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Dental Offices Using Dental Software to Improve Patient Care
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 10/2/2009
- Heath & Beauty
Dental
practices have discovered that the latest generation of top dental software is
allowing them to enter a new era of optimized patient care. Patients receive
the services they need quickly and efficiently, and happy patients create a
positive business climate.
Top Dental Software Removes
"First Day" Syndrome
Have you
ever been in a business, waited on by an employee who clearly doesn't know the
ropes? As you get increasingly frustrated, a manager might ask you to be
patient with the employee because "it's his first day". While this
might be acceptable for a waiter or shoe salesman, is it really something you
want to hear about a person who's about to stick something sharp in your mouth?
Customers
hold dental staff, from receptionists to hygienists to the dentists themselves,
to a higher standard. Many dental patients are already nervous and become even
more so when a staff member struggles to get things done. A confident employee
puts patients at ease and makes the experience more pleasant. Top dental
software packages aid and organize training efforts so new staff members can be
capable even if it is their first day.
Ensure Patients Get Complete Care
When a
practice sees dozens of patients each day, it isn't long before everything
becomes routine. The problem with routine is it gets easy to forget steps.
Memories of past procedures start to run together and suddenly someone in the
office can't remember if a certain task has been done or not.
Practices
that have adopted top dental software use checklist procedures to ensure every
task is completed. These easy to follow steps allow each staff member to see
exactly what needs to be done. By checking off elements during the patient
encounter, there is no chance of anything being overlooked. Even if multiple
people are seeing a patient, there is no chance of something being omitted
because each person thought someone else did it.
Don't Forget Old Fashioned Customer
Service
Some dental
software can be so clumsy to use it gets in the way of patient interaction.
Dentists, nurses and staff spend more time staring at the computer screen than
talking to the patient. However the top dental software packages have been
designed to be streamlined and easy to use, aiding a patient encounter without
interfering with it.
Software
should enhance customer service and not replace it. It is a tool designed to
help the office run more efficiently, but the ultimate goal is proper patient
care. Dental practices learn to integrate software invisibly so neither
patients nor staff members are focused on the computer. The basic principles of
customer care are not compromised by technology.
Dental
practices that adopt efficient software systems are able to provide better
care, resulting in happier patients and less stressed staff.
Dental Offices Adopt New Dental Software During Relocation
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 10/2/2009
- Heath & Beauty
Adding new
dental software to an existing practice routine can be difficult. Practices
moving to a new location can use this as an opportunity to make a clean break
from the old, inefficient system and create a better set of procedures.
The Problem of New Software
Any
organization finds resistance to new ways of doing things. Even if people agree
the new system is better, the old one is familiar and comfortable. There is an
underlying attitude of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," yet
outdated methods are "broke" even if they are getting the job done.
Integrating
dental software into an existing system often requires changes in policies and
procedures. These modifications carry a learning curve and during initial
adoption, the new methods may seem clumsy. People project their own
unfamiliarity with the new procedures onto the software, blaming it for
everything that goes wrong.
Practices
that struggle through and get past the learning curve realize the new dental
software is a better way of running the office, but it can be difficult moving
people beyond that initial period.
Chaos Leads to Change
It seems
counterintuitive, but the confusion associated with moving the practice to a
new location is actually an ideal time to bring on a new system and implement
dental software. With so many changes occurring, throwing in one more isn't
going to make things worse
After a
major move, the office is disorganized as the staff gets used to the new space.
However people often view a relocation as a positive change. Everything is
shiny and new so the problems associated with the move don't seem like such a
burden. As they adjust to the new office layout, a different phone system or changes
in their commute it's just as easy to also adapt to new dental software. The
changes all get lumped together and there is less resistance to the new
procedures.
Starting From Scratch
Some
practices like to dip their toe into the dental software pool, minimizing
disruption by tentatively trying a few features and taking lots of time to
fully adopt all capabilities. Many aspects of the software may never be
touched. Instead, relocation is a great opportunity to embrace the new software
and make major changes to office procedures.
To do this
right and with a minimum of disruption, the change should be planned out well
before the move. Input on the new dental should be taken from everyone in the
office. This allows the creation of a comprehensive plan that leaves no one out
of the new system. Including everyone in the planning process is another
strategy to resistance to change because the new procedures are something
created by the team rather than being imposed on the office against their will.
Which Is Better: Dentures or Dental Implants?
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 10/2/2009
- Heath & Beauty
For people
who want to replace missing teeth, Tampa dentists offer two options: dentures
and dental implants. Each has good and bad points depending on what the patient
wants.
Traditional Dentures Are an
Economical Choice
People have
been using dentures for almost 3,000 years, although today's dentures are quite
different than the crude prosthetics originally made from animal teeth. The
technology has come a long way and allow Tampa dentists to offer an inexpensive
and quick solution to patients with missing teeth.
However
dentures have always been plagued with problems. Even the most experienced
Tampa dentist find it difficult to create devices that fit perfectly and the
fit changes as the patient's gum tissue shrinks with age. The loose dentures
not only make it difficult to eat or speak but can cause painful sores as they
rub against delicate oral tissues. Although denture material is durable, the
constantly changing fit requires replacement every few years.
Dental Implants Provide Better
Function... for a Price
Implants
are artificial teeth that are attached directly to the patient's jaw,
functioning in every way like permanent, natural teeth. Patients who have had
both dentures and dental implants report the implants are by far the superior
choice. They both look and feel better than dentures and are a lifelong
replacement for missing teeth.
The
procedure is major surgery and is performed by Tampa dentists under general
anesthesia. The recovery process may take as long as six months. However recent
breakthroughs have allowed dentists to place implants more quickly, sometimes
shaving months off the recovery time. According to The International Journal of
Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, the procedure is successful 95% of the time.
Which Is Right For You?
If implants
are so much better, then why do Tampa dentists still get requests for dentures?
The main reason is that dental implants are quite a bit more expensive.
Patients agree the cost is worth it but not everyone has the financial
resources to afford them. In addition to cost, there are a few other reasons
patients might choose dentures over implants.
Some people
may be bothered by how invasive the surgery is or by the time it will take to
complete the procedures. A complication called peri-implantitis may occur after
the surgery and is more common among smokers, patients with diabetes or
patients with poor oral hygiene so Tampa dentists may suggest dentures in these
cases. Patients with poor bone density may not have sufficient bone mass to
hold the implants, but an initial bone graft can allow those patients to opt
for implants.
As with any
major procedure, it is difficult to give general advice. Although most patients
are capable of having dental implants, talk to your dentist about both
procedures before making a decision. Tampa dentists can provide information
customized to you personally so you can make the best decision.
Are There Risks Associated With Laser Hair Removal?
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 09/28/2009
- Heath & Beauty
Patients
should always investigate the dangers or side effects associated with any
medical procedure, even a cosmetic one. People seeking laser hair removal in
Philadelphia will be pleased to know the procedure is very safe with only a few
potential complications.
Possible Risks
Pain - There is a small amount of
discomfort associated with laser hair removal, often compared to the snap of a rubber
band. Some patients may have minor pain like that of a mild sunburn, which will
generally fades in a few days.
Discoloration - Laser hair removal can cause
swelling and redness to the treated area, again similar to a sunburn. In some
cases, the procedure can cause a temporary darkening of the skin in the area
treated. These problems will go away in a few days and are merely cosmetic.
Hypopigmentation - Laser hair removal Philadelphia destroys hair
without damaging the skin because the wavelength of the light is tuned to the
color of the hair. The ideal patient has very dark hair and very light skin.
Patients with darker skin tones and/or light hair colors may find the procedure
causes a permanent lightening of the skin in the treated area. Depending on
your doctor's recommendation, you may need to look at other hair removal
options instead.
Scarring - Permanent scarring is extremely
rare, much rarer than other cosmetic procedures, but can still occur
particularly with inexperienced practitioners. If you have a history of
abnormal scarring, be sure to mention this to your doctor before undergoing the
procedure.
Preparing For the Procedure
Patients
can take action to minimize the risks associated with laser hair removal. These
few simple steps increase the chance of success and reduce the possibility of a
negative outcome.
First of
all, be honest with your doctor about any and all medical conditions. Be sure
to tell the doctor if you have herpes since the procedure can cause an outbreak
so may require you to take an antiviral medication beforehand. Any history of
skin problems such as pigmentation changes or abnormal scarring from other
procedures should be reported as well.
Since the
procedure works best on light skin, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid
tanning. Your doctor might even suggest using a bleaching cream to lighten your
skin, though don't use one unless the doctor suggests it. Avoid plucking or
waxing beforehand and make sure the area is clean and makeup free on the day of
the procedure.
The most
important step you can take is to find a practitioner who specializes in laser
procedures and has long experience. There are many practices offering laser
hair removal Philadelphia, so don't settle for someone who does it now and
then. Find an expert so you can be sure you will get the best outcome possible.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 09/28/2009
- Heath & Beauty
In the
past, tattoo removal meant painful and scarring surgery. This is no longer
true. Specialized lasers are now used to remove tattoos in an inexpensive,
commonly available procedure.
How Do Lasers Remove Tattoos?
To
understand removal techniques it helps to explain what a tattoo is. A tattoo
artist injects dye under the skin through a puncture. A tattoo requires many
punctures, each inserting a small amount of pigment. Tattoo removal requires
eliminating that ink from under the skin.
Lasers are
extremely precise instruments. Doctors can adjust color and intensity of the
light to affect only part of an object, such as breaking up a tattoo while not
damaging the skin. The laser beam causes the pigments to break down into
smaller pieces. The laser itself does not destroy or "burn away" the
ink. Instead, it breaks the dye into small pieces that the body's own natural
defenses can deal with.
What Can I Expect From The Procedure?
Laser
tattoo removal does involve discomfort, but a level less than the pain of
getting the tattoo originally. It certainly is less painful than older methods
such as dermabrasion. Patients can take over-the-counter non-aspirin pain
relievers before or after the procedure. Doctors may use an anesthetic cream to
numb the area before treatment. Many patients require no pain relief at all.
Some
patients are surprised when there is no change in the tattoo after the
procedure. Remember the laser does not destroy the ink, just breaks it down so
the body can process it. Over the next two to three weeks the tattoo will fade
slightly. Laser pa tattoo removal typically requires several treatments spaced
about three weeks apart, but your doctor will explain that before the procedure
begins.
There is no
down time after the procedure. Patients may feel as though they have a mild
sunburn, but will not have to miss work.
What If The Tattoo Doesn't Fade
Completely?
No method
of pa tattoo removal is 100% effective. Tattoos are designed to be permanent and
the goal of tattoo removal is to fade as much of the design as possible.
Different types and colors of ink as well as patient skin type can affect how
effectively any method can fade the pigment.
Tattoos
often fade enough people stop noticing it, but this depends on where the tattoo
is located. Faded facial tattoos are more noticeable in casual conversation
than ankle tattoos. Women and some men choose to use concealing makeup to cover
up the remaining pigment and may be able to obscure the tattoo completely.
The cover
up tattoo is a specialized skill of many tattoo artists in Philadelphia. Tattoo
removal fades the old tattoo and then a new tattoo is created to incorporate
the remaining elements. This won't help people trying to remove all traces of a
tattoo, but could help for example someone trying to get rid of the name of an
ex-lover.

Heath & Beauty