Monday, July 31, 2023

SprintRay Launches ProWash S Featuring Cloud Connectivity for a Simplified 3D Printing Workflow


 

SprintRay Inc., a global leader in digital dentistry and 3D printing solutions, announced the launch of ProWash S, a core piece of post processing hardware that thoroughly cleans and dries 3D printed parts. With advanced software and cloud capabilities, ProWash S connects SprintRay hardware devices to automatically pass print jobs between devices from 3D print to cure.

"ProWash S represents a big step toward a smarter dental workflow," said Hossein Bassir, Chief Product Officer. "We've taken all the lessons learned from the award winning Pro Wash/Dry to make targeted improvements, from advanced cloud features to a new user interface that is helpful and intelligent."

Cloud Connected for a Smarter Workflow

ProWash S features a 5" touchscreen computer equipped with advanced networking, allowing it to send and receive print job data. Accessing SprintRay Cloud allows it to receive critical information from the Pro S printer before washing - such as resin type and processing instructions - and pass curing profile information off to the ProCure 2.

The intelligent onboard system also provides step-by-step instructions for common workflow tasks and scheduled maintenance. Taken with the automation of cloud-based job handoff, this reduces the number of decisions and touch points, improving repeatability and reducing training needs.

Improved Hardware and Design Updates

Optimized motor dynamics and washing profiles improve wash quality across all resin types while reducing the overall cycle time. An all-new drying fan ensures parts are bone-dry, helping optimize mechanical properties during subsequent steps. ProWash S also allows users to create custom cleaning profiles, offering a new level of workflow control.

"SprintRay has been a game-changer in my practice the past 6 years," said Steven Shao, DMD. "With the remarkable ProWash S and its seamless one-touch operation, we are taking clinical efficiency and user-friendliness to a whole new level!"


Thursday, July 27, 2023

Why AI is Making My Life Easier and Helping Me Be Better Informed

 

A lot of people have been singing the praises, as well as using, Chat GPT.  I have no problem with the product, but for some reason I have become hooked on Google's version of conversational AI.  Named "Bard" the system is pretty simple to use.  It's available to practically anyone that has a Google account and has a pretty simple formate  Basically type in what you need and Bard can create the words for you.

However, as of late I've begun to use it in a different way.  I've gotten in the habit of asking Barb questions I need an answer to.  I used to just go to Google and type my question into the search bar.  Normally that would result in a list of website that would help me get the answer.  Using Bard, you *get* the answer... all typed out right there for you.

It's probably best to simply give you an example.  A day or so ago, I received an email that looked like SPAM.  It was one of those "fake invoices" we all get nowadays with a phone number to call if "you feel you have received this in error".  Of course, the idea is to get you to call and hopefully they then somehow convince you or trick you into giving them a credit card number or something that allows them to steal from you.  I wasn't going to fall for that, but since it had a phone number, I wondered if there was a way to easily diagnose a scam from this.

Now if you've ever typed a phone number into a search engine, you normally are presented with a list of websites that want to get your credit card number and charge you to look the number up.  Even if those sites are legit, I refuse to pay someone to tell me I have the phone number of a scammer.  That just seems backward to me.  Basically even if the scammer doesn't get a dime from me, I've still lost money by buying the number lookup.

Then it hit me... maybe Bard could use its AI and figure it all out for me.  So I went to Bard and I typed in "is the phone number 844-658-1405 part of a scam?"

In about 10 seconds, this is what I got back:

The phone number 844-658-1405 is associated with a number of scams, including the IRS impersonation scam, the tech support scam, and the sweepstakes scam. In the IRS impersonation scam, the caller will claim to be from the IRS and demand payment of taxes that are owed. In the tech support scam, the caller will claim to be from a tech support company and offer to fix a problem with your computer. In the sweepstakes scam, the caller will claim that you have won a prize and ask for your personal information in order to claim it.

If you receive a call from this number, do not answer it. If you do answer it, do not give out any personal information. Hang up the phone and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can report the call online at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

Here are some tips to help you avoid scams:

Never give out personal information over the phone, unless you are sure who you are talking to.

Be suspicious of any caller who demands payment immediately.

Do not click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders.

Be careful about what information you share on social media.

Keep your software up to date.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from scams.

 

Personally, I think that is pretty slick.  Not only did I learn that the phone number *is* associated with a scam... it's associated with a bunch of scams!  Plus Bard provided some good info on helping to avoid scams as well letting me know how to report them.  If you are tech literate, the info provided isn't ground breaking, but it's good to know and I think it could help people that are less tech literate.  

 This is just one small example of why AI *might* be an incredible help to all of us.  While I agree that AI is scary and I agree that it needs to be ethically use and controlled, I also see some potential for good with this as well.  Everything in life has pluses and minuses.  It's up to us to determine how this turns out.

I mean, we use AI in the practice everyday and Pearl's Second Opinion is helping us to make better clinical decisions.  Like anything, you cannot check your brain at the door or trust AI any more than you would probably trust another human being.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Data Finds Intelligent Scheduling Linked to Improved Provider Utilization, Staff Efficiency

Here is some recent info that has been released by Relatient... 


Recent analysis of operating data shows healthcare organizations using an intelligent scheduling solution drive strong performance improvements in strategically important areas, including clinical utilization, patient satisfaction and preventing errors that impact administrative workloads. The analysis, released by Relatient, the leading patient scheduling platform, provides insight into how important intelligent scheduling is to a healthcare organization’s success, and specifically uncovers how critical this function is to specialty care providers.

Further, the data shows that scheduling tools that use data-driven algorithms, such as Relatient’s Dash Schedule solution, automate administrative tasks and improve patient interactions in ways that traditional appointment booking tools do not.

As wait times continue to rise, especially for a patient trying to see a specialty physician, specialist healthcare organizations simultaneously struggle to ensure that providers schedules are accurate and capacity is properly utilized. Relatient’s analysis and insights point to guided, rules-based scheduling as a solution for this massive disconnect between patient demand and provider utilization. Specialty organizations using an intelligent scheduling solution have seen an average increase of 5-10% in physician utilization, with Gastroenterology, Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal, Urology and Multi-Specialty practices each maintaining between 87-98% physician utilization rates:

-         98% Gastro (GI and GE)

-         93% Orthopedic  

-         88% Urology 

-         87% Multi –Specialty

"Having the right, intelligent scheduling tools in place has been pivotal for not only our business operations but also patient care," said Andrew Wade, CEO at OrthoSC. "Fewer empty appointment spots means that people can get care even faster. We're able to respond more quickly to our community's care needs while also growing our practice with our existing staff and resources."

Another major disconnect between patients and providers is the way that patients make appointments. A recent survey found that 84% of provider organizations limit patients to only scheduling appointments through the front desk. Meanwhile, 61% of patients reported that they’ve skipped doctor appointments altogether due to challenges associated with scheduling, including being directed to schedule appointments via a traditional phone call.

Relatient’s experience facilitating the appointment scheduling and management for over 50 million unique individuals in 2022 shows that organizations that provide a full self-service scheduling solution not only meet patient needs for ease-of-use and autonomy, but also drastically improve staff efficiency by taking tedious calendaring work off their plates:


-         Organizations utilizing Dash for online self-scheduling have seen up to 20% of appointments being scheduled online, with strong annualized growth in both new and established patient adoption.  

-         Organizations using Dash for online self-scheduling see an average of 32% of appointments being scheduled outside of business hours.  


“When consumers are demanding the ability to self-schedule, and administrators are increasingly burdened with new tasks and responsibilities, it just makes sense to transfer scheduling power into the hands of the patients. Traditional scheduling tools and even many native EHR capabilities don’t adequately account for complex and evolving provider needs and preferences,” said Jeff Gartland, CEO of Relatient. “It’s compelling to see how automating those rules within a tightly integrated scheduling tool has such a massive impact across all levels of care. Following this analysis, it’s clearer than ever that many challenges in healthcare are ubiquitous, but can also be solved with minimal disruption to a provider organization’s daily workflows.”


About Relatient, Inc.

Relatient, Inc., is the leading intelligent patient scheduling and engagement technology company that utilizes a data-led approach to improving access to care. Integrating with all leading EHR/PM systems, Relatient engages with over 50 million unique patients per year on behalf of provider groups and health systems across the U.S. Relatient’s intelligent self-scheduling, patient messaging, chat, digital registration and payment solutions drive operational efficiency, increased appointments, reduced no-shows, faster patient payments and improved patient satisfaction, all while supporting better health and care quality initiatives. For more information, visit: http://www.relatient.com.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

The Dental Products Report 2023 Dental Technology Census

 


Today's post will be a short one because what I really want to accomplish is to have you review the info we are providing at Dental Products Report.

Dental technology is constantly evolving, and the Dental Products Report's 2023 Dental Technology Census provides a valuable snapshot of the current state of the industry. The survey, which was conducted in January 2023, received responses from 121 dentists and dental professionals from across the United States.

The results of the survey show that digital dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, with 80% of respondents reporting that they use digital imaging and 60% using CAD/CAM technology. Other popular technologies include intraoral scanners, laser dentistry, and computer-aided practice management (CPM) software.

The survey also asked respondents about their thoughts on the future of dental technology. The majority of respondents (70%) believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a significant impact on dentistry in the coming years. Other technologies that respondents are excited about include 3D printing, virtual reality, and genetic testing.

To see the entire 2023 Technology Census head on over to my favorite magazine's website and read the DPR info.  

Monday, July 24, 2023

Nominations Now Open for MouthWatch’s Teledentistry Innovation Awards

 


MouthWatch, LLC, a leading provider of teledentistry solutions as well intraoral cameras, recently announced the opening of nominations for its 6th annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards, “The Tellies.” The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs utilizing teledentistry and virtual dental care applications to expand access to care and improve oral health.

“Teledentistry is a rapidly growing field with the potential to transform oral health care,” said Dr. William Bohlsen, CEO of MouthWatch. “The Tellies are a way to celebrate the innovators and pioneers who are leading the way in this field and making a real difference in the lives of patients.”

This year’s awards include seven categories:

Dentist

Hygienist

Oral health program

Educational institution

Employer

Industry innovator

Payer

Nominations are open until September 15, 2023. Award winners will be announced during the Greater New York Dental Meeting in November 2023.

To nominate an individual, organization, or program, please visit the Tellies website.

As an aside to this announcement I also feel you should know that I use Mouthwatch cameras in my practice and am very happy with them.  I am *not* compensated by them for any sales made.

About MouthWatch

MouthWatch is a leading provider of teledentistry solutions and intraoral cameras. The company’s software platform enables dentists and hygienists to provide remote care to patients in rural and underserved areas. MouthWatch also offers a variety of educational resources to help dentists and hygienists learn about teledentistry.

For more information, please visit:

The Tellies website: https://teledentistryinnovationawards.com/

MouthWatch website: https://mouthwatch.com/


Thursday, July 20, 2023

Join Me Tonight & Learn Some Tips & Ideas to Make Endodontics Easier for You!


A short post for today, because the REAL excitement will be this evening!

Join me at 7:00 EDT, 6:00 CDT, 5:00 MDT, and/or 4:00 PDT for a fun one hour webinar on a few ways to make endodontic treatment easier, faster, and most importantly *more* predictable.  Throughout the course of my career I have the privilege to work with and be coached by some amazing endodontists.  Those folks helped me to be so much better at this aspect of our treatment and I am honored to be able to share a few of the things I've learned in the webinar tonight.

As almost all of you know by now, I am a general dentist.  Because of that one simple fact, I've gained the knowledge of what it is like to be a doctor "in the trenches" needing to be knowledgeable of every aspect of the profession and capable of delivering results to my patients.  Just like all of you, I come into the office 4 days a week to diagnose, evaluate, and deliver to the patients who are trusting me to perform to the best of my ability.

By studying, reading, and experimenting in the lab I've been able to come up with some great ways to endodontics easier for a doctor who hasn't done an endo residency.  

I *love* endo and I'd be honored to provide you info that would help you and your patients.  Join me tonight by following this link to register.

I hope to see some of you there!


 

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Bola AI to Implement Generative AI and Large Language Models in Dental Patient Charting Notes Platform



Bola AI, a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered voice transcription and note-taking software for dental practices, announced today that it will be implementing generative AI and large language models (LLMs) into its platform later in 2023.

The generative AI will supplement Bola AI's voice notes feature, allowing clinicians to transcribe voice notes and patient-charting quickly and accurately to free up time. The LLMs will be used to generate personalized patient notes based on the clinician's preferences and the patient's medical history.

"We are excited to be at the forefront of using generative AI and LLMs in the dental industry," said Bola AI CEO, Dr. Mark Burhenne. "These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way dental practices manage patient records and documentation."

The addition of generative AI and LLMs to Bola AI's platform is part of the company's broader mission to make dental care more efficient and affordable. The company believes that these technologies can help dental practices save time and money, while also improving the quality of care for patients.

"We are committed to using the latest AI technologies to help dental practices deliver the best possible care to their patients," said Burhenne. "We believe that generative AI and LLMs are a key part of that mission."

Bola AI's platform is currently used by over 10,000 dental practices in the United States. The company plans to roll out the generative AI and LLM features to its customers later in 2023.

Benefits of Generative AI and LLMs in Dental Patient Charting Notes

There are a number of benefits to using generative AI and LLMs in dental patient charting notes. These technologies can:

Free up clinician time: Generative AI can transcribe voice notes quickly and accurately, freeing up clinicians to focus on other tasks.

Improve the quality of notes: LLMs can be used to generate personalized patient notes that are more accurate and comprehensive.

Reduce documentation errors: Generative AI and LLMs can help to reduce documentation errors, which can save time and money for dental practices.

Improve patient care: By providing clinicians with more accurate and comprehensive information, generative AI and LLMs can help to improve patient care.

Conclusion

Bola AI's decision to implement generative AI and LLMs in its dental patient charting notes platform is a significant development in the field of dental technology. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way dental practices manage patient records and documentation, and to improve the quality of care for patients.