e-newsletter
magazinesDental Economics Magazine, December 1999 ARTICLES
Departments
The Internet
Portal ? in the dictionary you will find this defined as a doorway, entrance, or gate; especially one that is large and imposing. Portals are kind of like one-stop shopping for the World Wide Web. In the past, they offered e-mail, chat areas, message boards, news, stock quotes, travel, games, and sports scores.
Management Rx
Case Profile: A picturesque vineyard lies just across the meadow from this laid-back West Coast owner/associate general practice. Staff includes four front-desk employees, four dental assistants, and four part-time hygienists.
New Products
At home or while traveling, the compact oral companion is all you need to improve oral hygiene. It contains 50 meters of the highest-quality, no-shred, easy-slide floss available. The ergonomically designed handle and floss fork allow easy positioning without irrating cheek and gums. The specially engineered tongue cleaner helps reduce gag reflex and the bacteria that causes bad breath. Made from pilycarbonate, the flosser and double-edged tongue cleaner are guaranteed for life under normal cond
SDI Labs, Inc. introduces IMAX? Endotips? with a unique design that is ideal for irrigating and cleansing root canals safely and efficiently. The IMAX? Endotip? features twin side-port delivery for optimal cleansing of root canals while the closed, rounded tip eliminates pressure through the apex. At 31mm, the tips are extra long to reach longer canals.
Johnson & Johnson introduces Wild String? Tie-Dye Floss (product code 9405) and Wild Flossers? Dental Floss (product code 2755). Cherry Berry-flavored Wild String? floss, available in a clear dispenser, is designed for kids age 7 years and up to encourage early oral-health habits. Wild Flossers? is designed for kids age 3 years and up. Unique dinosaur shapes (in yellow, green, orange, and purple colors) are easy for children to hold and maneuver, making interdental cleaning fun and effective.
3M Dental recently launched its Imprint? II Quick Step HB/LB Impression Material System. The new product is ideal for quick procedures (such as single-unit crown impressions) and provides great results in less than half the time.
SmartPractice? introduces a new latex exam glove the company believes will quickly become a favorite of dental professionals. SmartPractice? PE is made of premium quality, low-protein latex to help reduce the potential of staff and patients developing allergies to latex.
In an effort to address the needs of dental professionals for a simple and convenient way to have their periodontal and soft-tissue-management patients maintain proper home oral care, Conair Corporation announces the availability of a new subgingival tip attachment designed for use with its Interplak Dental Water Jet.
Dentsply Tulsa Dental announces a new generation of electric motors featuring torque control. Torque-control motors allow doctors to use rotary instruments with less fear of breaking files.
DentistBid Supply, Inc. recently launched its Web site at www.DentistBid.com. The young e-company offers products and services based on a Priceline.com pricing philosophy: Let the doctor submit the prices he or she wants to pay for the products used most. In addition to the bid system, which allows doctors to place orders online, DentistBid.com also offers daily auctions, closeout deals, and limited-time special offers.
Stepping Stones to Success has released the Dental Insurance Coding Handbook?2000, a comprehensive reference manual written by Carol Tekavec, RDH, the monthly insurance columnist for Dental Economics. More than just a listing of codes, the handbook contains all of the new ADA codes and descriptions, plus details on insurance-industry payment guidelines and parameters, sections on writing narratives and including attachments, common terms, charting and documentation essentials, and more. It comes
Score International, Inc. now offers balanced turbines and bearing kits with special Lubed 4 Life? bearings to fit in most KaVo handpiece models. Upon installing Lubed 4 Life? turbines or bearings into your existing handpiece, your turbines will become maintenance-free. These revolutionary new bearings require no cleaner or lubricant before or after autoclaving, thus reducing overall cost, downtime, and risk of lubricant expulsion onto the tooth. Rebuild your existing turbines with Score?s EZ Pr
In response to numerous requests from dentists and technicians, ERZ Inc. now offers an answer to the storage of disposable gloves. The ERZ Glove Box Caddys are hand-crafted of clear acrylic and can be utilized as free-standing, portable units, or can be wall-hung using predrilled mounting holes. The height of each unit varies from 5O for the single-box holder to 20O for the four-box holder.
Heraeus Kulzer announces the availability of the Gluma? Desensitizer Clinic Pack. It contains three 5ml bottles of Gluma? Desensitizer and is priced at a discount to three individual purchases of Gluma? Desensitizer bottles. The clinic pack allows the dentist to place a bottle of Gluma? Desensitizer in each of three operatories and provides added value for the dentist. The clinic pack is available from dental dealers, who are responsible for setting the retail price of the product.
Nobel Biocare announces the Mk III, a new generation of universal fixtures that does away with the need for a fixture mount. Mk III is a new, self-tapping universal fixture that can be placed in all bone qualities. It facilitates and improves the work of clinicians and dental assistants, with the ultimate goal of offering the patient an even more comfortable treatment and more reliable results. Mk III features a new insertion procedure called Stargrip?, a feature that does the work of a fixture
The Endotec II is a cordless, battery-operated thermal condenser designed to easily soften and fuse gutta percha cones together using the warm, lateral-condensation technique. The Endotec II heats the gutta percha using a specially designed and shaped, electrically heated tip. This tip corresponds to a #30 root-canal file with a micro-heating element inside the tip. This allows length control within the prepared canal to create a good lateral and apical seal. In contrast to the traditional later
Brasseler USA introduces the H32-012, a new amalgam-removal carbide. This bur provides quick, hazard-free, and health-conscious removal of amalgam fillings. Significantly different toothing with a pyramid shape provides optimal cutting action while the clearly defined chip spaces allow proper removal of debris. A transversing blade on the tip of the bur creates end-cutting ability, permitting axial drilling. Cutting only a few separation grooves, the filling is sectioned for easy removal from th
Clinical research has proven there is no statistical difference in the success rate of implants based on whether they are submerged or not. The BIT Implant is the only implant with the abutment pre-assembled and properly torqued to the implant fixture. The pre-assembly of the abutment to the implant allows for the more accurate placement of the assembly and thus predictable esthetics. It also eliminates the uncertainty surrounding the selection of the proper abutment, and, in doing so, saves sig
Sable Industries Inc. has manufactured KaVo contact air and super-torque type push-button replacement turbines. These turbines are balanced to the highest precision standards to correctly fit in KaVo models 632 and 642 (small head) and models 630 and 640 (large head). The turbines are manufactured with super precision dental bearings for quiet operation and offer a superior gripping force and easy push-button operation with both original and Sable push-button cap. The replacement turbines were d
Laclede, Inc. introduces OMoose MallowO flavor to its line of ADA-accepted acidulated phosphate-fluoride foaming solutions for children. These fluoride foams are designed for greater therapeutic efficiency and low systemic risk.
Dr. Tung?s Gum Rejuv? is a time-tested, ancient formulation of 24 plants and herbs used traditionally for healing and strengthening the gums. Some of the formula?s plants and botanicals (like cassia and ficus bengalensis) have an astringent quality, said to be useful in healing gum tissue. Others (like Eagle-wood and Indian Madder) aid in healing ulcerous tissue. The sesame oil base appears to have antimicrobial effects on subgingival plaque. In doing its healing, Gum Rejuv? also removes bacteri
Improve existing infection control, maintain a higher quality of patient care, and attract new patients with O-SO PURE, the ultraviolet solution for dental water lines. The DWS001 is a small, easy to install and maintain sterilizer, designed for use with each operatory. Since bacteria and biofilm in dental lines begin with questionable water sources, rest assured your dental operatory water is sterilized by first exposing it to a high-intensity ultraviolet light (greatly exceeds the ADA requirem
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. announces its entry into the single-stage implant arena with the launch of its STAGE-1? Single Stage Implant System.
L&R Manufacturing, a pioneer in ultrasonic cleaning systems, solutions, and accessories, now brings its expertise to Oillumination.O The Ringlite? has multiple uses for portable illumination for tight, confined work spaces. Only 2 oz. in weight, this little powerhouse illuminates your field of vision with the point of a finger. The light is delivered by a heavy-duty, fiberoptic cable enclosed in a silicon sheath.
Practice Outlook dental practice-management software adds electronic statement processing to its many features. Processing patient statements electronically offers the option for a standard message to all patients, as well as personalized messages to individual statements ? extremely useful for collection purposes. At Practice Outlook, there is no registration fee and no minimum number of statements when you use electronic statement processing.
Microbrush Corporation now offers a free dispenser within each package of either Microbrush Plus? applicators or Ultrabrush Plus? brushes.
American Dental Supply, Inc. introduces new Plastical polyurethane model and die resin to its line of die-prep materials. It is an ultra-fast and accurate model and die material that is compatible with all dental elastomeric impression materials.
OZ Dental, Inc. introduces its Exact-Air? Abrasion System, with an industry-exclusive, lifetime warranty. Exact-Air? is small and easy to move; just connect to existing office air and go! Air pressure and powder flow are controlled at the same time, instantly with the touch of a button. The quick-change powder chamber removes for easy powder changes. No funnels, no tools, no mess. The unit?s large chamber size means fewer stops for powder refills.
A new version of Surgitip is available now from ROEKO GmbH+ Co. with an extra-fine opening of 1.2mm for use when working with microscopes or loupes. The long, conical tip means that aspiration can be done precisely and without blocking vision in the treatment area.
SDI Laboratories, Inc. introduces Naimax? 2% Neutral Sodium Fluoride Rinse, a one-minute, in-office treatment, perfect for carious adults and teens. It is ready to use, allowing for easy topical application ? no trays or mixing needed. For details, call (800) 227-8507.
Score International Inc. introduces its third do-it-yourself highspeed handpiece-rebuilding unit, which allows the dentist to repair any highspeed handpiece in-office for a small price, eliminating downtime. Designed with technology gathered from years of experience, over 250,000 handpiece repairs, and input from the bearing manufacturers themselves, the EX Press III is the ultimate in fast, easy, precision, high-quality handpiece repairs. The new model utilizes simpler procedures, requires no g
Flow X-ray?s blacklight and greenlight mounts are easy to use. Just slip your X-rays into the plastic pockets ? films stay securely in place, protected from scratches and masked with a border to enhance film viewing. Flow?s pocket mounts are available in 27 styles. They feature extra stitching around pockets and areas for patient data.
Trugold 99.96 percent high-noble porcelain to gold restorations provide your patients with a foundation of pure gold. Trugold crowns and bridges offer: 0.2mm-thin wall thickness for conservative prep requirements; high plaque resistance; superior marginal fit; natural warm gold color; and your choice of Vita Classical, Vitapan 3-D Master, and new Vitapan 3-D Master Bleached shades.
Pearls for your Practice
Pearl 1 ? Point Four by Kerr. This is an interesting name for a new OuniversalO composite system. Point Four is an optimized particle composite system of glass particles that are consistently in the range of .4 microns. By accomplishing this regularity in particle distribution and size, Kerr has produced a composite that has the strength of a hybrid and the polishability of a microfill. Now you can simplify your procedures by having just one product for all your composite needs. Point Four is a
Practice Success
Profitability has never gone out of style, but it certainly seems to be the focus of business in the new millennium. For the past 10 years, American businesses and dental practices have grown at an unprecedented rate.
Practice Transitions
My Sunday nap ended suddenly with the frantic ringing of the phone. It was Doctor Z, a man in his mid-60s. We had met at a seminar on practice transitions, but he decided to Ogo it aloneO with the sale of his 40-year-old practice. His voice was trembling, OAlan, you?ve got to help me! My buyer is destroying my practice! I just can?t stand by and watch my life?s work shrink up and die!O
Technology in Dentistry
The dramatic new high-tech theme evident on the exhibit floor at the ADA meeting in Hawaii was the Internet.
Features
The 1999 Dental Economics Fee Survey reveals a tendency to undercharge, as well as evidence of inefficiency in many dental offices. Both have a significant effect on profitability. Why do I make this diagnosis? What are the causes of the condition? Is there a cure?
That?s a question no one can answer, but long-term-care insurance may be a solution that can help you prepare for any possible pitfalls.
Use these four cornerstones of relationship-building to help patients decide that you are the dentist for them.
How do you create an Oinsurance-freeO practice? The author provides you with a list of do?s and don?ts.
Technology may have updated your camera, your car, and your computer, but amazing things are also happening in the world of handpieces.
Under the current tax law, Congress has gradually been phasing doctors into the electronic tax-deposit filing system through the end of this year. Doctors with more than $50,000 of employment tax deposits during calendar years 1995, 1996, or 1997 were required to begin depositing these funds electronically, beginning Jan. 1, 1999. Doctors who failed to comply with the electronic tax-deposit rules faced a penalty equal to 10 percent of the taxes deposited.
When it comes to taxes, we are all looking for a way to save some of our precious income. Here are 11 ways that some dentists are keeping their fair share.
Digital technology is the first fundamental change in dental radiology since Roentgen zapped the first molar more than 100 years ago. To understand all the excitement, you need to understand the basic process and the advantages it offers. The market, though, is rapidly changing. If you don?t watch out, it will be easy to make a costly mistake.
Radiographs are a critical service we provide our patients in diagnosing their oral-health problems. The reasons most people refuse radiographs are three-fold:
Digital radiography was first introduced to the dental profession in 1989. From the beginning, digital radiography has been a technology that has drawn and maintained dentists? interest, but also has maintained a very slow rate of adoption and acceptance. While the interest levels are understandable, the slow movement of the profession to adopt this technology is puzzling. Radiographs remain a primary source of diagnostic data for most dental pathologies.
Departments
Editor's Note
Can you believe that another year has passed? Where did the year go? For me, it was a blur of people from all over the country, a blur of airports and airplanes, a blur of meetings from San Diego to Boston and Miami to Seattle ? and all points in-between. I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thanks! Your response to our magazine has been overwhelming. All of us here at Dental Economics would like to thank you for your friendship and loyalty. It is because of you that we have been a
Viewpoint
Diagnostic imaging is a critical aspect of every practice. Dentists need to capture and view radiographic information about the oral health of their patients.
Letters from Readers
I have read with interest the discussion of amalgam vs. composites. However, I did not see a single mention about the potential estrogenic effort of the new composite filling materials. While it is known that the composites are estrogenic, it is not yet clear what the effects are on humans, if any.
As a rule, professional success is measured externally by tangibles such as an employer, job title, income, homes, automobiles, clothing, jewelry, memberships in various organizations, and other material possessions.
Volume 99 Issue 10
October, 2009
October, 2009
TopLeft
Left
Left1
Left2
Left3
Right1
Right2
Currently, there are no Events listed that pertain to this publication.
Right
Right3
Top
- PennWell Dental Group |
- Dental Economics |
- RDH |
- Woman Dentist Journal |
- Dental Office |
- Grand Rounds |
- Proofs |
- About Us |
- Contact Us |
- Media Kit
- Dental Practice Management |
- Dental Continuing Education |
- Dental Events |
- PennWell |
- PennWell Sites |
- PennWell Events |
- Courage and Valor
- Copyright © 2007: PennWell Corporation, Tulsa, OK; All Rights Reserved.