Archives

Archive for November, 2008

E4D vs. Cerec

( General )

Although the process with Cerec and E4D is the same there are differences in the details. Cerec captures the digital impression with a camera and the tooth surface needs to be evenly coated with a special powder.  E4D uses a laser system that requires multiple images but does not need powder.
The design software is different [...]

You Need People to go Paperless

Since going paperless is based on computer technology it is natural to focus on the computers when planning to go paperless. However the technology is only half of the equation. If the people in the office aren’t prepared and enthusiastic the technology alone will never work. Some dentists are actually proud of the fact that [...]

The Digital Dentist Blog - Avoiding Vista

( General and Software )

Another Reason to Avoid Vista As you know from my previous posts, I’m not a big Windows Vista fan. With Microsoft announcing recently that they will be allowing resellers to sell XP through July 2009, that one was reason to hold off. Now, news comes down that the next version of Windows, Windows 7, will [...]

Buy it NOW!

If you are planning to purchase some new technology do it now to save on taxes. Follow the link below for the full article. Of course this blog is not proper tax advice and each individual is unique, consult your tax pro…blah blah balh. However the bottom line is that you can write of the [...]

Happy Thanksgiving

( General )

Web Site = Up to Date

“Offering this online serviceshows my dentist is up-to-dateon technology, and if they cando this, then it makes me feelmore comfortable that theyare also keeping up-to-dateon dental equipment andprocedures.”

This is one of many similar patient responses from a Sesame research project. The conclusion:

Patients believe a practice with a smart, interactive web site and online access is more [...]

Mac vs PC


Password Mangement

Sticky notes on monitors are not safe

Need the Speed

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 [...]

Paper or ???

( General )

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. [...]

Invisalign Assist

( General )

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 [...]

The Best Accounting Software for Troubled Times

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 [...]

Guide to Digital Radiography

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 [...]

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

( General )

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 [...]

Chew Counter ??

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

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 [...]

Dentrix Users it is OK to Upgrade

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 [...]

Six steps to developing a high tech dental office

( General )

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

New Dental Plans

Gallo Dental PlanWe pay no claim before its time
Smith Barney DentalWe work the old fashioned way
Golden Rule Dental PlanHe who has the gold makes the rules
CIA DentalDeny deny deny
Woodstock Dental PlanPaying claims just like in the 60’s

Wireless USB Camera

( Cameras )

This is interesting, it is a device from Video Dental Concepts that can be attached to a USB Intraoral Camera that turns a wired camera into a wireless camera.

 
Video Dental Concepts.