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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SRT Scatter Reduction Technology Wins Pride Institute’s Best of Class Technology Award

Hatfield, PA (August 29, 2013) Gendex, developers of the GXDP-700™ cone beam 3D system, has been honored to receive the Pride Institute’s Best of Class Technology Award for 2013 for its SRT™ Scatter Reduction Technology. Unique in its approach and scope, the Pride Institute’s “Best of Class” Technology Award — now in its fifth year — recognizes products that demonstrate excellence in their category.

SRT image optimization technology delivers 3D scans with higher clarity and detail around scatter-generating material. By using SRT Technology, clinicians are able to reduce artifacts caused by metal or radio-opaque objects such as restorations, endodontic filling materials, and implant posts. When a scan is prescribed near a known area of scatter generating material, the user only needs to select the SRT button from the GXDP-700 touchscreen interface to utilize this new optimization technology. From endodontic to restorative and the post-surgical assessment of implant sites, SRT offers a significant improvement to image quality. 

“We are very proud of this distinction from Pride Institute,” says Filippo Impieri, Director of Marketing, “And we are thrilled that the result of our dedication to research and development has been recognized by this distinguished panel.” He adds, “Our proprietary SRT technology further enhances the diagnostic capabilities of the modular GXDP-700 Series.”

Dr. Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, President of Pride Institute and founder of the “Best of Class” Technology Award noted, “Over the past two years, the panel has been particularly interested to see what companies would take the initiative in responding to the need to reduce radiation in their next generation products. The SRT Technology by Gendex, allows clinicians to reduce scatter radiation and artifacts, thereby providing an impactful solution to a longstanding issue. Even more critical, the system’s focused field of view gives the practitioner the control to expose a smaller area to radiation dose, therefore reducing radiation exposure. Gendex is commended for committing the time and dollars to researching and developing this new technology. They received high praise from the panel for taking a leadership role
in responding to the needs of the dental community and most importantly the patients they treat.”

The panel is committed to an unbiased and rigorous selection method. Throughout the course of the year, members of the panel review new and existing technologies in preparation for the vote. Panelists who receive compensation from dental companies are prevented from voting in that company’s category. This provides the dental professional with a product perspective untainted by manufacturer intervention.

Gendex’s design philosophy focuses on delivering award-winning innovations with clinicians and patients in mind, and the addition of the SRT to the GXDP-700 platform aligns with that goal. The company’s strong history in continuing innovation, along with a deep dedication to deliver products that exceed the needs of dental professionals, have earned Gendex recognition as a global leader. 

Learn more about the full line of Gendex products at www.gendex.com.

Over the last few years, Cone Beam 3D imaging has become more widely adopted in dental offices. The information delivered by this technology creates invaluable data for the treatment and implant planning process.

3D scans used in conjunction with 3D implant planning software represent an optimal method for presurgical assessment of dental implant sites. Specifically the use of 3D technology during any augmentation or implant procedure allows clinicians to examine cross-sectional views of the site of interest. 3D imaging provides an extensive amount of information for the clinician, such as bone structure, bone density, root positioning, fractures, and clear measurements of the anatomical structure. Both doctors and patients alike can visibly understand the precise diagnosis, method of entry, treatment and recovery.

 

Dr. Norberto Velázquez in Greenville, NC shares his experience with the Gendex GXDP-700 Pan/3D imaging system and talks about why 3D Imaging makes implant planning more predictable.

 

Implant Planning with 3D/CBCT

The case presented represents a typical instance where an implant is required in the area of the first or second premolar. A three-dimensional scan is used to accurately locate the exact position of important anatomic structures or landmarks. The 3D scan and software allow moving, slicing, and viewing the anatomy from any direction.

A critical step is the ability to mark the position of the nerve (marked in red in the images below) — this becomes especially helpful when virtual implants are used. A first look might indicate that the implant on this image (1) could interfere with the inferior alveolar nerve and mental foramen. This is not the case. This image (2) is a disto-facial view of the 3D scan showing appropriate clearance between the implant, inferior nerve, and the mental foramen — as indicated by the mint circle. In addition, the Invivo5 software provides a visual indication of such clearance by coloring green the implant model in the lower left of the screen.

The arch section of the software shows axial, sagittal, and coronal slices. Multiple views (3) provide a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomical features of the patient. After surgery, a follow up with a post-operative image (4), either 2D or 3D, can be done based on case necessity.
 

Dr. Velázquez’s Conclusion

The GXDP-700 system offers several functionalities that benefit my patients. The advantage of the extra dimension to both implant patients for me, and orthodontic patients for my wife, is incalculable. This machine has become a basic part of the diagnostic process for implants — like my explorer and mirror. It allows me to see the location of important anatomical structures and landmarks so I can avoid additional or unnecessary invasive procedures.

With the scan, I can inform patients of my implant treatment plan, and show them how the surgery will proceed. They gain confidence in my knowledge of their dental anatomy even before surgery begins. Before 3D, a surprise could pop up during surgery. Then, the patient would be disappointed that he or she was not going to get an implant immediately, but needed an additional procedure first, such as grafting. My patients understand that I have implemented this technology for the sake of their dental health.

For a dentist, the opportunity for improved diagnostic capabilities is always a benefit to the patient. While they are not always directly aware of all the advantages, the information that I obtain from these pans and scans is beneficial for their care. I witness these benefits every day, in increased patient communication and more successful treatment outcomes.  

Norberto Velázquez, DDS - Greenville, NC Dr. Velázquez graduated from dental school in 2002 and attended a general practice residence (GPR) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from June of 2002 until June 2003. Shortly after finishing the GPR residence, Dr. Velázquez moved to Greenville, NC and worked in Kinston for the J.H. Rose Dental Clinic as the Dental Director for four years. Dr. Velázquez has advanced education in implantology and enjoys working on cosmetic procedures, oral surgery, crown and bridge (prosthetics), implants, and dentures. He just finished another intensive implant course.

Your clear path for growth begins with the GXDP-700™ Series. This dynamic system starts with a digital panoramic with sophisticated styling and an ergonomic design including an advanced touchscreen interface. The GXDP-700 is a modular system, upgradeable from 2D panoramic to Cephalometrics or 3D Cone Beam with flexible field-of-view, or both. 

 

Since 2003, hundreds of Dentaltown members, also known as Townies, have come together to select dental products worthy enough to be recognized with the prestigious Townie Choice Awards.

Gendex has been a Townie favorite from the very beginning, and the recipient of a Townie Choice Award every single year for 10 years in a row. This year, with 143 votes, nearly 3 times higher than the second classified, Townies have continued in their tradition of assigning the category award for best intraoral x-ray machine to Gendex.

No other dental imaging manufacturer has had the honor of being selected for 10 years in a row! This outstanding series of awards is a testament to the Gendex legacy and its history of dental innovations, which started back in 1893. The company commitment to excellence has resulted in iconic and solid intraoral x-ray products like the popular CDX and GX-770. The current expert DC intraoral x-ray machine continues the Gendex traditions of delivering dental practitioners with proven dependability, clear diagnostic images, and efficient workflow.  

 

Today, Gendex Dental Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of dental digital radiography solutions that spans from the award-winning GXS-700 digital x-ray sensors, to extraoral digital panorex machines able to deliver consistent imaging results with clear and easy to acquire panoramic and cephalometric views, as well as dental CBCT scans.  

 

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

 

 

If you are pondering whether to invest in a panoramic x-ray machine, or which panorex is the best option for you and your office, the following video might provide the answer.

For Dr. Annie Sohn— a general practitioner in Seattle, WA—the true inspiration behind her investment in the Gendex GXDP-300 panoramic radiographic unit was ultimately the ability to provide a better and more comprehensive service to her patients. At the core of her decision-making process was the realization that the ability to have valuable diagnostic information from panoramic x-ray images would allow her to determine the best in-office treatment plan for her patients or, in more complex cases, to be able to refer the patient appropriately.

 

Dr. Sohn's journey in digital panoramic imaging started by reading a post on the Dentaltown forum, "I would like to extract teeth" (requires a user log in). The string of comments, cases, and experiences from orther dental practitioners inspired Dr. Sohn to explore the possibility of expanding the imaging capabilities of her practice with the addion of a digital panoramic x-ray machine. After consulting with peers, visiting trade shows, and a very thorough selection process, the doctor finally come to the final selection: the Gendex GXDP-300 Panoramic.

Dr. Sohn was thrilled to be able to accomodate the new unit in her cozy office, and more importantly, to see how her new panoramic x-ray machine has become an asset to the entire team. 

When we stopped by Dr. Sohn's dental office with the Experience Gendex mobile showroom, the Gendex GXDP-300 unit was already installed and in use for 5 months. Dr. Sohn shared her experience with us, and gave one last bit of advice to other dentists that are considering the Gendex GXDP-300 digital pan: "If you don't have one, you should definitely get one".

For more info on the Gendex GXDP-300, visit the product page. 

If you are interested in discussing your practice digital imaging needs and learning more about how the Gendex GXDP-300 can benefit you and your patients, contact a Gendex sales representative by clicking on the banner below. We will reach out to you as soon as possible.