Steve Diogo

Bryan Couch, DDS, doesn’t mince words when it comes to his experience with digital impressions and in-office CAD/CAM: “It’s the single most important tool I’ve purchased in 29 years of dentistry.”

The Coppell, Texas, cosmetic and family dentist first invested in the E4D system (now PlanScan) five years ago, with the goal of simply controlling his lab costs. But what he found, he says, is a system that has revolutionized his patients’ experiences of dental care by allowing him to deliver excellent restorations in a single visit while controlling costs across the board.

“As lab fees and overhead continue to increase and benefit reimbursements continue to stagnate or fall, going digital is an absolute must if you want to continue to offer excellent care and run a profitable practice,” he says. “It’s that simple.”

Dr. Couch says he uses the system every day and produces about half of his restorations in office. But he says going digital has also revolutionized the way he communicates with his lab.

For lab cases, Dr. Couch, or more likely his assistant, scans the impression and sends it to his lab. Once at the lab, the impression is used to create a digital model before producing the restoration. Because the impression, model and restoration design all live on the cloud, Dr. Couch can work with his lab in real time to approve the case or make adjustments.

Jimmy Fincher, digital dentistry trainer and owner of Cosmetic Advantage Dental Lab in Lewisville, Texas, says that working with dentists who use digital impression systems speeds up the restorative workflow and greatly improves communications and results, virtually eliminating delays and remakes.

“When a doctor sends a digital scan, it’s really a situation where, whatever you want to do is what we can do,” Fincher says. “We really have no limitations.”

For dentists considering the move to a digital system, Dr. Couch has two important recommendations. First, be sure to choose a system that supports open architecture as opposed to a closed, proprietary system. An open system means the equipment will work with the other digital tools-such as digital radiography or cone beam imaging systems-you already have.

His second recommendation is to involve your team right away.

“My assistant is integral to this process,” Dr. Couch says. I could not, and would not, be able to work as efficiently as I can without my assistant being 100 percent involved.”

Sherri White, RDA, a dental assistant and CAD/CAM trainer who teaches dental teams how to integrate and get the most from their CAD/CAM systems, agrees.

“It’s really important to involve the whole team,” White says. “Some dental assistants are intimidated by technology, but they should view it as a way to empower them to play a bigger role in the practice.”

To learn more about how digital dentistry can empower your entire team-dentist, assistant and lab-watch the video interview with Dr. Couch, White and Fincher, and download the free white paper: “The New Digital Workflow.” This important paper will show you:

		Best practices for dental practices and labs to achieve greater efficiency, cost savings and results by working together digitally;

Articles

How to optimize a team approach to digital dentistry and CAD/CAM [VIDEO]

Orthodontic patients present unique challenges for the general dental practice. And according to Carolyn Friedman, founder of the orthodontic training company, OrthoAssist, these challenges are made more troublesome when dental hygienists, dental assistants and general dentists don’t understand the unique needs of orthodontic patients.

But dentists who emphasize great care for orthodontic patients can see improved patient relationships and new opportunities for practice growth, Friedman says.

To address this information gap, Friedman is presenting a special three-part on-demand webinar series called “

Understanding Ortho Patients and Their Impact

“Orthodontics has changed a great deal, and dental hygienists, dental assistants and even dentists are not informed on a lot of the technology that’s developed and changes that have taken place,” says Friedman, who has worked in every role in the same orthodontic practice for 30 years. “I started this program to explain what the new appliances do and why and how they’re used, because what we do makes the work of the general practice harder for a while.”

But if orthodontists and general practices coordinate their efforts, then the payoff will be seen in improved patient outcomes and patient-practice relationships, Friedman says.

“So many of the new appliances are different from what they used to be, and the process of orthodontics has changed a great deal over the years,” she said. “It’s crucial for the well being of the patient and the practice that these changes are understood.”

 will focus on basic orthodontic problems and principles from the perspective of the dental practice, with the emphasis on the relationship between the orthodontists, dentists, and dental hygienists.

The series will provide the dental community with needed information to assist them when they are working with orthodontic patients. Each program will give an overview of orthodontic treatment as well as address patient information, care of appliances, and their application and purpose. Participants will see example videos, photos and clarification of orthodontic appliances.

, is available now through Catapult University. Participants will be informed when parts 2 and 3 are online.

The second program in the series will cover more advanced appliances, their applications and their care. The program will present various dental issues where it is advantageous for dentists, hygienists, and dental specialists to work together for the patients benefit. Information will also be provided on some of the dental problems that are addressed with patients during their treatment along with an explanation of the function and limitations of functional and orthopedic appliances.

During the third program of the series, a more detailed explanation of the importance of orthodontists and specialists working together will be presented. Many patients have additional needs, not just strictly orthodontics, but a combination of orthodontics and oral surgery, periodontics, etc. Explanation will also be provided as to how the retention phase of treatment provides long-term stabilization and discussion of various retention options.

The fee for the first program is $29.99 and confers 1 continuing education credit. Participants must pass the CE Quiz in order to obtain the course verification letter.

For more information or to register, click here.

Learn how to manage the special needs of ortho patients in the general practice

The U.S. House of Representatives late Friday night voted to delay by one year the implementation of the Affordable Care Act

-commonly referred to as Obamacare-and repeal the health care law’s medical device tax.

Both are measures that would impact dentists as clinicians, employers and purchasers of medical equipment.

And on Sunday, U.S. House Republicans stood firm in the face of a promised White House veto and an uncertain reception for the legislation when it goes to the U.S. Senate on Monday.

“We will do everything we can to protect Americans against the harmful effects of Obamacare,” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Va.) was quoted as saying in the Washington Post. “This bill does that. We’re united in the House as Republicans. “Now it’s up to the Senate Democrats to answer.”

House Republicans attached the provisions to the approval of a stopgap spending bill that will effectively keep the government running from Monday-when current funding for the government runs out-until Dec. 15.

The White House has already said it will veto the move, and it is unclear whether the Senate will even consider the legislation.

While Republican end-runs around Obamacare are nothing new, the move to repeal the medical device tax is surprising.

Writing on the Washington Post’s political WonkBlog

, Sara Kliff says: “The Obamacare delay, in a way, makes sense: Holding off on the implementing the health-care law would indisputably handicap it. But the medical device tax? The priority has risen to the top of Republicans' agenda despite the fact that repeal would have a relatively minor impact on Obamacare's success.”

The Dental Trade Alliance, which represents the interests of the dental product manufacturing industry, 

, stating that it will result in higher prices to dentists and patients, fewer sales of new devices, cutbacks in research and development and lost jobs.

The DTA is particularly critical of the fact that applies not to company profits but to its total sales.

“This magnifies the impact of the tax because it is calculated on the top line and so has greater impact on the bottom line," the DTA said in a release earlier this year.

The tax also has implications for the dental lab industry. You can read about them here: 

http://www.dentalproductsreport.com/lab/article/lowdown-medical-device-tax

To learn more about the impact of Obamacare on dentistry, click here. 

The U.S. House of Representatives late Friday night voted to delay by one year the implementation of the Affordable Care Act-commonly referred to as Obamacare-and repeal the health care law’s medical device tax. Both are measures that would impact dentists as clinicians, employers and purchasers of medical equipment.

House move to delay Obamacare, repeal medical device tax have implications for dentists

New digital impression and CAD/CAM products from 3Shape, 

 put the focus on ease of use and accuracy. International digital players plan U.S. entry into digital dental market.

Dental digital impression systems and CAD/CAM milling technology are driving the market and pushing excitement to new levels at the 

International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany

Throughout the first two days of the world’s largest dental exhibition, crowds stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the booth of 

digital dentistry stalwart Sirona Dental Systems

 and learn about the company’s more than 20 new products*, while newer players in the worldwide CAD/CAM and digital impression realm, such as 3Shape and Carestream, captured attention with new launches and major updates to existing products.

*Check back with Dental Products Report later for news on Sirona's new products

Espresso sipping crowds gathered at the 3Shape booth Wednesday morning to see 3Shape founder Thais Clausen demonstrate Dental System 2013 and new advancements in the company’s lab scanner and in-office TRIOS, including the 

introduction of full color scanning and image manipulation

 and the debut of the TRIOS Pod, which allows dentists to attach the intraoral impression scanning device to any computer via USB connection. Clausen says the Pods will be ready to ship in the USA in about 10 weeks. 

Clausen says the company’s software and hardware advancements mean processing speed increases of 40 percent, reduced camera fogging and simplified workflows for abutment design, implant bridges, denture design and post and core. The system also offers near photorealistic visualizations of cases, including the ability to add 2D images of the patient’s face. An app is also available to view images and control the scanner directly from an iPad.

Carestream Dental expanded its imaging-centric dental market position with the debut of its 

, CS Restore software, CS3000 milliing machine and CS Connect web-portal that enables dentists to electronically transmit cases to the laboratory of their choice. A unique feature of the of the Carestream system allows 

 to scan conventional impressions using their cone-beam unit.

The CS 3500 captures full-color images and features a light guidance system that navigates users through the image acquisition process. The Carestream system, like the TRIOS and 

“CS Solutions redefines CAD/CAM restorative dentistry, offering practitioners a simplified, comprehensive approach to support their everyday restoration needs,” said Edward Shellard, DMD, chief marketing officer and director of business development for Carestream Dental. “However, dentists also have the flexibility to use the products within the portfolio as standalone solutions based on their practice’s needs.”

systems feature open architecture, meaning the scanners can be used with any lab milling system. Open architecture has been a rallying cry since the dawn of digital dentistry, but until recently industry leaders like 

 have kept their systems locked down. Perhaps the biggest news for open-system fans came on the first day of IDS 2013, when Nobel Biocare announced that it had opened its 

 and partnered with 3Shape. Nobel also announced plans to expand its milling services centers in the United States.

Also constructing a U.S. milling service operation is Swiss implant and digital dental company Biodenta, which plans to open a state-of-the-art milling center in Gettysburg, MD, in the next few months. Company executives said the company’s focus is on providing total solution systems incorporating scanning, milling, implants and restorations.

The above are just a few of the developments in the digital dentistry realm unveiled in the first day at IDS 2013. Dental Products Report will provide continuing coverage from Cologne of major developments in this and other dental categories. 

New digital impression and CAD/CAM products from 3Shape, Carestream Dental put the focus on ease of use and accuracy. International digital players plan U.S. entry into digital dental market.   

Digital dentistry, open architecture drive excitement at world’s largest dental show

Winter 2013 is shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons on record, and dentists and dental staff are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their patients from falling victim to the outbreak. By establishing and following proper 

 guidelines and limiting your exposure to sick staff and patients, you stand a good chance of making it through the season unscathed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 41 states are experiencing widespread flu outbreaks, and the agency estimates that 95 percent of the flu vaccines manufacturers planned to make this year 

The CDC recommends the following guidelines for protecting yourself, your staff and your patients from succumbing to the flu.

		Encourage staff to get vaccinated. If possible, arrange to have the vaccine administered to all staff members at the office. With 95 percent of the planned supply exhausted, this may be difficult, but practices should pursue all avenues.

		Implement respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette for staff and patients.

		Encourage sick staff members to stay at home.

		Encourage sick patients to stay at home unless in cases of emergency.

		Post and strictly adhere to all existing infection control measures.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

		Ensure proper functioning of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in patient rooms, procedure rooms, and examination rooms; 

		Limit the transport of infectious patients throughout the healthcare facility;

		Limit the number of healthcare staff who come in contact with flu patients; and

		Provide proper personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, surgical masks, respirators) to healthcare staff and ensure that it is used and discarded correctly.

“Successful implementation of many, if not all, of these strategies is dependent on the presence of clear administrative policies and organizational leadership that promote and facilitate adherence to these recommendations among the various people within the healthcare setting, including patients, visitors and healthcare professionals,” the CDC guidance urges.

Dentists and dental staff face greater risk than most people when it comes to spreading the flu. Encouraging sick staff and patients to stay at home, wearing proper protective gear and washing hands regularly are the best ways to protect yourself, your staff and your patients.

Winter 2013 is shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons on record, and dentists and dental staff are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their patients from falling victim to the outbreak. By establishing and following proper infection-control guidelines and limiting your exposure to sick staff and patients, you stand a good chance of making it through the season unscathed.

9 simple steps to protect yourself and your dental staff from flu

 highlights the push for mid-level dental providers in areas of the United States that face a shortage of dentists who serve low income Americans, assessing the situation thus: “Despite its basic importance to health, dentistry has become a luxury item.”

The article cites federal government figures that say 49 million Americans live in areas with an official dental shortage and as many as 130 million have no dental insurance.

“The existing dental system is uniquely ill-structured to provide a broad safety net,” surmises author June Thomas.

Thomas highlights the call for mid-level dental providers to fill the gap, similar to programs in Alaska and Minnesota. In 2005, Alaska became the first state to try out the new dental care model, when therapists began treating native populations. In 2009, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into law the 

, which provides two levels of providers. A dental therapist requires a bachelor's degree, and an advanced dental therapist requires a master's degree. Many advanced dental therapists may work in community settings under general supervision of a licensed dentist.

“At least 54 countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, have expanded their workforces with these so-called dental therapists, with splendid results,” Thomas writes.

For years, organized dentistry has opposed the use of mid-level dental providers to address dental shortages, citing concerns about creating a two-level system of care. The 

  that that dental therapists lack the training and education needed to perform dental procedures and identify health problems among patients.

Dental professionals remain sharply divided on the issue. Use our comments section below to sound off on this important issue.

An article today on Salon.com highlights the push for mid-level dental providers in areas of the United States that face a shortage of dentists who serve low income Americans, assessing the situation thus: “Despite its basic importance to health, dentistry has become a luxury item.” The article cites federal government figures that say 49 million Americans live in areas with an official dental shortage and as many as 130 million have no dental insurance.

Salon.com article calls dentistry a luxury

In case you live in a world without Facebook and where your friends and colleagues don’t email you funny dental stories, then you may not know about the viral phenomenon that has grown up around the release of 

The calendar, which features the faces of 

’s dental training mannequins PhotoShopped onto the bodies of happy stock-photo humans, became an internet hit-and the ultimate hipster holiday gift-when 

Of the admittedly disarming photos, Gawker said: “Wondering what to get the person who has everything? Why not one of these lovely calendars from dental supply company Practicon? Each month is accompanied by a photo of Practicon's dental mannequins, dressed up and having fun. It's heartwarming - and 

This post by Gawker, a web publishing behemoth and leading arbiter of geek cool, has positioned the calendar as the must-have hipster holiday gift and touched off the biggest viral web event seen in dentistry since David After Dentist. 

Practicon President Scott Griffin says he’s as surprised as anyone at the web’s reaction.

Dental Products Report caught up with Griffin while he was still trying to make sense of the attention the calendar phenomenon has brought his dental distribution company. He seems sincerely amused and pleased by the attention and says his team has barely been able to keep up with the phone calls and emails that have poured in from people wanting to get their hands on the calendar. (You can get it here.) The company has received appearance requests from national TV news outlets and emails from websites none of the team has ever heard of. Frasaco, the German company that makes the mannequins, has called trying to understand why their dummies are suddenly everywhere.

So is Griffin the viral marketing genius some commenters are saying he is?

“I hate to admit it, but no,” Griffin said. “I wish I could say we cracked the code on this, but the fact is we just wanted to make a little calendar as a gift for our customers.”

This is actually the second edition of the calendar, which was conceived and created last year by one of Practicon’s designers.

“I can’t explain it,” Griffin says. “It just seems to have struck a nerve.”

And while the calendar may prove to be a surprise Q4 profit center for the dental distributor, Griffin says he has no plans to go into the calendar publishing business. For those of you who don’t know, Practicon’s real business is marketing and distributing dental products, with a focus on high-quality, lesser known brands. They don’t make the mannequin; they distribute it. Frasaco USA is the manufacturer. (Get it right, Gawker.)

Steve Diogo is Dental Products Report Digital Media Director. Follow him on Twitter: 

In case you live in a world without Facebook and where your friends and colleagues don’t email you funny dental stories, then you may not know about the viral phenomenon that has grown up around the release of Practicon’s 2013 calendar.