Emmott On Technology

Need the Speed

Larry Emmott — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:11:28 +0000

The single best action you can take to increase the operating speed of your computer is to increase the RAM.

In the dental office speed issues are often not related to the individual machine you are using but to the network and the server.

If you have a server also acting as a work station (a peer to peer network) do not use that peer server for everyday computing. For example the server is often the front desk computer. If it is being heavily used as a work station it will slow down everything else in the office.

Paper or ???

Larry Emmott — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:50:51 +0000

I have been facing a quandary. I wrote a book (or a guide) for dentists on how to go paperless. I can distribute the book electronically (paperlessly) here. Which given the topic seems appropriate. Yet many offices still want a paper copy. I can make paper copies..but it is more expensive, takes longer and kills trees. Those are the same issues with paper dental records.

An electronic copy can be accessed instantly when you buy the book, no waiting weeks for arrival. You can store copies on several computers for easy access in different locations. You can print as many copies as you want for the dentist and staff.

On the other hand I fully understand that many people still want the feel of the hard copy book and perceive it has more value than an electronic book. What to do?

I still feel there is great value in providing a paperless electronic book. However if you really want a hard copy I can create those and mail them out. Just let me know.

Invisalign Assist

Larry Emmott — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:36:12 +0000

I have been a big fan of Invisalign for years. I think every GP should be or at least could be providing this service. Align has developed a new program which they announced at the ADA called Invisalign Assist. It uses the amazing advanced Invisalign technology to not only provide the treatment aligners but to guide the treating dentist through the process.

If you have been putting off getting started with Invisalign because you were afraid of the learning curve this is the time to get involved.

With Invisalign Assist, you don’t have to be an Invisalign expert to get the results you want.

Invisalign Assist.

The Best Accounting Software for Troubled Times

Larry Emmott — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:30:49 +0000

This PC Magazine review looks at several different checkbook accounting programs. The other options look good but I am still a QuickBooks fan.

The giant in small-business accounting is, of course, Intuit, and the company’s QuickBooks Accounting Pro Edition 2009 is the most well-rounded of these four competitors.

The Best Accounting Software for Troubled Times - Reviews by PC Magazine.

Guide to Digital Radiography

Larry Emmott — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:27:00 +0000

Digital Radiography is one of the most exciting and fastest growing technologies in dentistry. It is also the area with the most misinformation. I constantly talk with dentists who either do buy digital for the wrong reasons or don’t buy for the wrong reasons.

My comprehensive technology guide, “Digital Radiography” exposes nine myths about digital radiography and it will answer the basic question…Why bother? It then provides step by step help choosing and then setting up digital x-rays.

You will learn about; the five part imaging chain, the sensor wars, image enhancement and much more. And what will come as a complete shock to most dentists… there is even a budget and financial analysis that shows how digital radiography is actually cheaper than film.
“Digital Radiography” will answer all your questions, provide a plan and show you how to save money… all delivered in a fun and easy to understand style.

Digital Radiography.

High-tech dentistry: What is necessary and what is not — Christensen 137 (11): 1592 — The Journal of the American Dental Association

Larry Emmott — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:35:58 +0000

I always thought Gordon Christensen was a smart guy. Now I know he is. I came across this 2006 JADA article on high tech dentistry, and he shows how smart he is by agreeing with me.

Can’t miss high tech options; computers in the back, digital photos and digital radiography.

High-tech dentistry
What is necessary and what is not

Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD

High-tech dentistry: What is necessary and what is not — Christensen 137 (11): 1592 — The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Chew Counter ??

Larry Emmott — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:27:01 +0000

A high tech dental device we can probably do without.

this gizmo really is a counter that you strap to your kids and it counts how often they’re chewing. It emits “encouraging” noises after 30 and 1,000 counts,

Gizmodo, the Gadget Guide.

Is a Monochrome Laser Right for You? - Reviews by PC Magazine

Larry Emmott — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:20:37 +0000

A good B&W laser printer is a must have for most dental offices. You will use the laser to print any bulk items such as statements, marketing contacts, recall cards and more. Laser printers used to cost at least $1,000. This PC Magazine article is a buying guide and has some models for under $200.

Not everyone needs color: Cheaper than color lasers and faster than inkjets, monochrome lasers are ideal if you’re most interested in printing great-looking text.

Is a Monochrome Laser Right for You? - Reviews by PC Magazine.

Dentrix Users it is OK to Upgrade

Larry Emmott — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:39:25 +0000

If you are a Dentrix user who has been scared off from upgrading to the newest version (G3) there is really no good reason not to up grade (well maybe there is one good reason, see below) but there are lots of good reasons to upgrade.

What’s new in G3:

On-line Patient Questionnaires (with eCentral your patients can complete on-line)
Re-tooled Document Center (yes you can attach a pdf file, and more!)
Integrated Patient Education (with Guru… actually ships with Guru player and standard library)
Re-designed Perio Chart (more modern look, more flexibility)
And about 396 other features and enhancements (more than 4,000 different user enhancement requests were satisfied with this upgrade)
Lab testing shows the chart is 33% faster than the DENTRIX G2 chart, which is good news

The only reason you may want to wait is that G3 requires good up to date computers. If your hardware is out of date, that is four or more years old, then you should upgrade the hardware first. But that is not really an excuse to not go to G3 it is just another good reason to keep your hardware up to date.

Six steps to developing a high tech dental office

Larry Emmott — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:28:14 +0000

Begin with the End in Mind

Have a plan and a goal before you start

Establish a technology infrastructure.

Integrated practice management software

Computers networked in the treatment rooms

Add the “Big 2″:

Digital images

Digital radiography

Non-dental programs

Word processing

Checkbook

Anti virus

Add advanced dental applications.

Patient education

Digital shades

Computerized probes

Keep a future focus; be open to evolving technologies.

Internet

Wireless

CAD CAM