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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!

Start a New Year with Modern Dental Technology

new year with modern dental technology - Digital Doc

Start a New Year with Modern Dental Technology

Start a New Year with Modern Dental Technology in Your Practice

Technology has become crucial to dental practices worldwide. So, why not start a new year with the best modern dental technology available! At Digital Doc, we design and produce all of our products in the United States. All products are designed to be the best in its class. When you choose Digital Doc, you’re not only getting innovative modern dental technology, but you’re also getting the support of our Digital Doc team. In the article below, we share how you can start a new year with modern dental technology.

Dental X-Rays

XTG Handheld X-Ray

Low-radiation handheld dental x-rays are a comfortable and quick way to provide precise and instant images of a patient’s jaw, mouth, and teeth. The XTG Handheld x-ray improves efficiency, saving time as the patient doesn’t have to be wheeled down to radiology for an x-ray.

This advanced high frequency portable dental x-ray has been designed to produce high-quality x-rays for both digital and film sensors. The device has the following benefits:

High image quality
It is portable for multi-operatory use.
Low radiation, hence low patient exposure
Simple and safe for technicians
Requires no installation
Easy to learn and use
Has a rechargeable battery

Digital Dental Sensor

Blū is the newest Digital Doc available today. Unlike our competitors, this digital intraoral sensor is designed to produce crystal-clear digital images. It’s compatible with over 25 software suites, comes in two sizes, and is comfortable for patients. Additionally, Blū comes with an extended warranty and Digital Doc support. Additionally, integrating this dental sensor into your practice is simple!

Intraoral Cameras

These are the best dental cameras that give dentists a panoramic view of a patient’s oral cavity. Digital Doc has high-quality cameras with high resolution.

The IRIS X80 Dental Camera

This intraoral camera requires no installation as it only needs to be plugged in. The autofocus dental camera has an internal computer that monitors the oral cavity and adjusts the focus automatically. The camera takes high-definition 1080p images over a standard USB 2.0 protocol. From the multi-element prism assembly and lens path to the Sony sensor, this is the best intraoral camera as it exudes quality. Additionally, our friend Dr. Cody Boals, a family dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, agrees that every dentist should have at least one dental camera in their practice.

The IRIS USB 2.0 Dental Camera for Windows

This intraoral camera has an inbuilt easy to use 5-point focus wheel in addition to a unique USB connector that can fit a standard delivery unit. Its streamlined profile is much smaller and has been specially designed to include a soft-tip with 8-point LED lighting. In addition to this, these dental cameras also have Sony’s Hi-resolution CCD to provide the finest picture quality and are compatible with different software, including Dentrix Ascend and ImageXL.

IRIS LTE USB 2.0 Dental Camera

This fixed focus system is not only easy to use, but it’s also equipped with a unique USB connector that can fit a standard delivery unit and dual capture buttons. With a streamlined profile, much like the best dental camera for Windows, it produces the finest image quality.

LUM Transillumination Device

This is a sub-enamel illumination device that enables dentists to find minute dental imperfections painlessly by shedding a high-intensity light on the tooth in question. This transilluminator allows dentists to locate cavities and treat them in the early stages of development, which helps avert future pain and discomfort. Therefore, the LuM illumination device is your second set of eyes when diagnosing and treating patients.

At Digital Doc, we develop high-quality devices that not only make your work as a dentist easier but also allow your patients to be more comfortable. Our products produce the finest image quality and can be used easily. Contact Digital Doc today to schedule a complimentary virtual demonstration!

Best Holiday Gifts for Dental Hygienists

Best Holiday Gifts to Give Your Dental Hygienists

Holiday Gifts Your Dental Hygienists Will Actually Love

You’ve worked with your dental hygienist for a while, and with the holiday season fast approaching, you’re thinking about getting them something to show your appreciation. The problem is, you don’t know what to get them. What’s unique and practical but won’t sit in the closet? We know exactly what you should get! Below, Digital Doc has put together some of the best holiday gifts to give your dental hygienists this year.

The LUM Transillumination

This is an easy to use transillumination device that gives instant documentation and the detection of all its findings. It detects a tooth’s impurities by shining a high-intensity light onto the tooth. In a tooth that has no impurities, the light travels to the lingual from the buccal surface uninterrupted. While in a tooth with impurities such as leaking amalgam or fractures, the light disperses, showing clearly in images.

The Iris X80 Camera

This is the best intraoral camera as it can adjust its focus automatically and monitor the area (mouth cavity) using an internal computer. As it doesn’t require installation, this makes it easy to use. It also provides high definition images and has dual capture buttons for ease of use. There are so many other advantages the X80 has to offer. Dr. Honag, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, agrees that dental cameras are a game-changer for both hygienists and dentists! You truly can’t go wrong with upgrading.

If you want to spoil your dental hygienists this year while improving your practice’s case acceptance, purchasing Digital Doc’s X80 is the perfect gift.

Portable Handheld X-Ray Device

Digital Doc’s portable handheld x-ray device allows your hygienists to capture dental x-rays without having the patient move operatories. This device acts as a camera. All you have to do is point and shoot, and your dental x-rays will be instantly uploaded to the imaging software! The XTG handheld x-ray is durable, comes with a shoulder strap, and lasts all day long! Your dental hygienists will truly appreciate this dental technology.

Blū Digital Dental Sensor

We’ve saved the best for last. Digital Doc’s new digital intraoral sensor is our favorite new toy. Blū comes in two different sizes. It’s compact and durable design allows dental hygienists to take high-quality dental images. Not only does Blū make their job easier, but it also makes the doctor’s job easier. With Blū’s high contrast images, your diagnostic reliability is through the roof.

Contact Digital Doc

When it comes to gifting, knowing the person you’re gifting gives you an inkling of what they might like. You may find out that they’d like the best dental sensor or a nice autofocus dental camera for Christmas. Now that you know all of our best holiday gifts for dental hygienists, you can decide which is best! If you’re having trouble deciding, schedule a virtual demo with us today! We will help you decide which products are best for your team. Happy holidays!

Proactive Year-End Tax Tips for Dentists

We are less than a month away from year’s end. Owners of dental practices should be focusing on what they can do to save this current year and the coming year’s taxes. While some doctors and accountants prefer to wait till January in the new year to do this, you shouldn’t. You may not have enough time to improve your strategies for tax reduction. Below we explore some proactive year-end tax tips for dentists.

Have You Thought About Cost-Segregation?

If you own the building your dental office resides in or you conducted any renovation/remodel/tenant improvement, this may be one of the most significant tax deductions ever. If you didn’t carry out any of the above, you still get a normal depreciation deduction on commercial real estate distributed over a 39-year period.

It should be noted, though, that the IRS recognizes that not everything in a building lasts the 39-year period. They, therefore, classify different components/materials that depreciate fast in a 5, 7, or 15-year period. So, instead of spreading the materials out over the 39-year time frame, you can accelerate the materials depreciation. For high quality portable dental x-rays that will not depreciate easily, contact Digital Doc today.

Evaluate Business Structures

Until a practice proves its ability to generate revenue, most dental practices start as sole proprietorships for tax purposes. While some dental practices may still be filing their taxes as C-corporations, it makes more sense to file your taxes as an S-corporation. Mainly because S-corporation owners can report the firm’s revenue as personal income, so they don’t pay tax. Choosing to file your taxes as an s-corporation can be done at any time in the fiscal year.

Ever Thought of Prepaying Known Expenses?

Prepaying some of your known expenses for next year before December 31 allows you to accelerate deductions for this year. Practices are permitted to prepay rent for a 10-month period and subtract it in the current year. If you are aware that you’ll incur supply and lab bills from purchasing handheld dental x-rays in the coming year, one can convey a pre-paid tab to their vendors and deduct it for this financial year.

Additionally, Dr. Beth Herko, a family dentist in New Providence, NJ, points out that any item charged or ordered using a credit card can also be expensed in the current year. This ensures that you don’t have to pay right away, and you can make use of the tax write-off.

Review your Depreciation Deduction Options

Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code permits businesses to take immediate deductions for business expenses that are related to assets that depreciate, such as vehicles and equipment. So, if you require any autofocus dental camera equipment in your practice that will help generate more revenue, you may write it off before the end of the year. Ask your accountant whether you have enough tax basis in your practice to write off the total asset value before you make the purchase.

You should ensure that the transilluminator equipment has been installed and is in use by December 31 if you would like to take advantage of this deduction.

Did You Know You Can Put Your Children on Payroll?

The Internal Revenue Service says that children aged six and above can be employed through one’s business. Every year, you should consult your accountant on the yearly limit kids can make without getting taxed in exchange for actual services provided, which may include cleaning an office or arranging your dental cameras. You can utilize the funds acquired in funding tuition fees or college savings accounts.

Have You Reviewed Retirement Plans and Options?

Ensure that you’ve invested in your practice properly before investing elsewhere. Investing in your dental practice not only provides you with the equivalent tax deduction of an individual who invested in any retirement plan (pre-tax) but also has a higher ROI.

Does your practice has a healthy revenue stream? You should consult on larger retirement plan strategies that go beyond the normal profit-sharing, 401k plans. Consult your accountant as well as your investment advisor.

It is important to note that you shouldn’t buy a handheld X-ray or any other dental equipment or invest in a venture simply to avoid getting taxed. You should make each decision with the growth of your practice and its financial health in mind. However, if you’d like to purchase equipment that would help generate more revenue for your dental business, contact Digital Doc.

Now that you’ve learned some year-end tax tips for dentists, you can go into 2021 feeling financially ready. Here at Digital Doc, we have various high-quality equipment that would suit your business needs. Stop wasting your money and time purchasing low-quality equipment that is unreliable. Contact Digital Doc today for a free virtual demonstration.

How to Get Your Patients to Use Dental Benefits Before They Expire

How to Get Your Patients to Use Dental Benefits

How to Get Your Patients to Use Dental Benefits Before They Expire

For many, a new year brings new opportunities to better ourselves. In the dental world, a new year means that patients’ dental benefits reset. As 2020 comes to an end, many dental practices are faced with the dilemma of getting their patients to accept and complete their dental treatments. Below are a few Digital Doc tips for how to get your patients to use dental benefits before they expire on January 1st.

Flexible Spending Accounts

This is an account that you can create through your employer. You can choose the number of funds you will put into the account, which will then be deducted from every one of your paychecks, pre-tax. These accounts cover dental products or services such as dentures, teeth cleaning, and braces. These days, dentists use non-invasive equipment such as the best dental cameras to carry out their checkups.

To encourage your patient to complete any pending treatment they may have, remind them that they can utilize their FSA benefits pay for their treatments, along with their dental insurance benefits. Make them aware that if they don’t use their dental benefits, they will lose them.

Educate Your Patients

Your patients need to be educated on the importance of not delaying treatment and the consequences that come with doing so. Your dental team should therefore be trained on how to do this. If you’ve had a cavity or a toothache before, you know that they never get better on their own, only worse. You should encourage your patients to complete their treatment as soon as they possibly can. This will help avoid more extensive, expensive, and painful treatment if you utilize the best dental technology, such as a handheld dental x-ray and a transilluminator, to locate the affected areas and treat you in no time.

When a patient is being escorted to the check-out area, the front desk should be aware of each patient’s treatment plan and their remaining yearly maximum and their benefits details. The patient should then be informed on this while explaining what would happen if one fails to use their benefits. Additionally, they should also be informed of what can happen if dental treatment is delayed. You should always try to schedule their next dental appointment before they leave.

Promote Same-day Treatments

Talk to patients who haven’t used up their dental benefits but are in the dentist’s office for a scheduled visit. Encourage them to stay by informing them that if they undergo treatments now. This will save them an additional visit to the dentist.

Patients who have met their yearly deductible but still have more treatments to undergo, inform them that this deductible will be applied to next year’s treatment as it will reset along with their benefits.

Dental Insurance

If you would prefer not to call up your patients like a telemarketer, send them a newsletter. The newsletter should contain details about the patient’s dental insurance and non-invasive equipment, such as the best intraoral camera or handheld Xray, used in diagnosis and treatment. This will allow you to target your patient base on a large scale while also educating them on the benefits of completing treatment. You can also encourage them to use their dental benefits before they expire through this medium.

It may sound like something everyone should know, but most patients don’t know anything that concerns their dental benefits. Therefore, it is up to dental practices to inform them that they should use them before their expiry.

There’s No Time Like the Present

Patients with extensive treatment plans need to be informed about the benefits expiring. Not only will they be able to apply for their unused benefits, but they’ll also save more when they resume their treatments the following year. To find patients with large treatment plans, use Dentrix, a treatment plan coordinator. This system will generate lists of patients who have:

Unused dental benefits
No scheduled appointments with the dentist
Not completed their treatment plans

You can then contact the patients directly through text, emails, or calls.

Most dental plans pay 90% for preventative visits, so you should encourage your patients to schedule a visit. Regular dental cleanings can help detect early signs of cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease. Dr. Moghadam, a family dentist in Easton, PA, agrees that modern dental technology like dental cameras helps tremendously with diagnosing patients. Checkups can also help prevent these dental problems.

You can also remind your patients that they pay dental insurance premiums each month without enjoying the benefits. No one wants to lose money, so they will most definitely book an appointment. Digital Doc provides you with the best equipment for your dental practice, ranging from digital dental sensors, portable dental x-rays to the best intraoral cameras. Contact us today and upgrade your facility with these current technologies.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New X-Ray Sensor

before purchasing new x-ray sensor - Digital Doc

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New X-Ray Sensor

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New X-Ray Sensor for Your Dental Practice

Over the years, dental imaging has evolved tremendously, allowing dentists to serve their patients better. Digital radiography, for example, has significantly developed. If you don’t know a lot about our latest digital x-ray sensor, Blū, consider reading the Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New X-Ray Sensor article below.

Precision and Accuracy

The most important thing to consider when choosing a dental x-ray sensor is the quality of images it produces. The results should be not only precise but also accurate. The industry standard for X-ray machines is (+/-)5% for all tests at any time. It is important to ensure that the new dental sensor meets these requirements before you purchase it.

Ease of Use

The digital dental sensor in the system should be easy to move around inside the patient’s mouth and also easy to use. The sequence of use enables the system to shoot and move the sensor as well as take an x-ray. Additionally, the system also automatically dates, numbers by tooth, mounts, correctly orients, and saves the digital x-ray images. This eliminates the need to develop and mount then file the x-rays physically. Also, it saves your staff time. Ultimately, improving efficiency and case acceptance in your practice. The digital x-rays can also be shared securely and safely with insurance companies or referring specialists through email or over the internet.

The Image Quality

Unlike traditional film, digital dental sensors like Blū produce better and consistent quality images. The image quality Blū by Digital Doc produces goes unmatched when compared to competitors. The images provided also show variations in density as well as sharpness. Pick a sensor that has the highest quality. Dr. Hoang, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, says, showing patients the quality images captured are what motivates them to say yes to treatment.

Comfortable and Single-Size Sensor

The dental sensor you choose should come in a size that fits both adults and children comfortably. A digital dental sensor with rounded corners makes the experience more comfortable as compared to film. This, in turn, makes it easier for your hygienist. Additionally, the intraoral sensor should also have a direct USB connection, which will make it easier for assistants to switch easily between different operations.

Safety of Your New Digital Dental Sensor

When purchasing a portable dental x-ray sensor for your facility, you should take into consideration the safety of both you and your staff as well as your patients. Different models may require different exposure levels to capture an accurate image. Despite technological advancements to increase the standards with regard to this, it remains a concern. Therefore, you should do adequate research on the safety of the various models in the market before deciding on the dental x-ray sensor you would like to purchase.

Consider a Trusted Dental Technology Brand

Another important factor to be considered is the manufacturing company. At Digital Doc, we’ve earned our reputation for providing premium dental products for our customers. We are proud to say that both customer service and support is nothing but the very best. Additionally, we are a family-owned business right here in the United States. When choosing your new dental sensor, consider looking into the company you choose. With Digital Doc, you’re not just purchasing a product.

Exceptional Product Warranty

When thinking of buying a handheld dental X-ray device or a digital x-ray sensor, you need to take into account the warranty offered. At Digital Doc, we have a two-year warranty for our digital x-ray products. Backed by quality customer support, if your Digital Doc products break, we will get it fixed ASAP.

Schedule a Virtual Demonstration

Before you invest in a digital x-ray system, you should ensure you do your own research. Do not go for a complicated system. Invest in dental technology that is simple to understand and use and has a very low chance of malfunctioning. This will extend the life of the product as well as increase your return on investment. For help in selecting the best system for your needs, contact Digital Doc for a virtual demonstration. A team member will assess your needs and recommend the best products to meet your needs.