Editor’s Note Carol Murphy, Executive Editor

Spies on DentalTown’s website?
The posts on our website, www.dentaltown.com, are always very interesting but I found one this month that immediately got my attention. The message was entitled, “Kavo spies on DentalTown.” The message continued with, “Actually, this has happened with several companies. They watch us and listen. They try to learn from us and learn how to take better care of us. This is very cool.”

In his post, Townie Rod Kurthy, goes on to explain, “I posted how disappointed I was about 8 years ago with Kavo handpieces and their customer service. Because of this post, Angelika, Marketing Director, for Kavo, contacted me. She is looking into my problems and is really trying to help. She’s told me about changes in the company and so far I’m really impressed. She’s even sending someone to my office to check things out, and spoke to the president of the company about my concerns. He offered to take all my Kavo handpieces and make certain they are operating A #1.”

When DentalTown’s website opened its portal doors in January 2000, our goal was to create a cyber space where dentists and manufacturers could exchange information, both positive and negative. It was a difficult role for everyone—especially the manufacturers because they weren’t sure how to handle the problems/criticisms dentists were presenting. Now, the website has many representatives from companies such as, SoftDent, Exacta, Dentfinance, Care Credit, Kavo and Parkell, that try their best to solve problems and take your valuable feedback very seriously.

Many Townies tell us that they couldn’t imagine practicing now without being able to connect with their colleagues. Questions are posted and within hours answers/suggestions appear from colleagues and manufacturers. If you are having a problem with your equipment, a product or service, or have an idea for improvement, I encourage you to visit the website. The site is totally free, the only thing it will cost you is some time but I can assure you that it will be well spent.

As you’ll discover from reading this month’s corporate profile, Parkell’s owner and CEO, Alex Mitchell, takes the family-owned company’s commitment to quality and fairness very seriously. Parkell, located in Farmingdale, NY, (about an hour from New York City) is the largest manufacturer of small electronic devices in the US. According to Mitchell, Parkell’s entire marketing program orbits around the company’s risk-free trial period and five-year electronics warranty.

Hygiene is also in the spotlight this month. Dr. Gordon Christensen addresses his concerns that 35% of all dentists do not employ a hygienist. Christensen provides insight as to the crucial role hygienists play in the collection of diagnostic data.

What would you do if your ‘star’ assistant came to work with a new tongue piercing? Have you included provisions for that in your office manual? Read how colleagues have tackled this tough issue. After reading this issue, please join us online to discuss the articles with your colleagues at www.dentaltown.com. We look forward to hearing from you.