Mike,

I’m in a town of 2200.1 other full time dentist in town , 1 mostly retired. 4 op’s , just added 5th. Use 1 op for restorative, 1 for C&B ,and laser perio, 2 for hyg. 2 hygienists working ~ 30hours /week each. Numbers probably 12% less than yours, working MWTh 8-5:30,Tue 8-4.

Since adding the lasers (diode/er,cr:YSGG)our monthly production has set new records each and every month( we did increase fees since we were below what everybody else was charging, now about average). If things continue as they are, I expect to see a 15-20% increase in net  for the year, while planning more time for each procedure and not running around as much, also taking a 5th week of vacation. I do think, however the soft tissue laser has been as important, or more important for us. You might want to seriously consider both, as its great not having to refer very often to the periodontist who is half an hour away.

You won’t have any problem paying for the lasers!

Once I saw that even figuring ,very conservatively,  I could pay for the laser, the benefits far outweighed the cost. 4 quads perio a month more than cover it. The frenectomies, fibroma removals, desensitizing, cold sore tx, and being able to work in multiple quads is just gravy.

Now the benefits for me-
Starting my 20th year , I’m more excited to go to the office than I’ve ever been.
I believe the fewer times I have to give injections , the decrease in stress will lenghten my career and possibly my life.
The appreciation that patients show(especially the parents) is just unbelievable. I did have to numb my second child patient (since August) , not because it hurt but rather because her gag reflex couldn’t handle the water. I never want to have to treat children again w/o it. For that matter, adults either.
The comraderie with fellow laser dentists is better than anything else I’ve experienced in the dental profession.
An appointment book that is full 7 weeks out and 30+ new patients a month with absolutely no advertising or internal or external marketing efforts. We did put a small laser ad in for a short period and had days when 10-14 new patients would call each day- we couldn’t handle it and quickly pulled the ad (great problem!)
Benefits for the patient-
No shots or numbness after tx (~95% of the time I use the laser)
Patients are more apt to follow thru on perio tx when they don’t have to travel and can avoid scalpel and suture
Restorations that are less destructive to sound tooth structure.

I think your only concern may be space in the operatory. I’m sure you can rearrange things to make it work, though.

Before you buy though, invest some time and do a standard proficiency class. Make sure to consider both the major players (companies).Keep asking questions. Remember the lasers are not a do all magic wand, but rather another great tool you can use to provide better patient care.

If I can be of any help, let me know.  517-265-7625 (home)

Mike:

I think with your numbers and long term establishment purchase of an Erbium would be a good move.  My office is small also 1500 sf, I work two ops with one hygiene, 4th for emergencies.  We are established 13 years and practice in a large metro area along with about a million other dentists.

The main reason I got the laser was I wanted to change the way I “touch” patients.  You know how patients always say “If they could only come up with something that would get rid of that awful whining sound!”?  I starting thinking, there is something and so I got the Erbium laser and electric handpieces at a dental meeting.

Results have been very positive.  Patients love the laser and the fact that I have been able to eliminate use of slow speed round burs in almost all cases.  I cant say the laser has actually “made” me a ton of money but it probably at least pays for itself.  But I do get new patients because of the laser and also surprisingly, I get referrals from other dentists!!!!

Mike, one of the most important things is the Erbium laser makes it fun for me to come to work!  I love to use my laser and believe that it enhances my restorative treatment.

Personally, from what I’ve read, learned and tried in my office I would not expect the Erbium laser to also double as a perio treatment laser.  If you want to get into perio treatment consider purchase of an Nd: YAG(reading this Bob?) or Diode laser.

Mike, keep in mind that there are not only the initial costs of purchasing the Erbium.  After your warranty expires you will need to purchase an extended service contract.  Costs of laser tips is a significant factor.  Also there will be taxes on the equipment as well as tax deductions.

Good luck!  Talk to users, pose a lot of questions to the laser companies, ask about long term maintenance, be informed and get it in writing.

Al

P.S. Feel free to e-mail me at anytime with thoughts/questions. This is a fantastic forum with a great group of girls and guys who constantly help one another learn about laser dentistry.

(Edited by Swpmn at 8:11 pm on Feb. 28, 2003)

Bob:

Yes I posted you something about the ALD meeting under my Metal Matrix thread.

I’ll email you personally to make sure you get the answer.

Al

Welcome Jerry, great to have you posting here and I am sure that you will find the information here to be of tremendous benefit to you.

I think that the way you have set up your practice is admirable and something many of the newer grads (I know you have been out a while) should look at for improving their gross while trying to maintain their net.

Great points JErry………….and welcome to the laser world.

Glenn

I have 2 part time hygienists right now and will be looking for more. I dont know how people do it if they have a big practice. I am no soft tissue guru but to work without hygiene takes away from profitable dentistry in my opinion unless you are doing alot of laser assisted periodontal therapy.

My overhead is beyond what I can bill in an hour of hygiene. Granted I dont particularly like scaling and root planing but in my office its better handled by our hygiene department.

Theres my 2 cents worth canadian.

Glenn

Here in Canada we get somewhere around 25-30 dollars for 15 minutes (one unit) of scaling.

For an hour of scaling that is 100-120 dollars.

Not that profitable if you arent busy …..ok.

Otherwise it would be tough to justify.

Just my thinking

Glenn