THE POWER OF CBCT AND SALIVARY DIAGNOSTICS

Joel Collins, DDS, relies on CBCT to educate patients on the most effective treatment plans to improve their oral health and overallhealth.

BY: JOE FELDSIEN, Territory Partner and CHARLES RODGERS, DDS, VP, Clinical Quality

Improving patient care and outcomes through advanced imaging like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an essential part of the modern dental experience. Some benefits include dental implant planning, visualization of abnormal teeth, evaluation of the jaw and face, cleft palate assessment and diagnosis of dental caries, root canals and dental trauma. CBCT has helped reshape clinical culture and many PDS-supported dentists rely on CBCT for critical diagnoses. One of those supported clinicians is Joel Collins, DDS, Owner Dentist of Conyers Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics (Office 915) and Loganville Dentist Office (Office 918), both based in Georgia.

From 2019 to 2021, the total gross production for office 915 increased from $3.7 million to $5.2 million and Dr. Collins’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBIDTA) nearly doubled. Along with hard work and perseverance, Dr. Collins credits CBCT and his high adoption rate of salivary diagnostics as contributors to the success of Office 915.

“My hygienists excel at educating patients so they understand the power of salivary diagnostics, the Mouth-Body Connection® and how bacteria affect the rest of the body. This upfront education then empowers patients to choose the best treatment options and improve their overall health,” explained Dr. Collins.

Salivary diagnostics removes the guesswork from the equation and allows us to recommend treatment plans to help patients achieve their oral health goals.”

Dr. Collins credits CBCT and his high adoption rate of salivary diagnostics as contributors to the success of office 915.

CBCT helps reinforce Dr. Collins’ mission of improving patient care and increasing case acceptance while educating them about the Mouth-Body Connection. Likening it to a “cheat sheet,” he is able to use CBCT to view sinus cavities or evaluate if a root canal went well, and notes that having access to that information plays a key role in oral diagnostics. “CBCT is a powerful tool and I cannot imagine practicing without it,” explained Dr. Collins. “3D technology is not only a best practice, but a necessity. If I’m getting ready to extract teeth, place implants or if a patient is experiencing pain, I’m ordering a CBCT scan.” And if an asymptomatic patient is hesitant about accepting treatment, Dr. Collins uses CBCT images as a visual aid to help the patient understand the reasoning behind his recommendations. “Explaining the ‘why’ is critical to getting patients to accept treatment and ultimately results in a more Perfect Patient Experience®.”

When asked about the future of dentistry, Dr. Collins predicts the dental industry will continue to integrate with traditional health care, especially when it comes to periodontal health. “I envision true collaboration with both dental and medical professions working together to provide patients with comprehensive treatment plans. We’re now talking about curing and preventing systemic disease and PDS-supported clinicians are leading the charge. Once Epic is implemented in all supported practices, including office 915, the opportunities to bridge the gaps between dentistry and traditional health care are limitless. The future of patient care is exciting and I am so proud to be a part of it.”

Joe Feldsien, Territory Partner

Charles Rodgers, DDS, VP, Clinical Quality