by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Apr 14, 2014 | Blog, Business, Dentistry, Endodontics
The premier dental practice instated thin clients to create a secure VDI environment protecting patient files at an affordable cost for their small healthcare service. In the healthcare industry protecting patient data is the key and setting up a secure VDI environment with thin clients was the best, yet affordable solution.
Customer Overview
The Phoenix Endodontics Group is a premier endodontic specialty dental practice started in 2001. It is a relatively small practice consisting of three endodontists and is located in Phoenix and the Paradise Valley areas in Arizona. The practice has approximately 15 employees.
Challenge:
The Phoenix Endodontic Group had a mixed environment of Dell thin clients and traditional desktops. The devices connected to Citrix VDI environment with Windows 7 operating capabilities. The practice found that their current Dell thin clients were not properly redirecting USB image sensors to the patients’ dental electronic medical records and needed a solution.
Additionally, the Phoenix Endodontic Group found inconsistencies and technical problems similar to the issues they were facing with their Dell thin client devices with their traditional desktop units located in their front desk and administrative areas. These errors often occurred with USB based devices, scanners, and cameras.
Solution:
Facing the challenges above, the Phoenix Endodontic Group contacted a Devon IT integration partner in the Phoenix area, Phoenix PC Networking, who specializes in IT solutions for small and medium size companies.
Through Phoenix PC Networking, they purchased 10 Acer Veriton N2010G units running with DeTOS a Linux based thin client OS. They also re-imaged four of their Dell PC’s using Devon IT’s VDI Blaster software. The purchase of the 10 thin clients was used to solve the USB redirect challenge, and to allow the practice’s USB image sensors to communicate wirelessly with electronic patient medical records. This communication enabled the staff to pull patient images, send snapshots of images in real time, and maintain the records.
The purchase of Devon IT’s VDI Blaster software was then used to re-image four Dell PC’s located in the front desk area and in other administrative locations. This would allow for more efficient and reliable use of the daily USB devices used by the staff, increase over all security when dealing with confidential patient records, and create a user friendly environment for all current and future incoming staff.
Results and Benefits
Initial Results.
The 10 new Acer Veriton thin clients and re-imaged Dell PCs with VDI Blaster proved to be a perfect and cost effective solution for this small-sized medical-service provider. The Acer Veriton N 2010G with DeTOS eliminated the issue of USB redirect of patient information to their respective electronic medical records. The practitioners and other dental staff were able to successfully and wirelessly transmit patient information securely from medical devices to the patients’ electronic medical records.
Additionally, the Phoenix Endodontic Group found that the original inconsistencies and technical problems with the four Dell desktop units were also eliminated thanks to re-imaging with Devon IT’s VDI Blaster. The front desk and other administrative staff were able to use all USB devices with ease and securely handle sensitive patient documents with no additional training required.
The staff at Phoenix Endodontics benefited greatly from the simple VDI environment of the Acer thin clients that mirrors traditional PCs, which resulted in 0 time-lost due to staff training on the new devices.
Conclusion
The Phoenix Endodontic Group offered a perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits of alternative desktop computing for a small medical service provider in the healthcare industry.
“The healthcare industry can be a tedious place for technology with all of the privacy regulations and continued demand for increase security of patient documents,” said James T. Snodgrass, Phoenix PC Networking’s assigned integrator for the Phoenix Endodontic Group transition. “The Acer Veriton N2010G units and VDI Blaster repurposed PC’s gave our client the required technology updates that were sought when Phoenix Endodontics contacted us, and it also provided them with the increased security that is demanded in this industry.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Apr 7, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics
Unless you have had a root canal, you may not be familiar with the term “endodontist.” An endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in root canals and other treatments which involve the inside of the tooth. Here at Phoenix Endodontic Group, Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen and her staff use advanced technologies, such as digital imaging, surgical microscopes and ultrasonic equipment in their diagnosis and treatment processes.
Our Phoenix Endodontists perform root canals which may be complicated due to dental crowns, dental abscess, patient health, or anatomy. In order to preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible, our endodontists will remove any inflamed or infected pulp in your tooth which may be causing pain.
At Phoenix Endodontics we will:
- Examine, diagnose and treat diseases of the pulp and dental tissues in your mouth.
- Develop a treatment plan to address and repair the diagnosed issues.
- Treat exposed pulp by capping or removingl it.
- Fill the empty pulp chamber with endodontic materials to replace the pulp which has been removed.
- When possible, the endodontist will reinsert and restore any teeth knocked out during an accident or collision.
- On occasion, the endodontist will bleach discolored teeth to maintain an even appearance of color in your mouth.
It is our hope that if you live or work in Central Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley) and you need a root canal that you would contact our office (602-242-4745) for an immediate appointment to diagnose and treat your endodontic issues. Here are tips for finding the right endodontist for you:
- Ask your family dentist for referrals to a qualified endodontist.
- Find out if the endodontic office has invested in the latest technologies and equipment.
- Qualifications & experience: How long has the endodontist been practicing? Is their degree a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
- An endodontist is required to have completed two or more years of advanced education in endodontics. Does the endodontist have an additional degree (M.S. or M.S.D.)?
- Find out if they have any additional patient education information such as a newsletter, social media or website page which provides aftercare and follow-up information.
- Ask about pricing, payment plans and determine what may be covered by your insurance plan. Is it in your best interest to have your procedure performed in more than one visit?
Phoenix Endodontic Group is dedicated to providing exceptional endodontic and root canal therapy in a patient-friendly environment. Learn more about us here.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Mar 10, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
You may have heard of a root canal, but what do you know about the procedure? The purpose of Root Canal Awareness Week (March 30 – April 5, 2014) is to dispel the myths and mysteries surrounding this endodontic tool. Here’s what you should know about the process.
Let’s first understand a tooth’s structure, the crowns of the teeth are the part you use to chew, eat, and flash your sparkling smile. The crowns are covered by an enamel surface that must withstand the torture of hard candy, hot coffee, and cheeseburgers. Within the tooth is a soft material known as pulp where nerves, tissues, and blood vessels reside. Finally, the root is the part that extends towards your jawbone and is covered by your gums.
The tooth’s root or pulp can be damaged by many things. A small chip or crack in the enamel may allow bacteria to invade and destroy the tooth from within. Trauma from an accident is another common way the tooth can be destroyed. Decades ago, many people would lose teeth from these incidents. With today’s endodontic technology, most of those patients can now keep those troubled teeth after an expert root canal.
During the procedure, the area would be numbed so that you will not feel pain. The infected pulp is removed and the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, then filled and finally sealed. The result is a wonderful new tooth that looks and feels great. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group says “Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups will help keep a patient’s mouth healthy after a root canal. Preventing decay is the key to having a root canal last a long time. Avoiding situations which put a tooth at risk for breaking will help also, i.e. chewing ice, sports injuries, etc.”
Most patients report minimal pain as a result of a root canal, comparing it to getting a filling. To reduce your risk of needing a root canal for an issue not related to trauma, “Brushing, flossing, fluoride, and regular dental checkups are effective,” says Dr. Allen.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Mar 3, 2014 | Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics
Dental emergencies are no laughing matter. They can be painful and unpleasant to deal with, especially when you are talking about broken or chipped teeth. Why should you worry about a cracked tooth and what should you do if you experience one?
Fractured teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue, though they can certainly make you self conscious if the chip is in a spot that shows when you talk or smile. Depending on the type of break, you may suffer damage to your tongue or interior cheek due to sharp edges, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when biting or chewing, loss of the tooth, and infection if the crack is left unattended.
Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group treats many dental emergencies at her practice. “Younger people (those under 25) are more subject to dental trauma from sports or activities,” says Dr. Allen, going on to state that “any age can have dental trauma from car accidents, falling, etc. In general the elderly are more likely to have biting incidents that damage teeth.” You may also experience superficial cracks in your tooth enamel as you age, which are generally just cosmetic in nature but may still be bothersome.
You may not be able to prevent all tooth breaks from occurring, but you can lessen your chances for chipped or fractured teeth by using protective mouth guards during sporting events and being vigilant about your twice-yearly dentist appointment. Your endodontic specialist can monitor your dental health and fix minor cracks before they become a big problem.
Regardless of the cause, if you do suffer a chip or break, get to a dental or endodontic specialist right away. Bring along any pieces that may have broken off from the tooth. Some breaks may be repaired with a crown, others may require a root canal, and some may need to be extracted completely.
By seeking treatment following dental emergencies, the more likely it is that Phoenix Endodontic Group can save the tooth or use less extensive measures in its repair.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Feb 24, 2014 | Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics
Patients come to Phoenix Endodontic Group for many reasons, one of which is tooth pain. Tooth pain can be dull and throbbing or sharp and severe, either of which having various causes. The good news is that some of these triggers are controllable and the effects can be very treatable.
Do you experience pain after eating or drinking something hot or cold? This type of sensitivity is fairly common and can be caused by the wrong toothpaste or hard brushing, tiny cracks in the enamel of your teeth, or erosion of your tooth enamel. The solution may be twofold: The first component is a special type of toothpaste designed to reduce tooth sensitivity and strengthen your enamel. In addition, work with your doctor to switch to a diet containing less acidic foods. Eliminating or reducing troublemakers like soda, certain fruits, and sauces will help minimize further erosion and reduce sensitivity problems.
Tooth pain can also come from infections or abscesses, both of which are rather dangerous situations that can lead to not only tooth loss but also serious medical problems if not treated properly. Trauma like a broken or chipped tooth, and also a decaying tooth that you may not even be aware of can allow bacteria to infiltrate the tooth’s enamel and travel into the gums, and beyond into the bloodstream. There are many reasons to “ensure you have regular dental checkups (every six months) and avoid using teeth as scissors!” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, from her Phoenix Endodontic practice.
Applying a little common sense will help you avoid the dental injuries and problems that are likely to result in pain. If you are an athlete, wear protective mouth guards during sporting activities, especially if they involve contact or flying objects. Make a great habit of brushing and flossing properly, and don’t miss your twice-yearly dental appointments. See your endodontic specialist regularly for preventive maintenance, and immediately if you have a problem. Phoenix Endodontic Group can help you keep your mouth healthy and happy, but you’ve got to make the first call!
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Feb 19, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, General Information, Root Canal
Patients will often call Phoenix Endodontic Group and ask what appears to be a very simple question -How much does a root canal cost? Like I said this seems like a simple question, however there a so many factors involved in providing an answer that most dental offices do not like to take these kinds of calls.
For one thing, most times you have no way of knowing who is asking the question. Today’s miserable economic conditions have many patients focusing only on the cost (of whatever service). If your price for the root canal is $1.00 higher than someone else, the patient will drive 30 extra miles just to save a dollar on the root canal. I may be exaggerating a little, however sometimes I have to shake my head at the logic I witness.
Before we give an answer as to what is the cost of a root canal, my staff is trained to get some additional information. Here is just a short list of what else we need to know before we quote a price over the phone: Are you in pain?, Has the tooth had a prior root canal?, if so how long ago?, Do you have dental insurance?, if so with whom? Does the tooth have a crown?, if so how long ago was it placed?, Which tooth needs a root canal?, Who is your general dentist?, and did they refer you to our office?
I will stop there, but you can tell that in order to provide an accurate treatment cost, the endodontic office needs to have some information on which to base our answer. It is similar to calling up Discount Tire and asking them how much it costs for tires on your car. They will need to know what type of car you have, how old it is, what type of tires it has currently, etc. Whether it is tires or a tooth, diagnosing over the phone is never a good idea.
The other challenge when providing a quote over the phone to a patient is to be sure there is an “apples to apples” comparison. In order be sure you are talking about the same services it is helpful to know the three elements go into the root canal cost. They are as follows:
1) Exam and x-rays (if a dentist provides treatment, they are legally required to diagnose from x-rays they have taken themselves)
2) Root Canal procedure (the cost varies depending on which tooth needs treatment, molars being the most expensive)
3) Post/Core buildup (this seals up the access hole and allows for further restoration, crown etc. A lot of general dentists insist on doing their own buildups)
To further complicate the price quote is that if the patient has insurance and the treatment is completed in one visit, the insurance company may have limits on billing for all of the required x-rays. Additionally each endodontic office may offer different discounts and incentives, i.e. senior citizen or active duty military discount, professional courtesy, etc. At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we have our own discount program that is utilized based up on the individual needs of our patients.
Having gotten the disclaimers out of the way, I can now attempt to answer the specific question posed, How much does a root canal cost? If we go by dental insurance companies, they use a fee schedule which is broken down by zip code and dental procedure code for a molar root canal. The data is broken down from lowest to highest. I will use data from 2012 in the 85013 zip code. Here we go:
D0140 (Exam) $68.00 – $105.00
D0220 (X-ray) $27.00 – $ 37.00
D3330 (Molar Endo) $953.00 – $1,305.00
D2950 (Core Build) $248.00 – $347.00
Much more to come on this and related topics in future blog posts!
