TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT SERVICES
When it came time to design her new office, the driving force for Dr. Mona Patel was to integrate the newest technology and create a digital workflow. A general dentist and the third owner of a family practice that has been in the community for 65 years, her goal was to take the already established high standards of patient care and transition the practice into the modern era of technology. She found the answer in Patterson Dental.
When I started planning the design of my new office 2 years ago, I needed a lot of guidance. It was important to me that everything in my workflow was streamlined, and would all be at my fingertips right there with the patient. I wasn’t just looking for someone to sell me something, but to help me find the best fit for my practice. After comparing a number of companies that offer very good dental equipment, I chose Patterson Dental. Patterson really helped me figure out the types of investments I needed to make, the return on investments, and most importantly, what would improve my practice for my patients—from the equipment to the floor plan.
I was already using Schick sensors and CEREC, and wanted to invest in CBCT. I treat a lot of teenagers, so I still need to take conventional 2D panoramics to evaluate third molars. I also wanted to use 3D cone beam to assess and diagnose pathology. So, I bought the Orthophos XG 3D. Patterson
helped me decide on the best type of imaging equipment for my practice.
When Dentsply Sirona introduced their new treatment centers last year, I was immediately attracted to them because they are so technology driven. I now have 2 Teneo units and 4 Intego units. The Teneo units each have their own intraoral camera, monitor, and built-in endodontic and implant motors. I can start any type of specialty or emergency procedure right away because they are already set up and ready to go. The intraoral camera system is really time-efficient for diagnostics and is great for treatment plan acceptance. I can get an intraoral image, 2D bitewing, and 3D scan together all in one interface and up on the monitor right in the patient chair so I can show them what I’m seeing. Each chair has its own IP address. If you call Patterson tech support with a problem, they can log in, run diagnostics, and do repairs remotely.
The biggest advantage of having this kind of digital workflow is the checks and balances. You’re accountable for everything—there is nothing left to guesswork. You’re physically designing surgeries and restorations in 3D, which ensures a much higher success rate. All of the pieces of the puzzle have come together now. While each technology itself has a lot of great uses in a dental office, you really maximize efficiency when they are all integrated together
I really enjoyed working with Patterson Dental because they were fully invested in helping me design an office that was ideal for my patients and me.
Dr. Patel is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a Bachelor Degree in Biology. She then earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 2007 at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Dr. Patel received the President’s Leadership Award while in dental school, and she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 2008. Her professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Patel practices general dentistry at Bayshore Dental in Whitefish Bay, WI.