According to "Dr. Wo" Wm. Randol Womack, DDS, Editorial Director, Orthotown Magazine

Set Yourself Apart by Investing — Can You Afford It?


Wm. Randol Womack, DDS
Editorial Director,
Orthotown Magazine
I recently read some good advice in a publication that came across my desk. It was suggested that when the economy is down, the best thing you can do is "set yourself apart." LeeAnn Peniche gave us some practical guidelines on how this can be done in patient relationships in the July/August 2008 issue of Orthotown Magazine. But, to continue with the publication’s idea, how you "set yourself apart" is to invest in technology. But is it wise to invest in technology when the economy is down?

It not only might be wise, but it also might be a determining factor in surviving and/or thriving during these tough times. In my column titled "The Digital Revolution" in the June 2008 issue of Orthotown Magazine, I explained that patients and parents are making treatment decisions based on the technology demonstrated by an orthodontic office. If you agree with this premise, then the next step is to decide what to invest in. My problem is that the choices seem to multiply with every piece of information that comes across my desk lately.

Where does one start when it comes to considering CBCT imaging, intra-oral scanning to replace PVS impressions, indirect custom-made fixed appliances from 3D models, lingual braces, robotic arch wires from 3D images, even newer SL brackets, wireless micro-lasers, computerized retainers, the latest upgrades in practice management software, or new teen aligners? It quickly becomes almost mind-boggling as to how to choose from such a surge of technology into orthodontics.
"It not only might be
wise [to invest in technology in a
down economy],
but it also might be
a determining factor
in surviving and/or
thriving during these
tough times."
Where does one start when it comes to considering CBCT imaging, intra-oral scanning to replace PVS impressions, indirect custom-made fixed appliances from 3D models, lingual braces, robotic arch wires from 3D images, even newer SL brackets, wireless micro-lasers, computerized retainers, the latest upgrades in practice management software, or new teen aligners? It quickly becomes almost mind-boggling as to how to choose from such a surge of technology into orthodontics.

Well, that is one of the goals of Orthotown Magazine and the Orthotown.com message boards. We will continue to showcase many, if not all of the above options, in this and future issues. We hope to give you an opportunity to gain some insight into what would work best for you.

In addition, on the Orthotown.com message boards, you can discuss with your colleagues, the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, the good and the bad (and even the "ugly") experiences that you have had (or are having) with all of the technology advances available today. I have no doubt that this list will be increasing over time, which only complicates the problem of deciding and keeping up. But, as of today, that is what is happening in our profession and what it will take to "set yourself apart." So the bottom line is not really IF you can afford to invest in technology. The better question is — can you afford NOT to invest?
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