When a dentist has a family history and lineage in the profession, there is the added pressure of carrying on the family name on the front door of the practice. It must live up to the accountability and the name that precedes them. However, while taking on this charge, they also realize that dental practices and treatment environments are ever evolving, you simply can’t be your father’s dentist these days. That is why so many dentists are pushing personal and professional boundaries, moving forward to build out a more sound modern practice with digital dentistry.
Dentists, whether coming from a family background or starting a practice on their own, understand that incorporating technology, tools, and software into the practice will provide patients with a sense of progress and create a better patient experience. When your personal background is a stimulus to give your patients a high level of education, digital dentistry will aid and improve workflows and efficiency while producing an improved learning environment for them.
Dandy has found many dentists with similar family practices that stretch back more than one generation. They are committed to their family legacy and treating their patients like their family. That is what drew our attention to Dr. Rhett M. Cater, MS, DMD, a third-generation dentist, and Dandy partner.
The power of education in treating patients.
Dr. Cater and Cater Dental are known for their many offerings. Its broad set of services includes preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. As a family dental provider, there is a focus on children’s dentistry, as well. There is also periodontics, root canal therapy, and TMJ/TMD treatment. Additionally, they incorporated sleep apnea treatment into their practice. That is a significant amount of capabilities. However, the cornerstone of their approach is educating their patients.
Dr. Cater is highly focused on education—he graduated at the top of his doctoral class. His love of knowledge inspired him to instruct patients in best oral health practices. With a passion for dentistry, education, and modern technology, Dr. Cater pursues developing new techniques, methods, and materials. By doing this, he can bring advanced care to all his patients and level of instruction with their best interest at heart. And part of this motion is the use of technology and the practice of digital dentistry.
“Professionally, I love to educate people on how to use new technology in dentistry,” Dr. Cater explained.
His commitment to education is part of his goal to treat all patients as family showing compassion, honesty, and respect. Part of that effort is ensuring his patients understand dental health and an increased awareness of the importance of excellent oral health. Digital dentistry plays a significant role in Dr. Cater’s efforts.
The benefits of integrating Dandy’s digital dentistry into a practice.
Despite Dr. Cater’s keen interest in technology, the practice had not incorporated an intraoral scanner into his office until a little over a year ago. Part of the issue was that he hesitated to leave his lab arrangement.
“Personally, I was skeptical and hesitant at first to switch from an already good lab to this new digital lab,” he said.
What encouraged him to try Dandy? “The free Trios 3 Scanner and amazing Dental Laboratory UI experience,” Dr. Cater responded. Dr. Cater also shared that the “quality of workmanship was surprisingly superb. After using this lab for an entire year, it makes submitting cases to other labs seem archaic.”
He explained, “The ease of submitting a digital lab slip is by far the best in the industry. Additionally, I love being able to approve digital wax-ups before crowns are made.”
And his experience with our customer service?
“If there are any modifications that need to be done to enhance the quality of the lab work, the customer service is by far one of the best in the industry,” Dr. Cater happily shared. “Every team member is very friendly and always follows up with extra information if requested.”
As for Dandy aiding in improving workflows, Dr. Cater was impressed.
“Adding a digital scanner to a traditional dental practice is an absolute game changer for efficiency, productivity, and production. I canʼt imagine practicing dentistry any other way now.”
Dr. Cater, Cater Dental
The Dandy impact on the patient experience.
Dr. Cater values the relationships he has with his patients. He listens to their needs to help them achieve their dental goals. With great attention to detail, he maintains the highest standard of care. It would be necessary for Dr. Cater and his family’s practice to partner with the best digital lab company, employ its devices, and leverage its lab management software, which would aid in creating a positive patient experience.
Every dentist wants all of their patients to leave the office feeling confident with their smile. Sometimes it is difficult to make the digital transition because of the fear that new methods may not be as good as traditional dentistry. When Dr. Cater started to use Dandy’s intraoral scanner and lab, his patients’ responses were positive.
“Patients love the super-fast turnaround time that Dandy can offer. Additionally, patients love the accuracy of shade matching for crowns.”
Dr. Cater was so impressed with his experience with Dandy that he is willing to spread the good news about his digital transformation.
“Dandy is an excellent company at transitioning dentists into the digital realm,” Dr. Cater said. “Both the onboarding training and workflow videos offered on their website are excellent resources to quickly and effectively implement digital workflows into your practice.”
Dr. Cater, Cater Dental
Dr. Cater and his dental team believe that every patient should be served by an honest, caring, and compassionate family dentist. That is why when people enter Cater Dental, they are committed to treating them like family. Dr. Cater wants every patient to leave with a smile they would like to share with everyone. Dandy is proud to be a part of that process.
If you are beginning your digital journey, join Dr. Cater and others like him by partnering with Dandy. Contact us for a free demonstration and transition into the digital realm.
