Six dentists recently connected with Becker's to share what their best investment has been so far in 2023.
Note: Responses were edited for clarity and length.
Question: What has been the best dental investment you've made this year so far?
Hussam Askar, DDS. Alpha Dental (Providence, R.I.): The most impactful dental investment I've made this year has undoubtedly been transitioning from traditional PVS impressions to digital scanning. This decision has not only saved us valuable chair time but has also significantly reduced the instances of crown remakes. Also, our patients have become more actively involved in their treatment as they can better visualize their dental issues through digital scans. Additionally, our lab processing times have significantly improved, leading to a more efficient workflow overall.
Michelle Asselin, DDS. Fresno (Calif.) Dental Professionals: Most recently Overjet AI. It has really helped with communication and treatment presentation to the patient. It allows the patient to understand X-rays and engages them to be part of the process. It functions as an instant second opinion of what is being recommended.
David Blanchard, DDS. Riverside Family Dental (Menomonee Falls, Wis.): The best investments I've made have been in my staff and my own continuing education. In order to beat the staffing crisis and differentiate my office, the intangibles are key — training assistants on new technology to display your intent to keep them on staff and adopting new procedures/protocols to demonstrate progress to your staff and patient base. This has proved to be a far better investment than hard equipment or new and improved supplies.
Bill Choby, DMD. The Center for Dental Implants (Greensburg, Pa.): The best investment has been getting a 3D scanner.
Jay Cohen, DDS. Rubinchik Cohen Dental Care (Redwood City, Calif.): The best investment I've made was switching crown cement to Evolve from RelyX. It costs half the price and works on everything.
Jordan Cooper, DDS. Cooper Family Dentistry (Jacksonville, Ark.): I worked with Patterson to finish out an additional operatory for one of our satellite practices. It went so well that we are already getting estimates to add another hygiene operatory because we are now full again! What's more is that the pick up has encouraged us all to begin transitioning our associate dentist to owner and she will be officially an owner on Oct. 1st!