Product Review: How KaVo's DIAGNOdent can benefit your patients and your practice

Hygienist Shelley Rice RDH, GDH, tells us why she would recommend the DIAGNOdent caries detection tool to any practice.

When dark pits are noted on the first or second molars during the clinical examination, how many doctors will merely instruct the staff to put a monitor or watch on that finding?  Do you really know what is going on with that area enough to diagnose the area correctly?  Is your recommendation for a sealant correct or is decay really the issue? 

That’s where KaVo’s DIAGNOdent comes in. It helps take the guess work out of your examination. A dental hygienist can easily screen these areas during the hygiene appointment and report findings during the clinical examination to improve accuracy of the diagnosis. 

Why did you decide to incorporate the DIAGNOdent into your practice?

We have used the DIAGNOdent caries detector in my clinic for many years.  We purchased our first unit after having a young 14 year old in the chair with just the tiniest of dark pits but in a lot of pain.

We cautiously and conservatively opened up the pit only to discover decay into the nerve of the tooth from this “stained pit.” The patient proceeded to have a root canal and a crown. I believe if we would have had the DIAGNOdent earlier, it could have been prevented.

What are the main benefits for your practice?

I have found the KaVo DIAGNOdent to be an extremely valuable and easy-to-use tool that helps my doctors perform complete and accurate examinations. When we use the DIAGNOdent, our patients immediately think we’re a “high-tech” office. The children are not afraid of the evaluation; I explain it as using a laser light to check their tooth. 

I also have found patients are more likely to accept care when we have quantitative findings to back up the diagnosis of decay.  I have the laminate of values on my countertop, so patients can see the recommendations.

The DIAGNOdent not only has a visual reading for patients to co-diagnose their condition, it also has an audible sound to go with the reading. The higher the DIAGNOdent value, the higher pitched the sound. 

We never have been disappointed in our discovery and findings when using the DIAGNOdent. I have been in clinics when they have demo units and the doctor’s schedule is filled with operative dentistry diagnosed with the DIAGNOdent.

What’s the main benefit for the patient?

In many cases the diagnosis of decay can be made early enough to keep the restoration very small or to recommend sealants in areas of non-decay. It has been a valuable asset to our office.  We are and providing better care to our patients. The KaVo DIAGNOdent is a tool I highly recommend for all dental offices.

Want to learn more about KaVo's DIAGNOdent? Check out this how-to video:

How KaVo's DIAGNOdent can benefit your patients and your practice

Hygienist Shelley Rice RDH, GDH, tells us why she would recommend the DIAGNOdent caries detection tool to any practice. Written by: Renee Knight and Ryan Hamm KaVo's DIAGNOdent Date published: 07/01/2013 5 / 5 stars