The ability to optimise an image for what you are looking for is invaluable and makes dentistry what it is today. Equipment with settings for endodontics, periodontology and caries (dentine and enamel) is invaluable and image capturing has improved treatment outcomes. Pre-op and post-op photos have certainly increased my standard of finish in restorations.
Patients are aware of the technology too, though they only ever comment on the technology they see. They don’t see the technology in the NiTi rotary endo or nano-filled composite, but they generally do appreciate what they can see in front of them. The ability for the patient to see the crack or decay or poor margin is important for treatment take-up but, even if the patient doesn’t accept the advised treatment, the picture can be saved with a date stamp to protect you dental-legal wise. Quality is paramount in everything we do and, as we put the patients’ radiographs and images up on a big screen in front of them in the chair, the resolution needs to be at its maximum.
The kit may have been a big investment, but it provides value given its use. Some dentists spend a lot of money on a car that they may only spend an hour in per day! So, spending seven hours per day with good dental technology certainly makes it a savvy investment.
Is the reduction in exposure to radiation that the system provides a key selling point for patients? Well, low dose radiographs are key for any conscientious clinician. Patients appreciate the investment and can see why the X-ray is costing them money.
There was no doubt that we wanted to start off using the best. When we look to upgrade in 10 to 15 years time, there will surely be new technology.
The speed from taking the image to having it on screen ready for diagnosis is great. From pressing the X-ray button to seeing the image takes less than two minutes, which is easily spent discussing oral health instructions with the patient.
Reliable
We have had a Durr VistaScan Mini Plus serving two surgeries. Training the nurses to use the equipment was easy and we have not had a single problem with the hardware or software since installation. If only all dental equipment was this reliable.
I would find it extremely difficult to now go back to not having my digital equipment.
These products, in conjunction with a positive ethos, has driven Pont Steffan Dental Practice into the forefront of Wales and the South West for dentistry. We are looking forward to the new and innovative products manufacturers will bring to the marketplace as we or them are nothing without each other. If the closure of HMV and Blockbuster have taught us anything, it is fail to embrace technology at your peril.