One of Dr. Messenger's favorite dental tools is the GALILEOS 3D cone beam unit, which he requested be centrally located within the practice. "Incorporating technology into what was once a restaurant and inn was a little challenging, but we were able to place the GALILEOS in a central point in the office," said Sean O'Connell, a Patterson Dental equipment specialist based out of Albany, N.Y.

One of the qualities that sets Dr. Messenger apart is his fervent obsession with new dental technology. "I'm known as 'Dr. Gadget,'" he said. "Normally, I'm the guy who has whatever's new, and I have it before everybody else does."

John Manning said he's watched the doctor continuously upgrade and improve his dental equipment throughout the years. "I've watched Gene embrace new ideas and stay on the cutting end of technology, bringing his dentistry to a new level. Gene is always looking to provide better dentistry to his patients. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to build the relationships I have with Gene and his staff."

The doctor strongly believes in using CEREC and GALILEOS to treat patients, and has invested in three CEREC acquisition centers and three milling units (two MC XL units and one Compact unit). He actively urges other dentists to consider bringing the technologies into their own practices. "The CEREC has definitely made me a better dentist," he said. "With CEREC and GALILEOS, most of the time I can fix anything in an hour."

Accustomed to the information these tools provide, Dr. Messenger now refuses to place an implant without a surgical guide. "I think that should be the standard of care," he said. "In my heart of hearts, I really feel that the GALILEOS or any type of surgical guide with a cone beam should be how you place implants."

To complement these products, Dr. Messenger installed large monitors throughout his practice. For procedures that might require CEREC and GALILEOS, such as an implant, the monitors add a sense of excitement and intrigue, similar to that of a video game.

Dr. Messenger uses CAESY patient education software to explain procedures and treatment plans to patients. "A picture is worth 1,000 words," he said. "Say you do a crown on No. 19. CAESY allows you to print up the explanation of that at the same time with a treatment plan."

To assist with managing the practice's paperwork, the staff uses Eaglesoft practice management software. Dr. Messenger said Eaglesoft has a number of benefits that other dentists should explore. "We're totally paperless and have been for a couple years," he said. "Eaglesoft made it happen."