My Digital X-ray System — A Prize With Many Surprises
By John P. Marconnit, DDS
What’s pheasant hunting got to do with digital X-ray? That’s what I was doing when my assistant surprised me with the news that I’d won a DEXIS Digital X-ray System! Fast forward a couple of months…once I saw how well the system integrated into my office, I went ‘fully digital’ with a few extra computers and a new intra-oral DEXcam camera. I now realize that when I won the contest, I really hit the jackpot — winning on many levels.
My practice is a winner because of what we have:
Word has traveled quickly among patients and the community that we have the latest, and greatest, equipment.
Clear and detailed digital X-rays on our large computer monitors, plus the images from our intra-oral camera, facilitates our patients’ understanding of their conditions and acceptance of my treatment plans.
My patients are the winners because of what digital radiography and I can do:
Rather than just “talking at” my patients, with digital imaging I have the opportunity to “educate” my patients, pointing out the details on a large computer monitor so they really understand my diagnosis and proposed treatment.
Treatment can start and finish more quickly, saving my patients time and additional trips to the office.
My clinical assistants and hygienists are winners because of what they don’t have to do:
Since digital images appear instantly, assistants and hygienists gain immediate feedback. If a retake is needed, it’s as quick the second time around as the first. In an emergency, not waiting for film to develop or even longer for retakes is invaluable.
With no film processor, the staff does not have to handle or breathe toxic chemicals while they develop films or clean and maintain the unit. (And I am free from the expense of the processing supplies and disposal.)
My front office assistants are winners because of the time savings:
Digital radiography lets us quickly keep our colleagues and even laboratories in the loop; we either e-mail the image or print a copy and send it with the patient, without the need to duplicate film.
We can digitally file claims with insurance companies, speeding up the process of reimbursement.
With our digital system, we have gained so many other prizes—extra time, prestige, and information that’s easily shared with our patients. Although the contest has ended, the possibilities have just begun.
Dr. Marconnit, the 2007 winner of the "Win FREE DEXIS" Sweepstakes, graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry and began practicing in Lewiston, MI in 1981, serving patients in the Twin Lakes area. He is a member of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association. His winning team includes two hygienists and two assistants.