Kristin Hohman has served as Associate Editor of Dental Products report since 2019. She has a background in journalism and digital content. Kristin can be reached at khohman@mjhlifesciences.com.

Kristin Hohman

Just as technology has changed the clinical practice of dentistry, the day-to-day minutiae of running a dental practice have evolved as well. (Mostly) Gone are the days of rifling through paper charts and files, sending appointment reminder postcards, and having patients fill out printed forms.

Those tasks have been replaced with efficient computers and cloud-based systems that can pull up a patient's chart with the click of a button, automatically send patients a reminder text message for their upcoming appointments, and allow patients to fill out forms electronically. 

Not only are these technologies more efficient for the front office staff, but these conveniences have become something patients expect, just like they've come to expect first-class technology in the operatory. And just as the case with clinical technology, not offering these options for your patients may come at the practice's expense.

We're giving these outdated systems the chance to shine 1 last time, the final bow before the curtains close. Then we'll turn our attention to the practice management technologies that replaced them and, in the process, have moved dentistry forward.

Did You Get My Fax?

Computer Storage is Better in the Cloud

We Went Online With Referrals After 20 Years of Paper

Server-Based to Cloud-Based Software

The Practice Management Products We've Left Behind (And What's Replaced Them)

Articles

Computers and cloud-based systems have replaced many front office tasks, making dental practices more efficient and convenient for patients.

Information provided by Doxa Dental, Inc.

For use in direct pulp capping, including carious or mechanical pulp exposure, or in indirect pulp capping in deep preparations such as Class I and Class II composite restorations, under amalgam restorations, and under cements.

Ceramir Protect LC Syringe is a light-cured, resin-modified bioceramic pulp protectant for direct and indirect pulp capping. It is tolerant to moisture, insoluble, and radiopaque. With its thixotropic behavior and supplied needle tips, it can be applied precisely and evenly, even in deep-cavity preparations.

Ceramir Protect releases calcium on moist tooth surfaces to promote the formation of hydroxyapatite as well as tertiary dentin, which leads to safe pulp protection. Its high alkaline pH level creates a hostile environment for bacteria, which is conducive to healing and protecting against hypersensitivity.

This bioceramic pulp protectant promotes dentin formation while creating an adverse environment for bacteria. 



5Ws* Ceramir® Protect LC Syringe

Labs producing layered ceramic restorations.

Suitable for cases requiring work with a ceramic system.

Milled from a single block of aluminum by computer numerical control (CNC), the tray is available in a large size of 12.5 × 8.5 in. Its large slab of black pearl glass measures 12 × 7.5 in; optional hydration strips are anchored in a water reservoir system. Black “smartphone” glass is embedded in the aluminum lid, which is held up by an exclusive stand for whiteboarding convenience.

The internal reservoir system features a canal track machined by CNC right into the aluminum base. This is designed to promote water flow, as the premeasured bottle dispenses the right amount of water to eliminate excess. In addition, a machined aluminum stand to position the Tray lid or a tablet on the bench is also included. The tray is packaged with a white marking pen for the lid, a premeasured water bottle, and 10 ceramic hydration strips.

The Tray Ceramic Mixing Palette is designed with an internal reservoir system to promote water flow.

5Ws* Harvest Dental Tray Mixing Palette

The second-generation Programat ceramic and press furnaces

Dental laboratories looking to improve day-to-day efficiencies.

Whenever a restoration needs to be fired.

With more than press and fire functions, the newest generation of the Programat series is designed to function as a smart assistant for dental technicians. In addition to improved features such as infrared technology, fully automated press function, and digital shade assistant, new software and smart features have been added. Other features include a redesigned cooling tray to provide more space and better cooling of marginal areas, a new membrane-sealed keyboard, and a customary color touch screen display to ensure fast and easy operation of the furnace, and new symbols and icons that are said to allow for easy operation.

Its Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity allows users to register their device on the Ivoclar Vivadent portal and subscribe to a free report to receive monthly usage summaries. This is said to allow users to optimize critical functions in the dental laboratory. The report provides information on potential errors and facilitates maintenance and repair operations, enhancing the process reliability of the furnace in the laboratory.

The latest generation of Programat furnaces features IoT connectivity, usage reports, and more.