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Intraoral Camera as Marketing Tool

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.

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.

Rules to Increase Case Acceptance

Rules to Increase Case Acceptance in Your Practice

What do you need to get a “yes” from your patients? There’s no easy fix, magic wand, or potion that will give you treatment-acceptance success. The difference between success and failure is not a secret but a secret formula. In this article, our Digital Doc team shares simple rules to increase case acceptance in your dental practice.

Believe You Can Increase Case Acceptance

When you put your mind to something, you can do anything. Confidence comes from training, education, and experience in knowing what you’re doing. A patient or team member will know when you feel confident about something. Having a “yes” mentality will give you a positive commitment to achieve your goals. Are your thoughts generally positive or negative? The saying, “We become what we think about couldn’t be more true.” Negative thoughts will block the ability to concentrate on positive ones—those that give rise to success.

Believe you can increase case acceptance in your practice. Why? Because you and your team are capable of providing the best comprehensive dentistry. Once you change your mindset, everything will start to fall into place.

Good Intentions

Intentions are everything these days. To increase case acceptance in your practice, you’ll need to clarify intentions in order for the team to succeed. It’s your job as the dentist to direct team efforts, office culture, and development strategies. As you already know, working together is a critical part of driving revenue in your practice. When you work together, patients notice. Dr. Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, recommends having morning huddles, where you can set the intentions for the day. Then there’s no reason why anyone shouldn’t be on the same page.

Teamwork

Patients will look for any excuse not to start treatment. When they’re spending their time and money, who could blame them? They need to know they chose the best dental office for their dental treatment. Therefore, having your team in order is crucial. Make sure everyone on your team is thoroughly trained; that way, opportunities aren’t missed.

Education & Skills

The dental industry is very competitive. There are dental offices everywhere we look. So, how do you stay competitive? Continuing education credits are an excellent way to keep up to date with the latest dental practices. There are plenty of CE credit opportunities available. You just have to find a specialty that sparks your interest. The more education and skills you have, the more confidence you’ll have to provide your patients with the best care.

The same goes for your team. Start by providing in-office opportunities for your team. Ask them if they would prefer monthly, quarterly, or yearly training. Training can consist of new strategies and technologies that can better the practice. For instance, if you invest in a new intraoral camera for your practice, have each team member go through training. That way, you know everyone is comfortable using the new advanced dental technology.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Intraoral Camera

Why You Should Upgrade Your Intraoral Camera 2021

How long have you been using your cell phone? The iPhone 12 Pro Max is here, and the camera is the most prominent feature! Consumers are more educated in photography than ever before. If you haven’t updated your intraoral camera in a couple of years, consider upgrading to Digital Doc’s newest dental camera. The following explains why so many dental offices are upgrading their intraoral cameras to Digital Doc’s IRIS X80 intraoral camera.

Dental Camera with Better Focusing System

Many of the existing digital intraoral cameras on the market require users to manually focus the camera’s lens before capturing an image. This manual focusing isn’t ideal, especially in a busy dental office. Additionally, you may have some low-quality images from not adjusting the lens properly and end up misdiagnosing the patient.

However, when you upgrade your intraoral camera to the IRIS X80, you get a piece of equipment with an autofocus function that takes the work of focusing the lens away from the user. As a result, you’ll not only save time but also have better quality images and accurate diagnosis.

The X80 is Easier Setup

We all know that it is more difficult to set up traditional dental cameras. You’re not only wasting valuable time but also affecting your patient’s experience.

With the dawn of the digital era, you don’t need to suffer all those inconveniences. The IRIS X80 doesn’t require any setup. Remove the camera from the box, plug it in, and start capturing images immediately. Needless to say, upgrading to the IRIS X80 with Liquid Lens Auto Focus and plug-and-play capabilities is a no-brainer.

Durable Dental Camera

Every dollar invested in modern dental equipment counts. So, it is important to buy only the best dental equipment so that the investment can be rationalized.

You can feel confident in making the upgrade to the IRIS X80 intraoral camera because it is resistant to impact and harsh chemicals that your equipment will deal with on a regular basis. This sturdy construction means that your office will have digital intraoral cameras that they can rely on for years to come. Our friends at Park Hills Family Dentistry, a dental office in Lexington, KY, agree that investing in durable dental equipment will save you the hassle of constantly replacing cheap equipment.

Taking Compactness to the Next Level

As dental technology has made rapid advancements, it has become easier to make intraoral cameras that are lighter, more compact, and more powerful, all at the same time. Having a lightweight and compact intraoral camera is crucial for efficiency and patient rapport. The IRIS X80 checks all those boxes, while older intraoral cameras may not.

Easy Integration into Existing Systems

When you purchase the IRIS X80 with liquid lens autofocus HD, you won’t have to worry about modifying your current setup or buying additional accessories. Our state of the art dental technology can be used with standard USB 2.0 protocol. In this way, you get access to using the best software available without having to upgrade equipment for the whole dental office.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons why it would be in your practice’s best interest to upgrade your intraoral camera to the IRIS X80. Digital Doc’s IRIS X80 will allow you to SEE MORE and DO MORE! To learn more about what this intraoral camera can do for you, schedule a virtual demo today. Contact Digital Doc to access special offers on Digital Doc’s advanced dental technology.

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

The Durability of Your Intraoral Camera Matters

durability of your intraoral camera - Digital Doc LLC

The Durability of Your Intraoral Camera Matters

The Durability of Your Intraoral Camera Matters 2021

Most dentists have now realized the importance of investing in new dental technology in their dental offices. However, this new technology may sometimes come at a price. Know that the benefits far outweigh the initial upgrade costs. Our Digital Doc team shares the following are some of the reasons why the durability of your intraoral camera is important.

Dental Camera Durability Impacts Cost

When you buy a very durable intraoral camera, such as the IRIS X80 made by Digital Doc, the durability of this camera ensures that you will get great value from your investment. This is because the initial cost of the device will be spread out over the numerous years that this intraoral camera will remain in service.

When you divide your investment by the number of years that the camera will stay in service, you soon realize that the camera was very affordable, unlike another, which costs less but falls apart a few months after you’ve purchased it.

Durability is Often Indicative of High Performance

Have you heard the saying, “how you do one thing is how you do everything?” For example, a person who is late for appointments will rarely meet deadlines or fulfill their promises because how they do one thing is how they do everything!

On the subject of intraoral cameras, this principle also applies. When you choose your intraoral camera from a manufacturer like Digital Doc, who goes to great lengths to make a high-quality and sturdy intraoral camera that can withstand everything that a busy dental office can throw at it, you can be sure that everything to do with that camera was made with the same high standards in mind. For example, the optics system of the IRIS X80 Liquid Lens Auto-Focus Intraoral Dental Camera was designed with the same exacting standards that make this camera remain unfazed by being run over by a car, as shown in the video:

Running your intraoral camera over with a car is a true testament to its durability. You can count on Digital Doc’s IRIS X80 to work for many more years to come.

This is in sharp contrast to other cheap intraoral cameras that can break at the smallest bump with a wall or a desk. You can’t expect such a camera to deliver crystal clear images if the materials from which it was made are so flimsy, can you?

Durable Intraoral Cameras Stand the Test of Time

Dental offices are constantly bombarded with a huge variety of new technology that one may be hard-pressed to select what is really needed from what is just another shining object or toy.

The key to keeping up to date with technology without being obsessed with buying each shiny new object lies in selecting technology that will stand the test of time.

The X80 Intraoral Camera is so durable that once you buy it, you will be insulated against the temptation of buying every camera that is brought to your attention. Your precious resources will then be allocated to other technologies that you need at the office, such as a handheld dental X-ray device. This selection of a durable intraoral camera, therefore, frees you to modernize your dental office fully by integrating modern advanced dental technology and management systems.

Durability Increases Ease of Use

Pause for a minute and imagine two scenarios. The first involves an employee learning how to use a new camera every year or so. The second scenario involves an employee who has been using the same intraoral camera for five or more years. Which of these two dental assistants will get the best from the camera before them?

The answer is obvious, isn’t it? If you have been using the same camera for years, you are more likely to master that camera in and out, so chances are you will get the best utility from that device.

That is why it is important for you to buy a durable intraoral camera, such as the X80 from Digital Doc. Your staff will be so used to handling and using the device that they get perfect images for the diagnosis, case presentation, and treatment. Such expertise cannot exist if you buy cameras that aren’t durable, and so you’re forced to keep replacing them. Our friend, Dr. Dave Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, agrees that investing in quality modern dental technology pays off.

As you can see, it is very important for you to assess the durability of any intraoral camera that you are considering purchasing for your dental practice. The IRIS X80 gives you durability and more. You will, therefore, be able to see more, do more for your patients using the number one intraoral camera in dentistry. To learn more about how to acquire an intraoral camera for your dental office, contact us today for a virtual demonstration.

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

10 Tips to Improve Patient Experience at Your Dental Office

Tips to Improve Patient Experience

Tips to Improve Patient Experience 2021

Every dentist would like to see a high patient loyalty level, numerous positive reviews, and word of mouth recommendations. Exceptional clinical care alone may not produce these effects but will certainly ensure that the patient’s experience is excellent. Below, our Digital Doc team shares some tried-and-tested tips to improve your patient experience in your dental office.

Make Your Office Easy to Find

Not many dental offices have the benefit of having an entire building all to themselves, so it goes without saying that new patients need to be able to reach your office effortlessly. Digital signage and other means to guide patients to the dental office will go a long way towards making the first impression of your patients a good one. With that first aspect of patient experience nailed, you will have fertile ground to build upon to cement your dental office as the best.

Expedite the Intake Process

Once the patients get to your dental office, the intake process must be as seamless and swift as possible. For example, interactive displays and check-in kiosks are a good way to eliminate queuing up at the reception during the intake process. The patients’ first 5 minutes in your office can make or break their experience, so make sure your front office is fast and effective.

Make Wait-Times Seem Shorter

Making patients wait is one of the most common complaints in dentistry. While you can do everything possible to avoid making patients wait for their appointments, it is sometimes inevitable that patients will have to wait. Provide entertainment and digital signage to keep your patients engaged while they wait. In this way, the wait-time will seem to be much shorter than it actually is.

Free Wi-Fi Available

In today’s world, most people carry around some form of technology. Whether that’s their smartphone, laptop, or tablet. What better way to minimize the effect of wait-times than by allowing free Wi-Fi in your office? Patients will greatly appreciate having free Wi-Fi, especially if they have little ones.

Chairside Efficiency is Key

Let’s face it. Very few patients look forward to undergoing a dental treatment. So, the secret to giving them a great experience includes being as efficient as possible.

For starters, ensure that all the supplies and equipment you will need are available in the operatory before the patient comes in. Pausing a procedure as you wait for a dental assistant to bring something you need isn’t exactly the best etiquette.

The technology you use in your dental practice can directly affect your patients’ experience. Upgrading your dental devices will not only show patients that you are keeping up with the latest technology, but it will also show them that you are serious about providing the best services possible. For example, it will take you a shorter time to examine your patient’s teeth for caries if you have the LUM Transillumination device from Digital Doc. The IRIS Intraoral Cameras made by Digital Doc also increase efficiency because you will instantly access high-quality images for diagnostic and case presentation purposes.

Make the Environment More Relaxing

You cannot go wrong if you invest in creating positive vibes at your dental office. A relaxing environment can go a long way towards easing any anxieties that your patients may have, so play soothing music in the waiting area, provide cozy seats and pass around relaxing refreshments so that your patients can be put at ease. Our friends at OG Dental, a dental office in Denver, CO, offer a comfort plan to help patients relax. This includes offering patients headphones to watch Netflix, warm towels, and more.

Don’t Ignore the Operatory

Many dental offices go all out the make the waiting area as welcoming as possible, but they pay little attention to the examination room. This is a mistake because the exam room is the one place where patients are most uneasy. Therefore, it is wise to be as meticulous as possible when selecting everything you put in the operatory. For example, the walls should be painted using a warm and calming color. The relaxing music you provide in the waiting room should also be played in the exam room to carry over their relaxation from the waiting room to the exam room until they leave.

Involve the Patient in Their Care

You can go a long way in enhancing the patients’ experience by making the patient an active participant in their care. For example, you can use the monitor in your operatory to display the images captured using a handheld x-ray machine or the best dental camera made by Digital Doc. Discuss these images with your patients and highlight the problem areas observed. That discussion between you and the patient will put the patient in the driving seat, and his or her experience at your office will be enhanced.

Hopefully, you can use the tips above to conduct a brainstorming session with your staff so that you come up with the specific steps that you can take to improve the patient experience at the dental office. At Digital Doc, we are committed to providing best-in-class dental technology, such as intraoral cameras, handheld x-rays, and other modern dental technology. Contact Digital Doc today and let us talk about how we can help you transform your patients’ experience for the better at your dental office.

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

XTG Handheld X-ray Training

XTG Handheld X-ray Training for Your Practice

New to Digital Doc’s XTG Handheld X-ray device? In the article below, our Digital Doc team discusses training for the XTG Handheld X-ray Device. The successful training of this training is required in some jurisdictions. Please note that as part of this training, users should study the XTG Handheld X-ray Device Manual in its entirety before operating this device. It is your responsibility to ensure the proper and safe use of XTG. Complete any applicable exams or certificates of completion required by your jurisdiction. This training is presented under the assumption that operators have basic radiation training.

This video will include the following:

XTG Difference
XTG Settings
Proper Positioning
Safety
Warranty/Technology Support

XTG Difference

The XTG provides your office with a new patient experience. This unit allows the operator to stay in the room with the patient. Explain to the patient that your office invests in technology that is safe, now allowing the operator to stay in the room when taking x-rays. Efficiency is important for both the patient and the office, as this device will save you time, taking your series of x-rays.

The shoulder strap allows the operator to take an x-ray and adjust the sensor without putting the x-ray down, saving you time. The unit, when worn cross-shoulder, distributes the weight throughout your back, making it lightweight, reducing operator fatigue.

XTG Control Panel & Display

Please refer to the XTG Training video to learn about the following:

The position is Power & Off
Patient Size (Adult/Child)
Ready Status Indicator
kV Type Display
Battery Charge Indicator
Mode select (s) button
Up/Down Exposure Time Control Button
Exposure Time/Error Display
Tooth Type Display

XTG Exposure Time

When choosing exposure time, consider the following:

Image density preference
Clinical quality preference
The various imaging sensors available
Patient size & practitioner techniques

Exposing an X-Ray

The XTG Has a two-step exposure button that has a safety that unlocks for five seconds. To unlock, just press and release the button. To take an x-ray, you will press and hold the exposure button until the system completes the series of beeps.

Positioning with XTG

With every exposure, make sure the backscatter shield is parallel with the operator. You can use rin holders or bite tabs. If using a ring holder, we recommend using this short rin bar. You want to be as close to the patients’ cheek as possible with any image you’re taking. The traditional rin bars can be too long, causing the exposure to remain away from the patient, resulting in poor image quality.

Bitewing Imaging

For the bitewing imaging, just keep your patient looking straight ahead. For the posterior mandibular pa, the patient will tilt their head up and to the side. Posterior maxillary pa, the patient will tilt their head down and to the side. There are multiple positions for anterior pa for adult and pedo. See the video to learn more.

Disinfecting XTG

Disinfecting your handheld x-ray device is easy. You can wipe this unit down with a non-alcohol wipe, such as a sani cloth. You can use a sheath to cover the shoulder strap, blue tape for the side strap, or a bag to cover the entire unit.

Battery Replacement

To replace your battery, simply remove the two screws on the bottom of the XTG, remove the battery, and replace. This can be done in the office.

XTG Warranty

A one year warranty on XTG covers all manufactured defects. Extended warranty is available. Contact your local Digital Doc territory manager for more details.

Only trained operators should be allowed to use XTG. Review the XTG user manual, follow all safety recommendations, stay in the safe protection zone, site through the backscatter shield. If you’re not able to stay in the protection zone, you should wear protective clothing. Secure the XTG when not in use in its locked case. Follow all rules for radiation safety in your local jurisdiction—Register XTG with the appropriate agency. Contact Digital Doc if you have any questions or need support.

Yankee Dental Congress 2021

Yankee Dental Congress

Yankee Dental Congress 2021

The Yankee Dental Congress has been an excellent platform for the dental community to learn, connect, and keep up with current trends and technology.

This year, The Yankee Dental Congress looks a little different. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the 2021 Yankee Dental Congress will be completely digital from January 28 – 30, 2021.

Our Digital Doc team is excited to be attending this year’s virtual forum. Those who participate in #YankeeDental2021 will be given access to exclusive offers on Digital Doc technology. If you have not already purchased your tickets, you can still register for the online conference.

Why Attend the Yankee Dental Congress

The Yankee Dental Congress is something our company looks forward to every year. So, why should you attend this year’s virtual conference? To start, you and your team have the opportunity to learn and connect with industry leaders in roundtable styled discussions, demos, and more. Attendees will have over 40 CE credits to choose from. Take advantage of tips and strategies that you and your team can implement immediately.

Digital Doc Offers

Our Digital Doc team will be offering exclusive deals on our advanced dental technology during the 2021 Yankee Dental Congress. Not sure about investing in new dental technology? Dentists worldwide can attest to Digital Doc technology increasing their practice’s revenue while increasing patient rapport. Our team is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Exclusive offers for the 2021 Yankee Dental Congress Event:

Purchase 2 X80 Intraoral Cameras and Receive the 3rd Camera for ½ off
Purchase 2 X80 Intraoral Cameras and Receive LuM for FREE ($3,495 value

We hope to see you at this year’s Yankee Dental Congress digital event! Please contact Digital Doc or Yankee Dental if you have any questions. We will be attending more dental trade shows this year so stay tuned!

Blū Digital X-ray Training

blu digital x-ray training - Digital Doc

Blū Digital X-ray Training

Blū Digital X-ray Training for Your Practice

Welcome to the training of Digital Doc’s Blū Digital X-ray sensor. Today, we will cover the barrier’s placement, use of the x-ray positioning system, proper placement of each type of x-ray, proper disinfection, storage, and technical support included with your sensor.

The Digital Doc Blū X-ray Sensor delivers low noise, high contrast images for fantastic diagnostic reliability. The x-rays captured on our sensors are transmitted instantly to your imaging software, where they are ready for your diagnosis.

Different Sensor Sizes

Patients come in multiple sizes, and so do our sensors. Two sensor sizes give you the flexibility to get the right image for every treatment situation.

Our size 2 sensors are standard size for adult patient bitewing x-rays and posterior periapical x-rays. Our size 1 sensor is ideal for pediatric patients, anterior PAs, and patients with a small mouth or large tori.

Barrier Placement

To prevent cross-contamination of the sensor between patients, you always want to use a barrier or sheath on the sensor before putting it into the patient’s mouth. Using the recommended barrier for your sensor, slide the sensor into the barrier, pushing it all the way to the end. Make sure that the cable is covered as well. When removing the barrier sensor, you want to make sure you avoid pulling on the cord.

Sensor Placement Per X-Ray

Now that our sensor is properly covered, we can place the sensor on our x=ray positioning device. For any radiograph, seeing the interproximal contact clearly is important for caries detection. Digital doc’s x=ray positioning system helps ensure you’re using the proper paralleling technique while acquiring your image. Place the sensor holder with the sensor’s flat side towards the ring and the corded side of the sensor toward the center of the mouth. You always want to aim the x-ray machine at the flat side of the sensor. Make sure the cord is directed out of the mouth, not towards the throat. You should be able to see the sensor directly through the ring.

Our x-ray positioning system is set for the upper right PA. Place the sensor on the lingual of the upper molars. The sensor will tilt towards the sensor o the pallet. Have the patient bite down. Make sure the ring is as close to the cheek as possible. Place the x-ray cone up to the ring.

Dental X-Ray Exposure

For lower posterior PA, retract the patient’s check for increased visibility into f the mouth. Place the sensor between the lingual side of the lower molars and tongue. Again have the patient bite down. Make sure the ring is as close to the face as possible.

For the upper anterior periapical x-ray, scoop the sensor into the mouth’s pallet and place it behind the upper anterior of the teeth. Have the patient bite down. If needed, they may use their hand to hold the bar steady. Push the ring as close to the face as possible. For the upper anterior, the ring will be very close to the nose. Line up the x-ray tube with the ring and expose the x-ray.

For horizontal bitewing x-rays, place the sensor between the tongue and the teeth. Align the front end of the sensor towards the midline to follow the mouth’s curve and help with getting open contacts on your image. Have the patient bite down. Press the ring as close to the face as possible. Line up the x-ray with the ring and expose your x-ray.

Proper Disinfection of Sensor

After you’ve removed the barrier, use recommended disinfectant wipes to wipe the sensor and cable. Ensure you are wiping towards the sensor, not away from the sensor, to ensure you are not pulling on the cord.

Storing the Sensor

A wall-mounted sensor holder is always recommended. Place the sensor in the holder and wrap the cord around so that the cord is not coiled tightly or kinked in any way.

Warranty and Technical Support

Your x-ray sensor carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty. See our website at www.digi-doc.com for warranty details and details on our extended care plan.

For sensor technical support: please call the Digital Doc Corporate office located in Northern California at 1-800-518-1102 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm CST for any technical assistance you may have.

Subscribe to our Digital Doc YouTube channel for more videos on our Digital Doc products.

How Dental Technology Can Relax Patients

How Dental Technology Can Relax Dental Patients

Fear of visiting the dental office is an issue people face all over the world. In a recent worldwide survey of about 18k people, more than 60% of respondents said they were suffering from dental anxiety and fear of the dentist. More often than not, patients are avoiding their dentists altogether. Fortunately, new advanced dental technology improves the overall patient experience. Below, we explain how dental technology can relax patients and increase case acceptance.

Understanding Your Patients’ Needs

In the dental office, anxious patients usually show irritability, are not agreeable and are more likely to respond to pain than their compound counterparts. These responses are troublesome not only for the patient but also for dental professionals. In order to prevent unpleasant patient encounters and ensure quality treatment, dentists and their teams need to practice meaningful ways to assist patients with dental anxieties to help them resolve and conquer their fears. Here are a few ways you can incorporate these technologies into your practice.

Teledentistry

Teledentistry has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reduce potential exposures while keeping oral care, many dentists are utilizing Teledentistry. To learn more about Teledentistry, read Facts About Teledentistry.

Now that most Americans have cell phones, tablets and laptops are now fitted with high-precision cameras resulting in ultra-high-definition images; patients may obtain dental appointments from the comfort of their own homes without the stress and anxiety associated with them.

Benefits of Teledentistry

With Teledentistry, new patients will no longer have to waste time in the waiting room while you consult video instead. There is no need for dental assistants to donate and drop off personal protective equipment (PPE) for each new patient on board.

You may also have an extra degree of comfort and protection when it comes to periodic patient checks to monitor your home treatment or the healing of a newly implanted implant. There was no waiting room, no travel, and, again, no PPE required. Teledentistry helps reduce fear while ensuring their safety during a pandemic.

Virtual Reality

One of the most daunting aspects of dental anxiety that practitioners face today is the fear of the patient having to experience unnecessary discomfort during the operation. Despite advancements in medical methods and technology, the majority of people are still delaying or even fully refusing dental care due to the fear and anxiety surrounding the pain.

Doctors everywhere are putting patients at ease with virtual reality (VR). Of course the distraction takes away from the pain. By encouraging a patient to concentrate his or her attention on other thoughts, less attention is available to the pain.

Virtual reality (VR) uses advanced technology to create virtual environments (VE) that allow patients to immerse themselves in an immersive, simulated world. These sophisticated devices communicate with the VE at several levels, stimulating sights, sounds, and motion to promote immersion in the virtual world to improve pain distraction.

Our friends at Park Hills Family Dentistry, a dental office in Lexington, KY, add that studies have shown that patient participation in VE decreased their recorded levels of pain during dental work.

Advanced Dental Technology

Thanks to advanced dental technology, doctors are able to provide patients with a more accurate diagnosis, quality treatment, and maximum comfort. As a dentist, you need technology you can rely on. The IRIS intraoral cameras easily capture high-resolution images. You can show patients and insurance companies exactly what you’re seeing. As a result, patients are more likely to say yes to your treatment plan. Contact us today to find out which IRIS intraoral is right for your practice.

The XTG handheld x-ray device is another practice staple. Dentists everywhere enjoy our portable device that not only shoots pristine images but also has less radiation than traditional dental x-rays. The XTG comes with a shoulder strap and portable batteries. Taking dental x-rays has never been this easy!

Lastly, our new digital x-ray sensor, Blu, is your second set of eyes. Patients love Blu because it’s comfortable and noninvasive. It comes in two different sizes for maximum comfort. As you know, Quality digital radiography is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. That’s why we designed the Blū with 27 lp/mm & an active image area of 980 square mm.

All of our Digital Doc products are designed to make serving patients easier and more effective. Increase patient rapport and comfort when you implement our products into your practice. Contact Digital Doc today to learn how to bring your practice to the next level.

Setting Practice Goals for the New Year

Setting Dental Practice Goals for the New Year

It’s the time of year to make New Year’s resolutions. Why not strive to make goals that are easy to maintain with your practice. If you have trouble making realistic resolutions for your dental practice, read our top practice goals for the new year.

Empower Your Team

Build a staff meeting rhythm and stick to it. If you meet once a week, once a month, or annually, it is essential to develop a positive rapport with your staff. Why not get into the habit of thanking your team? Employees who feel respected are more likely to stick around when things get rough and do the little bit extra for you. Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, a family dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that studies have shown that satisfied teams are efficient teams. Help the best workers perform even better. As a practice owner, it is likely that you spend your time solving problems. As a result, some of your best workers don’t get the recognition and time they need from you.

SMART Goals

You’ve likely heard of SMART Goals. Setting SMART goals is a more efficient way to achieve goals. They are precise, measurable, attainable, applicable, and time-bound. For example, if it’s your goal is to increase your practice’s case acceptance, be precise. For example, to increase billings by 10% of the previous monthly output. The goal must be attainable. If the target is too much of a stretch, it can demotivate your team, which will have a negative long-term impact on growth. Make the goal important so that your team members know exactly what they need to do to accomplish the goal.

Monitor Scheduling

As practice owners, your schedule can sometimes take control of your life. Your appointment schedule is a vital part of a successful practice. When the schedule falls apart, you’ll need your team to step in. There is no space for complacency or discrimination in this process. Good communication skills are required to arrange appointments in such a way that patients understand the significance and importance of keeping them. Your team must be completely committed to this process.

Costs of Control Workers.

Effective practice is supposed to run at 20-25% of staff costs. If staff costs are higher, that may be because you have too many workers versus the workload. If you have so many openings in your hygiene schedule, you should reduce the number of hygiene hours you have opened. On average, you should be able to hire one full-time hygienist per 1,000 active patients on the basis of 250 working days per year and 1.5 to 2 patient visits per year.

Management of Sundry Supplies.

Effective practices are expected to run at 5% or less of monthly billing. The problem with this metric is that there is sometimes uncertainty about the proper distribution of sundries and confusion about what the sundries are. Inventory management is an essential part of this process, as well as creating a monthly budget using the appropriate metric, i.e., a dollar figure based on the previous month’s invoices or collections.

Lab Costs

Lab costs are projected to run at 10% or higher. If they are less, it may mean that you are conducting bread and butter services but that there are fewer high-end services, such as crowns, bridges, implants, etc. Treatment plans need to be followed up, and a trained Treatment Coordinator can help promote treatment and improve the productivity of the practice.

Accounts Receivable

There should be no accounts pending for 90 days. Both bank managers deem 90-day accounts to be uncollectible. If your patients have obtained dental services and have not paid for them within three months, they likely have no intention of paying you. Reimbursement will be issued within two weeks, including insurance-driven practices that embrace assignment. In most cases, insurance providers will reimburse the patient regardless of the assignment strategy. Remember, it doesn’t matter how much you charge, only how much you collect.

Communication

Consistency in communication is key to the success of your practice. As doctors, it’s your duty to provide the best dental care possible. At Digital Doc, we know how difficult it can be to effectively communicate with patients and team members. One of the best ways to eliminate this communication barrier is to invest in advanced dental technology. Many patients appreciate being shown exactly what’s happening to their oral health. IRIS intraoral cameras allow patients to see anything and everything you or your team sees. When you go above, and beyond patient education, it empowers your patients to say yes to case acceptance.

Now that you have inspiration for setting practice goals for the new year, you can take charge of 2021! Increasing the overall quality of your practice will help improve the work environment and quality of care. If you’d like to learn more about our dental technology, schedule a virtual consultation with one of our Digital Doc representatives. Our team is happy to help you find dental technology for your modern dental practice. Learn how to achieve sustainable growth and profitability for years to come!