Dr. Tony Hewlett of Stanwood, Wash., was one of the first dentists to adopt the new Schick 33 digital intraoral sensor. After trying one sensor in his practice and experiencing firsthand the unmatched image quality and image management system, Dr. Hewlett decided to upgrade all six of his operatories to the Schick 33.
Not only are his patients now enjoying having their x-rays performed digitally on the Schick 33, but according to Dr. Hewlett, they are gaining a better understanding of their oral health and increasing treatment acceptance. The Schick 33’s advanced imaging allows for Dr. Hewlett to identify decay earlier on in the diagnostic process and the high-quality images make it easier for his patients to understand their problem areas.
Unmatched Image Quality
With a theoretical resolution limit of 33 line pairs, the Schick 33 sensor offers the highest resolution available on the market. Dr. Hewlett feels that being able to see things more easily and clearly has significantly improved his decision-making when it comes to treatment plans.
“The clarity and the detail that I see in Schick images that are taken with the 33 sensor is amazing,” said Dr. Hewlett. “I’m finding things that I don’t normally see. When comparing the two images – one with the 33 and one without it, I see more on the 33.”
Dr. Hewlett notes that he often runs into the same scenario each time he shows a patient their digital image. “When you pull the monitor closer to the patient and sit down to talk with them about what you see, what you need to do, and why you need to do it…patients respond with, ‘wow, I actually understand what you’re saying! I do need to get that fixed,’” said Dr. Hewlett.
Unprecedented Image Management
Dr. Hewlett is happy to report that his patients are now actively requesting to see their digital images. Thanks to the Schick 33’s dynamic image enhancement software, he can easily pinpoint problems areas and personalize each patient’s images. In fact, the Schick 33 can easily adjust image setting according to a clinician’s diagnostic needs, including general dentistry, endodontics, periodontics or restorative dentistry.
The Schick 33 image management system also helps his staff document images more efficiently. In the event, he needs to refer a patient to another dentist or dental surgeon; he can easily access a copy of the individual’s film and share the file electronically. Having files available electronically is also an added perk given the office strives to operate completely paperless.
Improved Practice Management
Going a step further, the Schick 33 has brought many benefits to Dr. Hewlett’s practice management.
By eliminating the need for film processing time, the practice has been able to keep up with its high volume of patients. Even when his practice has to accommodate an unexpected emergency patient or lengthy restorative treatment, the practice can hold its tight appointment schedule with ease.
“With the Schick 33, there’s no waiting, no retaking, no processing time,” said Dr. Hewlett. “I can’t understand why other practices haven’t made the switch from film to digital yet.”
Convenient Technology Compatibility
As a long-time Sirona customer, Dr. Hewlett has been using Schick intraoral digital sensors since 1996. Making an upgrade from the Schick CDR sensor to the Schick 33 sensor went practically seamless as the new sensor integrates easily into existing Sirona platforms. Patterson also provided helpful training and trouble-shooting support to his staff to help make the adjustment go more smoothly within his practice.
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