Digital Imaging at Williams Dental and Associates

“Should I be tight with my money and not really invest right now and grow when I get there? Or, should I start out with the best technology possible, you know, put my best foot forward and then move ahead? I’ve decided on the latter, and it was the best thing I could have done for my practice.” 
 
Williams relates the DEXIS OP 3D and DTX Studio™ software are an integral part of his ability to provide the exceptional patient experience. “When you have volume renderings, you can rotate the scope around and say ‘Okay, on this side, you’re missing teeth, do you want to do implants or bridge work, or would you like to do partials?’ You can put it out there and let them make a decision,” he suggests.
 
And, according to Williams, seeing is believing. “A picture is worth a thousand words. Any tools we have to convey the treatment plan help out a lot. These days, we’re very fortunate to have technology and software tools to give patients a show and tell or a storyboard, so to speak, to articulate that plan.”

The 3D difference

Williams describes that when he places the OP 3D clinical X-ray images on his operatory monitor, his patients are floored. “The precision is mind-blowing. There have been times my patients would say ‘I just came back from the dentist’s office and there’s no way that I have a cavity!’ It’s probably because the other dentist may have had 2D technology that, because of the overlaying of anatomy, was not able to detect the lesion.”
 
With the unmatched clarity and resolution the system delivers, in most cases, he quips, helping a patient understand their dental issue is a slam dunk. “Even with patients who have zero training in radiology, you put it up there and they point and say ‘Doc, is that a cavity?’ Or, ‘Is that what’s going on with me?’ And I’m able to say yes.”

The power of a single screen

Another superior advantage DTX Studio software offers is the ability to access and view multiple applications all on one screen, connecting treatment plans from start to finish. “Having everything in one place is paramount,” says Williams. “If you have too many applications open on the computer, one of them can crash or freeze up in the middle of a root canal, with the patient squirming. They’re scared to death and you’re in and out of apps, you can get lost and not know where to go. It’s very frustrating. So, when you have a suite where you can see everything – the clinical pictures, the 2D, the 3D, the multiplanar views all together, it’s awesome.”
 
His staff reaps the benefits of a seamless imaging workflow, too.
 
“For the staff who aren’t IT-inclined, it’s just a few clicks and bam, it’s there. If they’re not very technically inclined, or they’re scared of computers, it can be a nightmare. You want things to ‘flow’ within your workflow, while using technology,” he continues.

A clear vision for the future

“My cone beam and my DTX aren’t going anywhere,” Williams says with a smile. “It’s the bedrock of my practice.”
 
The system, designed with efficiency in mind, plays directly into Williams’ future goals. “I hope to grow my patient relationships, grow my services and make more money with less time involved. Most definitely, I’ve saved time with OP 3D and DTX Studio.”
 
Reflecting on how the solution has paid for itself in just a year and a half, he shares a few words of wisdom for others considering taking the technological leap. “Time is the greatest of all currencies and everybody sees better in 3D. Take your time, do the right thing at the right time and the money will come to you.”