Making life easier through various means is something we all try to apply in our day-to-day lives, but what about work? We spend so much of our time in the workplace so it’s important to make that experience happy, enjoyable and
efficient.
In the dental setting, there are many areas where the day can be made easier. We’re lucky that our profession benefits from a myriad of technological advancements, all designed to make our job more satisfying and to provide a
better service to our patients. However, with all this choice comes the inevitable confusion; with so much on offer where do you begin?
Investment
There are many factors to consider when it comes to purchasing new products or equipment for your surgery. Financial
implications can be the top priority for many, especially in these tough economic times, but simply looking for the cheapest systems or sticking with what you have because it’s ‘doing the job’ is not always the right outlook to take. The emphasis should be on spending money on key items that will
improve the quality of your working life and/or provide a return on your investment.
For example, taking dental radiographs using traditional methods is fine, however, digital systems can revolutionise your working practice by comparison. In this way, you will be able to obtain the images faster and you will no longer need to spend time processing your radiographs in a darkroom. This leads to numerous benefits. Firstly, it will provide you with a set of products that you will no longer need to keep ordering, as film processing chemicals will not need replenishing. It will also save space as you will not need a darkroom. Depending on the digital system you choose, this area could then be used to house a state of the art panoramic cephalometric or CBCT scanner. If you opted for an intraoral X-ray unit, this would be placed in the surgery, leaving your old darkroom as spare space to use as you wish. Space will also be saved in terms of file storage as radiographs can be saved digitally. This also provides easier access at a later date.
Educational
Digital radiographs also remove processing errors, meaning your images will be more reliable and you will reduce the number of retakes required. With these systems your images are also more precise and you have options to adjust contrast and zoom in areas that require more focus. This can be a great educational tool too, as you will be able to show patients areas of concern so that they understand their own mouth better and can take ownership of their oral health requirements.
Due to advancements in technology, there are some portable and handheld systems that can be used as an add on to your existing digital device. This enhances the benefit of instant imaging because not only can you show your patients their radiographs straight away, but seeing them on a device in the palm of their hand means they can closely look and ask you questions. This can also aid the educational aspect of these systems.
Radiation exposure is also greatly reduced through using the latest digital imaging systems instead of traditional film. You may find that many of your patients have fears or concerns over exposure to radiation. By installing a digital X-ray you can then discuss this subject with them to help alleviate their worries by explaining the benefits of the lower radiation doses. Not only that, your dental staff will also thank you for introducing a system that will benefit their health, as well as making their everyday working life much more efficient.
Although digital imaging systems do incur an initial outlay the effect they can provide could be of huge benefit to you and the rest of the dental team. Some digital imaging companies provide solutions to limit the impact of the initial cost. For example, the MyRay Hyperion X9 incorporates a modular concept enabling you to start with 2D panoramic imaging and then upgrade to its three-in-one solution.
With so much on offer to make working life easier every day for dental professionals, switching from traditional film to digital X-rays can be the perfect first step to take. Start taking the stress out of your day with efficient functionality that your staff will love, and you won’t regret.