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magazinesDental Economics Magazine, August 1998 ARTICLES
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Dental Insurance
To talk with many health-care providers, you would think that the only problem facing physicians, dentists, and hospitals was the restrictive practices of managed-care organizations and their influence over both the marketplace and the delivery of care. While this is a definite problem, a more subtle difficulty related to insurance and managed care waits in the wings.
The Internet
August - the biggest travel month of the year. You hate trying to sit around and figure out a destination to visit, a good place to stay, a simple way to get there, fun things to do after you get there, and how to pay for it all! Why not use the World Wide Web to help you answer all of these questions? The information is out there for you to discover. All you have to do is sit down and let your fingers do the walking - across your keyboard.
Management Rx
Case Profile: What a view ... the awesome wonder of Mount St. Helen`s as it pierces the horizon. No sign of the devastation caused by the volcano`s eruption almost two decades ago. Although this Oregon general practice was in its infancy back then, the scarred landscape still remains.
Money Smart
Hiring an accountant to prepare your tax return does not guarantee that the best return will be prepared or that you will get good value for the fee you pay. Tax planning is not a "spectator sport" - even if you hire a professional to handle your taxes. You must become knowledgeable about tax planning. Too often, people who hire tax professionals think they don`t have to know much about taxes themselves. After all, that`s why they pay the professionals. But this type of thinking is a big mistake
New Products
Digital Video Disc (DVD) is the new direction of entertainment and computer companies. It replaces videotape, audio CDs, CD-ROM, CD-I and laser discs. DVD has 720 pixels per scan line, compared to 240 with conventional video. Plus, DVD is capable of 500 lines of horizontal resolution, more than twice that of the previous industry standard.
Oral-B Laboratories, a world-leading, oral-care-product manufacturer, introduces its new SATINfloss dental floss that is specifically designed to address patients` dislikes about flossing.
With the introduction of RotoMix® from ESPE, dentists now have an innovative capsule-mixer that assures low-porosity, and homogeneous mixtures that are easier to extrude. The machine work with two different mixing cycles. In the rotational cycle, RotoMix® spins the capsule counter-directionally to the rotating platform. In the automatic-centrifugal cycle, RotoMix® locks the capsule in place so it spins with the capsule. This forces out entrapped air, assuring that the material is
The flexural strength of Procera AllCeram crowns is said to be two times that of other all-ceramic systems. This high strength allows for traditional 1mm chamfer-type preparations and conventional cementation, saving the dentist time. The Procera coping is manufactured using a high-tech industrial CAD/CAM process. This ensures optimal fit, strength, and translucency. The AllCeram porcelain offers low wear against natural enamel and remarkable esthetics with natural shade-blending.
Virtual Study Model™ is a Windows95 CD-ROM that appeals to the dentist in his/her role as teacher. VSM provides a computerized "whiteboard" where stunning 3-D dental graphics can be displayed and then "marked up" by the dentist with text, shapes, arrows, and freehand graphics for the patient`s benefit. VSM has all of the benefits of a top-of-the-line presentation model plus much more!
The Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Kit provides an effective combination of cleansing, plaque reduction and deodorizing properties. It now has the cavity-fighting and desensitizing power of fluoride.
A personalized denture made with premium materials looks better, lasts longer and is a better - if not the best - value for dentists and their patients. DENTSPLY Trubyte® recently introduced a chairside aid to help show patients distinctions in denture aesthetics and quality. This "split denture" includes a standard arrangement of economy teeth on one half and individually arranged premium teeth on the other. The denture base on the premium half is characterized with stippling contours to l
EagleSoft just released ChairSide Version 2.5, a uniquely integrated clinical solution for dental practices. ChairSide Version 2.5 features the following enhancements:
The INTERPLAK Power Flosser Attachment compliments the clinically proven, interproximal-cleaning performance of the INTERPLAK Power Toothbrush by providing the precise up-and-down flossing motion dentists recommend. It is designed to simply twist onto any INTERPLAK Power Toothbrush models which use twist-off brush heads, so there is no need to purchase a separate unit.
The full-color product catalog features Accutron`s complete line of nitrous oxide equipment and accessories, including the PIP+ single-patient-use nasal hoods, N2O flowmeter packages, manifold systems and emergency oxygen equipment.
Bad breath is a hazard to your personal and social life. The causes of bad breath vary from what we eat, drink, and our oral-hygiene habits to possible serious illness. The most common causes of bad breath are due to plaque buildup on our teeth. Breathless does not remove plaque, but contains Xylitol, shown to help reduce plaque and plaque acids.
American Dental Supply, Inc. introduces CDK caries-disclosing dye solution to its line of office products.
DCI`s new Ultraviolet Water Purifier eliminates the need to buy distilled water or refill bottles. Easily retrofit onto most dental units, the ultraviolet purifier continuously warms and purifies filtered city water at a rate of 1/2 gallon per minute for your patient`s comfort and safety.
Because your professional image is important, and because "first impressions are lasting impressions," we at PSI Signs have dedicated ourselves to making the highest quality, custom redwood, sand-blasted medical and dental signs available anywhere. Since we conduct our business direct to you by mail, we are able to save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars on all of your dental signage needs.
Permafix, available from ProTech, is a self-curing silicone that has been especially developed for chairside use, and for the indirect relining procedure in the dental laboratory. The material is directly applied onto the denture base, and sets quickly without any heat reaction.
D&S Video Warehouse has released its 140-page Summer Computer Catalog featuring more than 180 hardware and technical items, as well as over 50 software products. This easy-to-use catalog features a full-color guide to include most things needed in the modern, high-tech dental office. Products are featured by specific categories and subcategories - including complete descriptions of each item, to make warehouse-direct ordering easy.
Oxyfresh Worldwide introduces Oxykids Bubblegum Toothpaste with fluoride. This specially formulated fluoride gel is a cavity-fighting toothpaste, low in abrasion, with a great taste kids are sure to love.
Lang Dental Mfg. Co., Inc. introduces three denture-base resins: Lang Premium Acrylic, Premium Super-20, and High Impact-45.
American Dental Cooperative, Inc. introduces the new Quala™ Gutta Percha and Paper Points, which are hand-jig rolled to exacting standards, and feature color-coded ends for fast, easy identification of sizes. The items are laser-inspected, ensuring the tightest industry tolerance. The revolutionary P-60, spill-proof bulk box prevents accidental spilling of the points.
Sporicidin disinfectant solution always can be at your fingertips with this new, 160-towelette pop-up canister. The convenient towelettes kill the organisms that cause odors and can help reduce cross-contamination in medical environments. They are bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal and virucidal (lipophilic and hydrophilic). The alcohol-free, nonabrasive and nonstaining towelettes will not harm surfaces such as metals, plastics, vinyl, glass, wood, porcelain, or paint.
A two-cassette audiotape set from Stepping Stones to Success focuses on emergency patients, handling new patients so that they will want to come back, general practice-building, and many other management issues.
Regent Medical introduces a new powder-free exam glove featuring the renowned Biogel® coating for dry or damp-hand donability. The glove also features a micro-roughened surface for enhanced grip, extra length for increased coverage, and is specially processed to ensure less than 50 micrograms of water-extractable protein per gram of latex.
Developed in cooperation with the University of Missouri faculty, SOAR (Service Oriented Accredited Research) helps take your practice to new heights by:
Steri-Oss introduces a set of hand instruments designed to aid in the placement of Replace tapered root-form implants. The new Replace Tapered Osteotomes are intended for use in soft maxillary bone. Unlike surgical drills, which remove bone, osteotomes are pressed into the bone and compress it laterally, conserving and compacting bone at the implant-placement site.
When it comes to your private office, business office, or reception area, you`ll find what you need at Ancom. Ancom offers a complete line of office furniture from leading manufacturers that includes desks, ergonomic seating, file and cabinet storage units, conference tables, front-office furnishings, credenzas, computer furniture, bookcases, folding utility tables, and stacking chairs, panel systems, work stations, and more.
Designed to be a one-stop shopping center for dental professionals, the Sullivan-Schein Dental Catalog features the dental industry`s most comprehensive selection of dental supplies, benefits, and value-added services. The catalog`s 416 color pages are packed with hundreds of new products, including ones from new vendors such as Oral-B®, Barnstead-Thermolyne and Air Techniques. The new "value-added" section offers a unique variety of services, including office design, high-tech equipment, p
MR. BOND, Tokuyama`s newest bonding primer, enhances the adhesion of Tokuso Rebase or self-curing acrylic resin to the metal components of a denture. It also offers good adhesion to Titanium alloy. It is easy for both dentists and technicians to use since it is a one-bottle component; no mixing is needed.
Score International, Inc. now offers a free educational video and brochure demonstrating the use of the do-it-yourself, highspeed-handpiece repair unit EZ Press™, and the benefits associated with repairing your own high-speed handpieces in-office. Included with the purchase of the EZ Press™ are an additional free training video, free technical support, step-by-step instructions, a 90-day money-back guarantee, and a lifetime warranty.
Rembrandt Oral Care Products has developed Rembrandt Age Defying Adult Formula Toothpaste to help defend teeth and gums against the effects of aging, while helping to maintain a healthier, cleaner, younger look and feeling.
The Creative Department, which has been providing marketing materials for dentists for four years, now offers a special promotioinal package. Choose your favorite ad from our catalog and receive a newspaper, Yellow Page, ValPak, postcard mailer, and poster version at 20 percent off the regular price.
Practice Outlook Windows practice-management software has everything you need to bring your practice into the year 2000. Compliant with Year 2000 since its inception in 1982, software can be purchased alone or with custom-built hardware. Trained dental and technical professionals support both products (software and hardware) toll-free.
The Harry J. Bosworth Company introduces Bosworth Stainless Steel Impression Trays to its impression material line.
Fang Dango™ is a high-quality prophy paste containing an optimum formulation of abrasives, texture, fluoride and adhesive properties for a superb, splatter-free, final polish after prophylaxis.
Introducing Alloy Primer, a new metal primer for the treatment of gold and semi-precious metals which eliminates the costly need to tin-plate. Studies showed Alloy Primer increased the tensile-bond strength of Panavia 21 resin cement to gold by 45 percent and 200 percent to semi-precious metal.
Now, in an improved shelf-life package, TEMPIT® temporary filling material is a single-component, moisture-activated paste for temporary stopping and sealing of root canals. When used with an intracanal preparation such as STERICAL®, TEMPIT® seals the medication in and keeps the debris out. Packaged in kits of 40 single-dose tips for asepsis control (REF 310060), TEMPIT® works in any Centrix C-R® syringe gun.
ProTech, Inc. introduces the new Removable Appliance Care Kit for the cleaning of all dentures, partials, night guards, and retainers. Packaged in a handy imprinted, draw-string, plastic carrying bag, each kit contains a battery-operated Íonic Denture Machine for the storage, transport, and cleaning of the prosthesis; a three-months supply of the ProTech Concentrated Prosthetic Cleaner to remove all stains, calcium, and calculus; an ergonomically designed soft-denture brush, a full-color br
The new Denbur Fracfinder White is identical in shape to the original Denbur Fracfinder Blue. The difference is in the material used to produce the instruments. The Frac-finder White is softer and patient-friendly.
Pro-Seal is a low-viscosity, fluoride-releasing pit and fissure sealant. Available in both light-cure and self-cure formulations, it compliments other caries-preventive products available from SDI Laboratories, Inc. Pro-Seal is an advanced-formula, Bis-GMA resin which is radiopaque. It is partially filled for increased strength and durability, and its viscosity is designed for better flow on tooth surfaces.
The booklet explains the theory behind Accu-Dent`s Multi-Colloid process, and shows both the maxillary and mandibular procedures through a detailed, step-by-step series of photographs.
Hampford Research, Inc. is issuing its first catalog of specialty chemicals for UV and EB curing systems. Radiation-reactive materials include photoinitiators, monomers, leuco dyes and amines. This is an excellent source of hard-to-find photochemicals for both researchers and producers of adhesives, coatings and inks, and dental and medical products. All materials are available in quantities from 1 kilogram up to ton lots.
Available exclusively to dental professionals for in-office distribution to their patients, the Garfield FatCat Toothbrush and Fun Pack, created by the John O. Butler Company, is designed to reward children with fun and prizes for maintaining their oral health.
Enamelon, Inc. introduces ENAMELON® Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste, formulated with soluble calcium and phosphate. ENAMELON® delivers a breakthrough remineralization technology to strengthen tooth enamel and help stop cavities before they begin.
The 1998-99 edition of the American Dental Supply, Inc. Materials Handbook for the Dental Professional is available now.
Denticator introduces Festival™ Prophy Paste with Fluoride. Festival is a high-quality prophy paste containing an optimum formulation of abrasives, texture, fluoride, and adhesive properties for a superb, splatter-free final polish after prophylaxis.
Associated Dental Technicians announce the installation of the Vitallium 2000 partial denture system. Vitallium 2000 is the standard for premium partial dentures with the highest level of quality and esthetics. Vitallium 2000 is a biocompatible premium chromium alloy that uses a nickel and berylium-free formula, causing no allergic reactions. The refined surface maintains its high luster and resists plaque. Because of its guaranteed strength, the partial can be made smaller and lighter to ensure
Cottrell, Ltd. introduces ConFirm ST, a complete in-office monitoring system. ConFirm ST is easy to use, economical, and provides results within 48 hours. ConFirm ST consists of self-contained biological indicators for use in steam or ethylene oxide, a dual temperature incubator and a recordkeeping system. ConFirm St is an integral part of the Cottrell "Cycle of Care" Sterilization Monitoring line.
Midwest introduces its new Tradition high-speed handpiece model which features a push-buttom, automatic-chucking system. The Tradition-PB provides dentists with fast and convenient bur removal without the use of a bur tool. Burs are held securely, yet can be changed with the push of a button.
The difference between a physician receiving reimbursement for services or enduring numerous payment delays involves up-to-date, medical-documentation procedures. That`s what Medicode`s 1998 Medical Documentation book is all about.
Cottrell, Ltd. announces a new line of latex examination gloves and introduces a new powder-free latex glove to the ProTouch® line.
A smaller, pear-shaped diamond instrument (shown on the left) has been added to the company`s NEO DIAMOND line of $1, single-patient-use instruments. Available in medium grit, the #0508 pear shape is the diamond equivalent of the 330 carbide.
The Benda Brush line of disposable applicators has expanded to include five distinctive styles. The Benda Micro and Micro-Fine applicators can place small, 1/8th drop volumes of low-viscosity liquids into post holes and fine areas. Standard-bristle Benda brushes, which include mini, regular, and maxi points, are ideal for brushable, low-to-medium viscosity liquids, including sealants, acid-etch gels, and similar materials.
A complete system to finish and polish gold, alloys, and amalgam restorations has been introduced by Brasseler USA.
Schick Technologies, Inc. has developed "breakthrough technology" with the advent of its new CMOS sensors. Designed exclusively for use with the Schick Computed Dental Radiography (CDR™) system, the new Schick Active Pixel Sensor (APS) is said to be the first dental X-ray sensor to utilize advanced CMOS technology, providing a myriad of benefits over conventional CCD sensors, including 25 percent higher resolution and a more consistent X-ray image.
Windent 98, the newest version of Windent, the world`s second-oldest Windows system for dentists, offers total integration of all front-office activities with operatory procedures and equipment. It works in solo practices as well as large multi-site practices, and has versions for specialists. It is available as a start-up system or as a full system, works on networks and links with virtually every brand of clinical device.
Premier introduces CompCore, a unique flowable, composite-core material with outstanding physical and thixotropic properties. CompCore is ideal for use as a core build-up with all post systems, including the IntegraPost with the unique flow-thru head, according to Premier. The unique syringeability of CompCore allows it to flow in and around the post head without slumping. Once bonded to the tooth, CompCore is said to provide a strong unitary core. It exhibits outstanding compressive strength an
The Probe One™ periodontal exam and charting system from American Dental Technologies provides a comprehensive method of documenting the periodontal condition of your patients. It combines traditional diagnostic techniques with optical and computer technology. Together they provide a highly accurate and objective method of recording pertinent periodontal disease indicators.
Dentists and office managers can help increase treatment acceptance with the CareCredit® presentation easel. Designed to be easy to display and use, the 8x10-inch, counter-top display clearly communicates the practice`s payment options, including cash, check, Visa/ Mastercard, and CareCredit.
The new Interplak Rotary Brush by Conair takes oscillating technology to a higher degree of cleaning power and performance. With 28 tufts of soft, end-rounded bristles, the Interplak Rotary Brush`s cup-shaped, oscillating brush head encompasses every tooth, while its unique row of raised outer bristles reach between teeth and gently under the gum line for a thorough, consistent cleaning. This cleaning power is further enhanced by the fuller, 110-degree rotation of the brush head.
Stylish and contemporary glasses offer the fashion look you want with the protection you need. The ultra-lightweight frames, sculptured dual lens and the telescopic temples ensure a comfortable fit. The soft, adjustable nose pads twist and turn to fit various nasal features. The lenses are said to be absolutely fog-free. The frames are available in black, blue, and platinum. Tinted lenses also are available in grey and pink, only with the black frame.
The health and vitality of your practice is measured greatly by its financial stability. Controlling your practice overhead and budget is an essential and often difficult task to understand and master. After 20-plus years of working with dental professionals, Larry Wintersteen has compiled an informative booklet, Budget & Overhead Control, the third booklet in his Practice Success Series. It is intended to benefit your office, your life, and your business plan.
Profit Finder 98 has just been released. Profit Finder searches through 175 dental-supply dealers` prices on over 20,000 dental products, finding the lowest current prices on dental supplies. It is updated monthly. Placing your dental-supply orders has never been easier. Now you can create, edit, modify, and add new items to a single order while viewing your office inventory - all on the same screen! View any item, product, or equipment at the touch of a button. Place your order directly through
Plak Smacker, Inc., one of the leadaers in top-quality orthodontic products, has expanded its home-care kit line to include a low-cost option, while still maintaining the high-quality products customers have come to depend on. The Orthodontic Survival Kit is designed to assist the patient in maintaining clean healthy teeth while wearing braces.
Dentrix 6.8 is a new release packed with enhancements and user-requested upgrades. This brand-new release offers solutions to production obstacles like bad debt and uncompleted treatment plans that fall through the cracks. Among the new features are the collections manager and the treatment manager, designed to save the doctor`s time and money, while allowing superior patient care to be the primary focus.
The American Dental Company has designed a practice brochure to help you communicate with your current patient base, prospective patients, area businesses or other dental colleagues who refer patients.
Ney Dental Inc. introduces the Centurion Q200, the latest and most advanced addition to the Centurion line of vacuum porcelain furnaces. New features include a four-line LCD that shows all program parameters and user prompts for easy programming. Ney also has added an electronic barometer for guaranteed vacuum settings.
Dental Innovations offers elastic retraction loops. The loops of elastic thread tighten around the base of a preparation by one tug on their free ends. They hold their tension and seat themselves gently in the base of the gingival sulcus with little or no packing. Although they cannot be used for PFMs with long, convex facial surfaces, they retract interproximal tissue so easily that they can be used for Class 2 fillings, as well as inlays, onlays, and 3/4 crowns. The long steps make them easy t
The Collis Curve orthodontic toothbrush provides effective plaque removal and significantly reduces the risk of potential gum disease. Compared with conventional, straight toothbrushes, the Collis Curve bristles are shaped much like a scaler, which enables them to perform efficiently. Even more importantly, the curved design of these bristles allows them to flex and deviate during the brushing action, thus achieving a "sweeping" or "flicking" motion. This ensures the sulcus and gingiva are less
SDI Laboratories, Inc. has expanded its perio/oral-care products to include NaIMAX 1.23% Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Gel for professional fluoride treatment. Ideal for carious or perio patients with exposed, caries-prone roots, NaIMAX has a fast-uptake time, providing over 12,000 ppm in just one minute. The gel can be swabbed on or applied using a tray for maximum coverage of teeth. NaIMAX is packaged in 16-oz. bottles with dispensing pump and is available in grape, raspberry, orange, and bubb
A-dec Inc. has released a new 12-page, full-color brochure that demonstrates the flexibility of Radius®, a complete line of chair-mounted systems that rotate around the chair to provide the entire dental team with better access to instrumentation, improved comfort, and enhanced productivity.
Medicode`s Patient Confidentiality is the perfect tool for providers to ensure proper security for patient records.
Fiber optics are available now on the HS1000 Quick Disconnect, 360° swivel high-speed handpiece. The HS1000-QDF combines the improved visibility of fiber optics with the ease of use of the quick disconnect feature. Like the rest of the HS1000 line, the quick disconnect fiber optics handpiece provides exceptional quality at an economical price.
VisiCom provides nonverbal paging of two to 99 staff members, and displays phone calls and patient arrivals. Plug and Page describes the typical system setup. Installation normally requires no wiring. Simplified messaging provides immediate and efficient paging, improving staff productivity, patient flow, and time management. Expandable to 26 paging locations, units feature nonintrusive, discreet messaging; compact size; professional appearance; relocation ease; pleasant-sounding chime; message
Dentsply International`s Preventive Care Division announces the addition of 15% carbamide peroxide + sodium fluoride to the Nupro Gold Tooth Whitening System line. This product extension will feature a 15% with fluoride: Standard Kit (10 syringes plus tips, tray materials, shade guide, tray, and patient instructions); a single Arch Kit (five syringes plus tips and patient instructions), a 2-Pak Kit (40 individually packaged two-packs, including two syringes plus tips and patient instructions); a
Deluxe 8-hour video offers an alternative to dated reading materials in your reception area. The video offers staff the convenience of starting a program at the beginning of the day without interruptions to rewind and start it up again. Super Deluxe version contains: Marine Life, Flowers & Gardens, Beaches, and Brooks & Ponds. Also two-hour versions available in each version. Both versions come with soft, soothing music. A 30-day money-back guarantee and free replacement of damaged tape due to n
D&S Video Warehouse has launched its Internet site on the World Wide Web. The site contains one of the largest selections of discounted printers, monitors, network accessories, print paper, and bulbs in the dental industry. All products have clear descriptions and are easy to identify.
Doctor Direct Sales, Inc. has added the DDS Opticam to its line of products. It features a 1/4-inch CCD chip that allows 10,000 levels of half-tone. This technology handles high light levels 20 times better than any other chip to date. The camera displays over 480 horizontal lines of resolution. Digital processing of the image allows for the most realistic color reproduction of any camera system. The new chip also offers leading-edge digital-signal processing (DSP) technology.
Milestone Scientific introduces a new PDL (periodontal ligament) technique video that visually demonstrates how easy and effective the PDL injection procedure can be when performed with its computer-controlled, precision-metered, local anesthetic delivery system called The Wand™. The video also shows how The Wand™ makes it possible to ad-minister a PDL without the discomfort often associated with this injection. The Wand-assisted PDL injection has been modified to employ only two injec
Vident introduces In-Ceram® 3D. In-Ceram is three to four times stronger than pressable ceramics and is among the highest flexural strengths of any available all-ceramic.
Zila Dental Supply`s new 280-page catalog features an extensive line of dental supplies. The full-color catalog contains detailed product descriptions, photographs, and pricing information for over 10,000 commonly used dental products.
Southern Dental Industries introduces STAE, a single-component, light-cured dentin/enamel adhesive system. STAE can be used for all direct restorations with composites and compomers, as well as for indirect restorations and adhesive repairs. It is available in two forms of packaging: the STAE Introductory Kit and STAE Refill.
Medical diagnosis is not made by image alone; observer perception greatly affects the result. With the CDRAD Phantom from Nuclear Associates, it is possible to quantify both detail and contrast as observed by the radiologist. The CDRAD Phantom also is an excellent tool for evaluating the imaging characteristics of digital radiographic systems, including stimulable phosphor computed-radiography systems and teleradiography systems.
This video was created by a dentist to save valuable chair time. The use of this video dramatically increases patient acceptance of the air-abrasion technique. It introduces to the patient the philosophy of early intervention in caries and their removal. It explains why traditional methods of decay detection are no longer adequate. The benefits to the patient are emphasized, along with examples of caries detection, restorative procedures, and illustrations.
Every double pack of Premier Glitter Prophy Paste contains a $20 gift-certificate offer to Bath and Body Works for a limited time. This exciting offer is intended to encourage those hygienists who have not yet tried Glitter to do so, and to thank the many present users. Glitter is reported to be splatter-free, yet easy to rinse from the tooth. It is available in a full selection of flavors and has excellent patient acceptance.
Denticator offers the Liberty™ prophy angle system. Liberty™ is a maintenance-free, autoclavable prophy angle that comes with a six-month expressed warranty.
Flossbrush, from Cirrus Technologies, complements existing products in the dental-care category, while offering consumers a new, more convenient flossing system. Flossbrush is designed to clean more thoroughly than conventional string floss as it massages the gum line. The system`s brush, made from woven dental floss molded into an easy-to-hold plastic handle, cleans between teeth - where toothbrushes can`t reach.
Three new orthodontic-maintenance kits available from the John O. Butler Company offer dentists the means to provide their patients with comprehensive home oral care. One of the three kits is customizable to meet the special needs of each patient.
Young Dental Manufacturing is sponsoring a Bermuda Try-Angle Giveaway to run through November. In each 200- and 1,200-count package of disposable angles, instant-win, scratch-off cards are included that will send five lucky winners on a trip for two to Bermuda.
In addition to the large diameter handle, carefully positioned finger indentations and a smoother, more-comfortable finish contribute to its ergonomics qualities. The instrument`s unique hollow-core design makes the stainless steel DuraLite handle feel very light. DuraLite will not crack, stain, or break. It can be sterilized by any accepted method.
A new Minute-Foam® flavor with the fun name of Orang-a-tangy™ has been introduced by Oral-B Laboratories. It features a pleasant citrus ambrosia that will be appreciated by both children and adults. Minute-Foam also comes in strawberry, raspberry blast, bubble gum, and grape punch flavors.
Murdock Labs Inc. introduces Purebrush™, the world`s first antibacterial toothbrush-storage system. When you store your toothbrush in an unprotected environment, such as in a bathroom cup, drawer, or wall-holder, you expose your toothbrush to millions of airborne micro-organisms that are injected into your blood stream via your gums. University studies have proven that the Purebrush System kills up to 99.9 percent of these yeasts, molds, viruses, and illness-causing bacteria that live in an
EZ Gard Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of athletic mouthguards, is introducing the Shock Doctor v3.0 mouthguard. Shock Doctor v3.0 is the first mouthguard that offers Grip Fit Technology™ with Shock Wave Jaw Pads to set new mouthguard standards for fit, comfort, and protection.
Pearls for your Practice
Pearl #1 - Zekrya Gingival Protector by Zenith. When I speak at dental meetings throughout the country, this is one of the instruments that people ask the most questions about. This is the one instrument that I wouldn`t be without when I prep a tooth! My philosophy in prepping teeth is to prevent injury to the gingival tissues if at all possible. To my way of thinking, it is easier to prevent bleeding tissue than to spend a lot of time using different chemicals to stop bleeding tissue. This simp
Practice Success
Understanding business is complicated for many people. Eight out of 10 new businesses go bankrupt within the first year. The ninth goes bankrupt in the second year. The one that makes it has only a 20 percent chance of being around five years later.
Practice Transitions
To people who broker dental practices it comes as no surprise how little thought some doctors give to the sale of their practice. Throughout your life there are major decisions that you are confronted with. The sale of your dental practice has to be one of the most important decisions - financially, personally, and professionally - that you will make.
Tax Q&A
My dental practice is organized as a C corporation, which, in Virginia, is allowed to make investments in its name. I am interested in purchasing a piece of waterfront property and building a house on it in five or six years.
Features
The joy of changing a person`s life by creating a beautiful, healthy smile is one of the intangible rewards of being a dentist that can`t be measured.
The technology behind the latest generation of radiographs points out a quicker, more efficient way to communicate
Diagnosis paralysis is a dental disease. Rooted deep in the dentist`s psyche, the practitioner`s basic fear of rejection by the patient is allowed to set the tone and tempo of the practice. Small case acceptance is the norm. The expectation level lowers to the point that the doctor and staff are not looking for possibilities or opportunities. The practice settles to the lowest common denominator or comfort, its confrontational tolerance never challenged.
The days of dental insurance meeting the needs of both patients and dentists are long gone. The author takes a look at the way benefit plans are evolving.
You are performing a Class Five restoration on tooth No. 6 when you suddenly realize that the decay is deeper than expected and extends subgingivally. You need to do a gingivectomy in order to complete the restoration. Two choices exist.
Since the introduction of lasers into dentistry in 1984, they largely have been economically unjustifiable. Other than the ability to market the laser internally and externally, there was little cost-justification for purchasing a laser. There was no single procedure that a dentist could do in sufficient quantities to pay the monthly lease and/or realize any appreciable return on the investment. Until now.
3M Dental, winner of the 1997 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, is proud to sponsor the Dental Economics year-long "Quality Management" series.
To provide competent and responsible dental care, the dental team must develop a connected, supportive relationship with each patient. Successful relationships provide the basis for greater patient satisfaction for the services received from the dentist and, in turn, offer significant personal and financial rewards for the dentist.
Hundreds of people, right in your own neighborhood or town, are looking for a new dentist. All you have to do is find a classy way to lead them to you.
Take each step gingerly, as if checking the thickness of ice. The point, as always, is to develop strong relationships.
Dental patients say it best: When it comes to effective marketing, absolutely nothing compares to confident, caring staff members.
Every once in a while, change makes sense. The hard part is leading the charge - developing and implementing a strategy. But, as with any campaign, victory is sweet.
Why are some people more successful than others? How come the other guy gets all the luck? I hear so many people - not just dentists - complain that they deserve what the other guy has. What is my answer to them? Quit whining and work for it! If you want to be like one of the leaders in any business, then emulate them by working as hard as they did to get their position. Pay your dues. You reap what you sow. But how badly do you want it?
Dental Wellness Index helps practices predictably measure treatment outcomes and assure that quality levels remain high
Several years ago, HMOs and PPOs initiated major efforts within the United States to penetrate the dental and medical marketplaces. One of the primary economic goals of this nationwide venture was to reduce benefit costs incurred by insurance companies, thereby enhancing profitability for the health-insurance industry.
How can one profit from dental software? This is an interesting question. The tangible benefits of software appear difficult to tally from an accounting perspective. If we look at this from a different view, however, we can see just how indispensable software and computers have become to thousands of practices across the country. As an example, let`s look at what we do in our office on a daily basis with the multiple software programs we have integrated into our networked solution. Once you see
In the next few years, it`s estimated that 95 percent of dentists will have computer systems in their offices. Due to the rapid advance of technology and competition, most of these systems will become obsolete or require major revisions in hardware and software within a relatively short time, say, about three years.
Should you upgrade to Windows 98? Here is a short course on what it is, what you can expect, what`s required, and what it will cost.
Dentists typically devote much time and energy to staff training, office design, billing, case presentation ... and honing skills that improve the day-to-day performance in their practices. Some practitioners are beginning to use long-range management tools, such as strategic planning and patient-based marketing.
Departments
Editor's Note
You will find that this issue is packed full of exciting information that will help you manage the business side of your practice. In terms of total pages, we are extremely proud that this is our largest issue since at least the 1960s. A special thanks to our advertisers, our sales staff, and our production staff for their help in making this possible. An extra special thanks goes to Mark Hartley, who is the Group Editorial Director and is the technical genius behind Dental Economics. He provide
Viewpoint
I recently received two newsletters in the mail. Both had a couple of articles in them that really bothered me. One was a promotional newsletter published by a good friend of mine. The lead article was titled, "Why You Should Sell Your Practice to a Dental Practice Management Company." The other was an article titled, "Dental Practice Management Companies, an Exciting Alternative." It was in my own Connecticut State Dental Association Journal. Allow me to get right to the point: Who are they k
Volume 99 Issue 10
October, 2009
October, 2009
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