Information provided by DEXIS

	DEXIS, LLC, a brand of the KaVo Kerr Group, reports that the American Dental Association (ADA) meeting notes include reference to a code for caries detection, which is appropriate for use when requesting insurance reimbursement for images taken with DEXIS CariVu™.

	The code will be published later this year and effective January 1, 2017. The meeting notes indicate that the code can be used to cover a “Non-ionizing diagnostic procedure capable of quantifying, monitoring, and recording changes in structure of enamel, dentin and cementum.”

	“This announcement allows dentists to code images taken with DEXIS CariVu, a portable caries detection device that uses patented infra-red transillumination to identify carious lesions and cracks,” said Adam Palermo, DEXIS Product Manager. “To be paid by certain insurance companies, dentists must submit insurance claims that report the services provided. The introduction of a code that specifically covers the CariVu technology will enable accurate coding.”

	The American Dental Association (ADA) indicates that CDT Codes are used for claims processing and completion of Electronic Health Record. In addition, any claim submitted on a HIPAA standard electronic dental claim must use dental procedure codes from the version of the CDT Code in effect on the date of service. The CDT Code is also used on paper dental claims, and the ADA's paper claim form data content reflects the HIPAA electronic standard.

	DEXIS CariVu is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal and recurrent carious lesions and cracks. Using transillumination technology, and no ionizing radiation, CariVu reveals the tooth’s structure and the actual structure of any carious lesions or cracks. By hugging the tooth and bathing it in safe, near-infrared light, CariVu makes the enamel appear transparent while porous lesions trap and absorb the light. This allows the clinician to see through the tooth exposing its structure and the actual structure of any carious lesions with very high accuracy. For more information about DEXIS CariVu, visit 

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DEXIS, LLC, a brand of the KaVo Kerr Group, reports that the American Dental Association (ADA) meeting notes include reference to a code for caries detection, which is appropriate for use when requesting insurance reimbursement for images taken with DEXIS CariVu™.

American Dental Association Code Maintenance Committee Approves Code for Use When Requesting Reimbursement DEXIS CariVu Images

	Being an instructor in this age of technology is exhilarating ... most of the time. My favorite part about this position is seeing and hearing the excitement during the training when, all of a sudden, something clicks and the dentist or staff member becomes confident.

 sessions where some staff members are reluctant. Sometimes I am not even sure they are still with me! Still, once the team understands how the technology will improve life around the office, its members are usually eager to forge ahead.

	Typically, trainees are hesitant either because they are intimidated by the new 

 or fear that learning the new system may entail a lot of extra work. I tend to cater toward those who feel intimidated and build confidence in their capability to learn. I ask about their hesitations or intimidations and, then, I then give them analogies to other things they have accomplished in life.

	I am an upbeat person, and not an ounce of negativity is with me when I walk through the office doors. I keep everyone involved in every aspect of the training. Creating a hands-on experience builds confidence. I also start out showing them a few functions that can be done with the software to “wow” them, which piques their interest.

Related reading: How DEXIS Digital Imaging System can improve case acceptance in your dental practice

	Sometimes learning takes perseverance. I trained an office that included two hygienists who both had decades of experience. Although they were very sweet, one of them told me, “I don’t own a computer. I have a flip phone and I don’t understand computer lingo.” I smiled and told them that anything can be accomplished with the right attitude and that once they grasped the basic concept, repetition would make it stick. They had great attitudes and took a lot of notes. They both had bright red cheeks by the time we were finished and were a bit overwhelmed but felt a sense of accomplishment. They both hugged me when I left, which is the ultimate reward.

	The range of technological abilities varies in all offices, but I gear my training sessions toward the most technologically challenged participants. Even though the dentist usually gives me an idea about the skill level of the employees, I always conduct my training from scratch as if no one is familiar with the topic. They appreciate that because sometimes the dentist can be as intimidated as the staff.

Some people have personal reasons for their resistance. At a recent training, one assistant used 

 at another office and was excited about the switch from the previous system. She was my biggest cheerleader, but the other assistant saw the new software as overwhelming. She proceeded to tell me about the merits of the previous method and fussed for more than 15 minutes, but I let her talk and listened. Then I demonstrated how change would help. They had a conversion done from a previous software and had more than 10 years of X-rays on the screen.

More from DEXIS: How to use DEXIS CariVu to diagnose caries in a few simple steps

	I took one patient’s chart, cleaned it up and showed her how the screen should look after archiving the older X-rays. I quickly demonstrated a few of the icons just to calm her down and show her the DEXIS software is capable of doing everything she was accustomed to and more. She started to relax. Then she had lots of input and questions, which I appreciated and accepted. Throughout the training ,she would say, “That’s a better way to do it,” or “That’s easier and faster than the other software.” After a while, she smiled and said, “OK, I think I can handle this now.” I told her she made my day, and I’m glad she smiled and felt comfortable.

	Fear creates resistance. We all get comfortable with our daily routines, and anything new feels like more work. But, actually, it’s the opposite; every new upgrade offers more efficient processes. When I train in an office that used film, and I explain the new sensor and software will allow them to take a full mouth series in five minutes, they laugh at me. Then I show them the video that DEXIS has on their website of an assistant doing just this, and they get it.

	Over the years, I have noted some “game-changers” for training. When the first-time staff members see the clarity and size of a digital X-ray on the screen, they are sold. One of the best parts of my job is hearing the “Wow!” or “Oh, my gosh!” when I demonstrate putting an intraoral camera picture next to an X-ray on the same screen. Being able to quickly compare an X-ray from the same area from two different dates side by side is another good example.

More from DEXIS: DEXIS unveils the all-new DEXcam 4 intraoral camera

	During my training, I have the staff take a full-mouth series on an office member or patient who needs radiographs for diagnostic reasons, and they get to use all of the system’s accessories. I have heard several times, “This is the best series ever taken in this office.” They sometimes need to be coaxed to use the bar, ring and biteblock system. I tell them to think of accessories as tools to capture better X-rays without thinking about the angulations anymore. By the end of the series, they understand why they use the accessories because placement is different than with film.

	Since training involves human nature, and as much as I try to create excitement and involvement, sometimes, for some, it just doesn’t happen. Happily, those trainings are few and far between. I love the questions, and I like to see when the trainees are intensely concentrating on the moment. I also enjoy when someone recognizes me at a seminar or other event. They always tell me, “I don’t know why I was so freaked out during the training. I love DEXIS.” Another day made! 

Being an instructor in this age of technology is exhilarating ... most of the time. My favorite part about this position is seeing and hearing the excitement during the training when, all of a sudden, something clicks and the dentist or staff member becomes confident.

Why the challenges of training are absolutely worth it

As part of last month's look at the caries detection category, DPR asked 

 to show us how their new device - the CariVu - sets itself apart.	 	Scanning with the CariVu is simple and fast. The sleek handpiece maneuvers easily throughout the mouth. CariVu provides clear transilluminated clinical images on which it is very easy to see decay as darkened areas in the lighter surrounding tooth structure. The device can be used to view the interproximal and occlusal surfaces. This allows the dental professional to locate interproximal and occlusal caries and cracks around existing restorations and on non-restored teeth without the use of ionizing radiation. 	 	Watch the video below to learn how to diagnose caries using the CariVu in a few simple steps:

DEXIS CariVu is a portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal and recurrent carious lesions and cracks. CariVu hugs the tooth and bathes it in safe, near-infrared light. On the resulting images, enamel appears transparent while porous lesions trap and absorb the light and appear as dark areas. This allows the clinician to see through the tooth exposing its structure and the actual shape and size of any carious lesions with very high accuracy.	 	For more information about the CariVu caries detection device, call DEXIS at 1-888-883-3947 or head to 

 As part of last month's look at the caries detection category, DPR asked DEXIS to show us how their new device - the CariVu - sets itself apart.   