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Entries from November 2006

It Never Leaves the Mouth

November 30th, 2006 · No Comments

A major advantage of digital x-rays is the speed of acquisition. Once the sensor is exposed the image is produced within seconds. This of course saves the time of going to the processor, opening the film packs waiting for the chemical processing then labeling and mounting the films. However there is another advantage to fast image acquisition which is rarely appreciated. The operator does not need to remove the sensor in order to see the image.
This creates a tremendous clinical advantage. For example if the doctor takes an x-ray and inadvertently misses the apex, he or she will see the error within seconds. The tube head or sensor (which has not moved) can be re-arranged as needed and another image taken immediately. In this way the operator can insure that hard to see structures can be captured for proper diagnosis.
With a film pack or a phosphor storage system the film or plate must leave the mouth and be processed. The operator will not see the image for several minutes. If there is an error the operator will need to re-position the tube and film with no reference to the previous orientation.

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Tags: Radiography

Ouch

November 26th, 2006 · No Comments

I took a little fall of my mountain bike yesterday. It wasn’t too bad except for the big pointy rock that I fell on. I broke five ribs !! I have got to get a grown up hobby.
I was about five miles out in some very rough country. I was helped back to my car by some very nice people in a ATV.

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Tags: Just for Fun

Remote Access

November 24th, 2006 · No Comments

A remote access program allows users to log into the office computer from anywhere with an Internet connection. This allows team members to telecommute. For example a staff person could do collection calls from home or confirm appointments or run reports. Remote access also allows the dentist to deal with after-hours emergencies with the patient’s chart right there. The dentist could make chart notes and even schedule an appointment from home.
The best known, and still very good remote access option is pcAnywhere [1]. This is a software solution that allows users to set up remote systems. Other options are web based systems like GoTo my pc [2]. This type of system can be used from any computer and does not require any special software, just an Internet browser.

[1] http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=pf&pvid=pca12
[2] http://www.gotomypc.com/

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Tags: Administrative · Just for Fun

Say What ??

November 24th, 2006 · No Comments

While shopping for a CD player I was puzzled by a description on the box so I called over a salesperson and asked, “What does ‘hybrid pulse D/A converter’ mean?” “That means”, he said, “that this machine will read the digital information that is encoded on CDs and convert it into an audio signal – that is, into music.” “In other words this CD player plays CDs.” “Exactly.”

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Tags: Just for Fun

Defining Resolution

November 24th, 2006 · No Comments

Line Pairs per Millimeter (lp/mm). This is a measure of resolution, which refers to pairs of lines pressed tighter and tighter together until they eventually merge into a single line. The more lines that can be pressed into a millimeter and still be seen as individual lines, the higher the resolution. Digital radiography sensors can acquire images ranging from 8 to <20 lp/mm. Line pair gauges have a maximum setting of 20. Any vendor who tells you his sensor has a resolution of 22 or 25 etc is not being accurate. The unaided human eye can distinguish about 10 to14 lp/mm. Is that extra resolution lost? Not really that’s where the software takes over.
Pixel and Megapixel. Pixel is short for picture element. Basically it is a dot on the computer screen. (Actually a square)The dots are arranged in rows and columns and are so close together they appear to be connected. The dot can be a shade of gray or a color. A typical 800 x 600 image has 480,000 pixels. The more dots that make up an image the better the resolution. A megapixel is simply one million pixels.
8 bit or 12 bit. A bit is short for binary digit. In graphics the term refers to the number of different shades or colors a single pixel can display. An 8 bit image is 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x2 x 2 x 2 or 2 to the 8th power. If you do the math that comes to 256. Most monitors display an 8 bit image meaning each pixel could be one of 256 different shades of gray. A twelve bit image is 2 to the 12th power or 4,096. True color is 24 bits which allows for 16 million different shades. At most the unaided human eye can distinguish 100 shades of gray. Is the extra detail useless? It depends on the software.

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Tags: Cameras · Just for Fun · Radiography

Garbage in, Garbage out

November 22nd, 2006 · No Comments

When it comes to entering data, keep in mind one of the most famous computer terms to enter the common language: “Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO).” In other words, if the information you feed into the computer is wrong or incomplete, the information you get back also will be wrong or incomplete.
In addition, once you have entered data into a computer, it helps to understand what computers do (and don’t do) well. Computers don’t sense emotions or hear your tone of voice, and they have lousy intuition. On the plus side, computers are good at doing exactly what they’re told to do quickly. Computers can remember and retrieve every tiny detail they were ever told.
So, in my experience, it’s best to let people deal with other people, and let computers track the data.

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Tags: Administrative · Just for Fun

An artist a Lawyer and a computer geek

November 20th, 2006 · No Comments

An artist, a lawyer, and a computer geek are discussing the merits of a mistress. The artist tells of the passion, the thrill which comes with the risk of being discovered. The lawyer warns of the difficulties. It can lead to guilt, divorce, bankruptcy. Not worth it. Too many problems. The computer geek (also probably a dentist) says “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. My wife thinks I’m with my mistress. My mistress thinks I’m home with my wife, and I can spend all night on the computer!”
 

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Tags: Just for Fun

SlimKey-MD Medical Keyboards, AquaPoint Waterproof Mouse

November 20th, 2006 · No Comments

SlimKey-MD Medical Keyboards, [1]

The SK-101-FL medical keyboard has both backlighting and a large numeric pad. Resistant to dust, water and corrosive liquids, the SLK-101-FL is constructed using a fully sealed, industrial silicone keypad. Its low-profile keys provide for easy cleaning/disinfecting by eliminating the difficult to clean spaces of office-grade keyboards. All SlimKey-MD medical keyboards are compatible with any commonly used hospital cleaning agent. For space saving, the SLK-101 medical keyboard is housed in a compact ABS polycarbonate case.
I learned about the keyboards and other products from Linda Holder. Linda is a certified Softdent trainer.

[1] http://medicalkeyboards.com/slk101.html

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Tags: Hardware

ACE Dental Marketing Web Optimization

November 20th, 2006 · No Comments

Look here: Summary [1]
Mike Maroon has another conference coming up. This one is focused on web optimization and marketing. The dates are March 23–24 in Austin. It looks like he has some good information…of course he didn’t invite me to speak do it can’t be that good. Never the less it looks interesting.

ACE 2007 Conference on Dental Marketing & Web OptimizationSummary
This conference will feature dental professionals and industry experts who will be sharing their knowledge on dental marketing & web optimization. Whether you are a solo or group practitioner, new to dentistry or experienced, you will discover trade secrets and tips to broaden your marketing message to attract & keep qualified patients. The information presented at this conference will be the most up-to-date and innovative you will see in dentistry. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert in the dental marketing arena, this program will allow you to come away with a strategic marketing and web optimization plan to position your practice for growth & optimal success.

[1] http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=4047dc5d-2d5c-4dd0-9073-ad8ffb698d5a

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Tags: Websites & Internet

SurePayroll

November 20th, 2006 · No Comments

SurePayroll – Welcome ADA Members [1]

Imagine, with a few clicks of your mouse, payroll’s complete! Simply log in, submit hours, and SurePayroll takes care of the rest. Count on us to:

Calculate wages and deductions Deduct, deposit and file taxes Keep track of accrual benefits, overtime and bonus pay Pay employees through direct deposit, and notify them via email Keep an online record of all payroll and tax information Provide access to W2s and end-of-year reporting Stay up-to-date with tax law changes Keep you clear of IRS penalties

The above service is being endorsed by the ADA. If you are considering a payroll service year end is a good time to make the change.

[1] http://www.surepayroll.com/welcome/ada/default.asp

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Tags: Administrative