When he saw the capabilities of GALILEOS at the 3D Summit, however, Dr. Tubo was convinced. “GALILEOS may not be considered the standard of care now, but it is the future of dentistry,” he said. “Once you have seen a patient’s anatomy in three dimensions, it’s hard to go back. I left the Summit thinking, ‘Not only am I ready to buy GALILEOS, I will purchase the whole practice if needed to do so.’”

Dr. Tubo returned from the Summit excited about the technology. But Dr. Cnossen was not convinced. Though the doctors had considered entering a partnership, Dr. Tubo recognized that he and Dr. Cnossen would have different long-term outlooks, complicating decisions related to equipment and technology. He came up with an idea that would make both doctors happy. Dr. Tubo would purchase the practice and Dr. Cnossen would be the associate. This would allow Dr. Tubo to take the reins and carry out his vision for a technologically advanced practice.

The doctors completed their role reversal in May 2011. Dr. Tubo’s accountant advised he wait to invest in GALILEOS until early 2012. However, he was becoming frustrated that he needed to refer difficult implant cases to a periodontist with GALILEOS in a nearby town.

In August 2011, Dr. Tubo and Dr. Cnossen attended the 3D Summit together. It was an eye-opening experience for Dr. Cnossen, who was impressed with the technology. After speaking with Rigby, Dr. Tubo decided to purchase GALILEOS. It was installed that October.

Rigby spent a significant amount of time talking with Dr. Tubo and answering his questions about GALILEOS and other products. “He told me that he talked to me more than he had with his [rep from another dental supplier] in the last three years,” Rigby said.

Dr. Tubo is grateful to the territory representative for encouraging him to attend the 3D Summit and for all of his help before and after his GALILEOS install. He was so happy with his Patterson experience that he decided to do more merchandise business with Patterson.

Though Dr. Tubo has had GALILEOS for less than a year, he and his staff have already seen a boost in productivity. Because the 3D images are so clear, he is able to take on cases that he previously would not have been able to perform. “It’s a revolutionary technology,” he said. “It has the potential to dramatically change the face of dentistry.”