One of the greatest challenges in running a practice—or any business for that matter—is overcoming the fear of change in order to evolve and improve your services. Part of this challenge is getting buy-in from your staff, and creating motivation for them to actively participate in changes that can be scary because they require straying from the normal routine. We are all creatures of habit, but that's where the risk of complacency lies. Without taking risks, we are unable to grow—and ultimately it's our patients who suffer from our stagnancy.
The advent of digital scanning technology for the orthodontic practice provides a perfect example of fear of the unknown acting as a roadblock to adoption of a piece of equipment that can have a lasting, positive effect on your practice's growth, efficiency and patient satisfaction. Issues inherent with traditional impression taking are no secret. Every orthodontist in the world has experienced a void, bubble or tear in the margin resulting in a ruined impression. Not to mention watching their patient struggle throughout the process. Luckily, the time has come where these issues are no longer something we have to accept. As long as there's a willingness to make an investment, both financially and mentally, digital scanning provides an opportunity to revolutionize your practice—and I've experienced it firsthand.
The Road to Acceptance
Digital scanning has always intrigued me. As scanners began to be approved for use for orthodontists, I brought my staff into a thorough investigation process. Involving them from the beginning helped them become engaged and excited about the prospect of this new technology. We looked at all of the available systems, weighed their pros and cons, and ultimately determined that the 3M True Definition Scanner was the best option for our practice. We have been using 3M Unitek products for many years and we trusted the company. I had the opportunity to purchase a system very early on, and it was installed in our practice in September 2013. In just three months, we were using the scanner on all of our patients.
Getting from installation to integration in this short amount of time took work, just as it does for any new process or technology that's introduced in a practice. We started by making sure all of our staff members were educated about the change taking place and were on board with putting in the necessary time to train and practice. Every staff member is important in making a practice run, so it was imperative to have everyone's support. Some were resistant at first, but later found the process to be fun and rewarding. Our 3M ESPE trainer visited the office to help everyone get acclimated through a two-day training period.
The trainer also introduced a very important mantra: 30 scans in 30 days. We decided as a group to embrace this mantra, and found that within just a few short weeks, we all made amazing strides.
Integrating Scanning into the Patient Process
In our office, digital scanning comes into play at several points throughout a patient's journey. When a new patient is ready for orthodontic treatment, we do a full diagnostic that includes photos, X-rays and a digital scan with a bite registration. Patients are amazed at how quick and efficient it is, and interacting with the 3D scan on the screen has proven to be an exceptional educational tool. I point out various issues we discussed during their initial consultation, and they walk away with a better understanding of why we're following a particular treatment plan. If we need to make an appliance, a palatal expander or other device, we're able to use the initial scans to accomplish this. Another way we've integrated digital scanning into our workflow is for indirect bonding to customize the bracket delivery process, which has led to more accurate placement from the start, and improved patient treatment.
Once the patient has undergone correction with braces and is ready to be fitted for a retainer, we digitally scan the patient with their braces still on. Before a digital solution, when a patient is in braces, 28 brackets, bands and surgical hooks, it made taking an accurate alginate impression next to impossible. With a digital scan, we don't have to worry.
Risk Means Reward
We have seen many changes in our practice as a direct result of adopting digital scanning, but the most significant are improvements in efficiency, accuracy and patient comfort. Taking a full-mouth scan can be accomplished in a matter of minutes, saving valuable time not only for me as an orthodontist, but also for the patients in my chair.
Many patients come in with a preconceived notion that they're going to gag on an alginate or impression—especially kids. With digital impressions, this fear is completely eliminated. One of the things that drew me to the 3M True Definition Scanner in particular is the small wand. With so many kids and adolescents in the practice, it's important that the wand be able to fit easily and comfortably into small mouths. This wand is the smallest I've seen on the market and enables a less invasive scanning process.
In terms of accuracy, the improvements have been significant. When you're eliminating human error and material error, the chance that you'll have an incomplete or poor impression is almost non-existent. The scanner is extremely accurate, and this is made possible in part because of the scanning powder. Some look at this as a deterrent, but we look at it as an advantage because it leads to better results, and actually helps with saliva control for consistency. Our lab reaps benefits as well—when our scans are just about perfect every time, the appliances fit and they don't have to request remakes.
An Instant Marketing Tool
One benefit that we didn't see coming was the instant credibility and word-of-mouth marketing that has resulted from integrating digital scanning into our practice. Now that patients know how fast, easy and comfortable the scanning process is, they tell their friends and family. We have patients walking in the door saying they heard we were the practice that doesn't take impressions with the "goop and tray," and this is something they're willing to go out of their way to find. While we were always committed to providing great service, this technology has allowed us to set the mark even higher.
Is Now the Time?
If you're on the fence about whether the time, effort and money to adopt digital scanning would pay off in your practice, my advice would be to first do your research, and then do away with fear. In order to offer patients the most positive experience possible, change is inevitable. We have to be willing to embrace it in order to reap the benefits. And trust me, the benefits will change your practice in ways you never thought possible.
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Dr. Fritz has been delivering the highest standard of orthodontic care for patients in and around Rockville, Maryland since 2000. He attended the University of Maryland, Dental School for his dental degree. In addition, Fritz completed a dental medicine residency at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and earned his certificate in orthodontics from Albert Einstein Medical Center. Fritz is dedicated to staying on the cutting-edge of the latest advancements in the field of orthodontics, and maintains memberships with numerous organizations. He and his wife, Melissa, have resided in Rockville for over 30 years and have two children. |
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