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Operatory monitor Once you have digital photos, they can be presented to the patient on a monitor, such as the Flexview Operatory Monitor from Flexview Systems LLC (flexviewsystems.com). The Flexview system, which is designed for easy use and positioning, includes a 19-inch monitor with protective screen and wrap-around handles. It can display management information, patient eduction presentations, and digital radiographs as well as TV or DVD programs. Another similar option is the Technology and Lighting Center (TLC) system, or “dental chair potato,” from the Seltzer Institute Inc. (dentalchairpotato.com). The TLC overhead multimedia display allows patients to comfortably watch TV, intraoral camera or computer images, videos, or movies—hence, its nickname: the “dental chair potato.” Inkjet printer Digital photos can also be printed. Photos printed on plain paper with a color inkjet printer are relatively inexpensive (about a dime each), and the dentist or the patient can draw or write on them. Whether you display a digital image of the patient’s tooth on a computer monitor or print out the image, often all it takes is for the patients to see the gobs of plaque on their lingual—or the old cracked fillings—and they will choose optimal treatment. Digital slide show
By using a slide show, the dental office can customize its slides to the office; that is, the office can design the slides using office logos, colors, and graphics. The slides can show a patient’s photos, but they can also be created with educational explanations and images. Beyond the basics, such as a slide show making a case for a crown or an onlay, the office could create a PowerPoint presentation for various purposes. For example, they could be designed shows for new patients, for dental hygiene, and preventive care, as well as for the most common restorative procedures. PowerPoint software is a powerful tool. If the dentist or a team member has the time, training and talent, they can use the program to create elaborate, full multimedia presentations. Multimedia presentation On the other hand, several companies have created slide shows and much more for us. They are using multimedia formats combining sound, video, and text that are broadcast over TVs, computers, DVD players, and other electronic devices in waiting rooms and operatories. The systems offer complete education and case presentation applications, including take-home discs. Such programs include CAESY Education Systems from Patterson Dental Supply Inc. (CAESY.com), which dominated the scene for many years. Another, more recent program, is the Guru computer-based interactive patient education library (howdoyouguru.com) from Dentrix Dental Systems (dentrix.com), a Henry Schein Co. The CAESY and Guru programs, which do the set up and the creative work for us, are similar in many ways. They feature various short educational videos and still images on most every aspect of dental treatment. Using these and similar multimedia programs can save you time as well as enhance your office’s high-tech image. In particular, CAESY Enterprise 6.0 server-based patient education software features live video and animations with a complete sound track. CAESY’s programs also include a reception-room module called Smile Channel. Designed to look like a television show, Smile Channel runs on a waiting room television. Its subjects also can be shown on a Web page, as well as printed out or burned to a disc for the patient to take home. Continued on next page
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Orthodontics
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