Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of

Digital Dentistry

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Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 2

General dentists are adopting digital technology at a steady rate. Those who attended dental

school before students were trained in these technologies are increasingly investigating them,

investing in them, and incorporating them into their practices. Younger dentists—Generation

X, and certainly Generation Y—would not think of practicing dentistry without the

technologies that can streamline their work flows because of the technologies’ potential to

make their practices more profitable, virtually autonomous, and very technically advanced.

Clinicians who have begun using digital scanning, 3-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed

tomography (CBCT), lasers, chairside milling, and 3D printing have created an infrastructure

that functions better than the traditional practice model. They have improved their

diagnostics beyond anything previously comprehensible. They have optimized the patient,

team, and their personal work flow to the current maximum. They are satisfying their

creativity and enjoying their profession like never before. And they are saving time and money

in an unprecedented way.

The Age of Digital Dentistry: Considering the advances, the benefits, and the rationales

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 3

This ebook explores some of the product categories and services available through Patterson

Dental and the experiences of 2 clinicians who have aligned with Patterson Dental to make

their visions gradually and purposefully become a reality.

Taking the first step Everyone’s approach to trying any new technology is different. Some people jump right in

and purchase whole systems that will change their entire landscape, while others try 1

technology and add others 1 at a time.

“The reason I stage out new things 1 at a time is that any new implementation kind of rattles

the office,” explains Gauri Mona Patel, DDS, a general dentist who practices in Whitefish Bay,

Wisconsin. “It takes a lot of training to utilize a new technology. Everyone has to develop a

new habit and get a new work flow going. It may take 3 or 4 weeks for it to become

standard work practice, but once it hits, it’s great!”

When Dr. Patel is thinking about buying new technology, large or small, she includes her

partner and team in the decision-making process. “I have a team powwow to get their

thoughts on it,” Dr. Patel says. “It can’t be a solo mission. It’s only going to be successful if my

team is on board.” Because auxiliary staff can use many of today’s technologies, the whole

team needs to be supportive of a change in protocol, new duties, and delivery of care. “If

they question what they have to learn next with any apprehension, I always assure them that

I'll explain the new protocols in detail and make the transitions as seamless as possible with

lots of support available,” she says. “Then they are more easily on board with the changes.”

David Rice, DDS, a general dentist who practices with 2 other general dentists, a

prosthodontist, and a staff of 13 in East Amherst, New York, takes the same approach.

“We’re very much a team-centered practice, and we always integrate everything in a similar

process,” Dr. Rice explains. “The dentists are ‘the officiators’ of the technology. We make sure

we are comfortable and feel we can trouble shoot, answer any questions, and be a good

resource for the team before implementing new technology.”

Mona Patel, DDS, owns and practices general dentistry at Bayshore Dental in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. She has been in practice for 11 years, and utilizes an all-digital office work flow in her newly designed office. She has been awarded the American Institute of Architects 2017 Honor Award for Design Excellence and the ADA Wells Fargo Dentist Practice of the Year for Office Design and consults on smart office design and digital work flows. Dr. Patel is a key opinion leader speaker for Dentsply Sirona, and an active member of the ADA, AGD, AACD, and CERECdoctors.com. She can be reached at (414) 332-6010, drpatel@bayshoredds.com, and www.bayshoredds.com.

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 4

Where to startThe first piece of technology Dr. Rice adopted was a laser. “We started with soft-tissue

lasers about 20 years ago,” Dr. Rice recalls. “We began using them on the restorative side,

but then the hygienists really took hold of them in their space. They are all licensed, which is

a state-by-state thing, but fortunate for us.” Their SiroLaser Xtend (Dentsply Sirona) diode

soft-tissue laser is in regular use, whether it is for disinfecting tissues or for tissue

recontouring in highly esthetic anterior cases.

Solea Laser (Convergent Dental) >> • All-tissue laser for hard-tissue cavity preparations and

soft-tissue surgeries

• Minimally invasive

• 99.2% anesthesia-free

• Blood-free, suture-free experience for patients

• Quieter than drilling

• Patients experience little sensation

• Reduces referrals for soft-tissue surgeries (crown

lengthening, frenectomies, gingivectomies, aphthous

ulcers)

• Increased patient work flow

• Wi-Fi and cellular enabled for diagnosing and fixing

problems and updates

SIROLaser Advance (Dentsply Sirona) >> • Diode laser

• Touchscreen navigation with user prompts

• Wireless battery operation

• Optional wireless foot control

• Preset therapy programs

• 24 freely programmable applications

• Access codes for 6 users

• 2 handpieces for alternating operation

• Hot keys for 12 favorites, treatment documentation

• Rechargeable battery

• Ergonomic handpiece with integrated finger switch

SIROLaser Xtend (Dentsply Sirona) >> • Touchscreen navigation with user prompts

• Preset therapy programs

• 24 freely programmable applications

• Access codes for 2 users

• 1 handpiece

• Can upgrade to 12 favorite hot keys, treatment documentation,

rechargeable battery

• Ergonomic handpiece with integrated finger switch

SiroLaser Blue (Dentsply Sirona) >> • First US Food and Drug Administration-cleared blue and triple-

wavelength dental laser

• Triple-wavelength technology for 3 lasers in 1 device

• Blue wavelength: best cutting efficiency of all dental diode lasers; infrared

wavelength for periodontal and hygiene indications; red wavelength for

photobiomodulation and low-level-laser therapy

• Sterile, disposable fiber tips (EasyTips)

• Intuitive touch-screen operation

• Preset programs, favorites, 6 customizable user profiles, 24 own

programs

• Battery operated, stainless steel handpiece with integrated finger switch

• Optional wireless foot control

Lasers

because they

can be used to

prepare

restorations in

less time by

eliminating the

time it takes

for anesthesia

to work and

using

handpieces

with a series

of drills.

Dr. Patel, who treats a lot of young and teenaged patients, has been

using a SiroLaser Advance diode laser for years as well. “I’m using it

for gingivectomies, frenectomies, to stop bleeding when prepping

crowns, and for removing operculum tissue around third molars

waiting for extraction,” Dr. Patel says. “We also occasionally treat

aphthous ulcers with photo stimulation to help reduce symptoms and

start the healing process.”

Both Drs. Rice and Patel have hard-tissue lasers on their wish lists

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 5

Step 2—Digital scanningDr. Rice’s second step into technology was acquiring a digital scanning and chairside milling

system—CEREC Omnicam (Dentsply Sirona). After the assistants and dentists were trained

and proficient with scanning, they trained the hygiene team because, Dr. Rice says, there are

a lot of opportunities when a patient is in the hygiene chair to really “set the table” for the

restorative side. “Imagine time being our most valuable asset, and imagine that everybody on

the clinical team is capable of digital scanning,” Dr. Rice explains. “When the patient comes

back in for a restorative appointment

and 80% or 90% of the scan is

already complete, we can now be

superefficient.” He notes that in New

York, dentists are required by law to

make the master impression. “After a

hygienist or assistant captures the

scan, a dentist cuts out the

preparations we’re working on in the

software,” Dr. Rice continues. “Once

the preps are made, one of my

partners or I scan those and stitch

them into the existing scan. So 95%

of the job is done by our team and

5% is done by a dentist.”

David R. Rice, DDS, is the founder of the nation’s largest student and new dentist community, igniteDDS. Dr. Rice travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. In addition to igniteDDS, Dr. Rice maintains a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York. With 23 years of practice experience, he has completed curriculums at the Spear Center, The Pankey Institute, The Dawson Center, and the school of hard knocks. He can be reached at (716) 912-7970, david.rice@ignitedds.com, and www.ignitedds.com.

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 6

Dr. Patel’s team is also using CEREC Omnicam. “Patients don’t like gooey impression materials,

and I don’t like stocking them in the office,” Dr. Patel says. “So digital scanning has been great

for all of us. Plus, I can just send the scans to our CEREC or to the local lab for any restorations

or appliances that I cannot, or choose not to utilize my CEREC for.”

For clinicians who are not ready or interested in leaping into a completely digital work flow or

offering same-day dentistry, Dr. Rice advises switching to digital scanning at the very least.

“There is a lot of data to show the accuracy level of a digital scan versus a traditional

impression,” he says. “It’s also more efficient and cost effective. Whether I mill the restoration

in house or send it to the lab, scanning is absolutely where people should be today.”

TRIOS 3 Wireless Scanner (3Shape) >> • Wireless scanning for single units, quadrants, and full arches • Fast, easy, comfortable

• Lifelike colors • Shade measurement • Integrated intraoral camera for high-definition photos • Available in ergonomic pen or handle grip • Scan with or without color • Continuous software upgrades • Combined with 3Shape TRIOS Design Studio to mill crowns and

create inlays, bridges, and veneers • 3Shape Communicate app enables access from mobile devices and

internet for communication with dental laboratories • Can be combined with 3Shape Implant Studio and 3Shape

Orthodontics

Planmeca Emerald Intraoral Scanner >> • Ultra-lightweight next-generation intraoral scanner • Ideal for quadrant or full-arch scanning

• Flawless accuracy and detail • Ergonomic design • Two-button, single-hand operation; easy to toggle between scan

sets, activate filters, and manipulate software directly from scanner • Multi-color, laser-based system • Provides vibrant, realistic impressions • Advanced optics • Enhanced algorithms • Autoclavable heated, anti-fog scanning tips for uninterrupted

scanning • Open stereolithography (STL) files allow exporting from Planmeca

Emerald to in-office milling units, 3D printers, and local labs • Open architecture system fully integrates with current equipment

and software • Excellent communication and networking tool • No click, send, or subscription fees • USB-3 portable plug-and-play connectivity

CEREC Omnicam (Dentsply Sirona) >> • Obtains powder-free, highly precise 3-dimensional (3D) digital impressions

in natural color

• Fast and easy to manipulate • Rounded camera tube for easier rotation and increased operator and patient

comfort • Small camera tip easier to position • Captures either 2-dimensional or 3D images and half- or full-arch

impressions • Anti-shake technology automatically eliminates blurry images • Wand contains built-in illumination for consistent images • Transfer digital restoration designs directly to CEREC milling unit or dental

laboratory • Facilitates digital orthodontics and integrated implantology

iTero Element 2 Scanner (Align Technology) >> • Portable intuitive, interactive system designed for restorative and

orthodontic cases • Software guides users through the scanning sequence; touchscreen and

wand are used to respond to the on-screen instructions • Realistic colored scans • 25% faster scan processing than original iTero Element • 19-inch high-definition, multitouch capable display screen • Demonstrate and compare historical and current scans in “time-lapse”

presentation to quantify changes and simulate treatment plans

• Connects to restorative and orthodontic laboratories • Interacts with third-party treatment planning • Can be used for custom implant abutment design and chairside milling • Compatible with dental laboratory computer-aided design and computer-

aided manufacturing systems • Can be combined with the iTero Restorative and Orthodontic Digital

Ecosystems • Compact footprint design

Digital Scanning

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 7

The next step—Chairside milling

CEREC Fully Integrated System (Dentsply Sirona) >> • One-visit dentistry with final restorations custom milled from

high-performance materials

• Fully integrated system can be used to acquire digital

impressions (using CEREC Omnicam), design restorations (with

CEREC AC PC software), and mill precise, anatomic, natural-

looking restorations (with the CEREC MC XL Practice Lab

milling unit)

• Use conventional materials, as well as zirconia, to fabricate

single-unit crowns, implant crowns and abutments, multiunit

bridge frameworks, surgical guides, and clear aligners

• Eliminates impression trays, temporary prostheses, multiple

appointments, and anesthetic injections for restorative,

implant, and orthodontic treatment

• Unique “Biojaw” function generates restoration proposals with a

simple, intuitive user interface

• Grinding and milling units are fully synchronized and extremely

precise

• The compact SpeedFire furnace can be used to sinter and glaze

full-contour zirconia restorations with induction technology

that provides the shortest sintering and firing times available

(10-15 minutes).

• Glass ceramics can also be processed with the CEREC SpeedFire

• Depending on the design, material, and processing option,

single-tooth restorations can be fabricated in 4-12 minutes

• Wet grinding and wet or dry milling available

• Available in 3 versions: mobile cart, flexible tabletop unit, and

integrated ergonomic Teneo treatment centers

Planmeca FIT Open CAD/CAM System >> • Streamlined computer-aided design and computer-aided

manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system with everything necessary

to treatment plan, design, and provide same-day dentistry

• FIT system has been redesigned and includes the Planmeca

Emerald scanner, a new version of PlanCAD 6.0 Design Center

Software, and the PlanMill 40 S milling machine

• Planmeca Romexis software suite enables access to all 2-

dimensional and 3-dimensional patient data, as well as the

CAD/CAM process, through the same user interface

• PlanMill features a 6-axis dual-spindle with SMART Technology

for faster milling and more detailed, smoother restorations.

• Automated tool changer, self-diagnostic reports, and alert

system.

• The SMART Technology is intuitive, user-friendly, and

calculates custom milling paths

• Quadrant or full-arch scanning

• No click, send, or subscription fees

• Plug-and-play connectivity

• Open stereolithography (STL) files for easy collaboration

• Expanded milling blocks

\Chairside MillingSome clinicians have been designing and milling

their own restorations for 30 years now. The

advantages to using in-house computer-aided

design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/

CAM) milling systems are total control over the

design and fabrication processes and same-day

delivery to the patient. CAD/CAM chairside milling

machines, such as the CEREC Fully Integrated

System (Dentsply Sirona) and the Planmeca FIT

Open CAD/CAM System (Planmeca), are being used

to create thousands of single-unit crowns, partial

crowns, and implant abutments. Today, highly

trained auxiliaries can handle many of the milling,

shading, and firing processes.

“The moment that CEREC went to 3D, we jumped

on board,” Dr. Rice says. “We were milling from day

one. But we kept our practice philosophy, which is

simply if we could deliver the best restoration, we

would take it from start to finish; if a ceramist could

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 8

do the job better than we could, we scan it and send

it out. Two of our dental assistants are tremendous

with shading and glazing, and they do most of that

work on a daily basis. Whether it’s for restorative or

for Invisalign (Align Technology), we are integrating

our team in every aspect of the process.”

Dr. Rice’s team mills about 70% of their crowns,

inlays, onlays, and veneers in-house, but use CEREC

Connect for Invisalign patients and bigger anterior

cases when he feels it is important to maximize a

ceramist’s ability to provide “10 out of 10 esthetics.”

An unexpected benefit of offering single-visit

dentistry was that Dr. Rice’s practice developed a

brand of excellence within his community. “It was

kind of a crazy result, but we started seeing patients

from other dental practices as if we were a

specialist,” he recalls. “Our reputation really exploded

2-fold. It was patient to patient, but we get referrals

from surgeons and other clinicians as well.” When

patients are referred to him for a crown or onlay, he

makes a point of sending them all back to the dental

practice they came from to maintain his integrity

5 Million

15 Million

22.3 Million

52

within the community, which continues to this day. “I saw a patient last week who has come

here for over a decade for all of her crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, etc. It really helped

develop our reputation for being cutting edge and on top of our game.”

From a work flow standpoint, Dr. Rice attributes this to saving patients time and money.

“We’re not the only ones who are really busy—our patients are super busy,” he says. “Anything

we can do to become more efficient benefits all sides. We went from multiple appointments to

single-visit dentistry. We went from needing to refer out to multiple specialists to being able

to retain many procedures inside our 4 walls. Plus we’ve probably streamlined every procedure

by at least 20% from a time perspective.”

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 9

Dr. Patel’s practice is using CEREC almost daily as well. “Between us, my associate and I

average about 10 cases a week,” Dr. Patel relates. “For a small private practice, that’s huge. We

use CEREC primarily for crowns, but also do some implants. We also use the ClearCorrect

orthodontic software to create clear aligners.”

Dr. Patel has found that same-day dentistry has its own unique kind of return on investment

(ROI). “It’s not just the lab bills you’re saving by milling in house, it’s everybody’s time,” she

says. “The big picture is we are able to truly maximize same-day dentistry because of the

technologies we’re using simultaneously. Instead of trying to convince a patient to come back

for a second appointment, we see much more treatment plan acceptance by explaining we’ll

mill it for them and they’ll have a permanent crown in about an hour.”

The big step—3D CBCTCBCT systems specifically designed for dentistry

have been available in the United States since the

early 2000s.1 Being able to capture 3D images

of patients’ hard and soft tissues, document

bone structure and density, and view the nerve

canals, sinuses, airway, and temporomandibular

joints all in mere seconds has changed the

landscape of oral health care. The benefits of

being able to see and diagnose more in 1 image,

combined with the time savings, are measurable.

Using the resulting image to educate patients,

plan treatment, and perform virtual surgery has

been a major boon to the general practitioner.

Dr. Patel has been using the Orthophos XG 3D

(Dentsply Sirona) for almost 3 years. “CBCT is a

game-changer for diagnosing. It’s part of our

work flow, especially for emergency patients. My

team is trained to take a scan and have it up on

the monitors before I even walk in the operatory.

It’s great for patients to see such technology

right in front of them, too.”

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 10

Dr. Patel says that discussing what she is seeing on the CBCT image with patients has also

increased treatment plan acceptance. “We may take a scan because the patient is having pain

on tooth no. 30, and I’ll notice something on tooth no. 5 that I would not have seen on a

periapical x-ray. If I’m seeing more, I’m diagnosing more. But more importantly, my patients

are seeing what I’m diagnosing. They believe in our treatment plans a little bit more.” In fact,

studies show that up to 30% more diagnoses result from using 3D CBCT imaging versus 2D

imaging combined with traditional intraoral examinations.2

Dr. Rice combines Galileos Implant (Dentsply Sirona) software with his CBCT system for

surgical planning and says it is also great for airway assessment and designing appliances for

sleep apnea. He sees a lot of patients with temporomandibular joint issues whose conditions

are muscular in origin. “But once in a blue moon when you get that true TMD patient, cone

beam becomes very helpful,” he says.

ORTHOPHOS XG 3D (Dentsply Sirona) >> • Available in standard and high-definition modes

• Hybrid technology obtains high-resolution 2-dimensional (2D) and

3-dimensional (3D) images

• Can be used to obtain panoramic and cephalometric radiographs

• Two scan volumes lower radiation dose: 3D cylinder volume of 8

centimeters by 8 cm provides resolution of 160 micrometers; 5.0 by

5.5 cm VOL 2 available with resolution of 100 µm

• Captures entire jaw in 1 span

• Field of view requires no stitching of multiple images, reducing

exposure to radiation

• Available with Sidexis 4 software for image processing and

management, diagnosis, treatment planning, guided surgery, and

patient communication

• Integrates seamlessly with CEREC technology and milling units for

prosthetic and surgical planning for implants and high-precision

surgical guides

• Simple to operate and switch between modes

• Automatic patient positioning

• 2D and 3D in 1 unit has work flow, space, and money-saving

advantages

i-CAT FLX V-Series (KaVo Kerr) >> • Expandable, full-definition 3D system

• Can be used for scanning, planning, and treatment delivery

• Low-dose and ultra-dose imaging

• Dedicated 2D plans

• Visual iQuity delivers i-CAT’s clearest 3D and 2D images

• SmartScan STUDIO touchscreen interface

• Touchscreen interface for easy-to-use, guided work flow

• Ergonomic Stability System minimizes patient movement and retakes

• Upgradeable

ProMax 3D (Planmeca) >> • Three different types of 3D data in 1 radiographic unit: CBCT, 3D face

photograph, and 3D model scan combine in 1 3D image to create virtual

patient

• Both 2D and 3D units driven by the patented selectively compliant

articulated robot arm (SCARA) technology so operators can choose from a

variety of 2D and 3D imaging programs and volume sizes

• Offers Planmeca Ultra Low Dose imaging protocol

• Open architecture integrates smoothly with third-party products

• Work flow can be customized by practice or type of procedure

• Planmeca Romexis software included for processing, viewing, and

enhancing images and for designing and presenting treatment plans

• Widest range of volume sizes, maximum field of view of 23 by 26 cm

• Adjustable volume size and location

• Endodontic imaging mode available

• Patient positioning can be verified with a scout image

• Preprogrammed sites and exposure values save time

• Pulsed radiographic and short rotation scan

3-Dimensional Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 11

3D printing—The newest frontier The most recent transformative technology dentists are

delving into is in-house 3D printing. 3D printer sales within

the dental industry grew 75% in 2016.3 In 2017, dentistry

was trending as 1 of the hottest markets for 3D printing,

with more than $4 billion worth of restorations and

orthodontic appliances being printed each year.3 Because

3D printers have come a long way in speed, integratability,

and affordability, it is now much more feasible to use them

in private dental practices. Clinicians can design and print

their own crowns, bridges, orthodontic parts, surgical

guides, dental models, and denture frameworks relatively

quickly.

“We’re just getting into 3D printing with the MoonRay S

(SprintRay), and we love it,” Dr. Rice says. “It’s a very

efficient way of doing laboratory work, which our assistants

and other team members invested a ton of time in before.”

3D printing eliminates having to pour diagnostic models and

either mill surgical guides in house or have a dental

laboratory mill them. “It’s cleaner, faster, and more efficient

to print them here,” Dr. Rice says. “We are now printing

occlusal guards, which previously was a major expense for

the practice. And we’re looking into printing clear aligners.”

MoonRay S 3D Printer (SprintRay) • Print models for vacuum forming, nightguards, surgical guides, and

castable crowns, bridges, and partials • Minimum feature size of 100 micrometers • Large build area • RayWare software simplifies process from intraoral or 3-dimensional

(3D) scan to printed part or appliance • Durable resin tank lasts with up to 50 liters of resin before the tank

needs to be changed • Can be used with a variety of materials, offering a wide range of

applications and appliances • Exceptional speed, quality, and precision • High-quality construction

cara Print 4.0 (Kulzer) >> • Advanced DLP technology • Produces superior restorations quickly, accurately, and economically • Most dental appliances print within 20 minutes • Full dentures print in less than 2 hours • Open stereolithography (STL) system, compatible with computer-

aided design programs such as Dental Designer (3Shape) • 17 different dima Print materials available, including 4 denture bases

and 6 denture tooth shades • Can deliver highly uniform surfaces with a finer level of detail;

smoother than a laser • Automatically adapts print speed according to accuracy

requirements, often more than 100 millimeters per hour • Variable layer thickness (30-150 µm) enables time saving process

for appliances such as impression trays • Comes with Print CAM software with no extra licensing fees

SolFlex 650 (VOCO) >> • Digital light protection (DLP) technology results in consistent quality

and precision • DLP light source moves in 6 different positions to keep same

distance from build object • High-quality precision prints with 25 µm accuracy • 385-nanometer light engine produces crystal clear, cloudless splints,

retainers, nightguards, and dental models • Patented FlexVat reduces peeling forces, enabling rapid print speeds • Design saves time and materials • Fast, easy to use • Up to 18 splints and 24 surgical guides can be printed at once • Open Material Systems allows for use of other resin manufacturers’

products

3-Dimensional Printing

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 12

Some of the barriers to embracing digital dentistry are practical and some are emotional.

Contemplating change is not always easy. Changing the way something is done, especially if it

is the way one was taught to do it, can be challenging. Wondering whether a new technology

or skill can be easily integrated into the office “system” is valid. Looking at a steep learning

curve is daunting. Considering the ROI of the initial expense is economical. And being wary of

the risks and liabilities that sometimes come with adopting new technologies is being

practical.

“On the 3D cone beam side, I think fear of change is one of the biggest issues,” Dr. Rice

suggests. “But the cost is also a barrier to entry for many people. I would hazard a guess that

if somebody had to make an investment in a panoramic x-ray machine in today’s world, most

people would invest a little bit more and go to 3D.”

Barriers to adopting digital dentistry

“There are also a couple of big

misconceptions when it comes to 3D,” Dr.

Rice continues. “One is ‘if all I have is a

hammer, everything looks like a nail.’

Meaning, I’ve got to pay for this thing so

now everybody gets a 3D scan. That’s an

integrity question that clinicians have to

ask themselves. We do not take a 3D scan

on all of our patients, only when it’s

needed and helpful to us and the patient.”

Another barrier is concerns over liability. “There’s a lot of talk about being liable if you miss

something in the diagnosis using a 3D scan,” Dr. Rice explains. “That’s not necessarily the

whole truth. You’ve got to look at your state laws and see how you’re liable to the degree of

being a dental professional. And if you’re really concerned about it, do what we do. Send the

scan to somebody who can read it for you on the medical side. It’s very cost effective, it’s

great for peace of mind, and sometimes you do find something and you save a life. Saving

teeth is great, but saving lives is pretty cool. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen often, but we’ve

been helpful in aiding our physician friends by saying they need to look at something or have

a radiologist read the scan. There are services that do that well, which we may use for the

larger fields of view. But when we shrink the field of view to the purely dental aspect, we’re

looking at it just like a panoramic occlusal film or any other dental film.”

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 13

Drs. Rice and Patel are both operating out of relatively new practice spaces after relocating

and upgrading their equipment during the process. Neither have any regrets about going

digital.

Dr. Patel appreciates that she can be in other rooms actually doing dentistry while her team is

handling certain steps of the scanning and milling processes. “We didn’t want to add digital

technologies if it was going to add time on to my day or pull me away from treating patients.

But it has changed our work flow significantly, and our patients have noticed that, too.” She

was surprised when she began to realize she actually had some downtime. “It just doesn’t take

as long to do things now,” she says. “We’re still producing the same amount, but I have some

gaps in my day. As a working mother, that’s huge. It helps me regain some work-life balance

and handle all the other things I have to juggle. The technology is what’s doing that for me.”

Time savings

Dr. Patel shares the same view. “I was a little hesitant because I was thinking ‘I’m not a

radiologist. What if I miss something? Am I liable for that?’ But it’s easy to send the scan to an

oral radiologist and request a report,” she says. “It’s an added safety net. However, the more I

look at 3D scans, I realize we dentists are pretty accurate diagnosticians of the face. We know

more than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.”

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 14

Many clinicians have discovered that the simplest and least stressful way to implement new

technologies is in partnership with a full-service company like Patterson Dental, which

provides nationwide support to dental practices on all levels, from change management to

installation to onboarding, integration, and team training. Those practitioners see the value of

a parent company having a local support network that consistently advises them individually

regarding the devices and technologies that will improve their delivery of care and will be the

most practical, economical, and upgradable well into the future. Patterson Dental is there

during all phases of the journey and able to help from every angle on every aspect of

technology acquisition and integration, from initial planning to someday upgrading or

replacing technologies.

Partnering with Patterson Dental

Both Drs. Rice and Patel have had long-standing

relationships with their Patterson Dental

representatives. Dr. Rice met his during an

associateship right after college. When he was

ready to invest in his own practice, his Patterson

Dental representative helped him find the practice

he ultimately purchased and then helped him

choose every piece of technology he wanted. “From

day one, and to this day, he works closely with us,”

Dr. Rice says. “He’s been a major asset in helping us

grow and expand our services.”

Dr. Rice and his partner later purchased a prosthodontic practice and brought that dentist on

board, again with the help of their Patterson Dental representative. “Our rep was also his rep,” he

recalls. “He knew we had built our space with adding multiple dentists in mind, so he connected

us. Offering expanded services, between the technologies and the team, was our goal. Then

another dentist joined the practice who places implants and does all the endodontics. Before, we

were using our technology to maybe 70% to 75% capacity, but now with our existing team we’re

maximizing it all day, every day.”

Dr. Patel shares Dr. Rice’s sentiments. “My philosophy when building this new office was that it’s a

team effort and it takes a village,” she says. “I absolutely needed the Patterson team to help

execute everything from equipment selection to laying out the practice to, most importantly,

implementing and integrating all of it.” She can depend on her local Patterson Dental team for

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 15

anything. “Knowing that the Patterson team, from the techs to the reps to the equipment

specialists, will teach us how to improve work flow and help us learn technologies along the

way is like having a security blanket.” Patterson Dental scheduled training dates for Dr. Patel

and her team to start familiarizing them with the technologies even before their practice

opened. Dr. Patel says with the Patterson Dental team assisting with decision making,

coordinating training, doing in-office demonstrations, and even sitting through the first few

cases gave her confidence and helped her enjoy the process.

In addition to understanding who he is and where he wants to go with his practice, Dr. Rice

says his Patterson Dental representative helps him keep up with the rapid changes occurring

in dentistry. “You need to continue educating yourself. That’s not so easy because we’re so

busy we tend to live in a vacuum,” he admits.

Dr. Rice also appreciates how Patterson Dental has expanded its partnerships in the industry.

“One of the coolest things Patterson has done is open their platform up so you don’t have to

buy a CEREC, for instance. You can look at 3Shape, Planscan, iTero, and see which one is best

for you. The same thing is true in the 3D cone beam, laser, and other spaces,” he says.

Comprehensive Support from a Full-Service Partner >> With a 140-year history of focusing on customer service, Patterson Dental makes sure you get the most from your dental technology with: • Easy online ordering and returns

• Access to team of local dedicated experts who live and work in your community

• Assistance with installation and onboarding of any new technology or equipment

• Expert trainers for the entire dental team

• Same-day technical service

• Phone, online chat, or e-mail support from Patterson Technology Center and

National Repair Center

• Access to product support groups, Continuing Education

• Expert office design services

• Practice management solutions

• Financial services

• Practice transitions

• And much more!

TechEdge >> • Local branches staffed with TechEdge service technicians

• Knowledgeable technicians trained by industry-leading manufacturers

• Prompt, on-time service

• Ready to meet your warranty requirements, installation, and equipment needs

Patterson Technology Center >> • Highly skilled support specialists

• Comprehensive contact center

• Ability to dispatch service technicians electronically

• Average speed of answer goal: 90 seconds

• Customer satisfaction rate: 90%

National Repair Center >> • Comprehensive repair services for handpieces and small equipment

• Factory-trained technicians

• Free shipping to National Repair Center

• Handpieces and small equipment are inspected, cleaned, repaired, and

returned promptly

Office Design >> • Dentistry’s best and most experienced dental office designers

• The Patterson Design Edge team will help you:

• through every stage of the process

• find the perfect location

• design your practice and oversee construction

• select the ideal equipment for your needs

Patterson Financial Services >> Count on Patterson Financial Services to help you meet all your practice needs: • No down payment required

• No collateral or cosigners

• Flexible contract lengths

• Contract lengths as short as 6 months, or as long as 7 years

• No prepayment penalties

• Competitive fixed rates

• Convenient payment options

Patterson Dental Services

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 16

Patterson Dental offers financial services to both established dentists and those just starting

out. They have been doing so for more than 30 years and currently provide financial support

to about 25% of the dentists practicing in the United States.

Total practice financing is available to cover acquisitions, new construction, and total

redesigns. Equipment financing enables dentists to purchase and pay for technology over

time. Some of the benefits of working with Patterson Financial Services are short- and long-

term contract options, competitive fixed rates, payment options that include no prepayment

penalties, and no down payments or collateral requirements. Getting prequalified is also a

simple process.

Dr. Patel has had a very positive experience working with Patterson Financial Services. “When

we have our dentist hat on and look at equipment and technology, we want it all,” she

explains. “We want anything that’s going to help us provide a better patient experience,

better dentistry, and work more efficiently. But you have to put on your business owner hat

and weigh how you can make it work financially. Many private practice owners don’t have

The final step—Financing technology

surplus cash that we can use to buy the

latest equipment outright. I really

needed to stage out my payments.

Patterson makes it easy. They help you

figure out your monthly payments and

then tell you if there’s ever an issue, give

us a call and we’ll work it out.”

Dr. Patel says the rates and interest she

secured through Patterson Dental made

it very manageable. “Before you know it,

you’ve paid off the monthly payment

while you’re using the technology and bringing more revenue into your practice simultaneously.

I didn’t have to make concessions in other areas in order to get those technologies in the

office.”

Dr. Rice has also taken advantage of Patterson Financial Services’ year-end financing and tax

break incentives when the timing worked out. “We always maximize every advantage we can,”

he says. For his practice, the ROI has been quite rapid. “Dollar for dollar, what comes in the door

Advancing Clinical Practice in the Age of Digital Dentistry 17

versus what was going out the door has been a win. I don’t know that I could put a price on

what the technology has brought to the table for us.”

Both Drs. Rice and Patel advise limiting technology purchases to a piece at a time so it is not

an overwhelming process but to also keep the momentum going. “You don’t want to wake up

one day and realize that you’re 15 years behind, because it’s really hard to catch up,” Dr. Rice

says. “Just step back every year and assess your practice. See what piece of technology could

be of most benefit to you as a business person and to you as a clinician striving to deliver

better dentistry to your patients, and then make the investment. You’ve got to just dive in the

deep end.”

Conclusion Today’s dental practice is a space where clinicians can incorporate almost anything they wish

to do in terms of hands-on delivery of care. They can keep it simple or expand their services

to encompass many aspects of oral health care so they are not referring patients elsewhere.

More dentists are starting to look toward the future, contemplating the type of person who

would be interested in purchasing their practice when they retire. Those dentists are mindfully

acquiring the technologies practice buyers might expect to find in place so they can step in

without losing a minute to downtime or a patient to a transition period.

The benefits of digital dentistry are boundless, as are the benefits of developing a long-term

relationship with a purchasing partner. Patterson Dental focuses on more than selling

equipment and services by enabling and supporting practice growth and work flow

management. Patterson Dental also has the future in its sights and is helping build a legacy

for the next generation of dentists.

The cited references in this eBook do not reflect ADA views and policies.

Sources 1. US Food and Drug Administration. Radiation-emitting products: dental cone-beam computed tomography. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/MedicalX-Rays/ucm315011.htm. Accessed December 4, 2018.2. Price JB, Thaw KL, Tyndall DA, et al. Incidental findings from cone beam computed tomography of the maxillofacial region: a descriptive retrospective study. Clin Oral Implants Res 2012;23(11):1261-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02299.x. Epub 2011 Sept 30.3. Webster SA. 3D printing technology transforming dentistry. HuffPost. February 9, 2017. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/3d-printing-technology-transforming-dentistry_us_589cba50e4b0985224db5ea8. Accessed December 4, 2018.

 “Whether you’ve been thinking about it for years, or only just recently, the idea of investing in your practice is always on the horizon. With

incredible options to improve diagnostics, build more efficient workflow and even increase your ability to create solutions in-house, there’s never

been a better time to explore.  

Let us help bring your practice vision to life.”