Dental Insider Blog

Observation and Commentary On the Dental Industry

Dental Insider Podcast #19

Posted by dentalinsider on July 3, 2008

Listen Here

Dental Insider Podcast #19 Show Notes

I gotta stop recording these at 1am…I can’t think straight…and it shows.

Have a safe 4th of July holiday weekend…get out there and do something fun!

DI

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Antibraces

Posted by dentalinsider on June 30, 2008

The Invisalign System has two primary components that move your teeth in the right direction. The ClinCheck application and the Invisalign aligners are both components that work with the dentist to get those teeth straighter.

ClinCheck is really cool because it takes computer based 3D images of your teeth and progresses them over time until they are straight. There are a lot of complicated numbers and modeling the stages of the tooth movement is complex. Hence the reason Invisalign cost is what it is. Once you have deliberated with your Dentist/Orthodontist the aligners can begin to be simulated by ClinCheck. ClinCheck is just a fancy word for high-tech computer software that takes a picture of your teeth and creates a series of aligners to get the end result of straighter teeth. Aligners are thin and removable almost like a mouth guard except invisible. Each stage of the ClinCheck simulation corresponds with how many aligners or trays you will end up having. Each custom-made aligner is worn over the teeth for two weeks before being replaced by the next aligner in the series, until treatment is complete.

You can take out these aligners at anytime. However it is not recommended that you leave them out or the ClinCheck simulation will be reversed and you will have to go back a few trays to progress your teeth again. That is more than a month of back-tracking. Invisalign patients are very active in the treatment process. You are required to switch the trays, making sure you have the right aligners for that 2 week period. You will visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks to make sure the treatment process is going smoothly.

Align technology has developed a complex application making it simple to change your aligners and apply them to your teeth. It is based on your mouth, dimensions and teeth. You can even see the finished results of your teeth before you even begin treatment. Dentists work together with Invisalign employees to make it as easy for you as possible. Look into this great System that can nearly guarantee you straighter teeth.

Blake Abel - Guest Contributor

**Podcast coming later this week**

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Stories I would have posted if…

Posted by dentalinsider on June 24, 2008

I had reliable internet access over the last 2 weeks. I will say that the cable company was on-time and resolved the problem in a few hours. It turned out that they had to rewire most of the house, add new splitter and an amplifier, in order for us to get our internet service back. They also put in an order to have new cable run from the street to the house, all of which is underground. We’ll see if that actually happens. That being said, it is good to be able to post a few of the stories from the last couple of weeks.

Patterson to Offer Eaglesoft for Free!

ST. PAUL, Minn. – (June 11, 200 8) –In a first-of-its-kind, industry-leading initiative, Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. announces it will now provide Patterson EagleSoft practice management software to dental professionals nationwide at no charge. The award-winning software, along with the data import process and CD-ROM and Web-based training materials, are available for free beginning June 9.

As a multitude of digital technologies become mainstream in the dental practice, Patterson Dental recognizes the basic, fundamental need for a cutting-edge software to be the hub of that digital future. Delivering solid integration throughout the dental practice, free Patterson EagleSoft practice management software helps dental professionals streamline practice activity, ultimately benefiting patients and staff, alike.

“Providing Patterson EagleSoft practice management software at no cost eliminates a major hurdle for dentists seeking better software or looking ahead toward future digital technology purchases,” said Patterson Dental President Scott Anderson. “Patterson Dental’s primary focus is helping dentists stay on the forefront of technology and working to ensure practitioners have access to practice management software that allows easy integration with evolving digital technologies.”

According to my source at Patterson, they feel if they can get in the door with the practice management software, they will own the office. I don’t necessarily agree with that philosophy, but I do think this is a great time for offices that are thinking about using practice management software or are thinking about switching, to get some of the best software for free. I am sure there are some catches, like having to pay for support and updates, but it seems like a pretty good deal.

Dentist “Will Work Free For Sex”

This story comes via my twitter friend Periapex…only he could find such a story.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Dealers, Dental Insider, Manufacturers | 9 Comments »

Internet Service Problems

Posted by dentalinsider on June 17, 2008

I have been experiencing internet service problems for the last week. I have spent countless hours on the phone with the cable company and they have not resolved the problem as of yet. I am most likely going to switch to DSL if they don’t get me back up and running after they come out this weekend to re-cable the entire house. I cant believe all of the BS that the tech support people give you…

Tech support: Sir, we so no problems with your line and modem.
DI : Well, if there are no problems…why am I not connected to the internet?
Tech: Gee sir, I am not sure, but I will pass you to the next level of tech and they will be able to get you connected.

Anyway, my neighbor was kind enough to let me log onto his wi-fi network to check email. Hopefully, I will be able to start posting again later in the week or over the weekend.

Thanks for your patience!

DI

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Attention Penta Users…3M/ESPE Has a Deal For You.

Posted by dentalinsider on June 10, 2008

This came across the radar today and I thought I would share it. 3M/ESPE, in an effort to combat “Gray Market” Penta impression material sales, is offering a Buy 2, Get 1 Free on Penta products June 4 through July 31, 2008.

Included are:
Impregum Penta Soft
Impregum Penta Soft Quick Step
Impregum Penta
Impregum 3 Penta
Position Penta Quick
And a few more.

You can download the sales flyer and coupon here.

DI

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Posted in Manufacturers, dental | 4 Comments »

DDS TECH Fair 2008

Posted by dentalinsider on June 4, 2008

I was following Flap on Twitter yesterday and he had a post about ddsTECHfair, a virtual trade show put on by the folks at Pennwell Publishing.

What is DDS Tech Fair?

The dental community live and on-line, in a comfortable and hassle-free trade show environment. This innovative online conference and exhibition uses leading-edge technology to bring dental professionals together with colleagues and manufacturers at the convenience of your personal computer.

When is DDS Tech Fair?

June 6-7, 2008

FREE CONFERENCE SESSION TOPICS & SPEAKER LINE UP

How To Build An Effective Search Engine and Web Site Strategy For Your Practice - Glenn Lombardi & Heather Johnson

Digital Impressions and CAD Restorations - Dr. Paul Feuerstein

Same Day Digital Dentistry - Dr. Robert Mongrain

Blinded by Our Sight: WNL - Patti DiGangi, RDH, BS

Investing in Advanced Technology - Dr. Joe Blaes

Registration is free!

This is an interesting concept and can’t wait to see the results.

DI

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Posted in Dealers, Manufacturers, Trade Shows | 3 Comments »

We’re Back

Posted by dentalinsider on June 3, 2008

New Post coming Wednesday.

DI

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Taking a Few Days Off

Posted by dentalinsider on May 28, 2008

We will be taking a few days off to spend with family, so in the mean time, I will leave you with some links to some of our friends sites or blogs for you to read. We will be back next week.

DI

The Dental Implant Blog

Sakaduski Marketing Blog

Exceptional Dental Practice Management

Dentalcast

Dental Technology Blog

Dental Insider Podcast

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DPR WORLD 08 Wrap Up

Posted by dentalinsider on May 20, 2008

DPR World 08 is in the books and DPR World 09 has been scheduled for May 28-29, 2009. I have been struggling to find someone who attended the show for their thoughts, but it seems, I don’t know anyone that attended. One of my Twitter peeps, Dr. John Flucke, who was a panelist and moderator, wrote in his blog, some of his thoughts on the show. You can read his wrap up report here.

I also found though John’s site, DPRWORLDLIVE.com. I wish I had found this the other day as it looks like they had snippets of content from some of the presenters and exhibitors.

I am hoping to get another chance to chat with DPR World show director, Ray Bianchi, about his thoughts on the show. Stay tuned.

If you attended or exhibited at this years DPR World show, tell us about your experience, we would love to hear about it.

DI

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Posted in Dealers, Manufacturers, Trade Shows | 7 Comments »

3M to Acquire Imtec Corp.

Posted by dentalinsider on May 16, 2008

Here is the press release.

Because of our existing relationship, a relationship we value and want to
continue to strengthen, we wanted you to know that 3M announced today that
it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire IMTEC Corp., a manufacturer
of dental implants and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning
equipment for dental and medical radiology headquartered in Ardmore,
Oklahoma.

This acquisition gives 3M access to two of the fastest growing segments in
the dental industry. “Our combined digital products and expertise will
enable a digital ‘total restorative’ approach with more options than ever,
including IMTEC implants, 3MTM ESPETM LavaTM crowns, and 3M’s advanced
digital workflow solutions,” said Jeffrey Lavers, vice president and
general manager, 3M ESPE. “Together, we will have an end-to-end
implantology solution, making the process easier, faster and better for
dentists everywhere.”

Like most companies in the implant space, the IMTEC business is a direct
business model. We plan to maintain that approach with this business.
IMTEC will operate as a stand alone subsidiary. This acquisition does not
impact our commitment to continue to work with you in serving the dental
market and exploring ways to strengthen our relations. It does not affect
any other aspect of our current business with you.

DI

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