Dr. Lee hopes that by doing more with less, she can transfer the savings back to her patients. "If I can keep prices down because we use less, then it’s a win/win for everybody," she said.
Eco-Friendly Technology Solutions
The latest dental technology played a huge role in helping Dr. Lee go green. Divine Dental Smile is completely paperless, thanks to EagleSoft Practice Management Software. Dr. Lee uses several of EagleSoft’s eServices, including electronic claims processing, electronic billing, electronic attachments and eReminders. Going paperless not only helps the environment but has also increased efficiency. "There is a small price to pay for these services but it’s less than I would pay for an employee to do it," said Dr. Lee. "We can breathe a lot easier because we don’t have records to file, we don’t have patients to confirm and we don’t have so much to do."
Another earth-friendly technology solution is Dr. Lee’s Schick digital imaging system. With less radiation exposure for patients, zero chemical waste and images in just seconds, both Dr. Lee and her patients are impressed with the technology. "I’ve gotten really good feedback from the patients – they can’t believe how fast and efficient it is," said Dr. Lee.
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A flat screen monitor at the foot of every dental chair allows patients to easily view digital images and CAESY Patient Education Systems videos. When a treatment plan is presented to a patient, Dr. Lee simply plays the coordinating CAESY video. Then, patients use the electronic signature pad to sign the treatment consent form in EagleSoft, eliminating the need for printed forms.
Even sterilization and infection control are eco-friendly at Divine Dental Smile. Energy efficient washers and dryers launder staff uniforms onsite. In lieu of ultrasonic cleaners, Dr. Lee purchased a SciCan Hydrim instrument washer, which reduces the amount of chemicals going down the drain. Stronger chemicals are used only on instruments and tubing that might contaminate a patient’s mouth. Dr. Lee and her staff use mild soap and water to clean chairs and surfaces. The added benefit of using fewer chemicals: "Our office smells better," said Dr. Lee.
A unique element in Divine Dental Smile’s design is the absence of a storage room. Dr. Lee chose not to build a storage room in order to reduce waste and ensure that supplies aren’t lost in the back of a full supply closet. She keeps only one to two weeks of supplies in the office. Divine Dental Smile’s supply manager, Erin, regularly restocks supplies using the eMagine ordering system. She also confers with Sailer regularly to check if there are any new eco-friendly products on the market or discounts on products the practice needs. Using eMagine has made ordering supplies easier for Erin, while also reducing ordering mistakes. When the supplies are delivered, Dr. Lee returns the boxes to Sailer, who takes them back to the branch and reuses them for another order.
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