Many dental practices are still unprepared to adapt to the rapid changes occurring in the dental technology field. Few are aware that the Federal Government is mandating that all patient records, dental and medical alike, must be electronic by the year 2014. The market is dominated by large dental supply companies and dentists often have limited access to objective information to make very critical decisions. Furthermore, even dentists who have made the plunge to going paperless do not have the skills and training to know how to properly market their practices to potential patients. At the end of the day, an influx of new patients and retaining existing patients is the lifeblood of any practice.
This one and one half day course takes a two-pronged approach to technology in the dental practice: evaluating the different systems that help a practice become chartless, and using technology to market the practice to patients.
First, step 1 involves the development of a six-step plan for taking an office from a paper-based format to a digital one. The steps evaluated are:
- Practice Management Software - Review the main features of practice management software, discuss what features are important for a digital office, and explore some of the modern systems that are currently on the market.
- Image Management Software - One of the most difficult decisions for practitioners is whether to purchase an image program from the practice management company, or consider a third-party program. This course will provide information in order to evaluate and make an informed decision.
- Operatory Design – With software selected, the operatory must be properly planned out, including things such as single vs. dual monitors, ergonomic positioning of the computers and keyboards, and working with cabinets. This course will introduce some options for consideration.
- Computers - There are three different types of computers used in the dental office: operatory, non-clinical, and the server. This course will define different criteria that must be considered during this phase.
- Digital Systems - Great detail will be provided to assist offices in choosing their digital radiography systems, intraoral cameras, digital cameras, scanners, and other high-tech items.
- Data Protection - Finally, it is crucial to make sure that proper backup is in place and to protect data from viruses and other malware. This course will discuss the options for data protection so that participants can make an informed decision.
Step 2 focuses on:
- Modifying or building the most dynamic marketing tool, your website, to attract and retain patients.
- Drive traffic to your website and utilize it as the primary new patient generation tool through proven search engine optimization techniques, theories and initiatives.
- Promote current technology internally to patients. From digital imagery to laser technology they are all designed to answer the most common patient question, “What’s in it for me?”
- Identify the most underused software applications that support mining of the database for unscheduled treatment, reactivation of patients and promoting treatment.
The objectives of this course are for the participant to be able to:
- Discover the six steps to be evaluated when developing a paperless practice.
- Evaluate and understand the third-party software that supplements dental practice management software.
- Understand the latest advances in dental technology such as 3D imaging, 3D impressions, digital radiography, caries detection, and other high-tech devices.
- Develop a sophisticated plan to monitor and back up the data to ensure little to no downtime even in the event of a disaster.
- Identify the principles of reputational marketing.
- Organize a website that attracts new patients to the office.
- Utilize social media in practice marketing efforts.
Dr. Lorne Lavine, founder and president of Dental Technology Consultants, has over 26 years invested in the dental and dental technology fields. A graduate of USC, he earned his D.M.D. from Boston University and completed his residency at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, NY. He received his specialty training at the University of Washington and went into private practice in Vermont until moving to California in 2002 to establish DTC, a company which focuses on the specialized technological needs of the dental community.
Dr. Lavine has vast experience with dental technology systems. He is a CompTia Certified A+ Computer Repair Technician, CompTia Network+ certified and will soon be a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. As a consultant and integrator, he has extensive hands-on experience with most practice management software, image management software, digital cameras, intraoral cameras, computers, networks, and digital radiography systems.
Dr. Lavine writes for many well-known industry publications and lectures across the country. He was the regular Technology columnist for Dental Economics Magazine. His articles have appeared in Dentistry Today, Dental Economics, Dental Equipment and Materials, Dental Practice Report, New Dentist, Dental Angle Online, and DentalTown magazine, where is a moderator of ten of their Computer and Software Forums. He has lectured to the Yankee Dental Congress, American Academy of Periodontology, American Academy of Endodontics, the DentalTown Extravaganza, and numerous State Dental Society and Study Club lectures. In addition, he is a member of the Speaking and Consulting Network. He is also the former technology consultant for the Indian Health Service.
- “A must course for those dentists who want to connect with the ‘new generation’ of dental consumers.” – Dr. David Dooley, Glenview, IL
- “Great starting point for incorporating digital dentistry into your practice.” – Dr. Alan Mauldin, Yukon, OK
LVI Global is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. LVI Global designates this activity for 10.5 continuing education credits.
