A new ITI member

A big congratulations to one of our co-founders Karoline Hochstrat. She has been accepted as a Member of the ITI (International Team of Implantology). Karoline is a German Master Dental Technician with more then 25 years of experience. One of the core assets of the ITI is the community spirit of the ITI network - exchange knowledge with dedicated clinicians and researchers in implant dentistry and dental tissue regeneration. We are sure that Karoline will complement this group with her experience and her creative thinking.

Why don't dentists order restorative implant parts online?

I am curious on why many dentists do not order restorative components online. Many of the implant manufacturers offer either discounted rates or free shipping, however that does not seem to be enough. Is it the confusion of the parts needed, poor e-commerce sites with the implant manufacturer, they don't do enough implant cases. Curious on what others thought about online restorative implant ordering, and why it is not used.

Putting Care Back In Your Practice

Here is a terrific article written by Lori Bauer, Practice Development Consultant for Nobel Biocare.

..."Today, if you don’t take care of your patients, somebody is waiting, ready and willing to do it. Your competitive advantage in this Change Environment is not just the quality of your products and services. The real competitive edge you have is how you treat your patients." Please click here to view more

Fantastic editorial from Dr. Brian T. Young

Here is a wonderful editorial by Dr. Brian T Young, DDS Periodontists from the Implant Practice Journal about embracing your implant practice during this economic climate.

Dental implant practice in a struggling economy

...The common reaction is to retract and cease investing into the business as a method conserve and protect. However, if we can place a renewed focus on efficiency, relationships, and effective purchasing, the implantfocused practice will be in an excellent position when the economy rebounds.. Click here to view more.

Online communication with the treatment team

On line communication in the dental industry to some is a 4 letter word - "change". All kidding aside communication is a huge component of any successful business. The ability to communicate 24/7 via the Internet and mobile allows you to have a more flexible schedule because you can access information at anytime from anywhere you are connected. Often times the lab, doctor, or the other office is in surgery all day, on vacation, or the person you communicate with is out sick. By having quick and easy access to information will allow you to be more efficient and productive with your treatment team.

Some feel why do I need to change the way I communicate? "Why don't we just keep faxing - it's more familiar. I receive a hard copy and it's how my office communicates", or "why do I have to learn something new". The problem with this view is the next generation expects to be on the Internet, they look at the old way to communicate via faxes and US Postal Mail, and say "why would I work that way. It is more expensive, reaches less people, and isn't as flexible".

The question I am asking is how are you changing the way your office communicates not only with your patients but also referring doctors and dental labs. Do the assistants and front office play a larger role then they did 5 years ago. What types of Internet tools and strategies are you implementing.

Next blog - How do you communicate 3D technology patient info with your treatment team.