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Rants and Raves

Get the diamond you deserve! How to organize a diamond drawer.

To be simple is to be great.


Most offices I deal with have had difficulty keeping diamond orders straight - here are a few ideas to make sure you are getting the diamonds you want!


The Axis Diamond chart is a wipeable dry ink chart where you can write down the shapes and re-order numbers of your favorite diamonds - make sure you get what you want! I use this in several offices and it works extremely well...no more ordering "The pointy one that looks like a christmas tree, and the other one that looks like a football..." - now you can get the exact diamond you want!
Ask your rep for item #AX-CHART or Schein #228-0398 about $30


The Axis drawer organizer keeps your diamonds and polishers in nice separate compartments with easy to tag inventory.  
Ask your rep for item #AX-DRAW or Schein #228-0400



The VERY best way to keep everything organized is to buy your own customized blocks with your name imprinted! These custom sets are available with a little help from your local rep! Check out this link to see how you can build your own set...

This Rave of the day brought to you by....

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

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Get stripped qwick(ly)!!!!

The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time...
~ Henry Ford


I have sold these for several years with regular re-orders.  This is just another good idea.  A thin metal diamond strip that can be autoclaved and fits easily in your grip.





Available in an assortment of grits and thickness - you can find a strip that can work for most every situation:
-clean up after crown and bridge
-IPR with safe sided strips or dual sided strips
-Use the curved shapes in posterior teeth
-try the serrated white interproximal saw.
-break contacts.
-the plastic handle is easy to grip and acts as a bit of a bumper

A must for every office! 
Assortments priced at about $7 per strip and sold in 10's I would suggest the item #QS-ASST to start. (Schein #2281310)

This Rave of the day brought to you by...

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

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Help prevent that strip from curling up!

In the game of life nothing is less important than the score at half time.

Here is an excellent idea! A tube that can help you preserve the integrity of your diamond / metal strips.  You can sterilize 10 metal strips at once in this tube which looks like a cigar with holes punched all over it.  Cost about $30




Thanks to my Axis rep for pointing this out while we were cross referencing some Brasseler diamond strips - we not only saved the doc some money on his refill strips by cross referencing - We were also able to add some value to the order by offering this really good idea!

Item #AT600-1B made by Axis Dental

This Rave of the day brought to you by....

Warren Bobinski

Success in Denitstry and Life.

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Ultrasonography in Dentistry

The essence of pleasure is spontaneity.  ~Germaine Greer


Happy Monday morning! Do you have the Monday morning blues? I found this excellent article I wanted to share with you from Dr. Howard Farran about Burnout....it made a lot of sense, and is exactly the way DMDrep thinks.  Have fun at work, invest in your job not only for the financial gain - but also for the enjoyment!

Here is the link to "Extinguish Burnout"

Now on to the rest of my Rave....


Dr. Bicuspid is a great source of interest to me.  I have found many interesting links to articles here , and recently joined the Cad/Cam forum.



Today the topic that intrigued me was the use of ultrasound in clinical applications.  There are a couple of commercial start ups that will change the way ultrasound is used in dentistry; a non-invasive screening for periodontal deisease and to detect tooth fractures.  The companies that are using this new technology believe they will have clearance by the FDA by next year!

I am also interested in the extended uses of cone beam xrays.  I believe this technology will hit mainstream very quickly - the ability to see xrays in 3 dimensions adds a huge amount of clinical value.  

So my Rave today isn't really about this new technology - its' about the source of my information - Dr. Bicuspid.

If you have not yet joined this free website, you might want to consider this.  Dr. Bicuspid Dr. Bicuspid offers some quick facts and case studies - a different format than many other dental websites...

Of course, you can always just stick around DMDrep to keep up with the lates as well - all the above, but with a personal touch!

This Rave of the day brought to you by...

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

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Ideas for Dental Entrepreneurs

I have some ideas that I want to share - please include me if you are that person who has time to bring some of these ideas to life!

#1 - All Dental publications should be brought out as applicaitons.  Look at the Zinio applicaiton for iPad and iPod.  Also check out the Popular Mechanics or National Geographic applications.  The advantage is not having to physically print and also it makes tracking actual referalls much easier for the advertisors.

#2 - All Dental publications should be available in electronic format - think Amazon Kindle.  Its easy to self publish here, and you can get paid without having to actually physically print anything!

#3 - I would love to be involved with someone that could gather up all the dental blogs into one place and make them an applicaiton.  This is being done for general blogs with an application called "Blogger" and its' fantastic! I loaded my own blog here and it looks great - it would be a great idea for someone to bring this to life specific to the dental industry only.  Make it customizable...hell, just check out this application - no changes necessary!

#4 - Use social media more effectively - get your customers involved in rating your products (think Amazon).  Right now there is a mess of suppliers and it seems everyone is afraid of 'controlling the message".  I would love to see the innvoative company that already knows they are good and they are not afraid to face critics....we have many reputable suppliers, and I truly believe that most people would deliver and share good messages - look at the excellent work of Keith Haig freom 3M with his blog on wordpress....

#5 - an application that delivers specials to a doctors mobile device.  We are trying this at Schein with @scheindeals on Twitter, but I would love to see doctors able to load an application that they can type in the products they are looking for that will deliever a reveiew and a link to order - it will update when this product is available on promotion. 

Enough for today!  These are ideas off the top of my head.  If you are interested in the thousands of ways I have thought of to help our industry, please contact me! From marketing for dentists to marketing for manufacturers and suppliers - I have been involved in every aspect of this business now since the time I was just a little boy...about 43 years now!

Smile!
Warren

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Things you can stick in a box.....

The truth isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is.

I ran across a diehard dycal user the other day....are you still using this? If you are in a deep carious lesion and getting close to the pulp you might want to consider using a product like Limelite - it still contains the Calcium Hydroxide you like to have close to the pulp - but it sets up nice and hard and also releases some fluoride.  It is a simple application, like flowable from a syringe and is extremely cometitvely priced (cheap actually).  I really like the application, and the fact that my users have found the product does not get mushy!


As per the manufacturer:

Contains Hydroxyapatite in a urethane dimethacrylate resin
Fluoride Releasing - Radiopaque - Tooth Shade

Specially formulated for use with adhesives, composites and conventional restorative materials.Releases favorable calcium, hydroxyl, fluoride and phosphate ions. These are known to be beneficial to tooth structure, to stimulate secondary dentin formation and to have cariostatic properties.

 

  • Light Cure base/liner, sets extremely hard
  • Chemically bonds to adhesives and composites
  • Calcium and hydroxyl ions provide benefits of calcium hydroxide
  • Stimulates secondary dentin formation
  • Insoluable in water and oral fluids
  • Convenient syringe dispensing

Check out the website for more information here http://www.pulpdent.com/products/view/144


Other things to consider putting in a box....

If I had a box to fill, I would really consider the following products...

Surefil SDR - the bulk flowable from Dentsply that is getting amazing reviews.  Check out The Dental Advisor and other peer reviewed articles.  The first flow I have seen that has acceptable shrinkage when applied in bulk.  All the benefits of using a flow, and the benefits of using a liner....

Vertise Flow - The first self adhesive flowable of its kind! This product has a swiss army knife of applications.  In posterior as a liner AND adhesive layer to reduce sensitivity and the amount of steps required - but also it has excellent bond strengths to metal and porcelain!  

Vitrebond  - A fantastic and long standing, well known product.  The only thing you may not have known is that this is available in a "Clicker" dispenser which is much preferred over the standard powder and liquid mix you may be using.  Ask your favorite 3M dealer today!

I'm sure you can think of many other things you like to stick into that box - send me your suggestions!

warren@dmdrep.com

This Rave of the day brought to you by....

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

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Do your films stick and drop in your developer?

As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round. - Ben Hogan


Having trouble with your film sticking to the racks? The film itself is likely the culprit.  For many years I blamed improper maintenance , but thanks to my recent trip to air techniques - the world leader in developers with the peri pro and at2000 I learned a few things.


Even the name brand film can suffer from quality control. The chemicals used to make film can leave a sticky residue on your developer racks.  Make sure to follow the guidelines for cleaning your machines first and foremost (only about half of offices have the proper maintenance on their developers). Most of you forget or ignore cleaning the racks with spray weekly and with the soak every other month. Again, make sure to consult the manufacturers guidelines and this will help reduce issues.

However, if you are good with maintenance and you are still having trouble, it may be the film itself. Get rid of all the film from that lot number in your office and change the chemicals as well as performing a full cleaning maintenance of your racks .  This should so,ve the problem.  Film is not perfect, and this might also help you think about upgrading to a digital system sooner rather than later.

Hey - you are already on the middle to late part of the bell curve for becoming digital now. Sticky film could be the reason you needed to finally upgrade to this excellent option!

This Rave of the day brogue to you by...

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

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Go on, get that dirty amalgam....

To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.



The Air Techniques Acadia amalgam separator is built by the leader in the industry in vacuum and compressor technology.  According to Air Techniques, the system they have built to separate amalgam satisfies the needs of the government for amalgam removal.  The better part are the many features that other amalgam separator companies never thought of....



-Large debris pre-filter to prevent separator clogs (basically a big basket to catch cotton rolls and other large particles before they get in and clog the system)

-turn in almost any direction quick connect barb and elbow fittings

-4 stage disposable separation filter (others have 2 stage)

-bypass float switch

-mega cool is the 90% full audible and indicator buzzer so you know when the thing is full!

-the best part is the flow rate throughout the filter is double that of the leading competitor and it also features a larger holding capacity before bypass.

-replacement filters can be bought with or without recycling

For basically the same price of a leading competitor that is not in the dental evacuation business you can buy the Air Techniques Acadia - seems like a no brained to me and its' only about $1000 or $1250 with the monitor.

This rave of the day brought to you by....

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

DMDrep.com

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Getting that sucking action you really wanted

Inspiration could be called inhaling the memory of an act never experienced.


I love equipment you can install, treat badly and still get good results.  However, with a little proper maintenance you can expect a lifecycle of many extra years.  An average vacuum pump should last about 8-10 years with good maintenance.  Good maintenance includes using the proper products and techniques to clean your suction lines.  Not all products are made to be used as a suction cleaner!



More important is the method use use to clean your suctions.  I have to remind staff often that there are devices made for cleaning suction lines - they are called atomizers.  Atomizers mix the proper amount of water, cleaner and most importantly air to create a cyclone effect down your lines to clean out your plumbing properly.

When my customers say they lack suction, the first thing I check is the size of the vacuum for the job being done.  I never under power a clinic that I work with.  For the money, make sure you get yourself a little overkill, you will never complain about having too much suction! The next thing I check is maintenance - lack of or improper maintenance is very common.  Pay attention bosses who buy the equipment....watch how regular your staff use the cleaner, and how they use it.

If they aren't using an atomizer, they already have made the most common mistake.  Get one from your favorite dealer - they are cheap and do the job properly. 

Another issue I used to see was improper installation below the floor - I won't get into too much detail but this typically happens when mechanical specifications are ignored and the equipment is improperly installed.  Your technician can help you if this is the issue.

You should also make sure you are properly 'sized' - many times I find that a suction does not meet the demand.  Particularly when a Nitrous or additional operatories were added after the fact.  Your technician or rep can help determine your needs here

Maybe you finally need a new pump?  Hey - these things are built to last but not forever!  When you have a business plan for your office, it should include a budget for regular equipment replacement and you should budget about 10 years of life for your vac.

If you are looking for the best quality (and best long term value for your money) you should make sure to look at Air Techniques as your mechanical room option.  They are number one for a reason, and the factory tour has convinced me even more so!

This rave of the day brought to you by.... 

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.

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C'mon - give me a high five already! I'll teach ya how to do it! A Blog about my iPad!

My iPad turns heads.

Give me a High Five....



I'm really digging it too!  This rave is being written on my new baby and I take her everywhere...this is coming straight from the 17th row of a plane destined for NewYork - it's a little awkward to type but I am now just getting used to letting my girl finish my words for me.  There is some sort of intelli-type built into this cool little machine!

On my flight here, I downloaded a bunch of magazines using the Zinio application. I read this for a while and followed up with a quick game of scrabble (I kicked iPads ass 389 to 146).  From there my attention deficit mind wandered over to try to find a way to connect for free while roaming around the Minneapolis airport.  I discovered that Boingo has an iPad app and once I downloaded this, I was given a free hour on the airport wireless....I feel like a genius!  I was determined to not pay for my connections on my trip to NY, and so far so good.

I am hoping for free wireless at my hotel because my baby really works best with a connection to the 'net.  I guess if I can't scam a connection and cruise for the latest YouTube videos (like is awesome high five one I am sharing today) then I could always just read the Pat Benetar book I downloaded from Amazon, or S**t my Dad Says book or one of the other many free books or newspapers I have found.

Today I really wanted to talk about the app called Blogshelf.  I am really digging this blog thing.  It's cool hooking into a more personal news approach.  It gives me ideas for my own blog, but also helps me learn even more about this vast world and how much life I still Need to explore.

If you aren't a blog follower yet (I wasn't until I started my own last year) you should really try subscribing to a few that interest you.  I am hooked into about 20 awesome dental blogs - hell, this is where I source out much of the information I bring to you.  Not only that but there are blogs on pretty much anything that tickles your fancy....it's both entertaining and educational.  Much better than most television.

Ah well....I was gonna write a more serious blog about:

 "Why being number two is more solid than being number one...."

yup - I am playing with words to peak some interest, but I am serious.

The jist of the blog is how I have operated most of my life. From the day I decided to get into a track meet and without training, I wanted to prove I could win this thing.  My idea was to just keep my eyes focused on the guy in the number one position and stay on his heels the whole race.  This method brought me all the way to the provincials where I conveniently got my ass kicked -  but I guarantee you I only had to put in about half the effort as the guys who became obsessed with their training and winning.  At the end of the day, I was very proud of myself and I really didn't care what anyone else thought.  Nor was I ever held to any standard after because everyone expected me to win. 

By coming in second I was able to avoid the critics and all the training and work that goes into being number one.  My whole life I have really decided that I don't need to break new ground - it's much more fun to be the guy who just follows the lead.  The one strength I have is finding the people who are groundbreakers or are trying the things that aren't quite working.  I can adopt these genius ideas and make them my own. 

So, my new friends, if you are here reading this maybe you are starting to get the idea of my blog.  I go out and find the best ideas related to the dental industry.  I find the leaders (many of you reading this are among people I consider leaders) and I share the ideas that seem to work best so that my subscribers don't have to break new ground.  The many roads to success have already been paved - I am a human GPS giving turn by turn directions to the point where you decide you are close enough and can get the rest of the way there yourself....

Once your 'there' don't forget to take a moment to.......

Smile! 

Another Ranty rave brought to you by the everything dental guy....

Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.
Sent from my iPad

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