Sidekick - Spring 2010 - (Page 47)

Surprising Trends in Laser Usage By Roger P. Levin, DDS Introduction Practices have also attracted new patients with advertisements offering “an alternative to needles and drills.” Patients who responded to this kind of message told doctors that they appreciated not only a way to avoid injections and drillings, but also the fact that these dentists stood out as progressive and patient-friendly. By letting consumers know about options for their dental care, these doctors attracted new patients to their practices. The key to practice growth is not only bringing patients into the practice but also offering treatment that they will accept. Lasers, according to our interviews, were extremely helpful as a means to increase case acceptance. Some doctors actually demonstrated the Waterlase MD™ for patients by aiming the activated yet harmless water stream into a patient’s hand from a distance of a few inches. For patients who delayed or avoided dental treatment in the past due to anxiety, this kind of instrument was reassuring and made them comfortable with the doctor’s recommendations. “Patients are just more at ease when we use the laser,” said one Northwest dentist. “Some of them have already researched the idea before they come in.” A Better Patient Experience Lasers reduce dental anxiety and improve the overall patient experience. When used appropriately, lasers greatly decrease the need for anesthetics and drilling, which are the two leading causes of dental anxiety. Satisfied patients are the goal for every practice. A dental experience that exceeds expectations will motivate patients to keep appointments, accept recommended care and refer their friends, neighbors and family members. The idea of dentistry is often connected to pain or discomfort in the minds of many patients. Practices that can remove this connection through the use of appropriate technology will be the offices that increased patient referrals and case acceptance. Changing someone’s mind can be a transformative experience. When dentists are able to help patients overcome their dental Lasers are an excellent instrument for everyday dentistry. That statement may surprise many dentists. But a recent study1 indicates that highly successful practitioners are utilizing lasers for common dental procedures, including caries treatment and restorations. Research conducted by Levin Group has found that general dentists who use lasers for routine care able to create a better patient experience and increase practice production, the ideal combination from a practice-management perspective. Higher case acceptance resulting from happier patients has not been the only important benefit reported by dentists using the laser to perform everyday dentistry. In the same study, doctors attribute robust production growth in part to adding a laser to their standard tray. Everyday dentistry, such as the treatment of caries (even Class V composite restorations), is successfully and effectively performed, frequently in less time, with the use of lasers. “I use the laser with every patient that I see on my schedule,” said one research participant. Another dentist added, “Integrating the laser into our practice has increased production between $12,500 and $15,000 per month.” Growing the Practice Lasers increase production of common dental procedures. While most dentists have struggled during the current economic slowdown, many practices with lasers have actually grown during this period. The research indicates that dentists who own lasers are achieving production gains, not by adding complex or “exotic” treatment, but by more efficiently treating the conditions that present most frequently in the practice, such as caries and damaged/broken teeth. These successful dentists are seeing more new patients coming into their practices and accepting treatment. One dentist said, “New patients travel long distances to come to my practice because my patients have told them about how much easier dental treatment is with my laser.” SIDEKICK Spring 2010 Sidekick 47

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Spring 2010

Sidekick - Spring 2010
Contents
Dr. Morgan Scheiber
Here and Now and Beneficial for All
FICO Reveals How Common Credit Mistakes Affect Scores
Causes of Scheduling Stress
Less Is More
Quarterly Featured Designs
Dr. Mark Shuren
The Black and White Facts of Platinum
Henry Schein Financial Services
Surprising Trends in Laser Usage
Implementing Technology into the Restorative Dental Practice
Career Development: Digital Practice Analysis Tool
The GXCB-500: A Good Fit for Any Practice
Making the Right Impression for Your Patients and Practice
Dr. Wilton Guillory Jr. and Dr. David M. Carlton III
Privileges
Professional Practice Transitions

Sidekick - Spring 2010

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