Blog

By Rachel Mahoney, DMD

In April 2013, all of my dreams came true — I opened Mahoney Family Dentistry and gave birth to my son, Keegan, just weeks apart. Caring for a newborn baby and nurturing a new practice both take patience, attention to detail, and a great support group. The caring and knowledgeable representatives from Gendex and Burkhart offered their expertise on every aspect of the practice, especially on my imaging needs. As a result, the GXDP-700™ series digital pan and 3D combination unit and GXS-700 digital sensors have become two of the most important assets for my new practice.

During my career, I have worked in many aspects of dentistry — starting as a dental assistant in my father’s pediatric practice in 1990, then studying to become a hygienist, continuing on to dental school at Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and finally completing a GPR residency at the University of Nevada School Of Medicine in Las Vegas. In 2008, I moved to Edmonds, Washington and worked in different dental practices with various levels of technology.

By the time I started my own practice, I had worked in the dental field for 20 years and had experience with a variety of software and x-ray equipment. So, I was very selective and knew exactly what I did and did not want. Burkhart representatives Jim Connor and Tami Lennox accompanied me at the Pacific Northwest Dental Convention to see my options. For imaging products, we visited multiple companies’ booths and kept returning to Gendex. For implant procedures, I wanted a user-friendly in-office CBCT that produced great images. After stopping by the Gendex booth, and seeing the excellent image quality and price of the GXDP-700, the decision was simple. As part of my imaging package, I also got both sizes of GXS-700 digital sensors.

From the time of the training, I knew that I had made the right choice. I am so pleased with the clarity of the images, and how simply I can move between 2D and 3D modes. During training, I had a cone beam and bitewings done on me because I was due for a checkup. The bitewing was so crystal clear that I found a cavity that I had suspected but that was missed with a different brand of digital imaging a year before.

3D imaging is important to different procedures in my practice. When planning implant cases, I need the most accurate and detailed information available. And 3D can help me to pinpoint precise nerve location for third molar wisdom tooth extraction cases. I can control the resolution for lower radiation exposure and still get very fine detail even at the low resolution setting. My goal is to start using guides on every case, and CBCT is an important part of that process. This will remove even more guesswork and allow me to keep more advanced cases in-house.

Another interesting feature helped out with a patient who had an extremely bad gag reflex. With the extraoral bitewing feature, we were able to get great quality images. The patient was so impressed and said that he didn’t even know a dentist could cater to his special needs.

The GXS-700 sensors have also proven to be very valuable. Almost all of our new patients get a full mouth series. During our training, my team quickly learned how to properly position the sensor to get the appropriate views. The sensors are comfortable, and we use the smaller size for children, or adults with a bad gag reflex. Patients appreciate that they get less radiation exposure with digital x-rays, and since I was an assistant cleaning the processor at the beginning of my career, I appreciate not having to waste space with a darkroom or use harsh developing chemicals.

The Gendex trainer Mary Johnson came from Portland, Oregon to get us up to speed with the VixWin Platinum and Anatomage software. I was relieved that both are easy to navigate. I love and want technology, but am not super tech savvy, so the fact that it is so user-friendly is very important. The touchscreen on the GXDP-700 makes it so simple, my assistants caught on very quickly. Also, if we need to share information, scans can easily and securely be sent electronically to referring dentists.

Setting up this office has been an interesting, and often hectic experience. In the span of a few weeks, my husband, Glenn (who is in emergency medicine and helps monitor my in-office IV sedation), and I got a loan, designed our space, signed a 10-year lease, and discovered that we were going to have a baby. Troy Schmidt from Gendex, Jim Connor and Tami Lennox from Burkhart helped to reduce this potentially stressful situation. Jim and Tami went above and beyond to help me set up my practice with the hallmark integrity that Burkhart has always shown. Troy kept in touch and answered all of my questions, ensuring that I was happy with my decisions. Mary, the Gendex trainer, was patient and kind. They became my support group and gave me tips on everything from equipment to parenting. I returned to my new practice after three weeks of maternity leave, and my dreams continue to come true as I watch my baby and my practice grow.

Dr. Mahoney began her dental career in Arizona in 1990 as a pediatric dental assistant, working for her father. After 8 years of general and pediatric dental assisting, she went to college to become a dental hygienist and graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, in 1998. After graduation, a job opportunity took her to Luzern, Switzerland, where she practiced dental hygiene for 3 years.

After moving back to the states for dental school, she graduated, with honors, from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She went on to complete a competitive residency at The University of Nevada School of Medicine. During her residency, she received intensive training in general dentistry, hospital dentistry, implant dentistry and sedation. Upon completion of residency, she and her husband, who works in emergency medicine, moved to Washington to be close to family. 

Washington is her final home, but through her many moves and travels she has gained life experiences. She feels that these experiences make her able to communicate and work with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Besides her work in private practice, Dr. Mahoney is also affiliate faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She says that she loves being a dentist because it allows her to help improve a person’s health and smile. She finds it rewarding to get to know her patients and really understand their individual expectations and desires in regards to their oral health. 

More info at Mahoney Family Dentistry

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Gendex digital x-ray sensors are designed, built, and tested to last. As with any technology product, sometimes support is needed and we have built an infrastructure to ensure the highest level of service when that need arises. With this post, we would like to answer some key questions about digital sensor support: who to contact for help, what options are available to protect your digital x-ray investment, and who to reach out to when your system is down. 

1. Who Do I Contact?

If you have questions about your Gendex digital sensors, you can contact your authorized Gendex dealer representative or service technician to assist and provide guidance. Our knowledgeable dealer partners are continuously trained to successfully support all Gendex digital solutions. To find your local Gendex authorized dealer, visit the dealer section on the Gendex site.

In addition, you can reach out to the Gendex Technical Support team directly with your questions. Our expert team can be contacted via email or phone; whichever is more convenient to you. Here you can find the Gendex Tech Support contact info.

2. Do you offer any option to extend the sensors’ warranty?

We have designed a dedicated program to protect your investment in Gendex digital solutions. This program, called the Gendex Sapphire Protection Plan, provides you with a comprehensive plan should your equipment require replacement or maintenance. If you have any questions about extending your digital sensor warranty and support, you can send a message to our warranty renewal team. Our warranty specialists will contact you as soon as possible and provide complete information on how to enroll your digital x-ray sensors, pricing information, as well as complete program terms and conditions.

3. Are there any authorized Gendex repair centers?

Gendex digital x-ray sensors, like the Visualix eHD/GXS/HDI or the latest Gendex GXS-700 model, are made with customized components and built using specialized manufacturing processes to guarantee high quality levels and consistent performance. There are no third party centers certified or authorized by Gendex to repair potentially broken or defective sensors. In addition, unauthorized repairs completed or attempted on sensors might void any outstanding warranty or eliminate your ability to enroll the sensors into Gendex extended warranty plans – see Gendex terms of sale for further details. We recommend reaching out to your local authorized Gendex dealer or to the Gendex technical support directly with any questions and for assistance with your specific situation.

Gendex Authorized Dealers         Gendex Technical Support 

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The latest census data* on dental technology adoption tells us that more than two- thirds of U.S. dental offices use digital x-ray systems. While there are still a number of offices in the process of moving from film to digital, many dentists embarked on their digital journey years ago. These practitioners have been able to appreciate the benefits of digital imaging and also have come to a better understanding of what digital sensor features are most critical to their practice success.

Now we could write pages on why to choose the Gendex GXS-700 digital x-ray sensors for your practice, but we think it would be more valuable for you to hear it direclty from GXS-700 owners. Dr. Parag Kachalia is a GXS-700 user since 2010, and he has kindly shared his story and point of view on the subject with the folks at Dental Products Report, the leading dental resource for dental products.     

The digital x-ray journey for Dr. Parag R. Kachalia and Dr. Charity L. Duncan at Innovative Dental Concepts in San Ramon, CA started in 2004. Since then, many things have changed. Today, new patients expect modern dental offices to provide digital x-ray systems — conventional film x-ray is a thing of the past. In other words, digital imaging "is an expectation now," says Dr. Kachalia.  

More recently, the practice was ready to upgrade its digital imaging infrastucture and move up to the new Gendex GXS-700 system. In a video interview with Dental Products Report, Dr. Kachalia talks about his discovery process, the factors that were important to the selection, and why the office chose the Gendex GXS-700 sensors:

Among the factors mentioned during the interview, Dr. Kachalia highlights the ability to fit all patients, efficiencies achieved in his office, and the value of digital imaging software to engage and educate patients.

Abitity to fit all patients

As a family dentist, Dr. Kachalia keeps all his patients in mind. To accommodate all sizes or shapes of patients’ mouths, format and comfort of digital sensors was a key element in the decision-making process. The GXS-700 sensor system, with an adult and pedo format, encompasses all patient sizes and all applications. To offer the best possible experience to his patients, the sensor housing design with smooth, rounded corners, no seams, and no sharp areas was another major factor in the decision-making process.

Efficiency with no compromises

Implementing digital imaging comes with key benefits — no worries about dark rooms, processors, films, and chemicals that need to be ordered. The GXS-700 takes efficiencies to a new high. The simple and direct USB connection of the GXS-700 makes the system truly plug and play — "just pop it into the USB port, and you are ready to go," says Dr. Kachalia. This makes digital imaging very easy for the entire staff to use.

Digital imaging as engagement and educational tool

One of the main benefits of a digital imaging system is patient education. The ability to enlarge images on the screen, apply treatment tools like colorization, and zone in on areas of interest allow Dr. Kachalia to engage patients on a completely new level.

*76% of U.S. offices own a digital x-ray system (Dental Products Report, Oct. 2011 Tech Census).

As a pediatric dentist, I get to see children grow—from birth through age 18. During the short time of an office visit, my mission is to educate them about their dental health, providing a foundation for a future of successful dental care. To achieve my goals, I need to have theright tools. Digital radiography, with GXS-700™ sensors, is an important element in my toolbox—for diagnosis, patient education, and communication.

In my fifth year of practice, I have already encountered several types of imaging systems. When I first opened my practice, I knew that I was not going to use traditional filmradiography. I didn’t need the extra expense of the film, and all that goes with it—paper, charts, and hazardous developing chemicals. So, in my quest for a “chartless practice,” I started out with a phosphor-plate system. While it was still better than film, I was not satisfied with the image quality and artifacts that occur with that imaging method. Before I switched to Gendex sensors, I utilized another company’s digital system. But I found that it was not user-friendly for my staff, and it was also difficult to capture x-rays on children.

The GXS-700 sensors come in two sizes, which give us flexibility for our wide range of patient ages, shapes and sizes. With children, the x-ray experience must be comfortable. The sensors’ rounded corners and smooth edges help to achieve that goal, so the children have a positive experience. In pediatric dentistry, I am constantly amazed that kids let us do the dental procedures that we have to do. Even in the most challenging of situations, the durable sensors allow us to do a great job. For example, small children are more prone to bite and damage phosphor plates, so we have had to replace those more frequently. Even worse, those bite marks show up as artifacts on the image. We don’t have to worry about that with the digital sensor. Even if they do bite it, the sensor will not be damaged, and the images stay clear and detailed.

Another great aspect of these digital sensors is speed of image capture. GXS-700 sensors are user-friendly and ergonomic, so team members can take the x-rays quickly - digital images also are immediate, so no time is wasted. With kids on the go, that is a great accomplishment!
Digital images also give me an opportunity to communicate with all ages—the patients and their parents. We always encourage parents to be present at the time of diagnosis. On the computer monitor, I can enlarge the image, magnify, point out areas of concern, and know that the patients are actually seeing what I see in clear, vivid detail. Clinicians are trained in reading x-rays, but parents need high-quality, clearly visible images to see certain aspects, such as areas of decay. When parents understand my areas of concern, they are more inclined to accept treatment.

For the children, digital images are a great education tool. They are excited to see their x-rays and learn about their teeth, and over time, watch themselves grow. I show them how their “big kid teeth” are forming, and then teach them about proper dental care and diet so that their permanent dentition will remain healthy in the years ahead.

The Gendex sensors, with their direct USB connectivity, offer a lot of flexibility. We have USB ports in multiple treatment rooms, and we can just plug in, without docking stations, controllers or adapters. Sensors can travel with us to the hospital where some children require treatment under general anesthesia. All patient records can be obtained via the sensors and downloaded into the patient’s file in the office when we get back. 

Besides the advantages to the patient, the office staff also benefits from our Gendex sensor technology. Digital information can be transmitted electronically for insurance purposes, to referring colleagues, or even to patients.

I discovered my passion for pediatric dentistry as a young girl, working for my own dentist. My enthusiasm for helping kids to maintain healthy teeth continued throughout my dental school years, and now extends to my private practice. I truly love my job, and Gendex technology makes working with my young patients even more rewarding

Jessie Banks, DDS. 

Dr. Jessie Banks completed her pediatric dental residency and internship at Texas A&M University—Baylor College of Dentistry and received her D.D.S from the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Banks has extensive experience in working with children who require special needs through her residency training at Baylor’s Dental Clinics, Children’s Medical Center and at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Dr. Banks has also completed her Board Certii cation in Pediatric Dentistry and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She was the recipient of the Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award for scoring in the top 3% of the nation for the written board exam.

Catalyst magazine, Issue 3, 2012

Team Gendex has been on the road with our newest innovations over the past 11 months, bringing the latest in dental imaging technology to your front door. We have always driven innovation, but we are now literally “driving innovation” around the country. We have made dozens of stops, teaching about our exciting products and giving dental professionals a hands-on, up-close experience with everything from intraoral sensors to 3D CBCT systems.

One of our most recent stops not only brought more people on board the bus, but also surprised the winner of our GXS-700™ digital dental sensor sweepstakes. Dr. William Poe from Los Alamitos, California was ecstatic as the bus drove into his parking lot. Before winning our GXS-700 digital sensor kit, the office was using phosphor plates. The prize came just at the right time as they were looking to upgrade to digital sensors in the near future.

For the important aspects of life, we always look for a good fit. For relationships, a good fit means less pain and fuss, more cooperation—basically, a good fit is a good indication that things are going to work out right.

For Gendex GXS-700™ sensors, researchers and developers have worked diligently on the sensors’ ergonomics so that they can be a good fit for any size or age patient.  Rounded corners and smooth edge finishes comfortably fit the anatomical shape of the mouth. This is a welcome change from the sharp corners of traditional film or a lot of other sensors that can cut into delicate tissues. Michigan dentist and GXS-700 owner, Dr. Gregory Balog states, “For my patients, the sensor provided a more comfortable x-ray experience. Patient after patient comments on the improvement over film.”

These dental digital sensors were designed in two sizes—pedo and adult, to cater to varying mouth sizes and shapes, especially important for a practice’s youngest patients. Plus, the holders are shaped to the sensors—no gaps to cause discomfort.

Sensor ergonomics extends beyond patient comfort. Team members find these sensors easy to place and move around the mouth, reducing the time it takes to capture x-rays, even in difficult positioning, such as third molars and long-rooted canines, and horizontal and vertical bitewings.  Besides ergonomics, the high resolution images are incredibly clear and sharp, another example of a good fit for a dental practice, and a visual way to achieve the best diagnosis possible.

Gendex is proud that our products are respected and trusted by the dental community. We value the relationships that we have built with our doctors and their associates—and the ergonomics of our GXS-700 sensors make us an even better fit around the dental office!

Here’s Gendex Representative Todd Starker proudly showing the GXS-700 sensor to some folks from AT Still University.