Sidekick - Spring 2010 - (Page 50)

Implementing Technology into the Restorative Dental Practice By John C. Cranham, DDS Clinical Director The Dawson Academy I was interviewed by a local newspaper upon the recent opening of my new dental practice. The person that was interviewing me asked me how many things that I was taught in dental school was I still doing the same way. Having graduated from The Medical College of Virginia in 1988, I had to think about that for a minute. I was struck by the conclusion that I do nothing the way I did it in dental school! While dentistry has certainly changed dramatically in the last 20 years, the technological advances that are occurring today are moving our profession at warp speed. Even though this is exciting, there are numerous challenges in correctly implementing these high-tech tools in a way that they will be optimally utilized, while not creating a financial burden to the practice. The mistake, often made, is to think the technology will be a “magic bullet” for the practice. A dental office that is in a financially unhealthy place will generally not benefit from an expensive technology, which may even put more economic stress on the practice. It is important to remember that these devices are simply tools that will allow us to do our dentistry better, be more efficient and provide our patients with a better experience. If we start with a well-run practice, with a clear vision for who we are and the services we provide, it will become obvious which technology we should implement first, and a logical timetable for which the other technologies can be brought into the practice environment. Start with a Philosophy of Practice Getting clear on the specific mission of your practice is probably the most important thing any dentist can do. In dental school, most of us just hope for a full schedule, but as that begins to happen, most mature practices begin to focus on some aspect of dentistry. At The Dawson Academy, we attract dentists who want to learn to solve complex aesthetic and functional problems. We place a high emphasis on diagnosis, treatment planning and sequencing dentistry in a way that the vast majority of our patients can afford optimum care. The curriculum is structured to train doctors to visual optimally, to procedurally do the work clinically, and to organize the team around them to optimize efficiency as well as profitability. While this is not the only philosophy out there, it has certainly worked with thousands of doctors who have chosen this path. The important philosophy: develop a practice vision and stick to it. Don’t Let the Technology Define the Practice All too often, if the vision for the practice is lacking, when technology is purchased it can become the center of the practice. A perfect example of this is chairside CAD/CAM technology. I have been involved with chairside CAD/CAM, currently using the D4D, for 5 years. It is an incredible tool for providing beautiful all-ceramic restorations for your patients. It is not, however, a machine that will allow you to do 100% of fixed prosthetics. Having a solid foundation for treatment planning, restoration selection and adhesion is vital to the integration of this tool into your practice. If this background is lacking, then it is easy for the technology to drive the practice. This can lead to using the wrong materials in the wrong places, and ultimately an increased failure rate. Whatever technology you choose, remember that it is a tool designed for specific situations. While the training you will receive will emphasize the proper use of the instrumentation, pay special attention to its limitations. As you integrate it into your own practice of excellence, find the “sweet spot” in the practice for when it works best. This will increase the predictability, efficiency and profitability of your purchase. Align the Technology with the Practice Focus Once a philosophy of practice is established, the technology that would be of most value is often very obvious. If the doctor does a lot of surgery, perhaps placing implants and doing complex extractions, Cone Beam technology will be a huge benefit. On the other hand, if the dental team does a lot of operative dentistry, crown and bridge, and soft-tissue surgical procedures, the Waterlase MD® will increase the number of procedures you provide your patients, while also increasing efficiency. SIDEKICK 50 Spring 2010 Sidekick http://www.THEDAWSONACADEMY.COM

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