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Practice Growth Fueled by Technology by Lindell Kemmet, DDS

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by Lindell Kemmet, DDS

If you're still just thinking about moving your practice to digital, what are you waiting for? Patients today expect their doctors to have the latest technologies, and you deserve to have the digital advantage for ease in diagnosis and enhanced practice management. With digital, there is no more waiting to see if that spot really is decay or if your eyes are just deceiving you. Digital dentistry is not only necessary, but it also can open new opportunities from your patients' gained trust.

What is the digital technology of today? This term has been thrown around for more than a generation, and now the future is here when it comes to having an all-digital office, an office that operates seamlessly from one procedure to the next, and from one patient to the next.

From digital intraoral radiography and photography to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and CAD/CAM restorations in-office, to 3D implantology procedures, digital dentistry is gaining traction throughout the profession.

Digital dentistry is not only necessary in today's market, but it can also open new opportunities from your patients' gained trust.

However, not all dental offices are alike. It is important to make sure you choose the right technology for your unique needs. Key steps in the decision process include prioritizing requirements and defining your expectations. Here are four questions you'll want to ask yourself:

1. Which aspects of digital dentistry are necessary for my practice and patients? Not every piece of technology is right for each office. Some, like digital radiography and electronic records, are obvious. CEREC and 3D radiography may not be quite as obvious, until you implement them. Is a hard- or soft-tissue laser in your future? What about intraoral cameras for patient education and acceptance? These are questions only you can answer.
2. What is the return on investment (ROI) of each digital item we are considering? Some items have a definitive ROI; others may be less obvious. But all items need to have a value that will be measurable and appreciable in a short time. Many information outlets, including dentaltown.com, can serve as a resource to determine specific investment returns.
3. Can our current office support a switch to technology all at once, or do we need a plan for implementation? It can be expensive to invest in new technologies. Depending on your situation, you should make a plan for when to implement items. Failing to plan out an investment strategy in new technologies—but instead, waiting for the year-end numbers so you can make a decision—is a recipe for disaster.
4. Can we afford not to act? With the changing dental landscape, it is either adapt, be a trailblazer, or watch your patients slowly move on to an office that does.



Anchor down
When I left my native North Dakota to earn a degree at the University of Minnesota and gain clinical experience after graduation, I always knew that one day I would return home.

Fast-forward to 2011, when I finally made the decision to move home. During my search for a practice, I connected with a Minot, North Dakota dentist who was retiring and looking to sell his established, 30-year-old practice.

The office was built in 1998. It was a clean, three- operatory practice with an assistant, a hygienist, and a front-desk manager. It was a fine space, but it reflected his personality—not mine. For one thing, it had a nautical-themed décor that included boat wallpaper, boat flooring, and actual boat models hanging on the walls and sitting on shelves and on top of the operatory cabinetry. For another, there was only one computer, and it was used solely for billing purposes.

Having practiced for four decades without dental technology and knowing he was going to sell his practice, this dentist didn't see any monetary return in upgrading. That is a valid argument for someone at his stage—however, for dentists just starting out or for those in the midst of their careers, I feel digital technology is an absolute must.



Setting sail
When I took over this practice, I wanted to do two things: update the office and go digital. Given that both projects are time- and cost-intensive, I had to prioritize. And it was technology that took precedence. In my first week at the helm, I installed new computers with large-screen monitors for patients, purchased Schick 33 digital intraoral sensors, ORTHOPHOS XG 3D, and CEREC Bluecam and (later) Omnicam. I decided to just put up with the boat wallpaper for a little longer, but the model sailboats were returned to their previous owner.

Sure, there were some growing pains with the new computers, IT security, and technology setup issues. However, Patterson Dental was very supportive. We had a smooth installation, in addition to training and help with the initial setup and help with any issues we have had along the way since that date. The move to digital for my practice was well worth any hiccup we had in the transition.

With film X-rays, patients are forced to put a large amount of trust in the dentist to do what he or she feels is right. Now we can transfer our education to patients by showing them both sharp digital radiographs and intraoral images on 40-inch LED TVs. Patients can really see the decay well and better understand what we're explaining with this combination. Digital has come into its own, overtaking film in quality and ease. My hygienists confidently show me areas of concern—this is critical because co-diagnosis is something I rely on for accuracy and completeness.

The technology has truly made a lasting impact. Not only has it enabled better diagnoses and more patient acceptance, but also it has helped serve as a catalyst for growth, as our patients now have confidence to see us as the place they can be taken care of.



Riding the waves
Within the first year, my practice began outgrowing its space. In addition to needing more room so I could simply stand up straight (did I mention I'm 6 feet 7 inches tall?), I quickly began to need more operatories.

When two adjacent vacant spaces located in the same shopping mall as Kemmet Dental Design became available, I jumped at the opportunity to move my practice. After six months of construction, the space was transformed. The new practice, which just opened in late 2014, is a 5,500-square-foot space with nine operatories—and 18-foot ceilings! As an added bonus, having more room has enabled us to showcase the technology, rather than having it tucked out of the way. We have also been able to double our staff, including adding a fantastic associate dentist.

I believe that technology is a key component to patient trust because it enables me to see things more easily and have the confidence to know that what I see is truly there. Having worked with digital technology since dental school, I know firsthand the major improvements and benefits that it offers.

I could have held off on the technology—by just sending things to the lab to be processed and utilizing film processing, I could have focused on making payments on the practice. But I'm happy we did it right away. We let the technology work for us. It is this technology that has allowed us to expand and build something brand new, exciting and unique.





Dr. Lindell Kemmet practices in Minot, North Dakota, where he offers full-service dentistry at Kemmet Dental Design. He is a CERECdoctors.com mentor, and Patterson CEREC trainer. Kemmet is also an active member of the American Dental Association, serves the North Dakota Dental Association as the northwest district vice president, and is a member of the Minot Dental Club.


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April 2024
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