AMS BULLETIN

3QUARTER2015

PortablePowder FreeTrue Color 2D & 3DIntraoral Scanning

Digital Technology Secures Your Client Relationships

CS

350

0

AMS MEMBERSPOTLIGHT:

Steve Kaufman’sSK Dental Arts Lab

Is There RoomFor Faith in Your Lab?

Words of Wisdomby Keith Crittenden

see page 4 see page 3

continued on page 2

©2015 AmericaSmiles Network All Rights Reserved

America Smiles

N e t w o r k

Intraoral scanning is steadily growing across the country and digital impressions are changing the relationship between the lab and the dentist. Joe Andrasko, Carestream Dental’s regional product manager for CAD/CAM restoration solutions and dental imaging software recently spoke with AmeriaSmiles about these changes and how the CS3500 can help labs strengthen and secure their client relationships.

Digital Impressions are having a positive impact on dental

practices in a number of ways according to Andrasko. Perhaps most importantly, the process of acquiring an impression is also much faster with a digital scanner than traditional impressions. In the case of the CS3500 intraoral scanner, the USB connection makes it easy to connect and begin scanning. Two arches can be scanned in minutes and the images are available instantly and can be viewed by the dentist while the patient is still in the chair, really streamlining the workflow.

A Quarterly Publication From AmericaSmiles

When we think about making a traditional impression, there is the prep work to get materials together, then making the actual impression, followed by pouring them up, waiting for them to dry, separating and trimming. Then the dentist still has to ship or the lab has to pick up the impression.

With these benefits, a digital scanner can truly help build a stronger relationships between labs and practices, and faster turnaround time makes everyone happy, particularly the patient. Digital files are sent directly to the AmericaSmiles web-based platform and doctors can track their cases toensure they have been received. The accuracy of theimpression also means fewer remakes for labs, whicheliminates waste (time, materials, shipping, etc.).

When using the CS3500 intraoral scanner, impressions are in full color with both 2D and 3D image options, No external heater is needed to keep the screen clear, and Carestream’s unique light guidance system aids in the capture of data during the image acquisition process. In addition, the scanner system is able to knit the images together so overlap of image acquisition is achieved seamlessly. Most importantly, the scanner system is founded on an open-system architecture which means that it will operate with standard computer hardware, generates standard .stl files, integrates with major practice management software systems, and has no annual fees or licensing fees for the dentist.

Files uploaded by the dentist are made available to AmericaSmiles members at no additional cost and can be imported into 3Shape, Exocad and Dental Wings or other design software applications that utilize .stl files.

The Carestream CS3500 intraoral scanner is the only truly portable scanner on the market, according to Andrasko. The

scanner is lightweight and easily moved from room to room because it uses USB technology. Patients appreciate that there is no alginate or powder used with the CS3500, and the fact that the scanner comes with two tips (one for adults, and one for children or smaller adults) makes it a flexible tool for every patient. And we cannot ignore the ‘cool’ factor that comes with being able to see the impression appear as the scanner is being used.

The transition to digital technology at all levels of the industry is advancing steadily. Doctors are looking to their labs to provide digital expertise to guide them to solutions that work. Offering your clients the Carestream CS3500 Intraoral Scanner provides a highly flexible solution that is easy to use, easy to transport, and easy on the patient. This system can solidify your relationship for many years to come.

Carestream has developed a customized program for AmericaSmiles that includes access to field salespersonnel who can make demonstrations for yourinterested doctors. If you have a group of 4 or moredentists who will attend a demonstration, or a highlyinterested doctor who is inclined to buy the CS3500,AmericaSmiles can schedule a demonstration for you.In addition, all CS3500 purchases include set-up and training by Carestream personnel and come with a 3-year extended warranty. AmericaSmiles has negotiated thisextended warranty to help you strengthen and secure your customer relationship. AmericaSmiles will fullysupport the CS3500 for you and your customerthroughout the 3-year warranty period as long as filesare being sent through the AmericaSmilesweb-based portal.

AmericaSmiles CarestreamIntraoral Scanner

Digital Technology Secures Your Client Relationships

page 2

page 3

By Keith Crittenden

Statistics show that approximately 82% of Americans believe in some sort of deity. For the most part, those 82% who believe in God associate themselves with one of three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, & Islam. With that said, I would consider it safe to presume that somewhere around 82% of all dental lab owners consider themselves affiliated with one of those three religions. One of the common attributes of all three of these major religions is that they teach their followers that God should be the number one most important element of their life. However in this post modern era we are told that our religious beliefs and practices should remain inside the four walls of our respective houses of worship and for the most part not to be practiced or discussed beyond those walls. I find myself wondering how much healthier, and how much more satisfying would business ownership be if we made room for God in our dental laboratories?

As a believer in God, and specifically a Christian believer, the following paragraphs will be based on a Christian perspective, not to be dismissive of other religions, but as the only perspective I’m qualified to share. From the time I opened my traditional dental laboratory in 1984, the only time there was room for God in my laboratory was when I was in “Crisis Mode”: “Oh God, help me to deliver this case on time.” Oh God, please don’t let that bridge crack in the oven.” “Oh God, where am I gonna get the money to pay these bills?” Does that sound familiar?

Is that about the only time you make room for God in your dental laboratory?

By 2004 I had learned to invite God into my business on a daily basis and not to simply see God as a genie in a bottle for a quick response to a crisis moment. I learned to pray for my clients (that’s you), that your businesses would be healthy. I learned to pray for your clients, that they would pay their bills on time. I learned to pray for the patients, that they would have the finances required to pay for their dentistry. Today, it is not uncommon for us here at AmericaSmiles to have several employees come together to pray for the day’s work that is ahead of them. It is common for us to have a word of prayer together as a company on those days in which we eat a common lunch together in celebration of birthdays.

I found that by simply practicing the basic principles of putting God first, others second, and myself last that the business operates with a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. I have found that God does keep his promises to provide us with all our needs but asks us to put Him first in all that we do.

In closing I suggest this: Consider your faith. Does your religion call on you to put God first in all that you do? If your answer is yes, consider whether or not there is room for God in your laboratory.

Is there room for God in your dental laboratory?

3M TruDefCerec ACCerec OMNICS3500iTeroTRIOS

Requires Powder

YesYesNoNoNoNo

RequiresCart

YesYesYesNoYesYes

Imaging

Video

Single ImageContinuousPoint & ClickPoint & ClickContinuous

UpgradeFees

Varies

YesYes

NoneNoneYes

OpenSource

YesNoNoYesYesNo

ColorImage

NoNoYesYesYes

Semi

Price

25,90049,00019,95029,000

How The CS3500 Sales Program Works:As the lab owner, you always have the option to purchase the product and resell it to your customers. However, there is no need to buy and resell product in order to participate in the program. Lab owners will sign an agreement to represent AmericaSmiles to their customers and receive a commission on the sale. AmericaSmiles will offer the CS3500 directly to your Doctor at $19,950 or $22,350 with laptop. AmericaSmiles will provide you with a customized quotation for you to provide to your dentist and financing options are available. You then earn a commission on every sale made to your doctors, and you immediately have access to their files so you can design their crowns and send them to AMS Dental Technologies, Inc. for milling.

Comparison Chart

From readily available data.

SPOTLIGHTSharing our experiences, success, and advice

America Smiles

N e t w o r k

NAME:Steve Kaufmann

AGE:48

LAB:SK Dental Arts, LLC in Imperial, Missouri

YEARS IN INDUSTRY:2015 is my 13th year in operation,25 years total in the industry.

HOW MANY TECHS DO YOU HAVE: 2 total: Debbie Kizer & myself

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES:D700 by 3Shape

AMERICASMILES NETWORK MEMBER SINCE:A little over 2 years as a member.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BEING A MEMBER:Availability of products and services that help my lab be successful and grow.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER: You have to stay in-tune with all the new and constantly changing technologies. Its a never ending learning curve. I try to stay relevant so I can produce beautifully aesthetic crown and bridge work for each case, everyday and on time. The digital changes that are occurring in the industry are positive. I like the direction things are going as I think it helps both dentists and dental labs by making procedures faster, and more importantly I think more accurate. And as far as frameworks and copings, more consistent. I think digitalization aids dental technicians in producing more aesthetic and accurate restorations in general.

Our Sponsors

page 4

SK Dental Arts LaboratoryImperial, Missouri