Also atypical of an orthodontist is Dr. Dunn’s use of A-dec W&H electric handpieces. “An air-driven handpiece, going at full speed, I believe removes the enamel, regardless of bur. If I’m trying to remove adhesive after de-bonding the patient, I don’t want to remove enamel and destroy the anatomy of the tooth,” he said. “An electric handpiece can slow down but still has plenty of torque.”

To protect the investment in the handpieces, Dr. Dunn purchased a SciCan Bravo 17 sterilizer, which uses a vacuum-drying system that is gentler on the instruments.

Completing the equipment set-up in the orthodontic bays are Triangle orthodontic carts, with a large work surface and soft-close drawers. A moveable delivery system holder was a new element for Dr. Dunn, but it’s proven to be useful if he and his staff need to re-position.

Dr. Dunn is well aware that proper diagnostics and case presentation are critical aspects of orthodontics. In his Woodbury office, he uses a Cranex 2D digital pan and ceph but chose a PLANMECA ProMax Mid 3D panoramic X-ray for the Cottage Grove satellite office. He added a ceph arm and is eagerly awaiting the company’s ProFace 3D camera.

The mid-sized PLANMECA unit is a perfect option for his practice: big enough to handle the cephalometrics, take a 2D pan and capture a 3D image. “For case diagnostics, it’s great,” he said. “I can see things I could never see before, like impactions, root resorption, asymmetry, facial asymmetries. Patients are very impressed when they see the 3D results versus the 2D.”

“The X-ray definitely sets Dr. Dunn’s practice apart from most of the other orthodontic practices in the area, and gives him all of the information he needs to diagnose and treat his patients,” Mans said.

Mans provides an added service to Dr. Dunn and the staff by being on-call to visit the practice and provide training and support as needed. “Anytime we need assistance, repairs or help with training or anything like that, Patterson has been great to work with,” Dr. Dunn said.

What truly brings Dr. Dunn’s case presentations to life is the use of Dolphin Imaging and Dolphin Management software in conjunction with the state-of-the-art equipment. The imaging software enables the doctor and staff to manage patient records and X-ray images, and transform complex data into compelling presentations.