Compiled by Thais Carter

Chosen by a distinguished panel comprised of some of the most forward-looking dentists in the industry, this year’s winners were narrowed down after lively debate.

 between now and October we will highlight a handful of the 18 honorees.

You’ll find general information on the product, insights from the panelists and a testimonial from a relatable user who has seen that excellence in his or her own practice.

All of this background prepares you to see the products in action at the “Best of Class” Technology Fair at the 

 is a next-generation intraoral impression solution that is fast, accurate and easy to use. TRIOS is built on 3Shape’s Ultrafast Optical Sectioning™ technology and its features include powder-free scanning, high accuracy capture in color, optimized scanning for an extensive range of indications, clinical scan validation, intuitive Smart-Touch user interface and more.

Scanning is easy with TRIOS®. There is no need to hold the scanner at a specific angle or distance for focus and dentists or assistants can even rest the scanner on the teeth for support as they scan. The system contains a broad array of smart tools that lets dentists edit their scans and easily rescan specific areas.

The integration with the Communicate™ cloud allows dentists and labs to interact and exchange case information, 3D designs, 2D treatment previews and comments.

“In addition to the scans, the unit is available in a component configuration eliminating the cart, giving many installation options. 3Shape has been a staple in the lab business and has brought their expertise to the chairside.”

“3Shape has done a tremendous amount of R&D and created a device that incorporates many features that digital impression users have been longing for.”

“This technology allows for powder-free scanning in color with an incredibly easy workflow and very low learning curve. In addition, the software package allows practitioners to access their scans via an iPad app and directly communicate with their laboratory with regards to the digital model work and proposed contour of restorations.” 

 has been the most significant and dramatic addition to our practice in my 32 years of practice.

Integration was seamless and the training was simple. On the second day we were scanning multiple unit cases, which delivered with no adjustments. Patients value our commitment to investing in cutting edge technology for their benefit. Not only have we decreased our appointment time, increased our patient confidence and comfort, but we significantly increased the accuracy and the longevity of the restorations we provide to our patients.

Implants, conventional crown and bridge, cosmetics; it’s a win-win-everyone benefits. Our transition into the age of digital dentistry could not have been more rewarding or simplistic without 3Shape TRIOS.

Read about ActionRun® Clinical Reactivator® on the next page ... 

Dormant patients need more than a generic reason to return. 

 service gives all your dormant patients clinically personalized reasons to come back. Instead of simple, generic automated e-mail or text solutions, ActionRun can analyze each patient’s clinical record and compel dormant patients to return with clinical reasons specific to them-even without a treatment plan.

Clinical Reactivator ® is automated and requires no involvement from your staff. Because it is cloud-based, there is no hardware or software to buy or maintain.

By effectively reactivating your dormant patients, ActionRun helps you improve those patients’ health while boosting your production. Because it works so consistently well, ActionRun offers a performance guarantee based on your production from reactivated patients. Clinical Reactivator® is part of a complete line of HIPPA-compliant patient communication solutions offered by ActionRun.

“There are other reactivation services but none are as sophisticated as ActionRun. It uses advanced technologies like cloud computing, data mining, targeted marketing and self-learning artificial intelligence in a fully automated e-service.”

“I am a client and have found the service to be a plus for our practice. My staff likes the fact that ActionRun does all of its work ‘behind the scenes’ and requires no effort by my administrative team. The system functions autonomously to encourage patients to return to the practice and complete necessary treatment that helps boost monthly production numbers.” 

In my two years using ActionRun, it has generated more than $129,600 in production I otherwise would not have seen. ActionRun’s clinically personalized reactivation works quantifiably and consistently well on dormant patients, better than other generic communication systems.

Dormant patients really need more than just a generic reason to return. ActionRun has consistently brought back patients dormant for years, each generating up to thousands of dollars in production. ActionRun solves the classic reactivation problem in ways no others have, far more effectively than anything else I’ve seen. It is truly revolutionary, innovative and a key component of my practice.

Read about Align Technology SmartTrack™ on the next page ... 

Highly elastic SmartTrack™ aligner material is said to deliver gentle, more constant force to improve control of tooth movements with aligner treatment. When the aligner is stretched, the material returns more closely to the programmed aligner shape to improve tracking.

The material delivers a low initial insertion force for improved patient comfort, while maintaining more constant force. It is designed to more precisely conform to the tooth morphology, attachments and interproximal spaces to improve control of tooth movement and finishing. It requires no changes to current treatment procedures.

“Trays simply fit much better than all prior clear aligner materials. The SmartTrack material adapts very well to the contours of the patient’s dentition, allowing cases to progress more predictably. Equally important, patients report that trays are more comfortable than prior clear aligners.” 

Luckily, I was invited to join in the clinical trials with the SmartTrack so I have been using it on my patients for almost a full year now.

SmartTrack is easier to handle for patients. It is a more comfortable material with a little more flexibility. This allows patients to place and remove their aligners easily. The flexibility allows both dentist and patient to use Invisalign on even more severe cases of crowding with the confidence that the aligner can be placed accurately and removed comfortably.

The previous material was a little more rigid, making it a slight negative for severe cases due to the path of insertion. Clinically, SmartTrack delivers the control necessary to correct any malocclusion, no matter how severe. I pride myself on using Invisalign as a comprehensive orthodontic technique to move all 28 teeth where they belong in an ideal occlusion. I use the aligners to perform significant expansion and rotation of molars. It has never disappointed and I continue to challenge the material by selecting more difficult cases.

Ceramir is an advanced technology used to create a new class of materials called Nanostructurally Integrating Bioceramics (NIB). This Ceramir technology- which holds more than 100 patents-is the result of more than 25 years of extensive bioceramic research by Doxa.

New Ceramir Crown & Bridge permanent cement is the first product using NIB technology, creating a resilient, more natural, biocompatible dental luting cement that integrates with natural tooth structure, is stable in the mouth and exhibits tooth-like physical and mechanical properties.

It is a self-sealing material that results in an alkaline seal for permanent acid resistance. Ceramir Crown & Bridge is indicated for PFM, zirconia, gold, metal and lithium disilicate full coverage crowns and bridges, as well as gold inlays and onlays, and metal pre-fab or cast metal posts.

Ceramir eliminates the need for bonding agents, conditioners, special cleaners, and primers. It also cleans up easily, and patients are pleased because of no pain during placement, or post-op sensitivity. It’s a new way to think about cementation.

“Biotechnology, meet dentistry. This cement has the ability to essentially help grow hydroxyapaptite and form a true seal between the restoration and tooth interface. In addition, there is essentially no sensitivity that patients report upon cementation and cement is incredibly easy to clean off.”

"A cement that you can use with any restoration you choose. Bonds to zirconia and great with e.Max or PFMs.” 

"This is one of those products that seems too good to be true...until you use it. Great adhesion, minimal (if any) sensitivity, and bioactive nano-materials. If you haven’t tried Ceramir yet, you should.”

At three plus years of continual use in my practice, when compared to ALL other general luting agents, Ceramir has proven to be the most superior material. Easy to use, easy to clean up, biocompatible and zero sensitivity-Ceramir is a trusted and regular part of my prosthetic armamentarium.

Articles

Take a closer look at these ‘Best of Class’ Pride Nominee products [VIDEO]

Follow these tips, from proper sterilization to proper maintenance, to keep your handpieces working like the first day you got them.

There’s no quicker way to erode a good handpiece than improper sterilization. Get the right equipment, have the proper maintenance protocol in place - and FOLLOW it!

2. Know what “optimal” performance looks like.

This is what sales reps are for after the sale is complete! Lean on their knowledge to help you not just “hear” but “feel” what a proper functioning handpiece should be. This will help you notice when things are “off”-and ensures that equipment gets serviced quickly.

3. Have a proper maintenance partner on speed dial.

You are not the expert! When something goes wrong, don’t make it an in-practice DIY project - call a professional.

4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

No one is better suited to offer advice on proper use and care than the people behind the product. If you don’t take the tip, don’t be surprised by equipment failure.

Good construction matters. The right materials and quality construction can make a huge difference in the life of your handpiece.

Considering investing in an electric handpiece? Check out this video to find out why that's a great idea:

Top 5 ways to keep handpieces like new

1. Specially suited for CAD/CAM restorations, 

covers the whole spectrum of indirect indications

 for final cementation.
	
	2. Offers dentists 

 as it can be used for total-etch, selective-etch or self-etch procedures.

 Makes the adhesive cementation of glass ceramic restorations easier

 due to an integrated component that activates the dark cure function of the adhesive and eliminates the need for an additional activator.
	
	4. One of three products that comprise the Trifecta method t

o help dentists achieve a strong, fast, simple restoration

 supported by industry-leading bond strength.

1. Specially suited for CAD/CAM restorations, 3M ESPE's RelyX Ultimate covers the whole spectrum of indirect indications for final cementation.  2. Offers dentists maximum versatility as it can be used for total-etch, selective-etch or self-etch procedures.

Top 5 reasons to buy 3M ESPE’s RelyX ultimate adhesive resin cement

Destination Education, Nov. 8-10, 2013, is more than just a ‘good’ cosmetic dentistry program. Its speakers and topics are designed to provide real-world connections to recent dental innovations in an environment that will help you and your team approach today’s patient and practice needs with confidence.

These days, few people have the time, inclination or funds to prioritize “business as usual” tradeshows. When benefits-such as networking and CE credits-are easily accessible online, any company or association putting on an event needs to give you and your team a pretty good reason to show up.

1. An investment to recession-proof your practice

Good clinical practice is smart in any economy, but Destination Education goes a step beyond with courses that meet real concerns your practice may face. Consider:

Dr. Mike Kesner’s “Double Your Case Acceptance with One Sentence,” designed to help double, if not triple, your cosmetic cases and address the psychology behind why patients decide whether to accept treatment.

Or Dr. Lou Graham’s “A Sound Recession Proof Restorative/Hygiene Practice,” demonstrating how hygiene growth is tied to overall growth and ways to integrate the team in that effort.

Granted, there is no set definition for a “perfect” smile, but that doesn’t stop patients from demanding it.

“Thinnovation” and the role of porcelain veneers in creating smiles that meet your standards and patient expectations for form, function and esthetics, is critical. Get your tips from the best-Drs. Ed Lowe and Peter Harnois.

The next big shift in dentistry won’t be a new “drill and fill” development. Rather, preventive care is where forward-thinking dentists should look to differentiate themselves in the market.

Many of the Destination Education presentations touch on aspects of prevention, including minimally invasive procedures, oral cancer screening and more.

4. Because CE doesn’t need to be B-O-R-I-N-G

You have to appreciate a program with the title, “Sex and Oral Health: What’s the Connection?” But, Jo-Anne Jones’ lecture is just one of the many sure to have your team talking. Also consider: Dr. Louis Malcmacher’s “Total Facial Esthetics for Every Dental Practice.” Or, Dr. Lou Graham’s “The State of Restorative Dentistry: Science and Practice.”

We’re not talking about adhesives! A successful dental team is one that focuses on relational results 

clinical results. You’ll find few opportunities for fun 

formation better than Destination Education.

It is, after all, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas-it’s a safe bet your staff will have plenty of memories to share at the end of your three days in town. With so much excellent information at your fingertips, here’s hoping that what happens in Vegas 

			Get excited about this one-of-a-kind learning event. Here's are five reasons to attend.			Starts: 11/08/2013			Ends: 2013-11-10			Ceasar's Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd			Las Vegas, Nevada			89109			USA

Top 5 reasons to bring your team to Destination Education

 is shattering the high financial barrier of CAD/CAM dentistry with the unprecedented suggested retail price of $11,995-making this technology a feasible investment for any practice.

The system is supported by an open and secure cloud-based platform with open STL files, offering dentists and labs more ways to store clinical cases, share and connect.

 wand is small and ergonomic like a handpiece. It never needs to be calibrated because it’s designed without fragile moving parts.
	
	With 3D video technology, the 3M True Definition Scanner makes it possible to capture and simultaneously view a true replica of the oral anatomy, giving the flexibility needed for quadrant dentistry and the accuracy needed for full arch dentistry.
	
	The accuracy of the data captured by the 3M True Definition Scanner also means that models are no longer necessary-saving time and lab labor without compromising the quality and fit of the final restoration.

Now Playing: Dr. John Weston, Owner and Director for Scripps Center for Dental Care, talks about the True Definition Scanner from 3M during the ADA Annual Session.

The 3M True Definition Scanner is shattering the high financial barrier of CAD/CAM dentistry with the unprecedented suggested retail price of $11,995-making this technology a feasible investment for any practice.

The 3M True Definition Scanner extends opportunity for CAD/CAM technology to all practices

The new i-CAT® FLX has features that remove some of dentists’ final barriers to 3D adoption.

At the Chicago Dental Society’s 2013 Midwinter Meeting, the buzz among the thought leaders given access to key product launches was that 

 delivered one of the most impressive with its 

Here is a brief synopsis of the overall product features as well as a focus on one of the most exciting developments i-CAT® FLX represents.

The i-CAT®  FLX is designed to help clinicians quickly diagnose dental conditions with less radiation and develop treatment plans more easily and accurately. This newest system to the i-CAT brand offers 3D planning and treatment tools for implants and restorations, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, plus TMD and airway disorders.

i-CAT®  FLX has a range of features that deliver greater clarity, ease-of-use, and control

		Visual iQuity™  image technology provides i-CAT’s clearest 3D and 2D images.*

		QuickScan+ allows for a full-dentition 3D scan at a lower dose than a panoramic image.*

		SmartScan STUDIO™’s touchscreen interface and integrated acquisition system yields more control and workflow flexibility by allowing the clinician to easily select the appropriate scan for each patient at the lowest acceptable radiation dose.

		Ergonomic Stability System (ESS) offers seated positioning, robust head stability, and adjustable seating controls to minimize patient movement. ESS also provides wheelchair accessibility.

		i-Collimator electronically adjusts the field-of-view to limit radiation only to the area of scanning interest.

		i-CAT FLX’s small footprint fits easily into any practice.

		i-PAN™ for traditional 2D panoramic images

the Tx STUDIO™  optimized treatment planning software

 provides immediate access to integrated treatment tools for implant planning, surgical guides, and other applications.

“We are thrilled to debut the i-CAT FLX - a complete 3D treatment solution, ” said Kalpana Singh, Sr. Product Manager for Imaging Sciences International. “Given its high level of control over radiation dose and easy workflow, we know the i-CAT FLX can benefit dental team members and the patients they treat.”

In an October 2012 DPR study on dentists’ positions regarding digital imaging, the majority of respondents - 54% - indicated that the “most compelling message” driving digital adoption was less radiation for patients.

With i-CAT FLX, dentists can be more confident in achieving this goal since -to reiterate - QuickScan+ delivers a full-dentition 3D scan at a lower dose than a pan. 

ALARA is an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This is a radiation safety principle for minimizing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials by employing all reasonable methods. ALARA is not only a sound safety principle, but is a regulatory requirement for all radiation safety programs.

The ability to meet personal goals as a clinician while exceeding industry standards removes one of the biggest hurdles to 3D adoption. 

How to leap the last 3D hurdle with i-CAT FLX

We give you an inside look at this polisher and why one dentist loves it above all others.

 released a new single use diamond composite polisher.

The company’s carbide and diamond burs are reportedly made from the finest quality materials and are manufactured to the highest international standards.  Johnson-Promident carries 500 different carbide and diamond burs, with a full range of shapes, sizes and grits to accommodate individual preferences and cover a multitude of applications.  

Johnson-Promident’s new Finishing and Polishing Instruments

 are also designed and manufactured to consistently deliver the best performance and durability, including products that use the newest technologies in composite polishers. 

In light of the launch, the DPR editorial team spoke with one of the first users of the diamond composite polishers, Dr. Monica Barrera of New City, N.Y.

Dr. Barrera practices general dentistry part time in an office she describes as “small - focused on quality, not volume.”

She sees it as a privilege, a luxury even, that she gets to spend as much quality time as she does with patients, paying attention to the treatment at hand and the 

best possible resources to make that treatment successful

Want to increase case acceptance? Check out this Morning Huddle video from Jameson Management:

As a long-time user of Johnson-Promident products, Dr. Barrera was open to trying out the new single use diamond composite polisher, and found herself surprisingly impressed by the product.

“I have used a lot of polishers, all sorts, all kinds,” she shared, “and I have never found something that brings me this close to the natural enamel. I was looking for something that compares to the texture/shininess of the natural enamel, and this product does just that.”

Listening to Dr. Barrera list the vast number of products she’s tried sounds like a run through of a distributor catalog:

“I’ve used a variety of discs, ceramic stones and typical rubber cups that come in different shapes. I’ve used brushes impregnated in diamonds. I’ve used paste in a syringe,” she recalled. “Lately, I’ve been using a liquid gloss acrylic that you brush on the surface and cure – gives a good shine, but it is just a covering.”

Her main complaint with the products that came before was that she was always making a compromise between the desired texture and the desired shine.
	The new polisher allows her to accomplish the natural enamel-like shine without taking a long time to reach the texture.

“It really makes the surface shine,” she said. “I haven’t been able to accomplish this before, and I’ve been a dentist for many years.”

It is that experience that Dr. Barrera draws from when trying to help colleagues understand why such a simple product can have such a big impact on the practice.

“I’ve tried it all -why reinvent the wheel again? This is a good product that gets the job done well and quickly,” she said. “I spend so much time trying to get a good luster, but with this, I can accomplish that easily. It gets the job done.”

Of course, it’s not all about shine. There were several other aspects of the product that impressed Dr. Barrera. Among them:

“You always use a new instrument and there is no cross contamination-I really appreciate that.”

“There are some sets that have so many shapes. This gives me the cup – with that I can do anything. Everything comes in one simple system, and instead of becoming a collection of random products in one of our drawers, I am actively using the product.”

“Johnson-Promident has always had good products and I’ve been using them for a long time. However, completely independent of my appreciation for the company, this product stands up on its own,” Dr. Barrera said. “This is the best thing to use-it offers the best quality and the best value.”

Product Review: One doctor's take on Johnson-Promident's single use diamond composite polisher

compatible with all light-cured, self-cured and dual-cured resin composite and cement materials

 for all direct and indirect procedures.
	
	ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL offers 

low film thickness (less than 10 µm) and high bond strengths

 to all indirect substrates including: metal, glass ceramics, zirconia, alumina, porcelain (silica-based) and lithium disilicate.

ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL’s chemistry offers the 

flexibility to either total-etch, self-etch or selective-etch

.
	
	Other single bottle adhesives may need more than one bottle for indirects, but with ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL 

.
	
	ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL has proven bond strengths, virtually no post-operative sensitivity, and is a one bottle system 

 associated with “other” 7th generation adhesives.

ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL is compatible with all light-cured, self-cured and dual-cured resin composite and cement materials for all direct and indirect procedures.

5 Reasons to Buy: Bisco's ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL adhesive

More products, procedures and best practices to help you maximize your time and your dental team’s productivity.

Watch our entire 51 Efficiency Tips playlist 

on Dental Product Report's YouTube Channel.  

25 Consider how different digital imaging options can help patients embrace co-diagnosis with you and get to their “yes” more quickly.

Consider how much time is spent trying to convince patients that a certain course of action is necessary and that your proposed treatment plan is the proper solution. Through digital imaging tools such as digital radiography or intraoral cameras, you can help patients to see what you see and better grasp the need for specific treatment. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, a picture is also worth a lot of time.

26 Integrate CAD/CAM and let patients and your practice benefit from same-day dentistry.

The E4D Dentist system represents the future of dentistry. Take a digital impression, design and fabricate a custom fitted restoration all in the same day. Say good bye to mixing impressions, temporary crowns that don’t fit and multiple visit appointments. Most patients can be completed in one day.

For this tip, consider both the size and speed of the sterilizing unit itself, as well as how you load. For example, use a cassette system with a large-capacity ultrasonic and sterilizer. Think about the stress and time lost when team members are dealing with loose instruments, or tiny autoclaves that need to be run over and over.

28 Look into vendors who help deploy ready-to-send marketing campaigns.

In addition to streamlining everyday tasks for your dental team, practice management software like 

 can integrate seamlessly with an online 

practice marketing and patient communications suite

 such as RevenueWell to help grow revenue, reduce costs, and wow patients. Simple to use, RevenueWell automates more than 20 types of voice, text, email and print patient communications. It also includes configurable pre-built marketing campaigns, treatment plan follow-ups, online appointment requests and bill pay, patient reviews and more. Choose RevenueWell to experience the most comprehensive and effective practice marketing software system available.

Delegation is key for certain tasks: online reputation management, marketing, etc. Not only does it free up time for you to focus on overall practice vision and excellent clinical care, but it can serve as a motivation and opportunity for team members looking to create more value for the practice and enhance their skill sets.

30 Take the variability out of anesthetic delivery.

“In my practice, the speed and reliability I get from buffering allows me to deliver the anesthetic, place the rubber dam, and go to work immediately without leaving the chair. I no longer get up, de-glove, exit the operatory and then return in 10 minutes to re-engage. My practice day has been shortened and my work flow is totally different. My patients feel like they are getting more of my attention because I don’t leave the operatory. For me, my staff, and my patients, buffering has been a game changer.” - Dr. Mic Falkel, Founder and Chief Medical Officer for 

The improved nickel-plated Onset Mixing Pen features a sleek look and feel and delivers increased durability. Precision buffering of local anesthetics reportedly provides rapid onset of analgesia with less injection pain for patients. The precision compounding and dispensing device is used to mix two solutions together to transfer fluid from a standard 3 mL cartridge into a second container, such as a 1.8 mL cartridge, where the two solutions are mixed.

31 Access patient information where and when you want.

Mobile technology now makes it possible for dentists to maximize efficiency in and outside the office. Several companies now provide “apps” that allow dentists to view patient details – such as prescriptions – as well as appointment schedules.

32 Hands-free isolation and suction create opportunities for chairside efficiency.

offers an affordable hands-free solution to suction and isolation with its new product, “Mr. Thirsty®.” It allows the assistant to leave chairside to prepare the next operatory while the dentist continues to perform the procedure alone, which increases patient flow. The patient also experiences greater comfort.

One great example of this: Curing lights. Every operatory should have one. Based on demand and frequent use, it doesn’t make sense to wait around. Look at your daily workflow and evaluate what other products might be worthwhile to stock in multiple operatories.

34 Avoid excess supplies and the time spent on inventory management by automating reordering.

You may have a sense of which materials you go through quickly and have established an almost telepathic communication with your sales rep to ensure you’re always in stock. But for those who haven’t mastered that art, or who are looking for a truly automated solution, consider companies such as Cubex. 

 maximizes efficiency and cost savings using automated inventory management made possibly by sophisticated cabinet and scanning technologies. It is able to reduce inventory holding costs through the elimination of excess dental supplies, automate manual supply reorder processes, increase workflow efficiency by having dental supplies stocked and available, and allows staff more time to focus on patient care.

Patterson Dental’s Eaglesoft 16 Practice Management Software

 has been proven to streamline everyday tasks for every member of the dental team, helping the entire office run like clockwork. Using Eaglesoft, practices can increase everyday efficiency with features such as: line-item accounting, date-based reporting, family walkout processing, customizability for the way any office prefers to work, and much more. Practices can also save time with Eaglesoft as it offers electronic capabilities to help capture and store original patient signatures and documents, transmit claims and statements, and verify patient benefit information.

As much as possible, encourage the entire team to train one another in what they do. Even if they don’t necessarily take on one another’s tasks (in some cases, they can’t), but it helps them to be a resource to patients and can make your life easier and save time if an employee leaves the practice suddenly or is out sick.

37 Evaluate how specific companies can help customize your set-up for chairside efficiency and smarter reordering.

, a company that offers custom cabinet organizers, custom logic sets and custom wall charts so you and the dental team can keep burs and rotary instruments ordered and accessible. The company can help you custom design your own Logic Set with your name or logo etched on the bur block. Axis Dental product codes are etched on the base for maximum organization and efficiency.

Custom Wall Charts are designed to make reorders easy while saving valuable time for the dentist and dental assistant. All wall charts feature the images and reorder codes of the products your office uses. The charts are printed on a durable, easy-to-read, dry erase laminate.

38 Incorporate technology that can take you from placement to polished in less than 3 minutes.

 endeavors to set a new standard for placing bulk fill posterior composite restorations. With the harmony afforded through the material itself and specialized handpiece, dentists are able to make bulk fill procedures a single-step process. In addition to optimal adaptability and handling, the results for patients include low shrinkage, outstanding strength, and no additional composite layer.

39 Don’t dismiss the difference dispensation makes!

One feature of Sofreliner (soft denture reline) that makes the clinician’s workflow and practice more efficient is the easy dispensing system. The way the material is dispensed in the cartridge versus mixing the powder and liquid, with no need to measure, reduces chair time and waste of material.

40 If you’re going to use traditional retraction cord, be smart.

We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Phillip Kroll earlier in the year. We’ll let him tell you how DUX Dental’s ShortCut GingiBRAID saves his practice time ...

“We began using it and we liked it very much. The thing

we really like is how well the dispenser works. Absolutely it is very efficient. To pull it out and cut it and not need a pair of scissors is very efficient. I would say the efficiency of the dispensing and cutting mechanism saves a lot of time, and the actual braided retraction cord always has been really a workhorse in retraction for me. We would prefer a braided over the other (types of retraction cords).”

More products, procedures and best practices to help you maximize your time and your dental team’s productivity.  Want all 51 Tips now? Watch our entire 51 Efficiency Tips playlist on Dental Product Report's YouTube Channel.   

16 products and procedures to increase your efficiency, productivity

Finding spots where you and your team can implement more efficient methods or integrate products to help save time means having a strong sense of what your workflow currently entails. What aspects of your day take up the
	most time -considering both the front desk and the operatory? Are there moments of your day where you wish you could spend more time? When do you get most frustrated?

Here are 11 more secrets to success! Check back next week. We have 51 helpful tips in all!

14 Mobility - Using the E4D Dentist system allows for easy to use and faster transitions from operatory to operatory.

 are used to transport chairside systems from operatory to operatory, making these types of purchases more feasible for the practice. The office can also choose varying levels of integration and features to gain efficiencies and other benefits. Proper integration of technology into the practice can help eliminate pain points for the dental team. 

15 Maintenance Matters: Diamonds and burs

Yes, there is a balance to be found between typically “disposable” items that actually end up taking space in landfills, versus essential products that are best used “fresh.” When it comes to maximizing efficiency, one great example of this is the disposable bur or diamond.

There is both the “ick” factor and the time lost when the quality of a bur is diminished by being dull or having compromised surface texture. Single-use diamonds and burs can provide a simple solution to this dilemma. It is important, however, to realize that in many cases, single use means just that and - depending on the procedure - may get you one to two preps. It is important to get the necessary information from manufacturers and, in the end, to make the call about the best way to spend your chairside time.

16 Utilizing organization and color for a more efficient tomorrow.

Managing the overwhelming amount of instruments and materials used takes a lot of training, careful planning and a lot of time. An efficient way to optimize organization to its fullest is to implement a color code system. This offers the eye instant recognition and reduces the time searching for the items you need which is very valuable in the dental office. It’s simple to start: assign a color to each procedure and then I.D. everything by placing it in the appropriate color “organizer” such as a 

Tray, Tub, Instrument Cassette and Bur Holder

. Further identify by utilizing color coded rings and tape. 

17 The amount of time dedicated to retakes decreases dramatically with 

The processing time required by traditional film radiography makes the need for retakes costly and time consuming. One of the best parts of embracing digital radiography is the ability to instantly see if the image is good, and if it isn’t, to quickly rectify the situation.

18 Consider custom organization solutions for drawers and set-up.

The most widely used products for organization are the tub/tray system and the cassette system. The Tub System, which is used as a portable drawer, manages consumable materials by procedure. The Tubs should be kept in central sterilization rather than stocking each operatory. The Tray System manages instruments and materials used at chairside for a designated procedure. The company’s 

 securely locks on the tray to allow safe transportation of contaminated instruments from operatory to sterilization. The Cassette System organizes and protects instruments both at chairside and during the sterilization process. 

Consider what your front office team could do with the time usually spent on the phone confirming recall appointments. You don’t need to totally abandon the personal touch, but automated recall is now available through a variety of vendors who can help you make the most of your time while connecting with patients in a way that many of them prefer, such as text or email.

20 Enhance precision and save time through magnification, such as loupes.

Wearing magnification loupes can reduce procedure time and ensure the most thorough exams possible. Plaque build-up, tooth fractures, gum disease, and other oral health concerns are much more noticeable under magnification.

Exacting procedures such as root canals and surgery can be performed with a level of precision not supported by the naked eye. Outfit hygienists and dental assistants with loupes to avoid reworking of preparatory assignments. 