Technology in dentistry is truly exceptional and offers many innovative products. Dentists use technology in unique ways like no other industry. The dental industry needs more expertise and support for the four pillars: dental software, digital imaging, computer IT and training. How do the products within the pillars interact as one? This is the missing link.
Integrating dental technology is the connection between a practice’s physical operation and the technology that drives it. There are four pillars to dental technology: dental software, digital imaging, computer IT, and training. Individually, these are equally important to dental practices. One pillar doesn’t work well without the other three. CloudPrep is the glue that integrates these pillars into technology as it should be.
Early in my career, the goal was to learn all aspects of computer technology from the ground up. This began in Silicon Valley:
- NorcalTec – printed circuit board manufacturer in Mountain View, CA
- Intel – microprocessor division in Santa Clara, CA.
- Altera Corporation – EPLD memory startup with ex-Intel engineers.
- Micronics Computers – motherboard design for personal computers.
After tearing my ACL, I found arthroscopy fascinating. The doctor recorded a video tape of the surgery that I still have to this day. The tiny camera used with 4 small incisions was incredible. For any of you that had a zippered reconstructive knee surgery, I feel your pain.
The surgery required a tendon transplant to replace my shredded ACL. The video showed screws, hammers, and a Makita cordless drill. Are you kidding me? This, not so surprisingly, explained the pain.
Integrating computers and cameras in medical devices led to Fuji Optical Systems. And of course the aforementioned ACL surgery.
Fuji Optical manufactured video scopes for various medical procedures. Arthroscopy, gastroenterology and the rest. In part, the camera and fiber optics were interchangeable.
By modifying the end of the scope with a retro-angled stainless steel hand piece for dentists, the Dentacam was the first intraoral camera system introduced in 1987.
Patterson Dental was the exclusive distributor of the Dentacam with prices starting at $35,000. It featured an 80 pound camera on a cart that was wheeled between ops. On the cart was a Sony thermal printer, promavica for storage, VCR, and a Sony PVM1390 CRT RGB display.
Patterson Dental eventually hired me to train hundreds of their technicians to service and install some 1800 units. The most rewarding part of this job was traveling to dental offices and teaching how to integrate the camera into dental practice workflow while generating tremendous ROI. It was a great feeling to experience staff excitement first-hand.
T2 Consulting was founded in 1998 and soon partnered with T.H.E. Design, a dental office architectural firm in Austin, TX. My partner in crime was Dr. Jeff Carter. I credit Jeff and the late Dr. Harry Demaree for their vision and forward thinking.
Our goal was to meld technology and dental office design. Treatment room computer workstations, cabinetry, server closets, display mounts, all needed storage and ceiling space that didn’t disrupt clinical flow. This was during the initial stage of clinical computer proliferation in the ops. Delivering technology to the patient takes a combination of clinical expertise and technical skills. We needed a process that would help dental practices integrate technology not only into their practice but also their office design. This was the origin of the 6-Point Plan. Through meticulous planning, we accomplished these goals for hundreds of new state-of-the-art dental facilities.
I am also grateful to have worked with Dr. Michael Unthank for offering the opportunity to speak at his dental office design seminars. Mike is an architect and a dentist so he understands both office design and dentistry. Mike has been a positive influence and am very thankful for his friendship, teaching style and post seminar dinners. Unthank Design Group has racked up many dental office design awards over the years, some of which I was fortunate to have participated in.
CloudPrep is here
After years of hard work and countless frequent flier miles, I am proud to introduce the CloudPrep learning website portal. The website is deliberately intended for dentists and office managers alike. Learn from an independent expert that has helped hundreds of dental practices make the right tech decisions and cut costs without sales hype.
CloudPrep’s yearly online membership gives full access to the 6-point plan that helps dental practices construct a blueprint for their technology success. For a limited time, CloudPrep also includes two 30-minute Zoom calls that offers added support to yearly members at half the price. This will be extremely helpful for members getting started. A second call can be scheduled on a time and date of your choice.
You’ll also find photo galleries, online forms, dental software comparison, cost control spreadsheets, and articles. Check out our complimentary budget calculator
Since 1998, T2 has worked directly for dental practices offering sound advice without bias or sales pressure. You’ll find no pay to play or sales noise here.
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