Joseph Blaes, DDS
Pearl #1 - Snoop Caries Detecting Dye by Pulpdent. One of the problems I have had with caries-detecting dyes is that all of them are red. The red color of these dyes makes it difficult to see what you want to see. Someone must have been listening. Pulpdent has introduced a dye that is blue (what an innovation!) and is easy to read, due to the excellent color contrast to the tissue we work with. As with most materials we use, Snoop is not perfect and must be used with care, because the dye can stain the tissue. I find that if I use a Microbrush, I can apply the Snoop just where I want it and not have any problems. This is a simple, quick, and easy product to use. Thanks for listening, Pulpdent! Order from your dealer or call Pulpdent at (800) 343-4342.
Pearl #2 - Encore Plus by Fresh Concepts Direct. I have used different air-freshening systems in the office and found them, in general, to be heavy and oppressive. I had given up on using this type of system until the CDA meeting in Anaheim. Rhonda and I were walking the exhibit floor and were impressed by the scent as we passed a certain booth. We stopped and inquired about and discovered Encore Plus, a metered aerosol air-refreshening system that is programmable. The system will tell you when to replace the fragrance and the batteries. The fragrances are great, not overpowering at all. Encore Plus is designed to utilize the positive effects of Aroma Therapy, with different fragrances extracted from the oils of flowers, fruits, and organic plants. Its purpose is to help reduce stress and relax your patients with these pleasant fragrances. No more medicament smells when entering your office! They also have a WORLDWIND mini that is ideal for smaller offices. I am very pleased to have found this product and to recommend it to you. To order Encore Plus, call Fresh Concepts Direct at (800) 537-3745.
Pearl #3 - Dental Procedure Paks From Professional Sterile Systems. I came across this item during my visit to the Hinman Meeting in Atlanta in March. (A terrific meeting!) Imagine having a single package that contains the 10 to 20 loose items that you use in every dental procedure. It seems to me that this would really simplify treatment-room setup. You would have only one inventory item instead of 10 to 20. This certainly would simplify ordering, tracking, and stocking. Procedure Paks will do all of this and more! They are self-contained and reduce the amount of time spent in setup and cleanup of dental-treatment areas. You can reduce waste by controlling the amount of inventory allocated to each procedure. Procedure Paks improve efficiency and consistency in treatment and allow you to standardize your operating procedures quickly. They are aseptically superior to loose bulk products, and they minimize the potential for cross-contamination caused by repeated reaching into bulk containers. These Procedure Paks come sterilized and ready to use with a 20-inch-by-20-inch wrap that we use as a treatment-area cover. You can pick from a number of standardized paks or design your own "Custom Paks." You tell the folks at Professional Sterile Systems the items you want included (even specialty items), and they will build the Paks to your specifications. This is a great way to have custom paks for dental, surgical, and hygiene procedures. The people at this company are great to work with. They are happy to send samples and quote prices. Be specific concerning quantities and brand preferences - you really can have it your way! For information or to order, call (800) 886-PAKS [in Georgia, call (770) 962-2425].
Dr. Blaes has a general practice in the St. Louis area. He is known for his expertise in dental materials and techniques and his innovative systems designs. He writes and lectures on "How To Increase Productivity and Profitability." He may be reached at (314) 434-6808.
