Click here to enlarge imagePearl 4 — Mini Dental Film Viewer by Kodak. I saw this nifty little product at the Greater New York Dental Meeting. This is a handheld, battery-operated, compact light source for viewing dental film or slides. It has a folding leg that allows it to stand on your desk.
This is a very bright and easy-to-use light source for quickly viewing X-rays in the office. I got one for each of my hygienists. When they want me to see an X-ray, they bring me the Mini Viewer. This makes it very convenient for both of us. When the assistants have an emergency patient X-ray they want me to see, they borrow the Mini Viewer. (I guess I will have to get one for them as well!)
Order a couple from your dealer, but be sure to ask for the Kodak Mini Dental Film Viewer!
Pearl 5 — "Effective Communication: The Key To Controlling Stress in Your Dental Practice" by Jameson Management. If you have ever heard Cathy Jameson, PhD, speak, you know that she is a fabulous communicator. Did you know she was not born that way? She has learned and developed the techniques that she teaches, so you know they work.
These techniques are simple, yet powerful, easily implemented, and have been proven in dental practices around the world. Practices have used "Effective Communication" to increase office productivity, and, even more importantly, to improve both employee and patient satisfaction. Cathy presents techniques in two one-hour video sessions.
Call (580) 369-5555 to order your tapes today! For details, visit www.jamesonmanagement.com.
PEARL UPDATES —
PhotoCore® by Kuraray — This is my buildup material of choice and has been for longer than I can remember. I was attracted to PhotoCore® by the claim that it cures 8 mm deep. There are not too many buildups that are that deep. I have used it ever since, because it light-cures deep, hard, and quick.
This is a composite material that I now use in conjunction with SE Bond. When cured, it cuts like dentin. This is a great product that you need to have. Order from your dealer.
Fissurotomy® Burs by SS White I wrote about the original Fissurotomy® Burs in "Pearls" when they first came out a couple of years ago. For my practice, this was a great idea that I immediately embraced. I had tried air abrasion and did not like all the mess, so this was an answer for me.
The standard bur was good, but the addition of the narrower, more pointed Micro NTF Fissurotomy® Bur was great. I use this bur to open all those pits and grooves that I find with the KaVo DIAGNOdent®. Now, SS White has added an even smaller bur, the Micro STF Fissurotomy®.
Quit cleaning up sand in the treatment room! Order some Fissurotomy® Burs from your dealer, or visit www.sswhiteburs.com.
Dr. Blaes has a general practice in the St. Louis area. He is known for his expertise in dental materials and techniques and his innovative systems designs. He writes and lectures on "How To Increase Productivity and Profitability." Dr. Blaes is a member of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration. He may be reached at [email protected].