Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Thomas Johnson — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 16:49:39 GMT

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"]Which aspect of the equipment do you mean, Neil? I can't see any of the hardware as being "difficult" and positioning just takes a little instruction. But if you mean the software – yes, I've seen some hideously convoluted systems that nobody can get to work properly.[/quote]

We have a wall mounted xray generator, and we are using the CR plates that came with our processor for 'normal' radiographs, they go onto a magnetic plate inside a full size cassette and are then processed as normal. They are then displayed like any other xray, a specialist dental processing software might be nice, but I quite like the simplicity of our system! The extra step of putting the dental plate in the cassette obviously adds a little time, but it came with several dental plates so you can get on and take the next image while waiting for the last one to process.

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:41:25 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]The main problem I've seen going around various surgeries with dental X-Rays is ease of use. I not joking but several have the equipment but don't use it because it's so convoluted, no-one really knows how to use it. Even if they do it's usually a case of one person (usually a nurse) has got to grips with it and if they aren't on operations it's pretty difficult.[/quote]

Which aspect of the equipment do you mean, Neil? I can't see any of the hardware as being "difficult" and positioning just takes a little instruction. But if you mean the software – yes, I've seen some hideously convoluted systems that nobody can get to work properly.

[quote user="Bob Russell"] Unit is very low but has stupid springy tubes that are a pain in the ar+e. Older unit had hand pieces at a comfortable level and straight tubes. [/quote]

A good unit is adjustable for height. I didn't know any maker was still fitting coiled tubes!

[quote user="Bob Russell"]Would have liked facilities for another handpiece as I really miss my Titan sonic scaler.[/quote]

Move upmarket, you can have two high speed and two low speed outlets if you want

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Bob Russell — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:48:27 GMT

We have a wall mounted (very elderly) dental X-ray machine. Really good but have to use the lowest settings. Newer machines are probably more suitable to digital radiography. Cheap reliable work horse.

We have DR which was all we could justify at the time. Works really well so no complaints. Had it for years, owes us nothing!

Our dental cart of 17 years died last year. Replaced by the Burtons one, hate it with a vengeance! Unit is very low but has stupid springy tubes that are a pain in the ar+e. Older unit had hand pieces at a comfortable level and straight tubes. Would have liked facilities for another handpiece as I really miss my Titan sonic scaler. A miserable purchase although it might be because we knew a better machine.

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Tim Gooders — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:03:13 GMT

Hi Sarah

Really good practice to establish what your teams really think, and there by identify the barriers to full use and utilisation. I would also include non clinical team members, the reception team are very aware of client resistance and understanding.

I would recommend always running this type of survey on-line and anonymously. I have used the free platform Survey Monkey this allows many question types, such as lists, scoring, and narrative. https://www.surveymonkey.com .

Questions to identify barriers to dental care, client resistance, client understanding of the need for dental care.

Ask your team about current set up, how this could be changed to make a better work and clinical environment.

Ask about experiences in other clinics.

When asking what they like and dislike ensure there is a follow up question to understand why. For example I was with a practice who said they did not like doing dentals on a tub table, when is asked why the response was they they got back ache. The solution was to recommend a shallow tub table that allowed the vet and nurse to get their knees under the table.

Finally when you have the feed back share this with your equipment supplier, and discuss who and how they can help you to train and coach your teams to make maximum utilisation of your new investment.

Kind Regards

Tim Gooders

Covetrus Equipment Team

(formally Henry Schein)

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Miriam Lodewyks — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 12:41:47 GMT

I've recently acquired one of those star-trek guns - it's called a Nomad-II. It's pretty good although I was terrified initially of dropping it or irradiating myself, but so far my radiation badge and ring have always come back clear, so I think we're ok.

It's not perfect, but does the job and is easy enough to use once you get the hang of it. Take GREAT care of how you look after the two battery units supplied, as they are immensely expensive to replace and will die very quickly if you don't ensure you keep them well charged at all times.

I have a CR system supplied by Henry Schein called Midmark, which allows flexibility of use in various sized patients.

The software supplied (which is half the cost) is by Progeny and it's not without it's glitches but now I've got the hang of it it's ok too.

I have found radiography to be one of those illuminating things where you end up wondering how you ever managed dentistry without it.

I also use a standard pressurised dental unit and scaler from Inovadent - it's 3 years old and is beginning to glitch a bit despite regular servicing (it does get a fair bit of use though).

And I find that my handheld tools now last an age simply because I've learnt what bit of kit to use for which job and so I don't end up destroying or blunting the equipment anymore, so investing in a good CPD course is really really a must!!!

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Bob Russell — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:59:37 GMT

With a little practice dental radiography is really easy. The bisecting angle appears a bit complicated but it really is 'sun and shadows' stuff. Too long a tooth means a long morning shadow, too short it is midday! A wall mounted unit is just a Star Trek gun you don't have to hold or be close to when the button gets pressed.

Not really answering the OP!!

RE: Dentistry surveys for in-house colleagues

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:47:57 GMT

The main problem I've seen going around various surgeries with dental X-Rays is ease of use. I not joking but several have the equipment but don't use it because it's so convoluted, no-one really knows how to use it. Even if they do it's usually a case of one person (usually a nurse) has got to grips with it and if they aren't on operations it's pretty difficult.

So in any survey I would ask. 'What would you like to see in a radiographic unit'

My tuppence worth would be 'ease of use' The best by far is that Star Trek Ray gun device.

Neil