Sidekick - Winter 2011 - (Page 24)

Confessions of a Dental “Couch” Potato By Dr. Bryan Couch, Coppell, TX Okay, so my last name is Couch and I can get away with a little play on words—but if it makes you read the article, look at the photos, and take a moment to reconsider where you are in dentistry—then I think you will not only forgive me but thank me. After 25 years of private practice, it seems like we are always evaluating new technology, how it may benefit our patients and balancing the cost of this technology with a return on the investment before the possibility that this newly purchased technology becomes obsolete. Let’s look at the dental profession. Many dentists are attracted to the profession with a genuine attitude of service. I have had numerous opportunities to talk with fellow professionals who sincerely care about providing the best for their patients. The practice of dentistry may provide a career of service to your patients and the opportunity to provide for your family. With three children (one in law school, one a freshman in college, and an eighth-grader), I feel the pressure to not only provide for my family, but to wisely evaluate any major expenditure for the practice. We simply can’t afford to waste investments in our practice or sit on the “couch” and miss opportunities to give the very best to our patients. Even though dentistry has improved greatly over the years of my practicing career, I am usually asked daily about “…when will they invent a quieter drill” or “…no offense, I really don’t want to be here.” An article in USA Today (Figure 1) clearly outlined that no matter how great we may think this profession is and the amazing results we can provide our patients; “WE” are still listed as one of people’s greatest fears. So, let’s take a look at what we can do in our practice right now to help lower that fear of dentistry or at least minimize it. Many people are very resistant to change (dentists included) but if you will walk alongside me I will take you on a journey that I found myself in this past year. Figure 1 “What adults fear” courtesy USA Today. Over the years, I have tried to keep up with trends in dentistry—intraoral cameras, digital radiography, digital photography, computerized paperless office, and all the new advances in dental materials. I have attended, like many of you, all the continuing education I can in order to improve my skills to provide the very best to my patients. BUT, one of the most exciting and revolutionary advances that I have added to my practice is one that has been with us for most of the past 25 years. Who would have ever thought that the gaming industry that provided these games for our kids, lasers and CAD/CAM has been used in other industries for a long time, could actually be the answer to removing some of the dental anxiety and reinvigorate the practice of dentistry? Just over a year ago, we invested in high technology that I hoped would not only afford me a benefit as a better caregiver but also provide my patients with an obvious difference in their dental experience. That technology was the E4D Dentist System (Figure 2)—the chairside scanner and designing and milling systems that provide total control of my dentistry in every way. The E4D system allows me to provide metal-free restorations in a single appointment (or whenever I want) to without compromising any aspect of care. Any concerns about fit, form, function, and esthetics are all there—and better than ever (Figures 3, 4, 5). The E4D dentist system is the singlemost important piece of hi-tech equipment that I have added to my practice in 25 years. I use it daily in my practice—and it has paid for itself from day one. SIDEKICK 24 Winter 2011 Sidekick

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Winter 2011

Sidekick - Winter 2011
Table of Contents
Dr. Stephanie White Gearhart Dentistry
Technologies That Show I Care
Credit Scores as a Financial Asset Advantage!
The Impact of New Technology
Confessions of a Dental “Couch” Potato
Quarterly Featured Designs
Henry Schein Financial Services
Dr. Greg Evans Big Grins Pediatric Dentistry
i-CAT: Impressive Flexibility in Imaging
Laser! Laser! Laser!
Digital Impressions “The Next Digital…”
TechCentral
Will “Uncle Sam” Ask You to Open Your Wallet?
Capturing New Treatment Opportunities With the GXCB-500 HD
A Beginner Course in SEO “Search Engine Optimization”
Broken Appointments–the Sure Path to Poverty
Dr. Ruben Cohen Park Avenue Oral & Facial Surgery
Professional Practice Transitions
Privileges

Sidekick - Winter 2011