Technology Corner
The Dental Office Technology, described below has been implemented by Doctor Doug to provide real, tangible benefits to our patients and our practice efficiency.
The "State-of-the-Art" technology results in faster accurate diagnosis, better treatment plans, fewer visits and lower cost. Dentrix provides solutions that have moved our practice to going almost paperless. All patient information is stored electronically in the Dentrix chart, eliminating the need for traditional paper charts.
The following information and links below offer a closer look at the software and hardware used by the Doctors and staff.
Technology - The Database Network
One major source of our technology is Dentrix Inc. Our Office Network Computer Server runs Patient Management Software, which integrates and automates databases, instrumentation, scheduling, accounting, diagnostics, low radiation Digital Imaging and patient history updates and system backups. All systems are networked for access anywhere within the Office Complex.
All patient information is stored electronically eliminating the need for paper charts. Clinical notes eliminate the need for written treatment notes. Patients filling out our new patient and insurance paperwork online eliminates paper and reduces time in the waiting room. Integrating digital radiographs and intraoral images eliminates the need for hazardous film and processing chemicals. Electronic (e-mail) appointment reminders help us reduce missed apppointments as well as eliminate the need for written or post card reminders. Electronic Insurance Claims spared about 9,000 trees last year with the submission of insurance claims and attachments electronically. Our eCentral Insurance Manager eliminates paper claim reports and a filing cabinet by putting an electronic claim archive at our fingertips.
Technology - DIAGNOdent, a Caries Detection Aid
Another technology supplier is Kavo USA. With today's widespread use of fluoride, the presentation of occlusal pit and fissure caries has changed. Caries may often begin in the walls of the fissure or in the dentine without any decalcification of the enamel. This type of lesion is extremely difficult to diagnose with an explorer. Additionally, with bitewings this type of caries cannot be detected. However, the DIAGNOdent is a reliable tool to aid in the detection of caries lesions with over a 90% accuracy rate.
Technology - Intraoral Camera
Our latest technology includes a Camera, developed by SuniCam, to obtain crystal clear images for improved diagnoses. The camera allows us to document and show our patients, on a computer screen, the outer areas of the teeth and gums-including lesions, cracks, and calculus buildup.
Technology - Office Staff Communications
Intra-office communications are vitally important for an extremely efficient dental office. For years, doctors have depended on special light communication systems for directing the traffic flow of their staff. But now, with the introduction of XLS Radios (walkie-talkies), many of those systems are being replaced by a much more efficient one.
Now, instead of pushing buttons to call someone into a treatment room to give them instructions, one simply gives the message through their radio which results in fewer wasted trips back and forth within the office.
Every member of the staff wears one with a speaker in their ear. There are unlimited usages within the office for these radios that will soon become one of the most efficient aids we can implement into our practice!
Technology - Digital Radiography
Our investment in digital radiography saves space, time, expense, and the chemicals associated with traditional film processing. Also, patients are exposed to about 90% less radiation when our digital process is used.
Technology - The TLC System
