dentalblogs.com

As a dentist, you hold your patients’ image in your skilled hands. Their pain, comfort, and oral health depend upon you and your team. The public knows little about dentistry outside of oral homecare, and people are "too busy" to learn about periodontal disease, endodontics, and the science behind prosthetics. You can improve or damage […]

[Read more →]

According to data from CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) digital camera shipments by CIPA members (the majority of digital camera manufacturers) are up 27% overall in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
DP Review’s Amazon Blog: Digital camera market grows 27%, DSLRs up 75% Permalink [1].

[1] http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK1DRU8WNI7TV1P

[Read more →]

[Read more →]

When we think about electronic forms our first notion is to simply copy the paper forms we have always used in a digital format. However once you start thinking digital and electronic the forms can become so much more. Forms can now be smart and interactive.
For example, Men do not become pregnant. So why ask them if they are? A smart system would eliminate that question if the patient checked the M box and include it if she checked the F box. An even smarter system might eliminate the question for children and older women.
A smart form would change based on responses. If the patient checked the Yes box next to “Are you pregnant?” the form would then ask “When are you due? or How many weeks?”. If the patient checked the No box then on to the next question.
Another example could be, “Are you diabetic?” It the Yes box is checked the follow up questions could be: When were you diagnosed? Is your blood sugar well controlled? Do you take oral medication or use injections? How often? And so on. If the patient checked the No box then on to the next question.
Digital forms could also include interactive help. That is more detailed explanations of each question as needed. For example, the question might be, “Have you ever been diagnosed with periodontal disease?” If the patient did not understand he or she could click the help button for something like this:
‘Periodontal disease refers to gum problems. There are several common names for periodontal disease including gingivitis, pyorrhea or periodontitis. Treatments include deep cleanings, medications and even surgery.”
Many commonly misunderstood issues could be addressed with interactive help such as TMJ, Pre-medication, Heart mummers, occlusion, bruxism, tooth pain and others.
Another benefit to digital forms is that are easily and inexpensively updated. If you decide to re-phrase or add a question you can do it immediately. You don’t need to write over or throw out a big stack of previously printed forms.

[Read more →]

I received and e-mail that directed me to this site:
Submit Patient Forms – See How It Works [1].
It looks OK but has many concerns. I think the TNT system [2] provides more and attaches directly to your practice web site. What I am using is the newest DentForms system [3] which has the added advantage of linking to the patient’s record and allowing electronic signatures; so it is entirely paperless.

[1] http://emmottontechnology.comhttps://www.submitpatientforms.com/see-how-it-works.aspx
[2] http://tntdental.com/
[3] http://www.medictalk.com/

[Read more →]

Dental lasers are not cheap – some cost around $40K. All the applications manufacturers use to market lasers aren’t approved by the FDA or endorsed by the ADA. In fact, you can’t ethically advertise to patients all of the benefits that you’ve heard and read about dental laser procedures. So is a dental laser a […]

[Read more →]

I am looking forward to presenting in Hawaii on August 23 in Honolulu. For information contact Craig Holbrook [Craig.Holbrook@henryschein.com]
See you there

[Read more →]

I have been a huge laser fan since I bought my first diode in 1999. I just saw a demo of the newest diode from Ivoclar the Navigator. It is a huge improvement over previous models. Look at the details below. And if you are one of the people who thinks a laser is just an expensive radio-surge you are deluding yourself. In my opinion every dentist should be using a laser. I couldn’t be a dentist without it.

The Odyssey Navigator features technology that provides more convenience, easier operation, more flexibility and unmatched portability:» Touch screen monitor» Intuitive design and navigation ability make program simple and easy.» Inverted screen capability» Allow for incredible flexibility by keeping the screen readable in any orientation.» Uni-dose fiber tips» No cleaving, no stripping of fiber just snap on and you’re ready to lase.» Ergonomic hand piece design» Arc design fits comfortably in your hand» Lithium Polymer battery 45 minutes of portable lasing
Odyssey Lasers from Ivoclar Vivadent [1].

[1] http://www.getodysseylaser.com/navigator/index.php

[Read more →]

The following is from the latest Sally McKenzie [1] e-mail newsletter. I agree with her. In fact what she is suggesting is exactly what we help dentists with when we consult. Details are here [2].

When purchasing new technology follow a strategy for success, starting with careful research and planning. Think about your technology vision for the practice. How do you want to use technology? How do you want your patients to benefit from technology? Next conduct a technology inventory. Examine what you have in hardware, software, and networking capabilities. Then establish your priorities, which technology do you want to add or integrate first. How do you plan to pay for it? The cost of technology has come down considerably, but it remains a significant investment for virtually any practice. Don’t try to do it all at once.
Next, evaluate which companies you will consider for your technology needs. Do your homework. In many cases, you’re entering a long-term relationship with a company. You want to know how they handle questions, concerns, problems, staff/doctor training. How long have they been around and what’s their reputation. Talk to your colleagues. What are other dental teams saying about the technology and the company they purchased it from?
Determine how your practice will integrate the new equipment. What steps will you have to take to ensure the integration is smooth? How much staff/doctor training will be required to ensure success? Involve your staff. What are their concerns, insights, and perspectives on how best to implement it? It’s essential that staff understand the benefits of integrating the new technology and, if possible, have some ownership in the process.
 

[1] http://www.mckenziemgmt.com/
[2] http://www.drlarryemmott.com/general/consulting.htm

[Read more →]

Search engine optimization… What is it? Why is SEO important? Is it really worth the expense? You aren’t the expert; all you need are the facts. Here’s a quick overview of SEO in plain and simple terms that you will understand. What is SEO? Why is it important? SEO, or search engine optimization, is the […]

[Read more →]