Page 63 - The Dental Entrepreneur

The Dental Entrepreneur

Digital X-rays

Digital x-rays are an absolute no brainer. The time savings on the technology yields an
immediate payback not to mention the savings of not having a darkroom and maintaining
chemicals. There are still a fair number of practices out there that are not digital. If you are
buying one, I think that should be taken into consideration into the valuation. If you are starting
a practice, don’t blink on this decision.

Air & Vacuum System

If there was one piece of equipment that I would not compromise on in any fashion would be
the air and vacuum systems. These are mission critical and used and refurbished do not work
for me. The cost of down time is tremendous. Buy it new, buy it with service and warranty, and
buy it with built in redundancies.

Communication and Visual Aids

I am still surprised at the number of young dentists that have not fully grasped the power of the
intraoral camera. Hands down the most important piece of equipment in your office. One of
the largest disadvantages you have as being a young doctor comes in the area of credibility.
Patients do not take your word for anything. Nothing can close that credibility gap faster than
with visual presentation. Showing the patient their own mouth at 20X magnification changes
the conversation. You show them the problem, explain the consequences of not having it
corrected, then ask “ do you have any questions?” No pressure or sales pitch needed. Other
visual aids include iPad apps, the GURU system, the Casey system, Snap system, and Smile
Channel. They all go a long way in visually reinforcing your findings.

One of the most significant aids that will assist your hygienist in having the correct
conversations is the video phase contrast microscope. Each of my hygienist had their own and
I see a resurgence of interest in this approach. It is by far the most superior tool for education
and motivation of the periodontal patient. The learning curve for the entire process is greatly
accelerated

http://www.oratec.net

Page 57