New friends, a new process, and a new facility

by Joe Blaes

I'm writing this in the middle of April and in the last few days, spring has really sprung in St. Louis. All the trees are leafing out and the forsythia apple trees are in full bloom. It's a great time to be alive!

I hope you noticed the great image on the cover. While at the IDS in Cologne, Germany, I visited the Sirona display, where I saw 25 new products and was introduced to perfect workflow through modern integration. The GALILEOS Comfort PLUS offers many possibilities for modern, integrated workflows through the integrated FaceScan and the unique workflow of integrated implantology in connection with CEREC. This technology brings the industry one step closer to the virtual patient. While taking the X-ray, the laser-free scanner plots the patient's facial structure, texture, and coloring, and then automatically integrates the 3-D X-ray and 3-D face scan for a virtual representation of the patient's maxillofacial area. The result is ideal for illustrating treatment recommendations and as the basis for maxillofacial surgery planning.

I just returned from the California Dental Association meeting in Anaheim where I spoke all day Friday to my favorite group -- dental assistants, hygienists, and business assistants -- the women who keep our offices running so efficiently. I had two entirely different programs for them, and both were extremely well accepted. I found out after I finished that over 500 people were turned away from my morning and afternoon programs. I felt like a rock star!

The management team at the CDA meeting is a very nice group to work with. They took great care of me throughout the meeting. I particularly enjoyed being picked up by a limo at the airport. It was exciting to see someone holding a sign with my name on it in the baggage claim area of the airport. The speakers lounge at the Convention Center and the hospitality suite at the end of a long day were also very much appreciated. I met my host, Dr. Dave Schwarting, and his wife, Connie, at the President's Reception on Thursday night and had a delightful time with them. I also met their daughter, Dr. Allison Schwarting, who practices with her father, and who helped control the crowd in my meeting room. My thanks to Dr. Dave for being one of the best hosts I've had in a long time!

I'd like to introduce you to a new practice management process that you can use in your office. The Patient Satisfaction Institute (PSI) offers the only patient satisfaction certification available to dental practices. Using a very simple process, and in a very short timeframe, practices can achieve this certification and receive the prestigious Morton Award for Highest Patient Satisfaction. Using the iPad that's provided as part of the PSI service, patients are asked to complete a 90-second survey after every appointment. In today's dental economy, patient satisfaction is critical to sustaining and growing a practice. Patients expect excellent service, and every practice will benefit by achieving patient satisfaction certification. It will improve patient loyalty, attract new patients, increase referrals, and give practices the competitive advantage they need. For more information, go to www.PatientSatisfactionInstitute.com.

While at the CDA, I visited the new facility for the Pacific Dental Services National Support Center in Irvine, Calif. This facility has doubled the square footage to 120,000, all on one level. It has been extremely well designed to serve the mission of PDS for the next 10 years. You will have a chance to see the new facility as the Leaders in Dentistry Conference Series Presents...Successful Women in Dentistry there on June 22. This one-day conference will highlight the inspiring achievements women have made in dentistry -- how women are positively influencing the dental industry today and creating opportunities for the future. Go to www.pacificdentalservices.com for complete information and to register ASAP because space is limited.

Be sure to get your hygienist signed up for the Greatest Hygiene Show on Earth – RDH Under One Roof in Las Vegas, July 17 to 19. Go to www.RDHUnderOneRoof.com to register. This is the best thing you could possibly do for your hygienist!

I'm sure most of you are aware of the situation in Tulsa, Okla. An oral surgeon's office has been closed because of inferior infection control methods and allowing dental assistants to start IV sedation. Our website, DentistryIQ.com, has closely followed the entire process and will be your best place for trusted information as this case proceeds.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather – you deserve a day off!

Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor
email: [email protected]