Certified, eco-friendly dental practice chooses Kodak Dental Systems

ATLANTA, Georgia--German Jaquez, DDS, of Claremont Smile Design, is serious about his commitment to the environment.

Jaquez's practice, based in Claremont, Calif., is the first eco-friendly dental office in California certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. It recently received recognition as the "Green Business of the Month" from the California Legislature Assembly.

Advanced digital imaging and "chartless" practice management systems from PracticeWorks Systems, LLC--the exclusive maker of Kodak Dental Systems--form the foundation of this earth-friendly practice.

The digital radiography systems eliminate dental film and chemistry while simultaneously reducing radiation and providing a high level of patient care.

Claremont Smile Design uses a state-of-the-art KODAK 9000 3D Extraoral Imaging System to produce three-dimensional cone beam CT images that can improve diagnosis and treatment, especially for implant and orthodontic cases.

"The image quality is outstanding and being able to rotate the volumetric image and cross sectional views allows me to clearly see the tooth in relation to nerves and other anatomical structures," Dr. Jaquez said. "It enables a more accurate diagnosis and a better outcome for my patients."

Because of the KODAK 9000 3D System's ability to provide a localized field of view, it reduces radiation when compared to other dental 3D systems. The staff also uses a KODAK RVG 6100 Digital Radiography System that delivers 90 percent less radiation than traditional film-based systems.

All images, patient information and administrative tasks are managed by KODAK SOFTDENT Practice Management Software.

"In addition to establishing an environmentally friendly office, my goal was to
implement equipment that delivers the best possible care for my patients and a highly productive process for my staff," said Dr. Jaquez. "SOFTDENT manages patient information, streamlines scheduling and billing, and enhances efficiency throughout all the functions our practice performs."

Eco-friendliness extends to dental equipment, office materials
In addition to being paperless and filmless, Claremont Smile Design uses dental equipment and techniques that have environmental advantages:

* In addition to offering mercury-free restorations, the practice uses a dry vacuum filtration system to dispose of mercury from removed fillings and prevent pollution of local water ways.

* Steam-based surgical-grade instrument sterilization systems contain no harmful chemicals and reduce water use.

* Biodegradable sterilization solutions such as tea tree oil and thyme are used to clean examination areas.

* The practice's compressor and vacuum require no oil or water.

* Chlorine-free, high post consumer recycled paper products replace traditional paper products. The practice filters drinking water and distilled water to eliminate the need for plastic water bottles that fill our landfills.

Further, Dr. Jaquez chooses earth-friendly systems that reduce use of electricity, water and chemicals while utilizing recycled or sustainable products wherever possible.

For more information, go to Claremont Smile Design.

For more information about PracticeWorks, call (800) 944-6365 or visit PracticeWorks.

To read more about PracticeWorks, go to Claremont Smile Design.

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