Dentaltown November 2012 - (Page 26)

second opinion column Investing in New Technology “Should I or shouldn’t I?” comes down to 10 questions by Irwin M. Becker, DDS Second opinions are common in health care; whether a doctor is sorting out a difficult case or a patient is not sure what to do next. In the context of our magazine, the first opinion will always belong to the reader. This feature will allow fellow dental professionals to share their opinions on various topics, providing you with a “Second Opinion.” Perhaps some of these observations will change your mind; while others will solidify your position. In the end, our goal is to create discussion and debate to enrich our profession. – Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, Editorial Director, Dentaltown Magazine Perhaps, you’ll recall dental technology products that had limitations at the time of their introduction. For example, when digital radiographs first came out, you couldn’t place them in an FMX format, and when digital impressions first came out, they could only be worked with a quadrant articulator. Recently I had a conversation with six of The Pankey Institute’s visiting faculty who are in full-time practice. I was curious to know in what technologies they had recently invested and what went through their minds before and after purchase. Two common concerns expressed were: would they be making a sound decision, especially given the slow economy, and would their choices be in-sync with the latest technology. Some decisions were driven by need, others by a vision of higher practice. Each of the investments led to personal development, more options, and more benefits to their patients and themselves than anticipated. They all did research. Some did lengthy anticipatory research, looking at emerging technology. In every case, they reported that all product issues were assertively and promptly addressed by the sales rep and manufacturer. Dr. Chuck Pitts of LaGrange, Georgia, recently invested in a Zeiss surgical microscope with 10x the magnification of the most powerful loupes. Pitts says, Only five percent of general dentists use this type of technology. There is good research and science behind these optics, which have become the standard of care for endodontists and are used by many periodontists. My motivation was to perfect my dentistry. Every time you step up the magnification, you see more and it is exciting to do better restorations. Because my team and associate can watch what I am doing on the screen, it has become my preferred teaching tool. Screen captures make it easier for patients to understand the condition of their mouths and sign on for restorative. I spent a day with a trainer, and by making a commitment to regularly use the microscope I became proficient over about four months. Now, I am obsessed with doing perfect laser surgery on crown margins and even more exquisite composite work. Although it takes longer to do everything with the microscope, ultimately the quality is better. My patients are talking about my technologically advanced methods and my reputation has been enhanced within my community. Dr. Gayle T. Reardon of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was clear about why she wanted to go back to school after 30 years in practice. Reardon says, After becoming skilled in the treatment planning, surgical placement and restoration of dental implants, I felt the next step was to become uniquely qualified to assist other dentists in treatment planning difficult cases. I was anticipating a time in my later years when I might not be able to handle the ergonomics of intensive restorative practice but would want to remain professionally active. So, four years ago, I entered the oral and maxillofacial radiology program at the University of Iowa. I earned an MS degree in stomatology and became board certified in oral and maxillofacial radiology. Initially, I hoped to have a partner in purchasing a fully featured CBCT system, but the economic climate changed midway through my three-year degree program making an investment of this size difficult. Rather than owning and operating an imaging center, I now have a consulting business (Collaborative Imaging Specialists), as well as my restorative dental practice. Investing in post-graduate education and software has presented me with unique opportunities to do high-quality 3D reconstructions from CBCT files, do radiographic interpretations, treatment plan and consult on cases, and assist with surgical guide fabrication and quality control. Another application is hard-tissue diagnosis and treatment planning for jaw joints, a keen interest of mine. Currently, CBCT is transitioning continued on page 28 26 NOVEMBER 2012 » dentaltown.com http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown November 2012

Dentaltown.com Highlights
Continuing Education Update
Howard Speaks: The Fluoride Wars Continue
Professional Courtesy: Get Out of the Office
Second Opinion: Investing in New Technology
What Are You Guys Cementing Zirconia Crowns With?
Issue with Crown Seats! Help Please!
New Products
Product Profile: The Dental Sleep Network
Dentrix G5
Corporate Profile: Officite
Excellent Communication Benefits: A Full-mouth Rehabilitation Case
Product Profile: TruDenta
The Art, Science and Numbers of Clear Aligner Therapy
Dentaltown.com Research: Endodontics
Cementation Simplified
You Should Know: OperaPager
Matching One Anterior Crown
Desired Smiles in Today’s Economy
Why We See Problems with Teeth Whitening: The Science of Whitening, Part 1
In This Issue: Garbage In, Garbage Out
Perio Reports
Ad Index
Profile in Oral Health: Paleolithic Teeth
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown November 2012