The 'Best of Class' products of 2011

Acknowledging the dynamic decision-making that comes from bringing great minds and great dentists together, once again this year’s honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of dental professionals.

In each issue between now and October we will highlight four of the 16 honorees. You’ll find both general information about what the product brings to the table as well as feedback from one of the panelists on what helps the product stand out in its competitive set.

Interviews, education and hands-on demonstrations at the “Best of Class” Technology Fair at this year’s ADA Annual Session in Las Vegas will allow you to experience each product on your own and decide if it’s a good fit for your practice.

F-Secure Internet Security

With a brand promise of “protecting the irreplaceable,” F-Secure’s Internet Security software incorporates a user-focused design and offers better security online without slowing down your computer. Key features critical to the dental practice include:

The ability to protect your computer against all types of malicious software. The Internet Security package delivers real-time protection against viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, rootkits and zero-day attacks. Customers receive automatically updated protection from the world-renowned F-Secure Labs, as well as F-Secure cloud protection against unidentified threats, to ensure you can safely use your computer, now and in the future.

The ability to detect and remove spyware from your computer and keep hackers at bay. F-Secure Internet Security removes secretly installed software from your computer ensuring your system is running smoothly and clean of spyware. It can automatically detect and filter spam and e-mail schemes designed to steal your private information. In addition, a cutting-edge personal firewall prevents hackers from breaking into your computer.

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. John Flucke

Q: How did you first find out about this product?

A: In 2005 Sony began to include rootkit spyware on its audio CDs. This was a secret and unethical way for the company to track what their customers were doing with their computers…without the computer owner’s knowledge. F-Secure made headlines by quickly creating a program that could remove the rootkit.

Q: Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.

A: F-Secure guards many of my computers. It is not only antivirus, but an entire suite of Internet security software (anti-spyware, anti-SPAM, etc.). It does an outstanding job of guarding your computer while not “taking over” your computer like almost all other Internet Security Suites.

Q: In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?

A: Most other programs like this become so entwined in Windows that they cause lots of problems including crashes, slowing your computer performance to a crawl. F-Secure is reliable, stable and guards your computer without any affect on the computer’s performance.

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?

A: It is reliable, easily uninstalled if need be, and very affordable.

Gendex GXS-700 Digital Sensor

As the eighth generation digital sensor from Gendex, the GXS-700 system comes from a lineage of imaging for digital sensors. From enhanced image acuity and improved patient comfort, to portability, ease-of-use, and product sustainability, these new sensors underscore the company’s desire and commitment to help advance dental practices with affordable solutions.

The sensor’s advanced CMOS sensor technology is said to deliver more than 20 visible line pairs per mm, and its small 19.5μm pixel size highlights the smallest details and emphasizes distinctions in density. The result: high-resolution images.

Offering the flexibility to meet the needs of patients in the practice, the GXS-700 system is available in two ergonomically designed sizes suited for children and adults. Rounded corners and smooth-edge finishes comfortably fit the anatomical shape of the mouth. In addition, the durable materials and components used in the manufacture of this product increase its life span.

GXS-700 sensors were engineered for smooth integration into practice management systems. As an additional time-saver, the “Always Ready” technology automatically recognizes the presence of radiation; there’s no need to initiate image capture through the software. In addition, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity offers optimum portability-without controllers, adapters or docking stations. The sensor simply plugs directly into USB 2.0 port on the computer for speed and efficiency.

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. Parag Kachalia

Q: How did you first find out about this product?

A: I was first introduced to the Gendex GXS-700 series as a beta tester. I had previously used the Gendex eHD sensors with Dentrix Imaging Software and the new sensor was leaps and bounds ahead of the old sensor. The old sensor seemed to do a reasonable job; however at times I felt as though I lost clarity compared to an analog film.

Q: Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.

A: Over the last year this sensor has been used for 100% of my patients. The image quality is crystal clear even when the images are magnified.

Q: In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?

A: Crystal clear images paired with sensor comfort are the factors that set Gendex sensors apart. Patients rarely complain about any discomfort because the sensors have been strategically rounded and no seam is evident that can cause irritation to the mucosa. From the clinical perspective the images are very clear and highly detailed. In the past truly high quality images only seemed possible when a practice chose to use a separate imaging module outside of their practice management software. The GXS-700 series allows equally crisp images to be visualized within Dentrix Imaging. In the past it also seemed like extremely crisp images were only evident at dental conventions. I now feel like I can get these same images.

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?

A: The three reasons are: Very high quality images; superior comfort blended with sensor versatility; and ease of use.

Acteon SOPROLIFE

Using a proprietary technology based on the principle of fluorescence, SOPROLIFE allows dentists to diagnose occlusal or interproximal caries and excavate only the decayed area by differentiating healthy tissue from infected tissue with incredible accuracy.

The auto fluorescence technology in SOPROLIFE allows dentists to detect decay, even in its earliest stages, which often can be missed by the eyes or by x-rays. The handheld unit functions “live” in three modes:

Diagnosis aid Mode: Allows the characterization of lesions at different clinical stages without losing consistency. This is accomplished with image magnification of 30 to 100 times.

Treatment aid Mode: Images produced in the treatment mode show a differentiation of pre-operative healthy tissue versus diseased tissue.

“Daylight” Mode: Allows the dentist to use SOPROLIFE as a white light intraoral camera providing images of unmatched quality.

Linked to SOPRO IMAGING software, the dentist now has the ability to have a customized follow-up adapted to a patient’s needs.

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. Paul Feuerstein

Q: How did you first find out about this product?

A: I was made aware of it as a new product coming from this manufacturer.

Q: Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.

A: This product is not only useful in detecting new caries externally, it is a fantastic method of checking preparations to be sure all caries is removed prior to placing a final restoration or taking an impression. The accuracy of the fluorescence and the clarity of the camera makes this all-in-one product something I use several times a day in my clinical practice.

Q: In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?

A: Although there are other excellent caries detection products, the high resolution camera that is part of the system with the push of a button holds this as unique.

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?

A: First, if an office needs a new intraoral camera, this one ( based on the Sopro 717) with its normal and macro setting, is an excellent choice. Second, the addition of detecting caries externally allows a photo for doctor, patient and insurance for education and documentation. Third, it is an excellent device to ensure excellent dentistry by checking caries removal quickly and easily without messy solutions-in an instant.

Sesame Communications

Sesame Communications places dentistry where patients are today-online. Launched in 1999, Sesame pioneered technology that converts and integrates legacy databases into effective online patient communications. What began as an appointment reminder service for orthodontists has evolved into a comprehensive online solution including websites, patient portals, Search Engine Optimization, social media services, online marketing and many other strategic services all designed to help dental professionals get found, get chosen and stay connected with their patients online.

Sesame 24-7 can be described as a complete online solution in Patient Connection Systems. Its solution suite of services encompasses the entire patient lifecycle-from new patients through treatment completion, to patients referring friends and family-all through a single provider leveraging the power of online tools:

Web Design markets your practice with a Top Patient Appeal Rated™ website so prospective patients choose you.

Sesame Search keeps your practice prominent online with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services, effective social networking management and Google AdWords campaigns.

Patient Login™ provides convenience for your patients with any time access to appointment and account information, online bill pay and treatment images directly from your practice website.

Patient Reminders strengthens patient commitment by customizing communications to patient preferences: e-mail, SMS text or voice mail appointment reminders.

Online Case Collaboration improves referral network communications and coordination in a secure treatment discussion forum with automatically uploaded digital images and x-rays.

Online Marketing opens a two-way communication with your patient community through outreach (newsletters, targeted e-mails) and feedback (surveys, reviews).

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. Lou Shuman

Q: How did you first find out about this product?

A: I first learned about Sesame Communications in early 2009 when Resolution Research, a market research firm, performed a qualitative study for Sesame. The study revealed the keys needed to create an engaging website, one that would drive prospective patients to pick up the phone and schedule a new exam. Prospective patients were connected and recorded via telephone and Internet. Participants were asked to think out loud as they navigated sites. They were asked to provide honest feedback, either positive or negative. The unprecedented study fascinated me.

Q: Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.

A: Several dozen Pride practices have Sesame support their online marketing strategy. For example, Dr. Steven Farley, a Pride client in Windsor, Conn., had Sesame review his strategy initially and then put together a marketing plan that incorporates patient appealing Web and mobile sites, monthly search engine optimization improvements and analysis, pay-per-click advertising, a complete social media strategy including Facebook posts, weekly ghost written blog articles, YouTube video optimization, patient login portals that make his website interactive, an automated reminder system and online marketing incorporating his practice promotion e-newsletter, patient reviews and his animated birthday and holiday cards. Practices using Sesame 24-7 are experiencing, on average, 40 calls per month from their online exposure with 12 identifying themselves as new patients.

Q: In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?

A: Sesame sets itself apart by focusing solely on the dental industry, allowing them to understand what it takes to successfully engage patients and prospective patients. Sesame 24-7 encompasses the entire patient lifecycle-from new patients through treatment completion, to patients referring friends and family-through a single provider.

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?

A: First, Sesame does the research to understand patient behavior.

Second, Sesame has been focused solely on the dental industry for more than 11 years.

Third, Sesame provides all the online tools a practice needs from web design, search, social media, patient login, reminders, online case collaboration and online marketing, and all from a single provider. The result is a cohesive and complete online strategy.