Sidekick - Winter 2014 - (Page 44)

Better Patient Care Starts with Better Imaging The goal of my practice is to listen to my patients and to provide unique, caring, comfortable, and clinically appropriate dentistry for each individual. Dentistry is our passion, ANDREW E. SWENDA JR., DMD We tested a number of intra-oral systems, and I tried all of the sensors in my own mouth. At the end of the search, we chose DEXIS®. and positively changing people's lives is our joy! Digital imaging, both intra-oral X-ray and cone beam 3D, as well as digitized models, have played a large part in achieving our objectives. In 2010, I made the decision to transform my practice into a digital, chartless office. I chose to implement the Dentrix® practice management program as my best option. My next step was finding a digital imaging system that seamlessly integrated with Dentrix and also had great images. We tested a number of intraoral systems, and I tried all of the sensors in my own mouth. At the end of the search, we chose DEXIS®. I liked the fact that we could use a single-size sensor instead of having to handle an assortment of sensors and holders in different sizes. And, when the unique shape of the sensor felt the most comfortable to me, I knew it would be comfortable for my patients. We've found the sensor to be very durable- we have used one sensor for three operatories every day for almost four years. The direct USB is a very convenient attribute-we just plug it directly into the computer and take clear images that immediately show up on the monitor, ready for the patient and me to review together. Besides the exceptional image quality that helps me in diagnosis, patients are impressed that we are able to lower the radiation dose with DEXIS-that really makes a difference to them. DEXIS also offers helpful image management and enhancement tools. I think one of the best aspects of software is the ability to easily pull up images for different dates on the same screen and to compare these enlarged radiographs for education. For example, a patient returned to my office a year after her last appointment. During that time, she developed a large lesion as a result of external resorption. The patient asked, "How could that be? I was just here a year ago." It was wonderful to be able to bring up the image from a year ago and compare it side-by-side to the current image. It was obvious to both of us that during the course of the year, this amount of disease had occurred. We spend a lot of time on patient education at this practice. People make better 44 Sidekick | Winter 2014 Full 3D information with more control over scan dose and size choices when they can visualize what the problem is in their body. DEXIS digital imaging allows us to do that. Besides my 2D imaging system, I recently invested in a CBCT for my office. I am not new to this modality. In fact, I have used CT scanning for implant planning since the early 1990s when I had to send patients to a local hospital for the scan. Then, in 2006, I incorporated in-office CBCT imaging by sharing my first i-CAT® cone beam 3D system with an orthodontist. The unit was located in his office a few buildings away from my practice. We had to drive the patients there for the scan, but the amount of detail we received from the scans for certain procedures was well worth the trip. However, it was frustrating not to have the convenience of this imaging method right in my office. Over the years, I kept researching CBCTs, and was happy to note that some companies were evolving with lowered radiation levels. During my research, I explored several different brands of units. The sales people all ended up saying, "This is how we compare to i-CAT." Everyone seemed to know who's the 'top dog'-even the dental lab that I use for implant planning! Across the board, they noted that i-CAT provided the best, most consistent images, so, I decided to invest in an i-CAT® FLX. For implant patients, it is incredible to have the ability to incorporate a scan of the patient's edentulous area, and then use my digital impression system to decide exactly

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Winter 2014

Sidekick - Winter 2014
Contents
TeamSmile Scores a Win for Children’s Oral Health in Atlanta
Amazing Decor and State-of-the- Art Technology Key to Innovative Business Model
Privileges
Featured Designs
Can a Single Piece of Technology Make That Big of a Difference… Oh Yeah!
Midwestern University Dental Institute
R.I.P. Windows XP
TechCentral
Market Report: Dental Of ce Rental Rates on the Rise in 2014
Better Patient Care Starts with Better Imaging
Henry Schein Financial Services
Save Money on Credit Card Processing
ProRepair
Building a Successful Pediatric Practice, From the Ground Up
Henry Schein In-Office Service
A New Era in Dental Management and Marketing
Professional Practice Transitions
Reinvent Your Practice as the Gateway to Health and Wellness

Sidekick - Winter 2014