Joseph A. Blaes, DDS
Pearl #1-High-Resolution Visuals for Dentistry by High Impact Image. We all have heard the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words." How many times in your practice have you thought, "If only I had a picture to show this patient what a beautiful difference I can make in her (or his) smile...."? If you are like me, you looked for visual props that would speak a thousand words about the exciting, new advances in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Then, finding that there were none available, you promised yourself that you would take your own before-and-after case photos and put together your own visual props. Sound familiar? Well, look no further. I have found the source! Dr. Thomas E. Hughes has put together a tremendous set of case-study albums for all of us who have not done our own. They are interesting, informative and patient-friendly. You can choose from three albums: 1) "The Photo Atlas of Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry" is a technical, highly informative, yet patient-friendly, atlas with a complete overview of 26 contemporary dental procedures; 2) "The Photo Atlas of Cosmetic Dentistry" is a nontechnical, informative atlas presenting abbreviated case studies of four popular, cosmetic dental procedures including contouring, bleaching, bonding and porcelain veneers; 3) "The Smile Gallery"-this album does not need text to convey the message that dentistry has come a long way and that it can make a wonderful difference in a patient`s smile! Tom has put together 12 dramatic case studies with 30 before-and-after 8" x 10" portrait-style, matte-finish photos. This could be the vital marketing boost for which you have been looking. Give your patients the information they need to make some very rewarding decisions. Don`t let any more patients leave your office without actually seeing how you can enhance their appearance and health. Call Tom and his wife Barbara at (719) 488-0808 for all the details.
Pearl #2-Dental Insurance Coding Handbook and Periodontal Coding Insurance Handbook by Stepping Stones for Success. I know you are familiar with the work of my dear friend Carol Tekavec; she has her own monthly column on insurance in this very journal. Carol is carrying on the work that she and her late husband, Dr. Mel Tekavec, started. She just produced two new books on insurance coding that have all of the latest information. If you are handling insurance claims in your office, then your front-office people need these books NOW. Call Stepping Stones for Success at (800) 548-2164 to order, and while you are on the phone, ask for a catalog of practice-management materials. Carol has some great forms that would be valuable in any practice. If you see Carol`s name on a program, be sure to catch her seminar for great information that you don`t want to miss!
Pearl #3-Automatic Faucet by Herrco (Figure 1). This company supplies the best infrared automatic faucet control on the market. I had mine installed eight years ago in six operatories, and they are still going strong with no problems along the way. These are gooseneck faucets with a manual override. They sure do make washing your hands easy! Try one; you`ll like it. For additional information or to place your order, call Herrco Specialty Products at (800) 522-3678.
Pearl #4-Nu Source International. Now comes help for the most unpopular job in the office-cleaning the X-ray processor or the manual tanks in the darkroom. Nu Source has introduced LH, a Low Hazard systems cleaner. This is a one-part, fast-acting, concentrated powder cleaner designed to speedily dissolve silver oxide deposits and other stains from developer and fixer tanks and roller assemblies in automatic processors and manual tanks. It will not harm rubber rollers even with extended soaking. The material is personally and environmentally safe to use, and it requires no hazardous duty fee when shipping or receiving. Nu Source also provides easy-to-use and environmentally safe developers and fixers, which feature the latest advancements in darkroom-chemical technology. Whether your needs are for automatic, manual and endo/rapid applications, or fast-acting, low-hazard, powdered systems cleaners, a full line of products helps minimize risks associated with chemicals in the darkroom. Fixscent, a specially formulated deodorizer, completely eliminates chemical odors and provides a fresh, pleasant, floral fragrance. Color Check, a unique color-coding system, helps eliminate possible cross-contamination. If minimal cross-contamination occurs when using the Red developer and the Blue fixer, the contaminated product will become clear, thus alerting the assistant that contamination has occurred. The new formulation has excellent resistance to oxidation, which means it works cleaner and has a longer active life. It will develop more films over a longer period, while maintaining high-quality images. Call Nu Source at (815) 477-9844.
Dr. Blaes practices in the St. Louis area and has developed every type of dental practice from solo to a 10-man group. He is known for his expertise in dental techniques and his innovative systems designs. He lectures, writes and conducts "in-house" seminars. He may be reached at (314) 843-3300.
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