"The floor plan also provides a good flow for the sterilization and lab processes," Dr. Watkins said. A-dec cabinets provide an abundance of storage for the Preference ICC Sterilization Center, and a window into the lab allows patients to see their crowns being custom milled.

"I wanted to make sure that the patient could see what it is we're doing because they're always amazed by the CEREC product," Watkins said. "We don't use it for just a few crowns, we also do front teeth. Sometimes I have the local lab techs, who are very well-trained in CEREC and Sirona, process those, and we can do full smiles in a day. They'll design them and do custom staining, and I'll do all the prepping and delivery. Sometimes I'll do it on my own; complete smile makeovers with CEREC, and they're done in a day. It's a lot of fun. Patients love to see us design it and look at the three-dimensional imaging."

With the new Omnicam, a patient can better imagine his or her new smile. "They'll be able to look at things in color. I think that will create even more of a need or want to follow through with treatment because they can see what their mouth looks like three-dimensionally," he said.

Giving patients more options and the best in technology makes sense coming from someone who enjoys anything with four wheels. Watkins got involved with off-roading through friends, and they can be found some weekends at off-road parks. "It's exhilarating driving over things you're not normally supposed to drive on," Watkins said. "It's a lot of fun getting out there in nature and pushing the limits of your vehicle."

Driving Jeeps off-road is a pastime that befits the rugged, rock solid spirit behind the mountain lodge esthetic of Watkins Family Dentistry.

"I think a lot of our patients are asking for treatment and accepting the recommendations that we're making because they feel confident; confident with the work that we do, the quality of care that we were providing," Watkins said. "It's kind of a win-win." PT