So many changes are possible when updating a dental office. Plush waiting-room furnishings, fancy wallpaper, or a calming fish tank all make an impression upon our patients. While design alterations provide an esthetic improvement, another type of upgrade has changed the quality of life for the hygienists, assistants, dentists, and patients in our office. Our digital radiography system has improved patient care, made procedures easier for us, and saved money on labor and office supplies.

Most importantly, digital radiography has improved our patients' treatment experiences. Film X-rays are uncomfortable; patients would complain that the "cardboard" cut the roof of their mouths or made them gag, no matter how careful we were to place them properly. Digital radiography uses a sensor for image capture that is shaped like a small, rounded wafer. Our sensor (DEXIS®), which can be easily transported among the operatories, has beveled edges for greater comfort. During a full-mouth series of X-rays, we quickly and efficiently reposition the sensor, reducing the possibility for the gag reflex to kick in, and because of the cord placement, we can take vertical and horizontal bitewings and all periapicals with a single sensor. All of this results in a more pleasing experience for patients.

Learning the system is as easy as clicking the mouse or hitting a key on the keyboard. Even though the system is very simple to learn, our digital radiography company sent a registered hygienist to our office to train us, as well as giving us CD tutorials and videos for additional tips. We were well prepared for our next day of digital-only radiography and eager to share the technology with our patients.

Digital X-rays provide incredible clarity and definition. Traditional X-rays are small and difficult to read, even with a light box. On our digital system, we can enlarge and enhance the images, zero in on potentially problematic areas, and use features such as ClearVu? and Invert (switches light and dark areas) to identify caries or cracks in the teeth.

Now, our patients feel empowered to take a more active role in their treatment. With all of the diagnostic enhancements at our fingertips and prominently displayed on the computer screen, patients can easily see images of their own teeth and understand the necessity for certain treatment and follow-up. We can sit side by side and answer patients' questions, pointing out, enlarging, or enhancing areas of concern. Patients also appreciate the fact that digital radiography exposes them to less radiation than traditional methods.

Besides improving the relationship between the practice and the patient, "going digital" saves money on film, chemicals, mounts, and processor cleaners. It is definitely better for the environment, too, since all those chemicals have to be disposed of somehow. We also don't have to spend that time in the developing closet-darkroom, removing the film from packets, feeding it into the processor, and waiting, waiting, waiting for it to be finished — or running back and forth from treatment room to darkroom. It was frustrating to waste all that time, and then have to start over again if the X-rays didn't come out properly. With digital, X-rays appear on our monitors almost immediately, and occasional retakes can be taken just as quickly. Plus, I will never miss breathing in those chemicals or cleaning the processor!

With digital technology, we no longer need to mount film; the software does it automatically. If referring dentists or insurance companies need copies, again — with a click — the images can be e-mailed or printed on the spot. We can even quickly print out copies for the patient to take home.

Implementing a digital X-ray system has improved our practice on so many levels. Patients appreciate the changes that we've made for their comfort and safety, but it really affects us the most. Thanks to the sensor, image capture is easier; and because of our whole digital system, we're out of the (developing) closet and next to the patient, where we really belong.

About the Author

Shelley Rice graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental Hygiene Program in 1984. She has been practicing hygiene for 23 years in private and specialty practices, and in military and public health facilities in the United States and abroad. Shelley is a GKAS volunteer, active in education, and is currently part of the team of Dr. Dennis Grabowski in Lake Elmo, Minn. She can be reached at srice01@comcast.net.

Serving the Dental Patient: A Hygienist's Top Priority by Christi Carpenter, RDH

As dental hygienists, we aim to provide quality patient care through both prophylaxis and patient education in our practices, and consistently strive to demonstrate the importance of good oral healthcare to our patients. In order to better serve and inform patients, I have found that working with both practice management and patient education software in the office is the most effective way to get patients to continue implementing these good habits at home. Additionally, having technology systems in our office provides our dental team with the means to be well-organized and run efficiently, and helps us best manage our time and communicate effectively. Having practice management and patient education software seamlessly integrated into our dental office has ultimately shown our patients that we truly care about their oral health.

Integrated Practice Management and Patient Education Software: The Benefits

• Patient information is accessible electronically. Whether it is medical history alerts, digital images, X-rays or treatment plans, content is always available for review directly in front of me. This feature saves me time and effort from having to sort through endless paper charts in the office.
• Capturing and storing clinical images and X-rays takes only seconds. In the operatory, I am able to use the intraoral camera and digital X-rays to immediately show patients a full screen image of their teeth before and after prophylaxis using Patterson EagleSoft. This process is not only educational, but can be enjoyable for patients to watch and experience.
• Interesting visual presentations and printable materials. A wide variety of well-organized multimedia presentations from CAESY Patient Education reinforce my verbal diagnoses and treatment recommendations while the patient is in the chair. Specific procedural information may also be printed or burned onto a CD for the patient to take with when they leave the office.
• Quick communication with the dental team. With one click, I am able to inform the receptionist that a patient will need a follow-up appointment without ever leaving the operatory.

Unique programming for the reception area and operatories offers patients an educational experience throughout their entire appointment.

Animation keeps patients interested while you educate, helping to increase case acceptance.