Dr MacDonald, what motivated you to transition to Primescan 2, and how has it transformed your workflow and practice efficiency?
When I started my practice four years ago, I wanted to embrace technology fully. I began with an intra-oral scanner and quickly moved to Primescan AC and a full CEREC system. We soon realised how powerful it was to show patients their scans—this greatly improved patient education and treatment acceptance. We started scanning every patient during exams and recalls, and my hygienists were thrilled by how easy it became to explain patients’ oral conditions to them.

CEREC was a game-changer for efficiency. Being able to prepare, manufacture and insert a crown within 90 minutes not only enhanced the patient experience, but also contributed to an increase in business productivity. We eliminated lab costs, bringing that revenue in-house, and patients loved the convenience of single-visit appointments.

As my practice grew, we expanded from four to nine operatories and needed another scanner. When Dentsply Sirona offered me the chance to beta-test Primescan 2, I eagerly agreed. I expected that my team would stick to the original Primescan, but they quickly preferred the ease of Primescan 2, especially because of its direct-to-cloud scanning and seamless integration with DS Core. The ability to use existing status scans for treatment saved me valuable time, and designing on a separate workstation freed up the scanner to serve more patients.

As a dentist with your experience, what excites you most about the potential of cloud-native intra-oral scanning solutions like Primescan 2 for practitioners and patients?
The new cloud-native intra-oral scanning solution within DS Core has been transformative for my practice. Having all scans stored in one place allows us to compare past and current scans easily, helping patients make informed treatment decisions. Sharing information with patients is as simple as sending an email, and collaborating with specialists or labs on one platform has never been easier.

Software updates now happen automatically, and there is no need for manual checks. With DS Core’s infrastructure, new features roll out very fast. Cloud storage reduces the need for expensive hardware, allowing us to run operatories on tablets, minimising costs and increasing flexibility.

“Patients are happier, our team is more engaged and recruiting new staff has been effortless.”

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is incredibly exciting. AI will help us make more accurate diagnoses and enhance patient education, enabling informed decisions. I’ve witnessed amazing advancements over my 30 years in dentistry, including digital radiographs and CAD/CAM technology. Dental MRI and expanded AI capabilities are on the horizon, and I believe we’re entering the most exciting era yet.

How has adopting Primescan 2 contributed to the growth of Citadel Dental in terms of patient satisfaction and return on investment?
Digital technology has been pivotal to the growth and economic value of Citadel Dental. My investments in cutting-edge tech not only benefit us now, but will also increase the value of my practice when I retire. Patients appreciate seeing their full-mouth scans, and new patients often choose us because they know that we employ the latest dental technology. Our lab costs are down by 95%, and production has increased dramatically. Patients are happier, our team is more engaged and recruiting new staff has been effortless—everyone wants to work in a state-of-the-art facility.

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