By Brad Guyton, DDS, MBA, MPH, and Misty Absher Clark1. Lasers aboundDental laser prices have dropped to all-time lows. (Dentsply AMD Picasso lasers under $2,500 and the Phillips laser under $7,000). For most dentists, this price drop — along with the quality of these lasers — merits a consideration to purchase. While lasers in this price category are not typically appropriate for hard-tissue applications, these devices are appropriate for the “one in op” approach. The soft-tissue applications for cauterization, tissue recontouring, and frenectomies now justify this price point. While the electrosurgical instrument may still have a place in the dental office, lasers are invading this once-protected space with often a cleaner result. The electrosurgical instrument, while a staple in many practices, tends to have a charring effect on the tissue. Lasers do not. With the low cost, acceptable quality, and clinical soft-tissue applications, 2012 might finally be the time to consider integrating laser technology into your practice. 2. Digital scanning prevails, with or without a CAD/CAM machineWhile the cost of CAD/CAM units are still above the $100K mark (CEREC CAD/CAM is approximately $119K and E4D is approximately $122K), most experts agree that the quality of these restorations is now comparable or even better than the traditional methods for crown fabrication. What is really exciting for 2012 is dentists who are not willing to invest in these two technologies can still get the benefits of digital dentistry without the $100K-plus price tag. Over the past few years, we have seen only the scanners offered at a considerable discount. (Cadent, 3M, Glidewell, and others are now offered for $20K to $30K). With this scanning technology, you get the benefits of the digital scan without the big investment. By benefits, we mean no distortion from the impression or the stone setting, no shipping damage or temperature challenges, etc. You prep and scan the tooth, send the digital impression to a lab or milling facility, and receive a digitally fabricated crown back often in less than two weeks. Some laboratories now offer free scanners to some dentists who agree to send a minimum number of crowns per month to their labs. This business model allows dentists to get into digital scanning without a capital purchase. In our opinion, this technology makes dentists better clinicians. When you use impression material, you’re looking at a negative image of your final result. The digital image, on the other hand, shows you what your crown preparation actually looks like and what areas might need improvement. It acts like an internal proofreader. You can identify undercuts or underprepared areas on the screen and remedy them before you ever send the impression. This enhances not only the quality of the final restoration, but it improves communication between the dentist and the laboratory if there is a concern. Digital dentistry is here, and it is thriving! 3. Endo simplifiedEndodontics has come a long way over the past decade. For those of you who didn’t like endo in dental school, now may be the time to reconsider. While rotary endodontics changed the procedure forever back in the 1990s, the technology has become even simpler today. While we see manufacturers like Dentsply Tulsa and Sybron reduce the number of files needed to perform routine NSRCT, the concept of single-use files is now becoming a reality. While the NHS in the UK is now mandating the rule of single-use-only endo files, this trend is apt to catch on and become the standard of care over time. With some of the new technology from various manufacturers, you can now complete a simple root canal with a glide path file, then a single rotary file, and finally a corresponding fitted obturator. With products such as Guttacore, the retreat problems with heated obturator carriers may soon become a thing of the past. The gutta-percha core facilitates the possible retreat down the road. Lastly, there are new irrigants entering the market that disinfect and lubricate the canal, and act as a great adjunct to traditional sodium hypochlorite. With single-use files, fewer files, fitted gutta-percha core carriers, and new irrigants, now may be a great time for general practitioners to reconsider introducing endodontics into their procedural treatment mix.4. Facebook dealingsEncouraging patients to obtain deals, redeem coupons, and check in at a dental practice as they’re logged into their Facebook accounts are becoming more strategic ways for dentists to increase awareness of a practice. More and more dental professionals are discovering how this electronic word-of-mouth mentality helps nurture patient loyalty by engaging them through the check-in feature and portraying positive, personalized elements of the dental team on Facebook. Patient education takes place more naturally and in a timely manner in this arena.5. iWhat?The world has gone digital quickly and dentists who haven’t caught on to the new lingo and rapidly advancing tools are being left behind by teams using the iPAD and Dentrix eServices to complete patient forms inside the practice. Patients are often using iPADs to complete their patient forms, such as demographic information, smile evaluations, health history, and more. The ePaperwork can, at the touch of a button, be submitted and populated into practice management software such as the Dentrix database.Author bioBrad Guyton, DDS, MBA, MPH, serves as chief operating officer at Jameson Management, Inc., a team of nearly 40 dental practice management advisors, including Vice President of Creative Services Misty Absher Clark. Jameson, founded by Drs. John and Cathy Jameson, helps dentists increase productivity and profitability while decreasing stress in their profession. Jameson advisors offer in-office dental consulting, marketing services, and online education such as their recently launched Facebook University. To register for a free webinar or strategic planning call for your practice, visit www.JamesonManagement.com. Dr. Guyton and Mrs. Clark may be reached at [email protected].
