Dr. Nolan had previous experience with A-dec equipment. Dr. Eddleman, however, was new to the company and visited the A-dec factory in Newberg, Ore., with Grillot and Whittington. “I was leaning toward A-dec, but going to the facility gave me more confidence regarding the whole purchase,” Dr. Eddleman says. “It was helpful in terms of finalizing colors and surfaces.”

In addition to equipping the operatories with A-dec chairs, delivery units and treatment consoles, the doctors also went with A-dec for their lab and sterilization center equipment. “I think the trip to A-dec really helped Dr. Eddleman make an informed decision, especially regarding his delivery choice,” Whittington says.

While Dr. Eddleman and Dr. Nolan knew they wanted to update their technological offerings to the patient, they were motivated to do so by a desire to enhance the patient experience. “I think dentistry is a doctor/patient relationship first and foremost,” Dr. Nolan says. “The patient has to have confidence in you. We recognize, too, that a modern office helps to lend to that confidence.”

Danny Grillot and Whittington recommended Eaglesoft Clinical to network the entire office, including patient records. Dr. Eddleman and Dr. Nolan invested in Schick digital sensors and intraoral cameras for improved diagnostics. With computers and two monitors located in each operatory, the doctors now offer better case presentations and are seeing greater case acceptance.

The benefits of the new technologies to the practice are immeasurable, but might have been dampened had extensive training, service and support not been part of the Patterson package. Whittington helped coordinate training on the digital X-rays, Eaglesoft and more.

“When I was making the decision of who to work with to build the new practice, I knew we were going to need more service with the greater volume of equipment and technology we have,” Dr. Eddleman says. “That was why I went with Patterson. There was a commitment on both our parts, and the decision for me was made easier by their [commitment to] service.”

After two years in the practice, the doctors continue to discover new benefits, both to them and their patients. For Dr. Nolan, the patient experience is greatly enhanced with the digital sensors and intraoral camera, which provide an instant picture of what is happening in the patients’ mouths.