Technology’s Many Benefits
Because Dr. Stein’s previous practice was outdated, he wasn’t able to go digital until he moved to his new practice. Schick sensors help Dr. Stein and his staff take crystal clear images and eliminate the hassles they experienced with film X-rays. “I’m not waiting for 20 minutes for a full mouth of X-rays, only to find out there’s a problem with processing. Those aggravations are gone,” he said. Dr. Stein opted for Nomad portable X-ray units instead of arms on the operatory walls. He uses a DigiDoc intraoral camera to take photos of each patient’s mouth and with the money he saved on his equipment, he was able to bring a J Morita Veraview IC-5 Digital Pan into the practice.
With all of his intraoral images and digital X-rays integrated into Eaglesoft and displayed on flat panel monitors in his operatories, Dr. Stein is able to clearly show patients what is going on in their mouths. Case acceptance has increased tremendously. “Before this technology, we relied on patients to make decisions based on trust. Now, people are a bit more skeptical. There still needs to be trust between the patient and doctor, but now patients can see the problem for themselves,” said Dr. Stein.
Switching from a competitor’s practice management software to Eaglesoft has made everything easier in Dr. Stein’s practice. “You can always read the chart, no matter who wrote it. We don’t forget things during examination because the software reminds us,” he said. “It also allows us to have a better handle on who is due for hygiene or follow up on patients who have dropped off the radar.” Dr. Stein also uses Eaglesoft eServices to perform tedious tasks like reminder phone calls and printing statements, allowing his staff to focus more on patients and less on administrative duties.
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Dr. Stein has been a CEREC user since 2005, and he continues to rely on the technology to differentiate his practice and offer his patients a valuable service. “My patients like that we offer one-appointment crowns. It shows them that we value their time,” he said.
No Stone Unturned
Dr. Stein selected every piece of equipment in his practice with his patients’ comfort in mind – and his interior decorating process was no different. He hired an interior decorator to help him create the most relaxing environment in his practice. In the lobby, Dr. Stein chose calming earth tones and plush leather chairs. The front desk is made of stained bamboo, which looks super luxurious yet is extremely sustainable. On one side of the lobby, Dr. Stein suspended from the ceiling a sculpture of Laughing Buddha, which is a symbol of contentment in Chinese culture. “Everybody who sees the Laughing Buddha smiles because they have to. It just makes you happy,” said Dr. Stein. “I want people to be comfortable when they’re here.”
The warmth of the lobby extends into the hallway, where olive green walls with frosted glass sconces add a pop of elegant color. Several lighted art niches showcase some of Dr. Stein’s favorite things, from a collection of unique gems to a motorcycle figurine. In the operatories, the same warm color scheme is echoed in rich wood flooring that resembles distressed decking, Biotec cabinetry in Sunstone finish and Royal chairs in Fawn upholstery.
Beyond the comfort of the equipment and aesthetics of his practice, Dr. Stein says it’s the human elements that make his practice truly special – and he has left no stone unturned. The front desk staff is trained to answer calls in two rings or less and Dr. Stein has first meetings with patients in the consultation room, rather than the operatory. “It’s less intimidating for them,” he said.
Dr. Stein doesn’t stop thinking about his patients’ comfort after hours. Calls to the emergency line are routed directly to his cell phone and he follows up with each patient who has received local anesthetic the evening of their procedure. He also made sure not to raise fees in the new practice. “I wanted my patients to know that it was about them, not about me,” he said.
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