patient. DEXIS images instantaneously pop up on the computer monitor, whereas before dentists had to spend time developing the X-rays and cleaning up before and after. With DEXIS, Dr. Chenet can perform what he refers to as “co-diagnosis,”
the ability to sit side-by-side with the patient, and discuss his or her case right
then and there, while looking at the monitor with the X-rays together. It makes dental treatment easier for both dentist and patient, because both can see the information on the screen, and then decide upon the recommended treatment. DEXIS makes diagnosis easier, saves time, and results in better dental care as well as an improved office experience for the patients.

Spotlight: Clay Center Family Dental Care’s Digital Office

Jon Baucom — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:08:15 +0000

Clay Center Family Dental Care has the experts at Henry Schein Networking Solutions to deploy, integrate, maintain and service the computer network and practice-management technologies that drive the efficiencies of its digital-based practice. Henry Schein helped the practice move from a paper office to a digitally based practice. Dr. Rick Hammel of Clay Center Family Dental Care says that he never envisioned that his practice would operate in a completely digital environment, and that he couldn’t have done it without Henry Schein.

In agreement is office manager, Nancy Hammel. She believes that one of the main reasons they were able to grow their practice is because of the efficiencies they
gained from going digital with solutions recommended by Henry Schein. Henry Schein is relied upon because of their expertise and experience in designing, building and supporting integrated technology solutions tailored to the dental industry.
Having a digital office increases efficiency and productivity. You can log into the system from anywhere, access patient information, see X-rays, schedule an appointment and even check previous dental history. It’s a very modern and cost-effective way to serve patients.

SUMMARY: The Benefits of Chairside Dental CAD/CAM Systems

Jon Baucom — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:30:10 +0000

When it comes to technological advances in the dental
industry, some innovations are essential to maintaining a high level of patient
care and some are gadgets that frankly, you can do without. Knowing how to
distinguish between a fad and a really indispensable piece of new equipment or
upgrade to existing equipment is fundamental to both your bottom line and your
standard of care. The E4D Dentist System, with CAD/CAM technology, is one of
those invaluable advances that will go a long way to enhancing your reputation
as a dental professional who knows how to harness the productivity power that
the latest technologies can provide. The highly intuitive DentaLogic™ software
program enables a patient’s veneer, crown, or inlay/onlay to be designed
chairside – from start to finish – with the patient comfortably seated in your
office, and without the use of a contrast agent.

Spotlight: Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Tuckahoe, New York

Jon Baucom — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:33:53 +0000

Flights of fancy await the senses when the latest fashion in dental office design is whimsy and distraction. Never mind that you’re there to have teeth extracted – don’t think of the pain, think of the dolphin swimming across the tranquil blue sea on the wall adjacent to you. Keeping a kid-friendly environment, or even calming adult patients who have never seen visits to the dentist as a good thing, is not just the work of posters, toys, and paintings any more, but actual architectural and furniture design.

Main Street Pediatric Dentistry, located in Tuckahoe, New York, provides its patients with extraordinary oral health care in a one-of-a-kind environment. From textural touches such as a submarine-like hallway to amazing, fun-filled murals featuring loads of colorful sea creatures dancing in the crystal blue water, the practice of Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich is no ordinary pediatric dental office. What better way to encourage children – whether on their first visit to the dentist or their 21st – to think of the visit as something to look forward to, rather than a dreaded experience they will remember to avoid as much as possible in adulthood? Distracting nervous children and skittish adults is the best way to encourage positive associations – frolicking animals, relaxing shades of color, and cool tactile sensations to encounter in every room – make a visit to the dentist’s office a much more lively, entertaining, and engaging experience than it ever was before.

Was that a charging rhinoceros you saw? Watch your head, low ceilings in a submarine! When a simple visit to the dentist turns out to be a sensory adventure for children and adults alike, the reason for the visit is often secondary to the spectacle. Around each corner, in every room, the possibility of a new discovery awaits, whether from the touch of a feather or the flip of a tail across your outstretched arm. If you’re thinking of making a change in your dental office décor, explore the possibilities in dental office design that dentists such as Dr. Resnick–Graulich are deciding to implement. Then paint an interactive picture in 3-D of the experience you’d like your patients to come away with – you’ll be as amazed at your own creativity!

SUMMARY: Everyday Dental Technology

Jon Baucom — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:27:24 +0000

Continuous
evolution in orthodontics makes technological advances indispensable. Whether it’s a magnifying loupe or in-office 3-D with the help of an i-CAT^®,
technology keeps dental techniques on a path to ever-increasing precision and
artistry. With the 3-D imaging option, dentists no longer have to guess about
what is happening with the eruption of permanent teeth – especially where
impactions are concerned. Patients (and parents of young patients, alike)
appreciate the participation of such leading-edge technology, which offers them
a more complete set of data to reference when discussing treatment options. Keep
your practice moving forward – read about the latest technological advances and
how they can benefit your patients and improve your standard of care.

SUMMARY: Time to Consider Lasers!

Jon Baucom — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:15:10 +0000

Why
are so many dentists still reluctant to include lasers in their everyday dental
care practices? Laser technology has become the standard of care in dentistry,
yet many dental professionals are still hesitant. The efficiency of lasers in
cutting hard tissue (Class 1–6) is now comparable to high-speed handpieces
without many of the damaging side effects. In fact, even the scope of
procedures for which lasers can be used has widened to cover the entire dental
spectrum. Plus, at a distance of several years since their foray into the world
of dentistry, the prices of integrating laser technology into the average
dental practice have become thoroughly and completely affordable. So why do
dentists still delay?

SUMMARY: CBCT—Key to an “Uneventful” Implant Experience

Jon Baucom — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:09:26 +0000

The Gendex medium-field-of-view CBCT is revolutionizing the field of implant dentistry. The convenience of having access to 3D imaging – thanks to the GXCB-500™ – is making dental professionals all across the country smile. CBCT scans can make all the difference in an implant experience – 2 to 3 times more patients now agree to treatment on the first visit, because they can see their exact case in 3-D with the implants in place. Now you no longer have to compensate for the inherent distortion of 2D pans; check trajectory, width, and bone
density in 3-D and leave the guessing to the fortunetellers.

Roundup: 3 More Views on Growing Your Dental Practice in Tough Economic Times

Jon Baucom — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:03:06 +0000

In my last blog post I featured an article by Dr. John C. Cranham on how he embraced new implant technology to meet the challenges of the economy.

It struck me, that in the pages of our magazine there have been quite a few articles by experienced dental practitioners specifically about various approaches to these tough times, and what they’ve done so their dental practices would thrive.

I decided to highlight 3 more interesting angles on the issue for this post. Let me know what you think. There are others too, which you will find by browsing, searching, and clicking on related links below!

In “Technologies That Show I Care,” Dr Cynthia Brattesani DDS, writes, “Even in this tough economy, my patient base has grown, and I continue to search for ways to reach them though such innovations as digital and computer technologies. My patients know that my investments in special equipment stem from my concern about their dental health.” Read about how Dr. Brattesani uses social networking, digital X-rays, iPads, and more, to bring more detailed information the her patients in a more timely way.

In “Laser! Laser! Laser!,” Dr. Brian Toorani, writes about “embracing technology and wanting more from ourselves and our daily habits.” He says this article is “about being better than most others and creating value for our patients.” In a threatening economy, “this article is about abundance and positivity.”

Dr. Toorani believes, that mow, more than ever, the key is to create value for your patients and to stand out from the crowd! It is important challenge ourselves to “get outside of our comfort zone, learn new procedures, and utilize the incredible new technologies that dentistry now has to offer.If you love what you do, then this is the time to learn to do it better!”

In the third last highlight of this roundup, I wanted to bring special attention to this unusual piece on by Timothy J. Caruso, a practicing Physical Therapist, on taking care of yourself so you can also provide better care to your dental patients over the long run.

If you haven’t read “Sitting Shouldn’t Have to Be a Job,” you should.

Caruso reminds us that most “dental practitioners sit for the majority of the workday.” And many dental professionals report experiencing frequent discomfort in the back and neck areas.

He further points out that the economy is pushing everyone to do more with less and lays out some very practical advise on equipment and on your approach that could go a long way for both you and your practice.

I think you’ll enjoy these article if you haven’t read them yet. And we’d love to hear what you are doing differently now in your dental practice in response to these times. Leave us a comment below!

In Difficult Economic Times, Expand Your Dental Practice

Jon Baucom — Fri, 27 May 2011 03:59:20 +0000

If your dental practice is slower than you’d like, this may be a good time to expand the dental services that you provide to your patients.

Dr. John C. Cranham, an internationally recognized clinician in Chesapeake, Virginia tells us, taking advantage of the additional time that you may now 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.

In his article on the dental practice in tough times, he explains how they added implant surgical procedures to their restorative practice.

Dr. Cranham describes 6 factors for success:

Find a mentor
Create a timeline and a budget
Become and expert
Embrace technology
Create a support team
Control your schedule for optimum focus

Get all the details of his success in the full article.

And let us know what changes you’re making in these times.

All New Dental Podcast Center

Jon Baucom — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:29:17 +0000

Have you seen the dental podcast center yet? Like the events calendar, this special section of our site is sponsored by Henry Schein and brings you a fantastic library of professional podcasts and videos.

These talks cover a wide range of topics of importance to a successful, growing, dental practice. You’ll find talks on subjects as diverse as laser technology for everyday dentistry, along with social media for dentists! The presenters are well-known experts, writers, speakers, and dental practitioners.

So plug in your headphones and head over to the podcast center now!

Dental Events Calendar – All New!

Jon Baucom — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:16:03 +0000

Looking for a dental seminar, CE-accredited dental courses, implant education events, and more?

Look no further. We’ve overhauled our dental professional events page with an all new calendar sponsored by Henry Schein Event Connect.

To see the full calendar, and get full details including RSVP information visit our Dental Conventions and Seminars page now.

Does Your Reception Room Generate Referrals?

Jon Baucom — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:03:06 +0000

In face-to-face conversations with more than 7,500 dentists the overwhelming majority saw new patient flow as the greatest challenge their dental practice faces today. According to Jim Philhower, Director of North America Dental Sales Leadership & Development at Henry Schein, a healthy practice should see an average of 25 new patients per month per doctor.

In his article, Increase in New Patient Flow and Referrals, in the dental Practice Management section of the magazine, Philhower clarifies these expectations and suggests a healthy, strategic approach to attracting new referrals from your best patients. He even tells you how to incorporate your reception room design and environment into this strategy, in a win-win situation for you and your patients. He says, “Your Reception Room should be your marketing area. The area should be neat and well lit and updated every 5 years.”

Be sure the waiting room is filled with testimonials and information on what you do. Remove “competitive distractions” like magazines featuring “other ways” for your customers to spend their discretionary income (cruises, etc) and replace the TV with dental procedures that are available in your practice, as well as medical health and wellness channels.

According to Philhower, 75%-80% of new patients come from patient referrals. So an effective internal marketing program designed to increase patient referrals should be your focus, rather than just traditional external marketing like radio and signage.

At the same time, it’s critical to note, the number one thing a dental office can do to market their practice is run on time. And, while you’re at it, answer the telephone before the 3rd ring! You will create loyal fans and evangelists if you do.

For more insights, information, and more great tips, read the full, Increase in New Patient Flow and Referrals, if you haven’t already.

And tell us what are your biggest challenges this year? And how are you solving them? Do you have a successful internal marketing strategy?

Your Dentistry Office Speaks to Your Patients; Do You Know What it’s Telling Them?

Jon Baucom — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:55:27 +0000

According to dental office design expert Dr. Mark Tholen, regardless of your dental expertise and clinical ability, the success of your dental practice does not depend on your diagnostic and treatment skills, but rather on your how your patients perceive your competence.

Dr. Tholen suggests that the dental office, among other things, is a communication tool, a giant billboard that all of your patients view each time they are treated, and you should treat it as the personification of your “marketing” program.

Read Dr. Tholen’s article on designing your office with your patience in mind, called Look the Part.

You may also find these podcasts by Dr Tholen instructive.

Use the the comments and let us know what you think. Do you see this reality reflected in your dental practice?

Digital Tools to Improve and Enhance Your Dental Practice

Jon Baucom — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:11:56 +0000

Properly identifying the concerns of your practice is the the first and most important step in solving potential problems. The team at Henry Schein Dental is eager to help you find out what your practice’s main challenges are and expose the objective points of data that will lead you toward the best solutions.

One tool that they are particularly proud of is the digital practice analysis tool (DPAT). Using just a few pieces of information from your practice management software, this tool enables you to see how your policies and procedures are playing out in your practice.

Read more here about Henry Schein’s digital practice analysis tool.

SEO for Dentists

Jon Baucom — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:49:15 +0000

Dentists have Web sites. Not that many years ago, this was not so true, but today, many dentists are often at the forefront of online technology, just as they may be with the dental tools and technology in the office. Dentists may manage their practice with online software and they may have self-service appointment management for their patients. But in addition, business is business, and they may be using their Web sites for competitive advantage. They should be if they are not. And the key to that is being found. In other word, search engine optimization.

Dr. Jason Lipscomb is a general dentist in Virginia who specializes in helping dentists expand their practices through with social media. Jason has written extensively on the subject. Read his SEO primer for dentists, now as you plan your marketing strategies for the coming year.

Jason and his partner Stephen Knight started Social Media for Dentists to help other dentists master social media and attract new patients. Jason and Stephen have also authored the book “Social Media for Dentists”. A 350 page guide to social media as seen from the dental perspective. Visit their website at http://www.socialmediadentist.com or http://facebook.com/socialmediadenist.