Although the technology behind dental radiology used within veterinary practices is nothing new, the implementation of dental scanning and use of dental radiographs as part of normal practice procedure is not as widespread as it might be. There are various reasons why this is still the case.
Similar to the introduction of any new practice or procedure at work, there is no immediate universal acceptance of it by all involved. A veterinary practice must come up with a feasible and effective strategy in order to successfully introduce dental radiography as a standard service for clients.
This requires certain steps:
Determining the practice stance with regard to dental radiology
Education and training of staff in the use of equipment
Highlighting the benefits of dental imaging
Delivering a clear marketing message to clients about the advantages and need for dental radiology
It’s a process of change, and as such needs to be managed if it is to be ultimately successful for all involved. However, any investment in terms of money and time in equipment and staff training will pay dividends in the long run as it will contribute to greater client satisfaction and increased revenue for the practice.
When choosing a dental radiography system, there are two types to consider: a DR system or a CR system. The DR system uses a hard-wired sensor which connects to the USB port of your computer, and can be used over and over again. Time between applications is between 1 and 10 seconds, and images are ready for viewing in a couple of seconds. In general, DR systems produce high quality images, although this can vary depending on the make of the equipment.
In contrast, a CR system makes use of a radio-sensitive screen in place of a sensor (as in DR). The screen is housed in a plastic sleeve, and can be used for between 300 and 600 applications before needing to be discarded. Preparation between applications requires the cleaning or ‘erasing’ of the screen through the application of bright light before re-inserting it into the sleeve, ready for use again. Images are ready for viewing in around 60 – 90 seconds, the time it takes to remove the screen, insert it into the scanner, and then reinsert the film into the sleeve. Image quality is generally excellent.
Realizing the need for dental radiography
It’s estimated that most cats and dogs older than six years suffer from some dental related pain, although there may be no obvious visible evidence or symptoms. That is to say, the tooth is not physically loose, and therefore a visual or physical examination will not detect what only dental radiography can.
The ability to diagnose such problems, and alleviate them to the great satisfaction of the animals’ owners will help sell your message within the practice of the need for dental radiology. If this need can be successfully communicated to all clients of the practice – the real benefits for the both the clients and practice will be abundant.
Similar to the introduction of any new practice or procedure at work, there is no immediate universal acceptance of it by all involved. A veterinary practice must come up with a feasible and effective strategy in order to successfully introduce dental radiography as a standard service for clients.
This requires certain steps:
Determining the practice stance with regard to dental radiology
Education and training of staff in the use of equipment
Highlighting the benefits of dental imaging
Delivering a clear marketing message to clients about the advantages and need for dental radiology
It’s a process of change, and as such needs to be managed if it is to be ultimately successful for all involved. However, any investment in terms of money and time in equipment and staff training will pay dividends in the long run as it will contribute to greater client satisfaction and increased revenue for the practice.
When choosing a dental radiography system, there are two types to consider: a DR system or a CR system. The DR system uses a hard-wired sensor which connects to the USB port of your computer, and can be used over and over again. Time between applications is between 1 and 10 seconds, and images are ready for viewing in a couple of seconds. In general, DR systems produce high quality images, although this can vary depending on the make of the equipment.
In contrast, a CR system makes use of a radio-sensitive screen in place of a sensor (as in DR). The screen is housed in a plastic sleeve, and can be used for between 300 and 600 applications before needing to be discarded. Preparation between applications requires the cleaning or ‘erasing’ of the screen through the application of bright light before re-inserting it into the sleeve, ready for use again. Images are ready for viewing in around 60 – 90 seconds, the time it takes to remove the screen, insert it into the scanner, and then reinsert the film into the sleeve. Image quality is generally excellent.
Realizing the need for dental radiography
It’s estimated that most cats and dogs older than six years suffer from some dental related pain, although there may be no obvious visible evidence or symptoms. That is to say, the tooth is not physically loose, and therefore a visual or physical examination will not detect what only dental radiography can.
The ability to diagnose such problems, and alleviate them to the great satisfaction of the animals’ owners will help sell your message within the practice of the need for dental radiology. If this need can be successfully communicated to all clients of the practice – the real benefits for the both the clients and practice will be abundant.
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