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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.

Dental Technology of Today

About Dental Technology of Today

In today’s world, technology ensures the world works efficiently. At Digital Doc, we believe that diagnosing patients at your practice should be easy. That’s why we’ve designed the best dental technology products on the market. Our high-quality devices are minimally-invasive, fast, and effective. Investing in your practice using Digital Doc technology will ensure that patients receive the best treatment possible. Below, we explore some of the best dental technology of today that is used for diagnosing, restoring, and treating patients.

Handheld X-Ray Device

Digital Dental X-rays are a common diagnostic tool used in dental practices. They are an essential tool that allows you to evaluate your patients’ jaw bone and teeth. They can also be used to diagnose bone mass loss that results from gum disease as well as diagnosis cavities. Many dental practices use XTG digital handheld dental x-ray devices because:

They use less radiation as compared to traditional x-rays
They don’t require film and produce the finest picture quality.
The images captured can be enlarged or enhanced easily.

There are two types of x-rays that are commonly found in dental practices. The first is the extra-oral x-ray. As you may know, this is when x-rays are taken on the outside of the mouth, specifical x-rays of the jaw and the skull. These x-rays are used to observe the growth of jaws in regard to teeth as well as diagnose problems with the TMJ or identify any affected teeth.

On the other hand, intraoral x-rays are taken inside the mouth. Similarly, these are used to examine the tooth roots and the surrounding bone as well as in cavity detection, monitoring teeth development, and checking jawbone overall health. The most common intraoral x-rays include:

Panoramic x-rays that capture all your teeth in one shot. This type is used to diagnose a jaw problem, plan for implants, or plan for wisdom tooth extraction.
Occlusal x-rays detect abnormalities in the bottom or top of your mouth.
Bitewing x-rays check for cavities between teeth.
Periapical x-rays usually focus on two teeth as a whole, from the roots to their crowns.

Intraoral Cameras

Gone are the days where you have to poke around in your patients’ mouth with a mirror and a headlight. Today, intraoral cameras like the IRIS X80 Liquid Lens Autofocus dental camera take diagnostics and patient education to a whole new level. The IRIS X80 effortlessly captures crystal clear images of your patients’ teeth, gums, and other structures inside their mouths. Our friend Dr. Dave Moghadam, a family dentist in Easton, PA, says that intraoral cameras is truly a game changer for any doctor looking to increase case acceptance.

Transillumination Devices

Transillumination Devices, such as the LuM Sub-Enamel Illumination device, make caries detection very easy. This is because you’re able to see a clear view of tooth structures in a way that isn’t possible with just a dental camera.

The advancements of dental technology, as seen from the few examples above, have resulted in positive changes to the experiences of dental patients while also making the work of dentists and assistants even easier. So, if you, too, would like your practice to enjoy the benefits that the latest dental technology can offer, contact Digital Doc today.

What is Your Dental Practice Worth?

What is Your Dental Practice Really Worth?

While many homeowners know how much their homes might be worth in the current market, the same cannot be said for dentists, not in terms of homeownership but about their practices. It is estimated that more than 90% of dentists have no idea or even rough estimate of the value of their practices. So, what is your dental practice worth?

Knowing your dental practice’s worth helps you keep your options open regarding retirement or planning your next career move.

To learn the value of their practice, Digital Doc suggests that dentists should:

Get a Professional Practice Valuation

To accurately determine the potential value and profit margin of a practice, one requires industry-specific skills and expertise. This is why it is essential to contact a professional who specializes in dental practice appraisals.

Before choosing, though, you should also consider the price of an appraisal. While dental practice appraisals are an important tool in retirement and career planning, a thorough appraisal requires special insight. It is a time-consuming process, which may bump up its cost significantly. Practice appraisers may charge an average of $5,000. If you would prefer not to spend this, you should source an expert appraiser that doesn’t require a high fee.

Having a professional valuation done for your practice requires a lot of assessment as well as documentation. These may include the following;

The current balance sheet
Tax returns and profit and loss statements for the last three years
List of employees, complete with salary or wage information
Active patient roster
New patients the facility has received in the last year
Production is broken down by procedure type and provider
Office hours
Dentists’ biography
The insurance plans accepted
Photo documentation of equipment, such as the best dental cameras and office
A copy of the lease (where applicable)
Accounts receivable aging report

After getting practices appraised, dentists can then:

Weigh Their Options

The two main reasons why dentists need to know the value of their practices is career planning and retirement. Having this information on hand gives them the option of either selling their practice before they retire, which can be equated to the liquidation of an asset, or transitioning their practice while making a career move.

Knowing the value may also help make decisions and investments that may double or even triple the practice’s share value and overall value.

Make the Best Decision for Your Practice

There are many factors that affect the value of a practice. A professional appraiser may factor in the following to help determine the value of your practice. This includes:

Practice availability in the community
The location of your practice
The building type, e.g., retail center or standalone building
Regional growth
Signage
The number of active patients, i.e., those who’ve visited the facility within the last one and a half years
Retention rates
Patient attraction
Value of dental equipment, e.g., intraoral dental cameras, and portable dental x-ray system.

What to Expect During Your Practice Valuation

The appraiser may include the practice type in the appraisal, whether it’s a specialty practice that relies on referrals or general practice. The appraiser will also note the number of new patients that visit your practice on a monthly or annual basis and assess whether these patients move on or stay with the practice. This helps determine an attrition rate.

The value of dental equipment, ranging from handheld dental X-ray devices to the best intraoral sensor, is determined by the condition of the office and potential resale pricing. Additionally, profit margins and practice revenue trends are also considered. Dr. Chris Green, a Parker, CO dentist, says many appraisers focus on the most recent year as well as the last three years. This is why many dentists who plan to sell their practice are advised not to reduce their activities before the sale.

The information an appraisal provides enables you to make informed decisions on how you would like to proceed or let go of your practice. Additionally, the sooner you find out the value of your practice, the better.

There’s not necessarily a perfect time for having your practice appraised, so you should have one done when your books are in order. This will make it easier to gather the information required.

So, what is your dental practice worth? Why spend another month without knowing the value of your practice? Get that appraisal done ASAP!

Tips for Taking Proper Digital Radiographs

Tips for Taking Proper Digital Radiographs in Your Practice

One of the most important advancements in dentistry is digital radiography. It saves time, and it’s less labor-intensive, has reduced radiation exposure, and makes patient diagnosis a breeze.

Radiographs are similar to dental x-rays, with the only difference being the digital sensor. Digital Doc’s Blū digital x-ray sensor captures crystal-clear images instantly. This makes radiographs an essential part of any dental practice. To make sure that you are using your new dental sensor properly, our Digital Doc team shares the following tips for taking proper digital radiographs.

Operating Your New Digital X-Ray Sensor

Below are a few tips on how to comfortably and properly take digital radiographs.

Maxillary Anterior

When taking a radiograph of the maxillary anterior segment, use a rolling scoop motion to position the sensor in the patient’s mouth. Make sure that you place the dental x-ray sensor parallel to the long axis of the teeth. After moving the sensor’s cable to one side, have the patient bite down onto the bite block. Once stable, you can press the exposure button.

Mandibular Anterior

A radiograph of the mandibular anterior segment may be a bit uncomfortable for the patient. To help with the discomfort, tell your patient to place the tip of their tongue to the lingual of their lower jaw incisor teeth. You can then use a rolling scoop motion and place the sensor on top of the tongue before rolling it into an upright position. The tongue acts as a cushion for any tender or sensitive soft tissue. Once the dental sensor has again been placed parallel to the teeth’s long axis and the bite block centered on the mandibular central incisors, the patient can then bite down on the block. When stability is achieved, you can press the exposure button.

Posterior Mandibular

A posterior mandibular segment x-ray can be uncomfortable for your patient. You can therefore use a foam cushion or gauze to provide some comfort. Ensure the cushioning you use is compatible with your digital dental sensor before use. To take the radiograph, retract the patient’s cheek using either an instrument or your finger and guide the intraoral sensor into the mouth, placing it between the teeth and the tongue at a 45º angle. Steadily move the sensor back till it’s level will the posterior teeth, either molars or premolars. Repeating the process again, move the cable out of the way, have the patient bite down on the bite block, and press the exposure button once stability is achieved.

Posterior Maxillary

The radiograph of your patient’s posterior maxillary segment employs the same technique as above, the only difference coming in during the positioning of the sensor and its angling. Unlike in the posterior mandibular segment x-ray, the best intraoral sensor is angled to capture the apices of the roots.

More Tips for Taking Proper Digital Radiographs

Apart from these detailed suggestions for taking digital radiographs, you can also:

Ensure you use the correct dental x-ray alignment

Correctly positioning your receptor as well as your handheld x-ray beam, ensures that the images come out clear. If either one or both are not positioned correctly, the teeth may appear overlapped, shortened, or elongated in the x-rays.

Ensure you include the patient’s whole mouth with the dental x-rays

Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that he often takes full-mouth x-rays. If you are required to take a panoramic x-ray, include all the mouth sections, even those with missing teeth, such as when wisdom teeth have been removed.

Refrain from bending the x-ray film

Bending the receptor or film may result in unclear or distorted images. To counter this, either use rigid digital receptors as they cannot be bent and are made using hard plastic or use a receptor that best fits the patient’s mouth size when they bite.

Adjust exposure when taking an x-ray

For an x-ray to produce a properly exposed image, it should be noted that a larger mouth requires more light as compared to a smaller mouth. You should, therefore, adjust your exposure settings depending on the patient’s mouth size. As compared to a larger adult, a petite adult or child may require a lower setting. Failing to set your exposure correctly may produce images that are over or underexposed.

Make your patient comfortable

A patient who is uncomfortable tends to reposition themselves or move while the x-ray image is being captured. Those movements may cause the images produced to be poorly defined or blurry. You can help keep your patient still by:

Ease their gag reflex. This can be done by telling your patient to hum, breathe deeply through their nose, or refocus their attention.
Providing your patient with neck and head support before you capture the x-rays using your XTG portable dental x-ray.

Following these tips will ensure that your radiographs are of good diagnostic quality. If you need more help operating your new dental sensor by Digital Doc, our support team is happy to help. Are you interested in upgrading your dental sensor to Blū? Schedule your free virtual demonstration today.

How Dental Technology Pays for Itself With Marketing

How Dental Technology Pays for Itself With Marketing Efforts

It is a matter of necessity for dental practices to regularly upgrade their technology so that they can serve the needs of patients better, faster, and more cost-effective. However, it is also a fact that some dental technology can be pricey, so careful thought has to be put into marketing that newly acquired technology so that more patients can benefit from it, and the equipment can pay for itself. Here are some suggestions that you can put into consideration so that your new dental technology pays for itself with marketing.

Think Marketing from the Get-Go

At Digital Doc, we recommend that you think about the consumer side of the technology before invest in it. Before investing in technology, consider the following:

Is there a consumer demand?
Will this technology help you stand out as a dental practice?
Will the technology have a positive impact on your bottom line?
What’s the ROI rate?

Is The Dental Technology Unique?

In our experience, most patients who visit dental offices live within a 7-mile radius from that office. Research some of the dental practices within your general area so that you find out if any of them are using modern dental technology.

If you are lucky enough to be the first to own the technology, you will have an edge over your competition because you can market this unique part of your practice.

How Can Your Patients Benefit?

There is little justification to acquire dental technology that doesn’t offer any real value to patients. Therefore, you need to ask yourself how patients stand to benefit from that new technology before you make the decision to invest in it.

For example, when you acquire a handheld dental x-ray device, your patients will be grateful because of the amount of radiation that they will be exposed to will drastically reduce. Additionally, high-quality x-ray images are available right away, and this means that an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can be offered sooner.

It is easier for you to market dental technology if you can show your patients the benefits. In no time, your initial investment will pay for itself!

If you really want to know what your current patients think about dental technology, post an online survey. That way, you can gauge how important it is for their dentist to use high-quality dental technology. Additionally, you can also keep records of how many patients are unhappy about the way a certain procedure is done. Consider using this data when investing in new technology.

You can also ask your followers on social media what they think. Ask them if they would rather go to a modern dental office or a traditional office if they’d rather have the best dental equipment at their dentist or mediocre equipment. Doing market research will give you concrete information upon which you can make an investment decision.

How Will You Promote the Technology?

At this point, if investing in new technology is best for your dental practice, then contact Digital Doc for a virtual demonstration. Our team will help you get started!

Whether you’ve decided on IRIS dental cameras, handheld x-ray, or dental x-ray sensor, it’s important to start creating buzz around your new tools.

Create Value Statements

One way to promote the newly acquired portable dental x-ray is by coming up with as many value statements as possible so that your staff uses those statements while interacting with patients. Role-play by your staff can be a great way to get familiar with promoting technology to patients.

Advertise Modern Technology on Your Website

You can also update your website so that every site visitor learns about the technology you’ve just acquired. Most dental marketing experts will recommend using modern dental practice keywords as well as adding a technology page to your website.

Go to Social Media

Use Facebook Live to share with your friends and followers the process of unboxing the new technology. Go a step further and even upload videos of your staff members using the portable dental x-ray system on one another so that your patients can see how it works. Our friend, Dr. O’Grady, a dentist in Denver, CO, does a great job of marketing his dental practice.

Online Reviews for Your Practice

Request for online reviews on your Facebook or Google My Business page. Those reviews will serve as social proof that your technology offers a better experience for patients. Ultimately, attracting more patients to experience the best dental services possible.

How the XTG Handheld X-Ray Can Help Your Practice

handheld x-ray can help your practice - Digital Doc

How the XTG Handheld X-Ray Can Help Your Practice

How the XTG Handheld X-Ray Helps Dental Practices

It doesn’t matter whether your dental practice currently uses digital or film X-ray sensors. The XTG handheld X-ray device will fit right in and bring advanced radiology right into your operatory! This portable X-ray system can be worn like a cross-body bag or guitar, or you can mount it on a tripod within the operatory. The choice is yours.

However, many dentists prefer to use the shoulder strap so that the x-ray device rests on your hip. In this way, you can walk around your operatory or from one room to another. At just 5.2 pounds, the portable dental x-ray system is the lightest in its class. Therefore, you should have no worries that you will suffer any aches and pains while using this device.

Besides, this handheld dental x-ray is designed to be used with only one hand, so you can switch to using your left or right hand in the course of the day just for its variety! In this article, we share how the XTG handheld x-ray can help your practice.

Benefits of Using the XTG Handheld Dental X-Ray

Reduced risk of radiation exposure.

Traditional x-ray equipment isn’t just bulky but carries a higher risk of radiation exposure. As patients become more conscious about their safety, it helps to invest in an XTG portable dental x-ray device. Patients will appreciate the new x-ray device that drastically reduces the amount of radiation to which a patient is exposed without compromising the quality of the images captured.

Ease of use.

Once our Digital Doc team helps you set up the XTG portable x-ray system, all you have to do is plug it in and start taking clear x-ray images. You’ll save more time with the XTG because it’s so user friendly. In other words, just about anyone can operate this device.

Higher case acceptance rates.

The images taken using the portable dental x-ray system can be instantly displayed on a patient education monitor. Dr. Ben Kacos, the best dentist in Shreveport, LA, agrees that it helps if the monitor is large (think 50-plus inches) to see the high-quality x-ray images clearly. As you point out the areas of concern to a patient, that individual will be in no doubt regarding the necessity of the treatment plan that you propose since they will have seen for themselves the magnitude of the defect.

The list of benefits of using the handheld dental x-ray system goes on and on. Dentists enjoy using this x-ray device because it offers better care to patients, improves workflow, and increases case acceptance. Contact us today and schedule an in-office or virtual demonstration of how the XTG can be beneficial to your dental practice.