There is an expectation among patients that the experience in the dental chair should be stress-free, pain-free, and comfortable. But is that enough? In a diverse and often complicated society, patients seek healthcare providers who recognize them as ‘unique individuals’ with particular needs. Sometimes those needs ebb beyond standard practices, and dentists must discern when a patient is more than just a person in the chair.
Dr. Jacob. J Kirsch, DDS of 86th Street Dental Center in New York City, and his team are highly focused on the patient experience. The talented dental team is committed to working with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds to create a peaceful and accepting atmosphere for oral health treatment. Dr. Kirsch believes that every time a patient or family enters his practice, there is a necessity to develop long-term relationships. He and his team considers it an opportunity to become partners with every patient in their dental and overall health. And that begins with open lines of communication and trust.
To develop these key relationship attributes, a dentist should devise workflows that incorporate the patient’s goals, concerns, and desire to be free of anxiety. That is where Dandy factors into this precious equation.
Incorporating Dandy to create a rewarding experience.
Dr. Kirsch wants to be an ally to his patients. He realizes that every patient wants to be comfortable, not just during treatment but also in sharing who they are and what they want. It may seem simplistic, but the building blocks to this type of practice are often found in your staff and tools’ capabilities.
Part of the process of delivering excellent treatment and helping develop a healthy, incredible smile begins in the diagnosis. Dr. Kirsch used Impregum impressions for most of his crowns and prosthetics. However, he found it was “Slow, annoying, messy. And bad tasting.” When he visited the 2021 Greater New York Dental Meeting, Dr. Kirsch encountered Dandy and the intraoral scanner (IOS) and decided to try it. Since adopting Dandy’s IOS, it has been woven into their workflows. And patients’ response? “No one has complained yet,” Dr. Kirsch said laughingly.
Dandy, like Dr. Kirsch, prides itself on the relationships we nurture, especially with dental practitioners. We want to deliver to our customers the same level experience the dentist gives to their patient. In the case of Dr. Kirsch and 82nd Street Dental, they are intent on the highest level of empathetic understanding and service. To meet the identical commitment, we begin with our training.
According to Dr. Kirsch, Dandy contributed “Great training!” The entire team participated in virtual training via webcam, and all found it very helpful. However, the assistants that do most of the work with the intraoral scanner found it the most beneficial. Then, there is the responsiveness of the labs and support.
Before Dandy, the 86th Street Dental Center worked with local labs. Dr. Kirsch found them “so-so.” But since converting to Dandy, they have fallen in love with our customer service and excellent crowns. Dr. Kirsch indicated that he and the staff use the IOS for almost everything from crowns and veneers, to night guards, bridges, and retainers. And Dandy’s customer support? “I would say customer support is pretty good,” Dr. Kirsch stated.
They’re responsive fairly quickly. They do seek to provide a solution. And that’s mutually beneficial.”
Dr. Jacob. J Kirsch, DDS
That is what Dandy is aiming for. We want to partner with dental practitioners who are developing a place of treatment where our tools and technology improves their practice, and the lives of their patients. What has impacted Dr. Kirsch the most? It is the change in his workflows that affects his life.
My life has completely changed—less cleaning. Just the workflow is easier,”
Dr. Jacob. J Kirsch, DDS
Dandy knows that patients are responsive to the IOS’s modern aesthetics and progressive ability to supply detailed scans. Delivering transparency in treatment builds up trust in the dental relationship. Dr. Kirsch explained that “It feels like a more modern practice. So I think that instills a bit of more faith.”
Trust is essential to every dentist. Dr. Kirsch believes his patients trust him to deliver treatment that will help them develop a healthy, incredible smile. But he knows it is indicative of the more significant relationship.
The impact of the intraoral scanner on workflows is seen in delivering less time in the chair, developing trust and relationships, and contributing to the image of your practice and the image of a patient’s smile. Dandy’s intraoral scanner seems like a solid investment. But wait—what is the investment for a Dandy intraoral scanner? That is the beauty of this product. What is usually a $30,000 upfront purchase is waived with required lab use fees.
What is Dr. Kirsch’s advice to other dentists who are considering Dandy?
Do it. Do it. Just do it. Like Nike. Just do it.”
Dr. Jacob. J Kirsch, DDS
Make Dandy a part of your dental team.
Dr. Kirsch puts confidence in the definition of being a dentist means he can make changes in the lives of remarkable people in part because of the team he has assembled. They are an incredible group. According to him, each is an experienced professional, equally warm and personable. Together, they all work hard to ensure each patient has a positive, painless visit and leaves with a happy smile. That is what dentistry is all about for Dr. Kirsch. He understands that being a dentist means transforming the lives of patients by eliminating dental pain, restoring function, or creating a beautiful smile. In the end, that person will be happier at the end of the treatment. If Dandy is a part of that effort, that makes us happy too.
If you are interested in incorporating Dandy’s intraoral scanner into your practice workflows, we want to join your team. Contact us for a demonstration. And if you are concerned about the difference between impressions and an intraoral scanner, listen to Dr. Kirsch’s point of view. When asked if he thinks he will ever go back to impression or Impregum, Dr. Kirsch said, “I got some if you wanna buy some.”
