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Dr. Blank constantly takes advantage of these types of technologies while practicing. “The must-haves of modern dental technology are digital x-ray, intraoral cameras, viewable patient monitors, and in my honest opinion…computerized charting,” he said. “These are all synergistic with not only capturing and processing the enormous amount of patient data required for advanced dental care, the additional benefit of patient education and co-diagnosis leads to greater case acceptance.” Forty-five percent of the respondents own interactive patient education systems, while 91% own flatscreen computer monitors. Chairside monitors allow patients to view before-and-after pictures and information about your practice. Touchscreen monitors make it possible for patients to watch as the doctor marks their x-ray or for them to interact with the programs while the doctor is in another room. With curing lights essential to everyday practice, we asked our readers what types of devices they own in their practice. LED curing lights are most popular, with 83% of you owning them. Next in order of ownership is halogen (66%), plasma arc (18%) and argon laser (6%).
As mentioned above, some of you are not only buying equipment to improve the services you currently provide, but to expand and enhance services for your patients. When asked if planning a major equipment purchase in the next 12 months specifically to expand/enhance cosmetic dentistry services, 30% of you said Yes. Additionally, 26% of you are planning a major equipment purchase in the next 12 months specifically to expand/enhance your minimally invasive dentistry services. When asked what specifically you intend to purchase in the next 12 months for your practice, the largest number of you said digital radiography, with 11% planning to add this to their armamentarium sometime within the next year (see “Shopping plans,” above). Another 20% of you plan to purchase a digital x-ray system in the future. A number of other things GPs plan to purchase in the next 12 months can go a long way toward improving ergonomics and health for both you and your staff. Ten percent plan to buy operatory lights and doctor’s seating, while 9% indicate they will purchase telescopic loupes within the year. Also, auxiliary seating (7%) and delivery systems (6%) are on some doctors’ shopping lists for the near future. Aggie Pennington, Senior Equipment Product Manager for DentalEZ, stresses the importance of ergonomics when considering the purchase of dental operatory equipment.
“Many dentists purchase their chair based on the name of the manufacturer, a recommendation from a colleague, and how comfortable it is for the patient,” she said. “The more important features that could improve and/or prevent health problems are sometimes ignored.” Pennington said these key features include: • A narrow tapered back that allows better access to the oral cavity. • A thin back that allows the chair back to be lowered onto dentists’ knees, preventing the need to raise their arms to reach the oral cavity. • A chair designed to provide comfort for the patient when the back is reclined will prevent compromising the dentist by only partially reclining the back for patient comfort. • A cut-away chair base allows the dental stools to be positioned closer to the chair, avoiding the need for staff members to reach to access the patient’s oral cavity.
Dr. Blank even suggests you consider things like ventilation and humidity when setting up an office or an operatory. “Proper ventilation/heating/air are essential. Rooms that are either too hot or too cold compared to the rest of the office can ruin the versatility of multi-op offices,” he said. “Humidity control also is essential due to the sensitivity of most modern bonding agents to moisture. Self-etching adhesives are catalyzed by water. Highly humid climates can shorten the lifespan of certain adhesives and reduce their efficacy and shelf life.” (Continued on Page 3)
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