Core Practice leverages the Cloud’s flexible infrastructure to better manage your practice
 
By Danny Chan
 
Having a Dental software in Australia is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s computerised age of dentistry. Most dental owners cannot imagine running their practices without one. These days, automating timely reminders for following up on patient appointments or quickly accessing a patient’s history are no less perfunctory than sending an email.
 
Despite well-entrenched benefits, running a typical PMS has its share of bugbears: IT hassles of maintaining the physical server; time-consuming hardware/software updates; hardware glitches; tedious data backups; storage limitations; lack of data security; hard disk failures, etc.
 
To circumvent the inherent limitations of server-reliant PMS systems, some dentists are turning to online dental software like Core Practice. Instead of dealing with IT issues, dentists can take advantage of the dental software’s Cloud-based ecosystem to gain greater patient access, better flexibility and increased cost savings.
 
What makes Core Practice a unique proposition in the world of server-bound practice software systems is that it removes the need for expensive set-up costs for both hardware and software. Its Software as a Service (SaaS) model offers genuine flexibility and makes economic sense for all parties concerned.
 
Like your traditional software, Core Practice brings all your practice data together into a single database. However, it eschews the conventional hard-disk format for the cloud infrastructure. A little known but amazing benefit of the cloud-based system is something known as “elastic server scaling”. That basically allows for intuitive expansion of virtual computing resources – storage space, memory and CPU – relative to the usage of the software. That means you only pay for the memory and storage space that you actually utilise, hence lowering unit cost while minimising wastage of unused resources. That’s also why Core Practice is able to pass on the savings to their customers by way of affordable monthly plans.
 
True cloud computing solution
 
With Core Practice, you can rely on the cloud-based system to do all the heavy lifting while you focus your energies on what you do best. While many on-premise vendors also claim to offer cloud applications, the mobile-friendly Core Practice solution was designed from the ground up for the Cloud. There’s no need for painful upgrades because your Core Practice software is always running the latest version. Another added benefit is gaining secure and speedy access to the system anytime from anywhere, on any device.
 
Besides offering a true cloud computing solution, Core Practice allows a host of flexibility:
 
Online bookings: Patients can make online appointments at their own convenience (including nights/ weekends/ public holidays) while receptionist can free up time spent on the phone, allowing more time for handling treatment plan queries.
 
Fully integrated online booking system: Appointment book and calendar are updated in real time. No more manual entry or double booking.
 
Secure and speedy access: Dentists can access patient records from anywhere, any device, anytime.
 
Unlimited & scalable online storage: The virtual space, which resides in the cloud, is unlimited and scalable to your individual needs. Basically, you’ll never have to worry about running out of storage or paying for unused space.
 
Unlimited number of users/ patients: The cloud infrastructure means you are never limited by physical server space.
 
Enterprise-level Secure SSL Encryption: The software adopts industry standard, enterprise-level security, and transport your data safely using AES-256 encrypted channels.
 
24/7 Support: Choose between free business hours phone support, 24/7 helpdesk system or Online Forum.
 
Seamless Integration: Core Practice works with HICAPs for easy payment; MYOB or XERO for all your accounting needs; and a host of communication apps for automated SMS and Email appointments – all sent directly from the software.
 
What do the customers say?
 
The newly launched Core Practice software already enjoys a growing community of users, and this is what they have to say about their user experience:
 
Kelly Hunt, Practice Manager, No Gaps Dental (Beverly Hills, Liverpool, Cabramatta):
 
“Core Practice is so much more flexible, allowing me to get my work done from wherever I am. Thanks to the electronic claiming and straightforward payment flow, my staff rarely make payment errors, which has given me more time to do my work.”
 
Dr Thiago De Araujo, Dentist, No Gaps Dental (Bondi, Brookvale):
 
“With Core Practice, I have the flexibility to access the system from wherever I am, whenever I need to. The customization of notes allows me to create treatment notes faster than ever, meaning I can devote more time to my patient's care. The automatic SMS appointment reminders are convenient. My patients can even reply to the text message to confirm their appointment. This used to be a time-consuming task, but thanks to Core Practice, my staff have so much more time to complete their daily tasks.”
 
For more information on Core Practice, call 1800 317 008 or visit www.corepractice.com.au
 

 
 

Melbourne-based Intelligent Dental Solutions delivers 3D-printed Removable Partial Chromes to Australia’s doorstep.
 
By Danny Chan
 
If anyone understands the uniqueness of teeth, it is the dentist. That being the case, it shouldn’t be hard for a dentist to appreciate the high level of customization that 3D printing, with its additive mode of manufacturing, brings to the construction of prosthetic teeth and oral appliances. 3D printing has, for sound reasons, been widely tipped the next big technology to watch for in the dental space – and dentists have been paying close attention.
 
Those of you who have been scouting for next-generation dental applications would probably have heard of 3DRPD. As one of the world’s leading 3D printing dental solution providers, the tech firm specialises in 3D printing of Removable Partial Dentures (in cobalt chrome). With more than 50,000 restorations in the mouth, theirs is a proven solution that uses laser-sintering technology to manufacture digitally-modelled denture designs directly in 3D printers. This hassle-free process does away with casting and plastic patterns while allowing cost-efficient and speedy results.
 
Australian dentists who can’t wait to reap the rewards of 3D printing can google up Intelligent Dental Solutions (iDS), the exclusive partner for 3DRPD in Australasia.
 
Intelligent Dental Solutions is a forward-thinking dental laboratory headed by Joe Nguyen and Fred Carlstrom. Founded by Joe in 2001 as a full-service lab, the company officially entered the CAD/CAM arena when Fred joined two years later. 3DRPD is the latest hi-tech venture for the enterprising duo – whose unconventional slate includes an open-source cloud system that connects lab owners and dentists. True to the partners’ pedigree, Intelligent Dental Solutions is the only lab in Australia that provides full service 3D printing of RPDs direct to metal. In addition, they also 3D-print dental models, splints and copings.
 
The 3DRPD distributorship was forged during the last IDS exhibition in Cologne, Germany. The partners were “immediately impressed” by the technology and products on display – which Fred believes, reinforces 3DRPD’s position as a committed technological supplier:
 
“It is not as simple as it may sound. It took 3DRPD best part of two years to develop their own patented powder material and perfect the manufacturing process. Each metal printer represents a large investment at around $700K and 3DRPD has got 15 of them – it’s not for the small investor.”
                                                   
Dental 3D-printing technology and workflow
 
In regards to the 3DRPD workflow, Fred says the all-digital process is “less labour intensive and far cleaner”. Compared with the traditional casting process, it doesn’t have as many health and environmental issues.
 
To manufacture the partial chrome, what the prosthetist needs is a dental model with a prescription on what is required. The dental model can be produced using an Intra-Oral 3D scanner or a 3D scan of an impression/model obtained by a desktop dental scanner. The model scan is transferred to a partial design software, inside which the chrome geometry is built. All undercuts are removed and the partial geometry is constructed in full 3D. Once finished, the chrome part is exported to the 3D printer as a STL file
The “build file” of the 3D CAD model is sliced into layers by the machine software, which then creates a path for the focussed laser beam to melt and sinter fine metal powder to the perimieter of the part. The part is constructed additively layer by layer until the build is complete. Once finished, the partial chrome is polished, fitted to the model and ready for fitting the teeth.

Stronger and faster – with superior patient benefits
​
Fred explains that the laser sintering process results in 3D-printed RPDs’ structural integrity being superior to conventional cast chromes. “The powder material is manufactured under strictest quality control resulting in a very homogenous material with no porosity. The powder material is far more consistent in its composition than materials used for conventional casting.”
“The 3D-printed frames are much stronger and retain their shape much longer. Fatigue resistance tests of clasps over 6000 cycles has shown that 91% of 3DRPD clasps return to their original shape where only 25% of traditional cast clasps retain their memory on a distance of 0.2mm.”
 
Price-wise, he reckons the cost of frames produced by 3DRPD – made with FDA-compliant materials – is comparable to quality cast frames despite having many advantages over them. While periodic adjustments of 3DRPD frames by a dentist will still be required, they can often last for 6 months without adjustment. As for turnaround speeds, it takes 1-5 hours for a resin build, and 8-10 hours for its metal counterpart.
 
“Most 3D printers can build a whole platform full of parts as quickly as a single part. If you fill up the platform, the time for each part will be greatly reduced.”
 
Apart from partial frames 3DRPD can also 3D print other restorative parts like dental bars and metal copings. Dental bars have become very popular due to price and functionality. A major feature with 3D printed dental bars is that they can have complex features and undercuts without adding extra cost.
 
Fred says 3DRPD users gave high marks on their experience with the 3D-printed frame. Quoting survey results, he says that 3DRPD fared better than cast chromes when it came to patient benefits – ranging from comfort and aesthetics to retention and stability to restoring speaking and chewing functions. It is also a healthier subsitute, Fred explains:
 
“There is no Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr) or contamination in the 3DRPD frames. There are no allergy issues for patients sensitive to contaminations.”
A former Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years’ experience implementing CAD/CAM in a wide variety of industries, Fred sees a dentally-paved future for 3D printing:
 
“The price for smaller printers is coming down and will make 3D printing available to many smaller labs. Many new materials will be available in the future in particular bio-compatible materials that can be 3D printed and used in the mouth for long periods of time.
 
Although the technology has yet to be fully exploited, Fred believes it has already reached a point of maturity and that it is as good a time as any to jump on the bandwagon.
 
For more information contact Intelligent Dental Solutions
Phone: 1300 445 115   [email protected]   www.ids-dental.com.au
​

By Danny Chan
 
Clayray Dental Radiology is a private imaging center located on 24 Collins Street in Melbourne CBD. From its privileged location on the bustling thoroughfare, CDR continues to build its success on a consistent stream of uncompromising work and its owners’ insistence on personalized service – not only to walk-in customers but also referring dentists. That is the overriding reason, says Julius Chan, Director of Clayray Dental Radiology, the diagnostic specialist enjoys high traffic referrals from a loyal clientele of dental practices right across the metropolitan city.
 
“Referrers come to us because of the quality of work that we produce, and also because we know their needs inside out, and we make sure that they are well and truly taken care of,” he adds.
 
“We know what our dentist and specialist clients are looking for. Our CBCT imaging is tailored to their individual needs. For example, we demonstrate the entirety of the root canal, root canal filling, apical lesions and root resorptions, to ensure improved diagnostic accuracy for all endodontic applications. For the orthodontist, we also include 3D volume renders, that are more suitable for demonstrating multiple teeth and their positions within the maxilla.”
 
Whether for high or low volume work, Julius says, the hands-on customer service remains the same. “Our dentist know us on first name basis. If they need something, we make sure that they get it.  We also provide training on how to use the Cone Beam CT software – face to face or over the phone – at no extra costs.”
 
Although Clayray was established in 1969, the current directors are only in their early 30s. When university pals Julius Chan and Dara Danh took over the downtown establishment from Lyn Spencer in 2010, it was a fortuitous beginning that followed a lengthy negotiation process. 
 
About two years prior, Lyn was contemplating retirement and jokingly offered to sell the business to Julius, a former medical radiologist who had just completed 3-month probation as her radiologist. Taking the offer seriously, Julius then found an interested partner in Dara. Initial negotiations fell through and the deal dragged on for another two years before it was finalized. The business name remained in view of goodwill and reputation, and the rest was history. 
 
The fully HDAA-accredited practice currently employs five radiographers and four reception staff. The radiographers are all qualified medical diagnostic radiographers that receive extensive in-house training in dental imaging.
 
Following the practice’s acquisition of the Morita 3D Accuitomo in 2004, Clayray introduced the concept of outsourcing CBCT scans to dentists in Victoria. The scanner was later upgraded to the Jmorita 80 in 2011. Their current equipment set up includes two CBCT units and three OPG ceph machines spread between two clinics – Melbourne Dental X-Ray is a sister clinic established in 2013.
 
“We use the Morita because it is the industry leader in CBCT scanners in terms of image resolution,” Julius explains. “The viewer software that it comes with (Onevolume Viewer) is intuitive and allows our referrers to plan virtual implants on the actual scan.”
 
Besides the clarity of their scans, dentists are further impressed by the convenience of CDR’s online services. Making their images, scans and reports available online save the practice admin staff the trouble of digitizing the hardcopy for recording purposes. Dentist can also conveniently access the information from their office or home.
 
“The goal for outsourcing radiographic responsibilities is so that the dentists and practice staff can spend more time focusing on what they do best, while leaving their imaging needs in the hands of dental radiography professionals. This is after all something that we excel at.”
 
Crediting the practice’s success to team effort, Julius describes how each member, including the owners themselves, make it a point to touch base with a client dentist on a regular basis. The owners still oversee daily operations and participate in day-to-day dental imaging, making sure that quality control of imaging and reporting is constantly monitored.
 
“We basically treat our referrers as family and provide their patients with the best care possible. And that’s what keeps us going.”