dentalblogs.com

Conventional mini towers can present a space problem in some areas; especially in the treatment rooms. For example we recently installed a new rear delivery cabinet like this one from DentalEz. It has a center console that looks like a perfect place for a computer. However the standard size computer tower wouldn’t fit. We solved the problem with a slim line tower. These towers are almost half the width of a conventional tower. See the link below for the Dell version of a slim tower.
Vostro 200 Slim Tower [1].

[1] http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/vostrodt_200st?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&~tab=bundlestab

[Read more →]

A spectacular smile makes a great first impression. Likewise, your office’s design, décor, and overall appearance make a huge impact on new patients. We often say that dentistry is “an art and a science,” so the appearance of your practice should follow suit. An interior decorating firm that specializes in medical/dental practices can transform your […]

[Read more →]

I am instaling a dual monitor system at the front desk this week. The following is a link to PC World magazine to show you how it is done. I have used dual monitors in the treatment rooms since 1998. I currently have four monitors in my personal office! (It is waaaay cool). I will let you know in a few weeks how it is going up front with the new system.

 
Adding a second monitor can seriously boost your productivity, especially if you work with large images or spreadsheets. It’s also extremely simple. We’ll show you how to do it in this step-by-step guide.
PC World – How to Set Up Multiple Monitors [1].

[1] http://www.pcworld.com/video/id,367-page,1-bid,0/video.html

[Read more →]

From Ergotron http://www.ergotron.com/ [1] this is a nice solution for the pano computer in a hallway
Vertical Lifts – OverviewThe Vertical Lift (VL Series) is a low-profile, wall-mounted module that allows quick positioning of a monitor and keyboard. It’s perfect for areas where multiple operators use a single computer workstation.

Low profile: In storage position, system depth as little as 4″
Height adjustment of 9″; keyboard and LCD move in tandem
Two versions: Standard Keyboard Tray model or Slide-Out Keyboard Tray model
VESA FDMI compliant for easy monitor attachment
5-year warranty

[1] http://www.ergotron.com/

[Read more →]

It is so easy to make an expensive mistake when buying technology!
This two day course [1] is a high energy power packed program. However, attendance is limited. The sessions will be customized to the attendees so you get the most from your time and investment. You will
Save Money

One simple hardware device will save you $5,000.
Save up to $25,000 on a camera system.
Learn how to save $6,000 a year by using e-calls.
And much more.

Plus, You will have fun while you learn! More Information
Hands On

Take digital photos
Image a smile
Enhance an x-ray
Create a computer presentation

Learn How to Plan, Develop & Manage the High Tech Dental Practice
You will Learn

How to Implement New Technologies
The Steps to Developing a Technology Action Plan
Where to Put Computers in the Treatment Room
How to Choose Advanced Systems
Where, What and How Much when Buying Computer Hardware

More Here [2]
Dates and Tuition Here [3]

[1] http://drlarryemmott.com/general/speaking_LEOffice.htm
[2] http://drlarryemmott.com/general/speaking_LEOffice.htm
[3] http://drlarryemmott.com/general/speaking_LEOffice1.htm

[Read more →]

 Medigenic Medical Keyboard [1]
Infection Control Begins at the Entry LevelComputer keyboards are everywhere in healthcare facilities. Today, smarter prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are driving the need for an infection-control keyboard: a new generation designed specifically for medical environments.
I have tried several of these types of cleansable keyboards and so far this is my favorite.

[1] http://www.advanced-input.com/medigenic.html

[Read more →]

The following guidelines are from Lorne Lavine at the Digital Dentist [1]
Here are some basic guidelines to follow for choosing a monitor for the dental operatory:
All LCD monitors have a “native” resolution, the resolution at which they should be run. As the size of the monitor goes up, so does the resolution…but this often will lead to smaller icons on the screen. Most offices in 2006 are using 19″ monitors for the patient and 17″ for the doctor/assistant.
One of the important criteria for choosing a monitor for digital radiography is the contrast ratio, which is the difference between the lightest white and the darkest black. This is obviously important for viewing digital radiographs and diagnosing caries. Look for a minimum 500:1 or greater contrast ratio; many of the better monitors out there are 600:1 to 1000:1.
If you plan to mount the monitor to an arm, you’re going to want to try to use a monitor that doesn’t have a power “brick” in the middle of the cord, as the bricks will not fit inside the arm assembly.
The vast majority of offices are using two monitors in each operatory, one for the patient, and one for the doctor/assistant. Any HIPAA-sensitive information (your schedule with the patient names, for example) must stay on a rear monitor where the patients cannot see it.
When planning for monitor placement, ergonomics are the key. Think about where the monitor is located and how you turn your head or neck to view it, as this can cause some long-term problems. For example, if you plan to mount a monitor to the ceiling, this would be for patient use only, since you’d have to stretch your neck up to view the screen.
  A Few Good Options
Monitor with no TV or speakers: Dell 1707 and 1907.  None of the Dell monitors have speakers, so if you need sound, you’ll need the optional Sound Bar.
Monitor with TV: Samsung 940MW.  Another option is the Planar XP17W.
“Medical Grade” Monitor: Many offices want a monitor they can wipe down. I love the Exorvision monitors as not only are they fluid-impervious, but they are touchscreen and have TV tuners as an option.
  

[1] http://www.thedigitaldentist.com/

[Read more →]

One of the simplest but effective tips for the use of technology in the treatment room is multiple inputs. Input refers to any device, which allows the user to access the computer. The most common input devices are a keyboard and mouse. However there are other options as well such as light pens, touch pads, track balls, pen tablets, mini keyboards, voice and even bar code scanners.
When we first moved computers to the back we used the desktop model and had a single data entry point with a keyboard and mouse on the assistant’s side. As we developed the electronic chart and started using digital radiology, computerized notes, digital imaging and patient education we soon discovered we needed more input access.
For example, if the doctor wanted to view or manipulate a certain x-ray he would have to ask the assistant to bring it up on the screen and then manipulate it. As you can imagine this was a problem and ended up taking two people to do the job of one in a pretty ineffective manner. The same problem occurred with chart information. If the dentist wanted to read the previous appointment notes or review the treatment plan he had to ask the assistant, in front of the patient, to do it for him. Or worse yet he had to get up and move to the other side of the room, break asepsis, and do it, again in an ineffective manner.
The solution was a second input device on the doctor’s side of the room. This can be any type of input; we used a pen and tablet, a touch pad and even a wireless infrared keyboard. However we found what really worked well was a simple mouse.

[Read more →]

Look here Ergodontics  for [1] some alternative computer mounting solutions.

[1] http://www.ergodontics.com/index.html

[Read more →]

The latest edition of Dental Products Report [1] has an article on the high tech trends in dentistry. Some of the more interesting findings.
The number of dentists with computers in the treatment rooms is over half for the first time. 62% of dentists now have computers in at least one operatory. This is a 19% increase since 2005.
Even more dentists 72% own a digital camera.
77% of dentists have a high speed Internet connection and another 8% plan to get high speed within a year.

[1] http://dentalproducts.net/

[Read more →]