Explaining the Benefits of Transillumination to Patients

Explaining the benefits of Transillumination to Patients - Digital Doc LLC

Explaining the Benefits of Transillumination

Explaining the Benefits of Transillumination to Patients 2021

Using Digital Doc’s LuM Transillumination device is a true game-changer for dentists. However, it can be quite confusing for patients who aren’t familiar with advanced dental technology. In this article, we’re discussing how your team should be explaining the benefits of transillumination to patients. 

How is a Dental Transillumination test performed?

A dental transillumination test is identical to a standard x-ray. When a patient appears for the test, the dentist will first place a disposable mouthpiece over their tooth. A light will then be shone through the tooth using the test device. The image taken of the tooth will then be transferred onto the dentist’s computer screen.

The quality of the images can be improved by using technologies such as the LUM. The LUM uses sub-enamel illumination diagnostic methods to improve the detection capabilities of the intraoral camera like those manufactured by Digital Doc. It is an easy-to-use device which facilitates instant detection and documentation.

The LUM applies a high-intensity light to the tooth, with unique positioning to ensure that the light travels perpendicular to the plane of the tooth. If a tooth has no impurities, the light will travel uninterrupted from the buccal surface to the lingual. However, the light is dispersed if the tooth has impurities such as fractures or leaking amalgam.

How long does a Dental Transillumination test take?

A dental transillumination test will be performed within a few minutes. The purpose of dental transillumination is similar to a standard x-ray, however, the difference is that dental transillumination is computer-based while x-rays are film-based. The images taken during a dental transillumination test are projected on a computer screen as they are taken. Our friend Dr. Hoang, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, highly recommends having HD televisions in every operatory for this exact reason.

 

Explaining the benefits of Transillumination to Patients - Digital Doc LLC

Benefits of Dental Transillumination

Dental transillumination tests can expose problems in teeth that cannot be found using the naked eye or x-rays. The light shines through a healthy tooth easily, making its tooth structure lighter, while decay appears as cloudy shadows in the image.

A dental transillumination test also helps to reveal any fine cracks in the teeth. It is especially effective in discovering decay under old fillings in teeth.

What should you discuss with your patient before a dental transillumination test?

It is important to have your patients give you a detailed description, the more information that is given, the better. If they feel pain in a certain area or undergoing some sort of trauma, then you need to know. Explain to your patient that this information can help you decide which treatment may be better.

Dental Transillumination is just one step of the treatment process. The more detailed and comprehensive the results are, the better the overall treatment experience will be.

If you’re interested in a transillumination device or any other Digital Doc products, contact Digital Doc today to schedule a virtual demonstration. 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.  

5 Key Challenges Dental Workflows Face

5 Key Challenges Dental Workflows Face - digital doc llc

Challenges Dental Workflows Face

5 Key Challenges Dental Workflows Face 2021

Creating the perfect workflow while growing your dental practice can be difficult for any practice owner. As the #1 intraoral camera for dentists, we know that these challenges have solutions. This article discusses key challenges dental workflows face and the solutions many practice owners have implemented.

Challenge #1: Lack of Awareness About All Equipment Features

Think about your smartphone for a moment. Are you aware that you hardly ever use half of the features of that smartphone? You may be using just a few features of your smartphone simply because you aren’t even aware that the other features exist.

Similarly, some of the headaches that you may be having at your dental office may have solutions sitting quietly in the equipment that you already have. For instance, your staff may be taking too long to troubleshoot your XTG Handheld X-Ray. Most of that time would have been saved if those employees simply accessed the self-diagnostic control panel of the equipment.

How can this challenge be fixed? Devote some time each week (an hour or so, for example) to reviewing the technology and understanding t how to get the best out of that you already have. Digital Doc provides additional training videos for their products, so you and your staff can easily learn how to operate an XTG Handheld X-Ray. The interactions that take place during those sessions will be useful in bringing inexperienced staff up to speed about many of the features that they never knew existed. If you’re still having trouble, contact us at Digital Doc.

Challenge #2: Failure to Improve Due to Satisfaction With the Status Quo

Another challenge to the workflow in a dental practice is the complacency that comes from knowing that you have been doing things a certain way and nothing has gone wrong, so why change?

The problem with such a mentality is that you miss out on easier ways to get work done, and your patients eventually start moving to other dental practices that have kept with the times.

For example, your staff could be taking longer to take dental impressions using the traditional way, and yet digital dental impressions using an intraoral scanner take just a fraction of the time and require fewer materials. Similarly, you may be missing out on the massive benefits of having the IRIS HD USB 3.0 Dental Camera, such as beaming the captured images on a screen so that patients can see the problems they have. The traditional way of taking intraoral dental images doesn’t provide such aid to case acceptance.

It is therefore wise for you to spend some time studying the trends in dentistry and the evolving technology so that you can draw up a plan to continuously upgrade your equipment and methods to stay relevant in the evolving field.

Challenge #3: Thinking That New Technology Is Too Expensive 

It is true that new technology can be pricy and one needs to plan carefully before making an acquisition. However, the price tag of new equipment should not be a reason for you to stay with outdated equipment, says our friend Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction. Why? Because the quality of patient care that you offer will suffer and the dental practice may stagnate or even regress.

A better approach to take is to design a comprehensive plan detailing how and when you will upgrade different pieces of equipment. You can also talk to suppliers about financing options so that your practice isn’t left behind as dentistry goes hi-tech. In this way, you will effortlessly acquire sub-enamel illumination tools like LUM, the best intraoral cameras like the X80 intraoral camera, and many other pieces of digital dentistry equipment.

 

5 Key Challenges Dental Workflows Face - digital doc llc

Challenge #4: Thinking You Don’t Have Time to Implement Changes

One of the easiest ways to be left behind is by getting so busy that you no longer have time to study what changes are happening in your industry. Your productivity will eventually suffer because you will be stuck in the old way of doing things when better technology is now available to ease that work.

For example, shuffling patients to and from your radiology room where traditional x-ray equipment is installed can limit how many patients you can attend to in one day, and yet the XTG Handheld X-Ray from Digital Doc can allow you to take x-rays within the operatory, thereby saving a lot of time and other resources.

It is therefore recommended that you take some time to stay informed about the changes happening in the dental field and set aside time to implement any needed changes.

Challenge #5: Your Staff Are Reluctant to Change

Human beings are creatures of habit, so it is normal to experience some resistance when change is required. The best way to bring everyone on board when changes are being made is by involving them in the processes that result in that change.

For example, show your staff how the new IRIS intraoral camera will make it easier for them to update patient files digitally instead of the old way that was manual and tedious. You can also ask the supplier of the new equipment to train your staff. In this way, the reluctance to embrace change will gradually melt away.

As you can see, it can be easy to address a problem once you identify it and set your mind to fix that problem. Work with the right partners so that the workflow at your dental practice is improved in a way that isn’t disruptive. 

To learn more about our advanced dental technology, contact Digital Doc support. We’re happy to schedule a virtual demonstration and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in February 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Saving Money Vs. Increasing Revenue in Your Dental Practice

increasing revenue in your dental practice - Digital Doc LLC

Saving Money Vs. Increasing Revenue in Your Dental Practice

Difference Between Saving Money Vs. Increasing Revenue
in Your Dental Practice 2021

Many dental practices are trying to stay financially afloat since COVID-19. As business owners and dentists, you may be asking yourself better – saving money vs. increasing revenue in your dental practice. We’ve seen dental practice owners try to save by buying the cheapest dental equipment possible, hiring affordable staff, and overall cutting costs. While saving may have its merits, it doesn’t augur well for long-term success. 

A more sustainable and empowering approach is to increase the revenue of your dental practice. This mentality puts you in the driving seat and the limits of how much revenue can come to your practice. It’ll depend entirely on how much effort you are willing to invest in growing the revenue. For purposes of this discussion, let us just consider three methods that you can take to increase revenue in your dental practice.

Acquire Appropriate Dental Technology

Always keep track of the various dental practice metrics so that you can set necessary goals and strategies. Some of the metrics worth tracking include the case acceptance rate, the new patient rate, the average production (in monetary terms) per dentist per hour, and so many others.

Each of those metrics is important in its own way. For example, the case acceptance rate helps you know whether your patients accept the recommended dental treatment. If you have a decent case acceptance rate, your staff and equipment can be put to good use. A rate lower than 60 percent is cause for concern because your practice may never operate at full capacity or even grow.

Similarly, the new patient rate is equally important. As you may know, patients may stop going to your dental office for various reasons. New patients should come in at a higher rate than the rate at which you are losing patients.

When you analyze those metrics, you will need to access where you are now and where you want to take the dental practice. Acquiring new dental technology, such as the Digi Doc hand-held x-ray, the LUM sub-enamel illumination device, and an IRIS X80 Intraoral Dental Camera, can play an instrumental role in increasing dental practice revenue.

Digital Doc’s advanced dental technology can make it possible for you to SHOW patients how serious their dental issues are, and this, in turn, will increase your practice’s case acceptance rate. With better case acceptance comes more revenue to your dental practice.

 

increasing revenue in your dental practice - Digital Doc LLC

Invest in Quality Staff in Your practice

Hiring the best staff is also a good way to increase the revenue of your dental practice. Quality staff will connect with your patients and increase patient satisfaction levels. As you know, a satisfied patient is the best marketing tool you can ever have, so patient referrals and patient retention rates will increase.

Quality staff is usually more receptive to new technology, so they will explain to patients why the XTG X-ray Device is superior to the traditional x-ray equipment, and the proper use of the LUM device will catch cavities early so that appropriate treatment can be administered. All these results of having quality staff will improve the bottom line.

Step Up Your Marketing Efforts

What do most businesses do during hard times? They cut their marketing budget. This is counterproductive because marketing efforts can help turn things around. Similarly, in good times, additional marketing can help your business to maximize its revenue. So, this isn’t the time to ease up on your marketing efforts either.

Marketing is another method that you can use to increase the revenue of your dental practice. Just acquired an XTG Handheld X-ray for your practice? Highlight its benefits to patients in your marketing literature so that more patients can be attracted to your cutting-edge dental practice.

Proper marketing can draw more patients through your doors. Once they’re at your office, it’s up to you and your staff to provide excellent care and services. If things are done well, those new patients will stay, accept more procedures, and recommend you to their circle.

As you can see, trying to save yourself to financial success isn’t as sustainable as seeking ways to increase revenue. There is no limit to how far you can grow if you decide to increase the revenue in your dental practice. Just analyze your practice, decide where there’s room for improvement, and then find ways to increase the performance of the dental office in that area. The money will follow your effort.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

XTG Training with Casie Taylor

XTG Training Casie Taylor

XTG Training with Casie Taylor

Team XTG Training with Casie Taylor

XTG Training with Casie Taylor

Digital Doc’s XTG Handheld X-ray Device is one of our most popular Digital Doc products. Doctors love that the device is portable and easy to use. Hygienists no longer have to move patients from the dental chair to take x-rays. Additionally, the device has lower radiation exposure and comes with rechargeable batteries. To learn more about the XTG x-ray device, please schedule a virtual demonstration with our team. Below is a brief explanation of XTG training with Casie Taylor. 

Operating the Portable X-Ray Device

To turn on your device, hold down the button with a circle with the dot located on the top of the device. Note that the device will not turn on if you simply tap the button. You’ll notice that the screen lights up blue once the device is on. 

Preset Setting Options

The “S” button directly across the screen will go between the different preset options. If you want to change the settings, press down on this button. On the bottom of the screen, you’ll notice that an “S” begins to flash. You can adjust the numbers with the up and down arrows. Once you’ve adjusted the settings, hold down the “S” again to save the changes. It’ll then say “Ready,” and you’re good to go!

When using sensors on adult patients, we recommend starting at about 0.28. For pedo patients, we recommend going lower than that. It’s completely up to the doctor on what settings you choose. Some doctors will have one setting for all patients. Casie usually starts with the lower settings and works her way up. In the XTG Training video, she shows us that she starts at 0.20, 0.28, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.15 si. Some people do set it depending on the icon and the teeth they’re capturing of. The icons just change your exposure time. 

 

XTG Training Casie Taylor

Taking X-Rays

When taking your x-rays, we recommend wearing the device with its strap. Put the strap over your shoulder as if you were wearing a guitar or purse. Having it hang over your right hip gives team members the ability to use their hands as they please without it getting in the way. 

Exposing Your X-Ray 

To expose your x-ray device, hold the device as if you were using a camera. You can find the exposure button on the right side. Use your pointer finger to click once, and then click and hold the button through the beeping noises. Afterward, your x-rays are complete! Make sure not to let go before the beeps have stopped. It’ll say “Ready” on the screen when the device is ready for the next x-ray. 

Safety 

Safety You’ll want to stay as close behind the shield as possible. The shield protects you from backscatter radiation. It’s okay to ask the patient to move their heads or turn towards you when taking x-rays. Protecting the operator from radiation exposure is very important. 

Lastly, we recommend wiping the device down with your dirty gloves as soon as you’re done with the device. Once you’ve wiped down the device, you can take the device off your shoulder. This will help avoid cross-contamination of not having to grab the strap. Questions? Contact Digital Doc! Our team is happy to help. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on our latest offers.

Advantages of Choosing High-Tech Dentists

The Advantages of Choosing High-Tech Dentists

The Top Advantages of Choosing High-Tech Dentists

The dentist’s office experience has improved dramatically in the last 15 years due to advances in dental technology. Modern dentist offices equipped with cutting-edge technology help to enhance the patient’s experience, optimize oral health, and produce outstanding results. Discover the advantages of choosing high-tech dentists from a patient’s perspective.

Simple Scheduling

Modern technology allows dentists the opportunity to provide patients with a better experience, even before they enter the office. For example, electronic health records allow dentists to easily access patient’s medical history, answer phone calls, and compile information for referrals and insurance claims. There is also online scheduling, which allows patients to schedule an appointment without having to call.

More Effective Visits

Patients probably don’t want to spend any more time than required in the dental chair, no matter how convenient or nice your dentist’s office is. We all lead busy lives and have a lot on our plates! Modern dentistry acknowledges the need to make dental treatments more effective and makes you spend less time in the chair.

A good example is same-day dental crowns. This technology allows patients to receive their dental crown in the same visit. In comparison, traditional crowns take weeks to make in an outside dental lab. Our friend Dr. Ryan Helgerson, a dentist in Grand Junction, can attest to patients appreciating same-day dental services. He highly recommends offering these types of services.

Better Understanding of Your Diagnosis 

High-tech dentistry not only makes it easier for your dental team to diagnose the condition accurately. It also makes it easier for patients to understand the severity of the dental problem. General dentists will have their patients take their word for their recommended treatment, while modern dentists can clearly show them exactly what they see. For example, Digital Doc’s X80 Intraoral Camera captures crystal clear images and displays them right on your computer or television screen. 

Less Discomfort

We have a filling, root canal, or other procedure used to have a poor reputation for being frightening and painful. Modern pain relief solutions are available in high-tech dentistry today to ensure your full comfort. We recommend offering the following services to maximize patient experience: 

  • Oral sedation entails taking this sedative orally and falling into a comfortable, dream-like state. You could even nod off entirely!
  • Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “laughing gas.” This form of sedation, inhaled through a comfortable face mask, gives you a giddy and relaxed feeling.
  • IV sedation — This form of sedation is delivered through a vein (usually on your arm) and causes drowsiness and deep relaxation.

Amazing Outcomes

Most patients with broken, missing, or dead teeth are considered to restore their oral health and appearance. Patients don’t have to pick between the two, thankfully. High-tech dentistry helps patients achieve both. If you’re a dentist who hasn’t considered using modern dental technology, you and your patients are missing out. Modern dentistry methods use natural-looking restorations. Patients don’t have to compromise the appearance of their smile to obtain healthy teeth, whether it’s a filling or a crown.

Long-Lasting Treatments

Modern dental technology aids in the creation of even more long-lasting restoration solutions. Fillings, crowns, implants, and other dental treatments are now designed to endure the effects of chewing as well as the wear and tear of daily life. High-tech dental procedures, such as crowns and implants, will last for decades with careful care, ensuring that your perfect smile can last a lifetime. More patients are looking for the best dentists. Now that you know the advantages of choosing high-tech dentists, you can decide whether investing in dental technology is worth it. Are you interested in our Digital Doc products? Contact Digital Doc today to schedule a virtual demonstration. 

How to Increase Patient Referrals

how to increase patient referrals - Digital Doc LLC

How to Increase Patient Referrals

How to Increase Patient Referrals in Your Dental Practice

It’s common knowledge that word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most effective ways to get new patients to your dental practice. So what is the right way to go about it? Our Digital Doc team has worked with thousands of dental practices worldwide. We know exactly how to increase patient referrals. Read the article below if you’re looking to significantly increase the number of new patients per year. 

Encourage Personal Recommendations

One of the best ways to increase patient referrals is by encouraging each patient to make personal recommendations. In fact, many practices offer patient referral plans as an incentive to refer a friend. The patient’s name is put into a raffle or added to their reward system. Every month, the patient with the most referrals or points will earn a prize. If you have the right incentives, you could increase the new patient count to 40-60% each year.

The same can go for reviews. Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, incentivizes patients to leave him reviews. As a result, he sends them a free electric toothbrush! Patients already love his services, so why not? 

Market Your Services

Word-of-mouth marketing is most effective when your patients have something positive to speak about, such as you providing same-day emergency care, free cosmetic consultations, or advanced dental technology. If you offer unique dental services, you should be marketing them! Make it very apparent that you offer these services at your dental practice. You can send out postcards, pamphlets, street signs, and more. More patients are looking for modern dental practices. So, you can inform prospecting patients that you have the best intraoral camera or a portable dental x-ray device. Ask your staff members to inform patients about special services. Both output and new patient numbers will surely rise.

how to increase patient referrals - Digital Doc LLC

Increase Your Online Presence

Also, someone who has already got a good recommendation from a trusted friend will likely visit your website. If your website isn’t up to par, prospective patients can reconsider visiting your practice. That’s why it’s recommended that your website matches the aesthetic of your dental practice. Social networking may also assist in converting a friend’s casual curiosity into a deep desire to schedule an appointment. Join current patients’ personal social networks, such as Facebook, and new patients will feel as though they already know you before visiting your office.

Find creative ways to use cost-effective patient referral methods. You should have more than enough new patients to achieve greater practice success. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule a virtual demonstration with our Digital Doc team.

Secrets to a Memorable Patient Experience

memorable patient experience - Digital Doc

Secrets to a Memorable Patient Experience

Secrets to a Memorable Patient Experience at Your Dental Practice

Today, “customer experience” will make or break your business whether you own a tech company, a brick, and mortar, or a dental practice. Despite the hoops that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to jump through, the dental industry is still providing the best dental experiences for patients. So, how do you get all patients to have a memorable patient experience? It starts from the moment your team members answer the phone to the second they walk into your office. In the article below, we share some secrets to a memorable patient experience. 

Here are six tips for providing comfort, personalization, and a memorable patient experience in the face of the pandemic.

Showcase the Safety Standards

One of the most important qualities every dental practice should have is safety. Although safety was important before the pandemic, it’s even more important now. If it isn’t obvious that you’re following COVID-19 precautions on your website or in your office, then we recommend hanging up COVID-19 precaution signs, posting on social media, and adding details to your website. Patients will feel more comfortable knowing your office is going above and beyond safety standards.

Communicate Efficiently

Maintaining good communication with your patients is now more critical than ever. The patient’s experience will be a little different than before. You’ll need to let patients know what has changed since last visiting your office. You can notify them via text, email, phone call, or add a FAQ on your website. 

 

memorable patient experience - Digital Doc

Recognize What Your Patients Need

Understandably, some patients will be more worried than others. It’s your job to make them feel safe and at home. You can ask your patients to fill out a quick survey so that you and your team can get a better understanding of what your patients need. Our friend Dr. Ryan Helgerson, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, says that patients recognize good customer service. In fact, studies show that 80% of businesses that prioritize customer satisfaction have an increase in sales. 

Be Flexible

As more patients come back to your dental practice for the first time, you’ll have to work out the kinks. Have a conversation with your staff about being flexible and patient. For instance, some patients will have to reschedule their appointments or may even cancel last minute due to COVID exposures. You may even have to adjust your hours of operation. The more flexible you are, the better the payoff will be. 

Add a Personal Touch

In an industry where there are millions of dental practices, it can seem hard to stand out. Our Digital Doc team recommends adding a personal touch. Try to go out of your way to make your patients smile. Our friend Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, calls new patients and leaves personal messages, introducing himself. You could also try smile giveaways or patient of the month contests. There are plenty of ways to add a personal touch to your patients’ experience!

Use Advanced Dental Technology

Another way to make help with a memorable patient experience is by investing in advanced dental technology. Patients will appreciate it if you’re staying on top of new techniques and implementing new technology to help provide the best dental care. For instance, if you have the best intraoral camera, you can take quality photos of your patient’s mouth. This allows you to better diagnose and can also be used to show patients exactly what you’re seeing. If you’re interested in quality dental products, schedule a virtual demonstration with us today! 

Tips to Grow Your Cosmetic Dentistry Practice 2021

Canva Design for Cosmetic Dental Marketing

Tips to Grow Your Cosmetic Dentistry Practice

Tips to Grow Your Cosmetic Dentistry Practice 2021

At Digital Doc, we are so much more than an intraoral camera company. We don’t create quality dental technology and then disappear after the transaction is complete. With every relationship we have been able to build, whether it be with our distribution partners or our direct relationships with our dentists, we aim to deliver more value than our clients expect. In this article, we share a few tips to grow your cosmetic dentistry practice without spending a fortune on dental marketing. 

Best Practices from Leading Dentists

#1. Graphic Design for Dentists 

Have you heard of Canva? If not, we recommend you or your office manager, marketing support person take a good look at it. Canva can help you to create fast, professional-looking graphics for all of your marketing materials. Specifically today we want to focus in on the marketing you are doing on your flat-screen TV’s through the office. Download the CANVA app and design sharp images to display on your 55” monitor in your office.

Canva Design for Cosmetic Dental Marketing

#2 Visual Impact of TV Screens in your Dental Practice 

Our most successful Cosmetic Dentists are hanging 55” monitors on the wall in each treatment room. Why so big? What size monitor do most patients watch at home? 55” 65”. . . perhaps the new 85”? The consumer walking in the door also watches at least a 55” at home. If you have been to a Mcdonald’s lately, you may have noticed how many 55” monitors are on the wall when ordering? Your new patients will increase just by you connecting with their consumer behavior. They will be surprised, impressed and every image you show on the screen will connect with them on a higher level than a 15” or 25” you have on the counter or chair.

#3 Internal Marketing to Your Most Loyal Patients 

Now that you have had time to play around with some of the designs in Canva and mount a few new TVs in your treatment rooms, we can move on to the fun stuff. Add bio’s from your team members to connect with patients on a higher level. The more they know you, the more they trust you. Don’t try to sell anything here, just be authentic and have some fun. 

Above is an example of an office using photos on a 55-60” monitor to show patients the potential results they can get from teeth whitening. This graphic is easy to create with the CANVA app. Have your team sign up for the free account today. Be sure to share your dental marketing graphics with us!

Dental Technologies Worth Investing In

dental technologies worth investing in

Top Dental Technologies Worth Investing

Top Dental Technologies Worth Investing In 2021

Dental technology is a must-have for dental offices everywhere. Modern advanced dental technology is how dentists are separating themselves from other offices. growing at an unprecedented pace. However, some of the dental technologies available may not be worthwhile investments. If you are a dental practice owner with an outdated office, we hope you find value in today’s blog post. Read on and learn some of the top dental technologies worth investing in.

Intraoral Dental Cameras

One of the best technologies that you can acquire for your dental practice is an intraoral digital camera, such as the IRIS X80 Intraoral Camera. This tool will be a massive boost to your diagnostic competence. Being able to view crystal clear images of the teeth, gums and other oral tissues inside a patient’s mouth makes a world of difference in case acceptance. Patients will spend less time in the chair since you will be able to identify any developing issues quickly and design a treatment plan for those patients.

The images from your intraoral camera are shown to the patient in real-time, making the treatment planning consultative rather than optional. Consequently, more revenue will flow into your practice because patients will see for themselves why they shouldn’t put off. The only decision they will have to make is when to schedule treatment with you. 

Portable X-Rays

The traditional radiography equipment is so cumbersome that it has to be installed in a separate room from the room where patients undergo dental exams and treatment. This imposes a space constraint on dental practices.

Secondly, the traditional radiography machines expose patients and technicians to relatively high levels of radiation. This can have an adverse effect on the health of the affected people later in life.

Additionally, it takes longer to prep a patient for X-Ray images to be taken using those traditional machines. The results take longer to be available too. This means that the patient may need to visit the dental practice more than once in order for diagnosis and treatment to be provided.

Technology has availed portable X-Ray machines like the XTG Handheld X-Ray which brings radiography to the dental chair. Images can be taken quickly and conveniently without asking the patient to move to a radiology room. Radiation exposure levels are also a tiny fraction of what happens with the traditional machines. Thus, improved patient safety and greater efficiency are registered when you upgrade to this new technology. 

 

dental technologies worth investing in

All-Tissue Lasers

Dental practices should always strive to offer better patient care with minimally invasive procedures. Laser dentistry is one of the best ways to do just that. The lasers eliminate the need for suturing and extended recovery durations since treatment can be done without causing extensive damage to the surrounding tissues. Laser technology is, therefore, a must for any dental practice.

Be careful when adopting new technologies in order to avoid falling for clever salesmanship from product manufacturers. Ask yourself two things. First, if the new technology will improve patient safety. Second, whether it will make your work faster or more efficient. Pay attention to how quickly you can recoup what you have invested in that technology. The best technology should show ROI almost as soon as you acquire it, not years down the road. Get the right dental accessories for any dental technology you acquire so that you can reap its full benefits. Your dental practice will thrive if you develop a mindset of carefully evaluating and acquiring technologies as those better technologies become available.

Contact Digital Doc

If you’re interested in our Digital Doc products, schedule a virtual demonstration today. We can discuss any of our products – dental cameras, X-ray devices, dental sensors, accessories, and more! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to keep up with our latest news.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Intraoral Camera as Marketing Tool

intraoral camera as marketing tool - Digital Doc LLC

Intraoral Camera as
Marketing Tool

Using an Intraoral Camera as Marketing Tool

From the very beginning, intraoral cameras have been used to communicate with patients better. Many doctors are using their intraoral cameras to pitch or even convince patients to start treatment. Although intraoral cameras are designed to help doctors increase case acceptance, the intention behind your treatment plan is what really matters. In this article, our Digital Doc team discusses the dos and don’ts for using intraoral cameras as a marketing tool. 

Getting Patients to Say Yes to Treatment

Of course, we want patients to say yes to our treatment plans. More “yesses” equal more money, right? But, it’s pretty obvious when doctors are seeing patients as customers rather than people. Although intraoral cameras are an excellent diagnostic tool, they’re exactly just that- a diagnostic tool. Some doctors will take it a step too far and use their dental cameras solely as a communication tool, pushing patients’ treatment. In turn, patients feel like they’re being “sold” treatment and will ultimately go elsewhere. 

Building Rapport and Trust With Patients

Building patient rapport and trust is key to a higher case acceptance rate. How do you avoid breaking trust and strengthen patient rapport? The short answer is to stop overtreating. Patients are excellent at reading body language, so they can tell if you simply care about them or racking up treatment. Instead of using your dental camera to show the patient their mouth, use it to help show you their mouth.

Ask your hygienist to take notes while you examine the patient’s smile. Call out the different dental concerns you see, such as cracks or decay, and address them with your patient afterward. Your patient will, of course, hear the conversation between you and the hygienist. When talking to your patient about these concerns, show them the pictures you took during the examination. At the end of their appointment, they will feel less like a customer and more like patients. 

intraoral camera as marketing tool - Digital Doc LLC

When to Use Your Intraoral Cameras

Are you the type of doctor who only uses their dental cameras during emergency appointments? If you are, you’re missing out on a lot of treatment opportunities. Dental cameras need to be in every operatory and used at every appointment. Not only is this a great way to track patient’s oral health, but it also makes dental insurance claims go a lot smoother. Our friend Dr. Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, agrees that intraoral cameras are excellent diagnostic tools, and you should be using them every day. 

Investing in Advanced Dental Technology

Does your intraoral camera collect dust in a drawer? If so, you have the wrong dental camera. Dentists should always invest in premium advanced dental technology. It should deliver high definition images every time and be easy for every team member to use. Digital Doc LLC provides doctors worldwide with the best dental technology on the market. Are you interested in learning about our new IRIS X80 Liquid Lens Auto-Focus Intraoral Dental Camera? Contact Digital Doc today to schedule a complimentary virtual demonstration.