Expensive Equipment or $1,700,000+ for Retirement?
2 Comments
by Dr. Woody Oakes
Purchasing equipment can be both confusing and expensive. There are numerous choices and companies to choose from. Then, there are gadgets, upgrades and options that can easily raise a new office price to upwards of $80,000 per operatory. As I wrote in Buyer Beware, “one poor decision can drastically change your future.” Well then, the other side of that coin is– one GOOD decision can drastically change your future. Actually, it can save you over $1.5 million. More on this in a minute.
Let me tell you about a recent partnership of ours which I believe will successfully transition your equipment buying process into a money saving and stress-free experience while offering the best in choice and benefits. Whether you are expanding your office to improve services, building a new office or replacing equipment, our exclusive equipment partner will save you a substantial amount of money. I’ll explain further– (more…)
Introducing our Newest Partner: DentReps
No Comments
Are You Hiring?

Are you seeking talented Dental Candidates? Need to connect with Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, or Office Staff to fill your open position? Interested in sourcing Dentists for your Practice Transition? DentReps is your immediate, cost effective solution – guaranteed.
DentReps is the premier & trusted source for dental candidates, career opportunities & transitions. DentReps provides you and your practice with qualified candidates for all of your hiring needs. With decades of dental experience, we understand the financial burden created within the practice as well as the constraints placed on your current Team Members when you are not able to fill your open positions in a timely manner.
Through our unique marketing strategies and membership base, DentReps prides itself on reducing the costs and pains associated with hiring by providing qualified dental candidates to your job advertisements. With thousands of NEW users every week and hundreds of career opportunities already listed, DentReps is your Partner in sourcing the right candidates for your practice. Register today for a FREE Membership and advertise your job openings. Allow DentReps to work for you – can you afford not to?
Dental Cabinetry Care Tips
No Comments
Your dental office cabinetry is an integral part of the delivery of quality care to your patients. In addition to functionality, your cabinetry’s aesthetics are just as important in projecting your office’s image to your patients. There are some simple procedures to ensure your cabinetry will look and perform its best. Our Providence line of dental cabinetry by Smart Cabinets comes with a 5 year warranty thus following the guidelines below will extend the life of our cabinets as well.

You are safe using warm water and mild soaps on your laminate and plexi-glass.
Laminate Care
The decorative surface may be cleaned with warm water and mild soaps, such as those used for hands or dishes. Do not use cleansers that contain abrasives, acids or alkalis; they will damage the decorative surface. Remove stubborn stains with a 2-minute exposure to hypochlorite bleach such as Clorox®, followed by clean water rinse.
We recommend that you not allow any of the following agents to remain in contact with the decorative surface:
- Hypochlorite bleach, except as described above
- Hydrogen peroxide solution
- Mineral acids, hydrochloric acid such as Lime-A-Way™, sulfuric or nitric acid
- Caustic solutions containing greater than 2% lye, such as Drano®
- Sodium bisulfate, such as Sani-Flush®
- Potassium permanganate
- Berry juices
- Silver nitrate, in 1% concentration or greater
- Gentian violet
- Mild silver protein, such as 20% argyrols
- Bluing
- Fabric dye, such as Tintex®, Rit®
- Alcohol containing 1% iodine in solution
Plexi Glass Care
- Dusting: Gently use a soft, damp cloth or chamois.
- Cleaning: Use a small quantity of soap and lukewarm water, rinse well with clean water, and dry with a soft cotton cloth or chamois.
- We recommend a product called BRILLIANIZE for cleaning plexiglass (acrylic), glass, and any hard shiny surfaces. It helps to repel dust and is non-toxic – alcohol and ammonia free. This product is available from brillianize.com.
- For Scratch Removal: After years of use and cleaning, plexiglass may develop fine surface scratches. We recommend using NOVUS 2 with a 100% cotton cloth to buff out fine scratches. This product is also available from eStreetPlastics.
- CAUTION – DO NOT USE:
- Window Cleaning Fluids
- Scouring Compounds
- Gritty Cloths
- Lacquer Thinner
- Benzene
- Alcohol
- Ammonia
- Carbon Tetrachloride
- Gasoline
SPECIAL NOTE – Standing water is laminate wood cabinetry’s worse enemy. Water damage can include curling of laminate and swelling of panels. Damage is caused by standing water or a large amount of water from a broken pipe or malfunctioning equipment. ALWAYS ADDRESS STANDING WATER OR SPILLS IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID DAMAGE TO CABINETRY.
Transitioning to Digital Imaging
No Comments
Overview of Dental X-rays

Dentist conducting an x-ray on a female dental patient at the Rochester Dental Dispensary in the early 1900's.
Since its discovery in early 1900’s, the dental industry has been providing dental radiographs, referred to as x-rays. X-rays are used to capture images of the mouth to diagnose, treat and identify oral problems. X-ray images can help identify cavities, cancerous or benign masses, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that just cannot be seen with the naked eye during a routine oral examination. The film based units use a photographic film that has been exposed to radiation which in turn has to be developed.
(more…)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
No Comments
Dental Planet would like to wish all the employees and their families a Merry Christmas.
Your Dental Light Preventative Maintenance Guide
No Comments
Your Operatory Light Reflects On You … Keep It CleanTake a moment to think about what your patients see when they sit in a dental chair in your office. At some point during their visit, your patients will look up at the operatory light. Keeping your operatory light clean is a good reflection on your office. Here are some helpful hints on how to keep your light clean and in good working order to achieve maximum effectiveness. WARNING: To avoid personal injury, turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning. |
|
Cleaning the plastic lens shield
|
Cleaning Tip #1There is a risk of cracking the plastic lens shield and the glass reflector if you begin the cleaning process before the light has cooled to room temperature. This would also void the warranty. Cleaning Tip #2Plan to clean the lens shield and glass reflector, or replace the bulb in the morning before the operatory lights have been turned ON. Cleaning Tip #3When cleaning the plastic lens shield and glass reflector, always rub lightly in the same direction with a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad to avoid scratches. Cleaning Tip #4It’s time to replace the lens shield when there are signs of wear such as cracks or discoloration. The same applies to the glass reflector, in addition to the reflective coating starting to peel away. Cleaning Tip #5Oils from your skin that come in contact with a new bulb can cause “hot spots” once the power is turned ON. These hot spots can shorten the life expectancy of the bulb. |
Cleaning the glass reflector
|
|
Replacing the bulb
|
|
|
Copyright © 2008 Replacement Parts Industries, Inc. RevA 04-08 |
|


