Photo of intraoral dental radiograph

“We live in a digital world!” 

This is a phrase Dr. Scott LaClair, DDS, enthusiastically recites when he’s asked about the role of digital technology in dentistry and why it’s important for dental practices to be digital.

“The world of technology has advanced every avenue in dentistry,” said Dr. LaClair. “As dentists, we need to leverage this technology to improve our diagnostics, communication with patients, and interaction with other dental professionals.”

Dr. LaClair walks the walk. His practice—the Clayton Dental Office—is fully integrated with digital. He and his team utilize Schick digital intraoral sensors, Galileo 3D Imaging, CEREC, and advanced software systems to enable paperless workflow.

Digital Enhances Healthcare

Dr. LaClair has been using Schick digital intraoral sensors for the past 10 years. He says that comparing film X-rays to digital images is like comparing apples to oranges. Why? The diagnostic process is completely different.

Unlike film, digital radiography gives dentists the ability to enhance or manipulate images to achieve better clarity. At the simple touch of a button, the software can expand the image or sharpen a problem area. Dr. LaClair believes this level of image management enables him to perform better diagnostics for his patients.

“You can just do so much more with the digital shots to make them better and to see more. Digital radiography has the upper hand on all accounts,” said Dr. LaClair.

Digital Removes Barriers

According to Dr. LaClair, digital radiography offers a real solution to one of the most common barriers in dentistry: case acceptance.

His practice has seen patient case acceptance significantly increase with digital radiography. After taking images using a Schick digital intraoral sensor, Dr. LaClair displays the image on a large monitor in his operatory to walk patients through issues and a treatment plan. The image resolution is crisp and clear, making it easy for patients to see exactly what he’s talking about—a far contrast from when he used to point to a tiny film frame.

“Thanks to digital, we can simplify diagnostic information in a way that makes patient understanding possible,” said Dr. LaClair. “Technology helps us break down barriers and provide oral real health education.”

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