The Practicon Insider

Meet Your Practicon Customer Care Representatives!

2009-10-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

At Practicon, our focus is to bring you the best quality customer care possible. You'll always speak with a friendly and helpful associate when you call. We'd like to introduce you to some of our team members and give an inside look into a day in Practicon's Customer Care Center. In these pictures, you'll see some of our associates working hard to assist valued customers like you!

Help Protect Your Patients and Staff from the H1N1 Virus

2009-10-09T12:01:00.001-04:00

Don't let the H1N1 virus wreak havoc on your practice. One of the easiest ways to help keep patients and staff safe is with routine sterilization and disinfection. Practicon offers brand name disinfectants and sterilization products to assist in combating the flu virus this season. Our Lysol® brand Infection control products offer safety and effectiveness against a broad microbial spectrum. Try our versatile Opti·Cide³ Disinfectant Cleaner and Decontaminant for a 3-minute kill rate!. Opti·Cide³ can be used as a surface disinfectant, an instrument pre-soak or as an ultrasonic cleaning solution.

Questions About Our Website?

2009-09-28T10:59:00.010-04:00

We, at Practicon, are extremely happy to offer our state of the art website to make your shopping experience as simple and pleasant as possible. Though we feel confident you will have no trouble navigating our site, we have taken the time to compile visitors' most common inquiries in our "Frequently Asked Questions" section.
There, you will find answers to such common issues as a forgotten password, how to change an order, or how to order online from your catalog. If your question is not answered, you can click on "Contact Practicon" and get an answer from a friendly Customer Care Associate. Thank you for visiting Practicon.com. We are confident you'll find your online shopping experience delightful!

Easily and painlessly test for oral cancer

2009-09-21T16:33:00.001-04:00

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer every year in the United States, with one person dying from this disease every hour of every day. Early detection of oral abnormalities means early intervention and simpler, less invasive treatment. Best of all, if found early, oral cancer treatment is 80% to 90% successful.

Even experts cannot clinically differentiate a precancer or early oral cancer from a benign white or red spot with just a visual exam. The OralCDx Oral Brush Biopsy Kit allows you to easily and painlessly test common, unexplained spots that may in fact be precancerous or cancerous. The brush biopsy helps rule out the chance that these spots might be something serious.

OralCDx provides everything you need to perform a painless oral brush biopsy in minutes at chairside. Simply mail the slide and test forms in the convenient prepaid mailer to the CDx lab where specially-trained pathologists will analyze the specimen with assistance of advanced computer analysis. OralCDx cost is reimbursable by many national dental insurance companies, including Cigna.

Each OralCDx biopsy test includes a sealed, sterile biopsy brush, two fixative packages, a glass slide and slide holder, a prepaid mailer box, a test requisition form, billing and reimbursement information, and instructions. ADA accepted. Includes 12 complete biopsy tests and instructions.

Looking for a unique baby shower gift?

2009-09-11T14:28:00.005-04:00

Help make today's toothless moment a tomorrow's treasured memory! The Tooth Fairy's Baby Tooth Bank provides a special place to organize and save each fallen baby tooth — and reward money! Underneath there are spaces to record the special dates each tooth was lost. Choose from baby blue, mint green, pink, yellow or primary colors. Comes gift boxed. Measures 4" high x 6" square.

Introducing online invoice payment!

2009-09-04T15:48:00.004-04:00

Want to pay your bill online? Guess what – now you can! Practicon.com is now offering the ability to pay your bill online. Simply go to practicon.com, look for the "pay bill online" link in the customer service section near the bottom of the homepage, log in and enter your payment information. We currently accept Discover, Master Card, Visa and American Express. Save time by paying your bill online today!

Our Biggest Catalog Ever!!!

2009-08-28T09:55:00.002-04:00

Practicon is well known for bringing the newest innovations in dentistry to your office. We have continued in that manner by releasing our biggest catalog ever! The Fall 2009 version adds over 200 exciting new products to our already impressive inventory. Economic times may be tough, but Practicon will help you stay ahead with our time and money saving products.
Not yet received your Fall '09 catalog? Simply click here to request one at Practicon.com. While you're at our website, click the New Items tab to browse through our new additions!

Ho`olaule`a (Celebration)

2009-08-24T11:45:00.003-04:00

I found the most helpful website today; it's a list of commonly used English words and phrases and their Hawaiian translations. In my search, I found numerous "translator" sites that promised to take my English word and, on click, display the Hawaiian. Unfortunately, most of my submitted entries came back "word not found - please try again!"

Obviously, I'm thinking ahead to the 150th Annual ADA Session in Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to brushing up on our Hawaiian, the Practicon team is already scouring through our inventory of new and innovative products - we have a lot of packing to do, so it's best to get started early!

Are you going? The ADA is currently expecting 24,000 attendees, and registration is way up over last year. General session opens September 30, 2009, and World Market Place runs October 1-3 in the Exhibitor's Hall. We're easy to find - Booth # 1338. See you then...

Maika`i la!

Organize protection supplies while maximizing counter space

2009-08-10T09:20:00.005-04:00

Save valuable counter space and speed donning time between patients with glove and mask dispensers from Practicon. Our dispensers keep personal protection supplies organized while still keeping items close at hand. They also offer the added bonus of being able to keep an eye on inventory levels! Glove and mask dispensers from Practicon are available in a variety of styles designs to suit every need.

A Simple Way to Help Patients Fight Tooth Decay

2009-08-03T08:13:00.018-04:00

Tooth decay is a problem that plagues every sector of our society. Many oral health problems are preventable with a good hygiene regimen. We're told from early in our lives to brush at least twice a day, floss, and use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Are we brushing long enough though? Many experts agree that it takes 2-3 minutes of brushing to thoroughly clean your teeth. How many of us, especially among children, time ourselves to make sure we're brushing properly? The Brushing Sand Timer is an inexpensive way to help your patients spend enough time brushing. The colorful design will help remind your quick-brushing patients to brush longer. To help with your marketing efforts, they are also imprintable! Visit Practicon.com to examine the full line of Brushing Sand Timers and help your patients toward better oral health!

Tell us what you think!

2009-07-24T10:35:00.009-04:00

Product reviews can be a big help to customers as they deliberate on the product that’s right for them. Learning more about an item through other’s experiences and understanding the “pros and cons” are all part of the research available to us when shopping online.

Product Ratings and Reviews have now arrived at Practicon.com! Customers can rate and write about any Practicon product, including YOU! Be the first to rate a product…or read other users’ reviews and buy with confidence!

Try it today at Practicon.com!

What Makes an Associateship Work?

2009-07-10T16:10:00.004-04:00

The decision to hire an associate is often a difficult one for the dentist and, perhaps, his/her family. The reasons run the gamut from personal/emotional through technological. The technological issues, including practice statistics, staff retention, shared practice management, physical facility and layout, business systems and such, can be worked and generally agreed upon. The emotional issues are much more difficult to address. However, there is no choice except to work the personal/emotional agendas of the dentists involved. Successful associateships feel good. Both the junior and senior dentists enjoy peace of mind and a sense of
security that comes from having the right person with whom to practice.

Click here to read this complete article.

Click here to see all of our practice management documents.

Practicon's Value Protection Guarantee

2009-07-02T10:51:00.005-04:00

Here at Practicon, your satisfaction means everything to us. That's why we offer our Value Protection Guarantee with every order, regardless of size.

Everyday value pricing. If you find a lower regular catalog price on the same brand item within 30 days of your invoice date, we will credit your account for the full difference.

No small order processing charges. There are no "small" orders to us. Every order is important and valued. You will not be charged extra fees if your order is below a certain amount.

No extra charges for open account ordering. Prepaid or credit, you pay the same value price.

Old-fashioned customer service. When you contact us, your call will be answered by a friendly sales consultant that is sensitive to your needs and here for one reason only, you!

More than anything else, we value your continued satisfaction. With every order received, you must be completely satisfied. Period. If not, we are happy to exchange the item, credit your account, or refund your purchase price without a hassle. Guaranteed.

Practicon.com Exclusives and Clearance Items!!!

2009-06-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

Can't find what you need in your Practicon catalog? Visit Practicon.com and take a look at our internet exclusives! We have a wide variety of office decor, furniture, and wall murals to help make your office warm and inviting. Our children's toys, furniture, and toy storage units will make visiting the dentist a pleasure for your younger patients. You'll also find turbines and light bulbs that are not listed in your catalog!

While you're shopping, don't forget to check out our clearance items. You'll find outstanding deals on some terrific products! We have toothbrushes, clothing, instruments, and more items that have been drastically discounted!

Do you have a better idea?

2009-06-19T16:46:00.002-04:00

We are always searching for new, innovative products that help dental professionals maximize productivity, patient care and profitability. While we search for and design many of our products in response to your needs and suggestions, many more come to us directly from dentists and staff members who are motivated to improve their practice and profession. We value different and superbly useful products as much as we value our customers.

If you have and actual product:

Placing an existing product in the Practicon Dental catalog is simple. We evaluate a product sample and/or related inventory information. If we can project that your product will be a high-quality, suitable, practical and profitable addition to our catalog, we will add it to our line as our advertising schedule allows.

If you have an idea:

If your product is only in the idea stage, the evaluation process is not as straightforward. We advise anyone with an unprotected idea to consider the issue of a non-disclosure agreement prior to any cooperative discussions in order to protect all interested parties. Since the possibility exists that we may already be considering a similar idea, we are not able to review unsolicited new product ideas without a suitably specific non-disclosure agreement.

Once the non-disclosure issue has been addressed, we are happy to spend a few moments discussing with you how to best proceed with respect to manufacturing your product and/or having your product listed in the Practicon Dental catalog. As our time allows, we can review your idea and offer free advice from a marketing or manufacturing standpoint. Our primary skills are marketing, however we have established a network of contract manufacturers to produce several products of our own design when set-up costs are not prohibitive. Often injection molding dies can cost into the tens of thousands. Your product may be easily fabricated or justify high set-up costs.

If you have an idea or an actual product, feel free to contact us by email or by visiting us at http://practicon.com.

Desirable Qualities in an Associate

2009-06-12T14:32:00.002-04:00

There are definite differences between an associate and a partner. An associate is hired to provide clinical services, but may be uninvolved in practice management. Once the associate begins to buy into the practice, he/she becomes a partner, a financial and, perhaps, management commitment that is much greater than that of an associate.

Senior doctors who contemplate bringing in an associate may wish to have the candidate tested psychologically to make four determinations:

Is there satisfactory interpersonal compatibility?

Is the level of dominance or aggression of the entering doctor acceptable to the senior?

Does the young doctor have a high sense of integrity?

Does the prospective partner have a strong work ethic?

Perhaps a key word in choosing the right associate is continuity. After a dynamic leader reduces work load or retires, the level of enthusiasm and excellence that the senior initiated during earlier years will have to be maintained. Can an associate who is to become a partner continue and even enhance all that has been
built?

Click here to read this complete article.

Click here to see all of our practice management documents.

Economical Smilegoods Floss!

2009-06-05T08:45:00.002-04:00

Practicon is proud to introduce the SmileGoods brand of dental floss! SmileGoods floss is similar in quality and style to other brands, but at an incredible price! Compare our prices and see how the SmileGoods line can save money for your practice. Each pocket-sized container is attractively color coded by style and flavor. Choose from plain waxed or unwaxed, mint or bubblegum waxed, and Premium (PTFE) mint or unflavored styles. SmileGoods gives you all of the quality and variety you expect, without the expense. Visit www.practicon.com to explore this exciting new line!

Take another look at our logo — its new!

2009-05-29T15:59:00.008-04:00

After much consideration and numerous customer opinion surveys, consensus led us to adopt this new design for 2009. Our first logo, active since 1982, was a stylized typodont, reflecting our founding roots in dental health education. Our new Logo is an evolution to a smile — a smile that symbolizes the dental health mission we share with you, that conveys our enjoyment in bringing you innovative products, and that reflects our warm, friendly service.

Gain Referrals From Your Patients’ Physicians

2009-05-22T12:24:00.011-04:00

Want referrals from physicians? Send a version of the following letter, enclosing a peel-and-stick label as the example shows. Note: if you use this idea, check first with an attorney versed in patient privacy issues.

Dear Dr. ____________,
Recently we completed a thorough dental examination for one of your patients, Ann G. Brown. We are delighted that Ann has chosen us to provide her dental care.
Our practice is deeply committed to the total health and well being of our patients and to the ideals of preventive dentistry. We work closely with our patients to assure a lifetime of oral health.
If you have information that would be helpful for us as we treat this patient, or if you have questions about Ann’s dental condition, please contact our office: phone- 252-355-0981 or doe,dds@aol.com. Enclosed is a label which can be attached to Ann’s chart in your office for easy reference.
Sincerely,

John L. Doe, D.D.S.

LABEL:

Patient Name: Ann Brown	For dental questions, contact:
Patient DOB: 05/22/1979	John L. Doe, D.D.S.
Blood Pressure: 120/80	112 Ash Street, Greenville, NC 27834
Date: 5/22/2009	252-355-0981 or doedds@aol.com

Note: the label mentions the patient’s blood pressure. The fact that this patient’s dentist monitors blood pressure indicates to the physician and his staff that you give complete, careful patient care. If you do not currently take patients’ blood pressure, consider doing so.

Product Spotlight : Hahn Twin Forceps

2009-05-15T10:27:00.007-04:00

Invented by a dentist, Hahn Twin Articulating Forceps allow you to obtain more accurate occlusal markings and more efficient occlusal adjustments. Its clever, double-spring design with serrated jaws allow you to hold materials at both ends and eliminate two separate instruments:

Hold articulating paper on one end and gauze on the other. Dry the occlusal surface with the gauze, and then mark it with the articulating paper before it becomes wet again.

Hold a combination of two different colors of articulating paper. Use one color to mark CO/MIP and another color to mark excursive movements. Or, use one color to mark CR and the other color to mark the CR-CO slide.

Hold two pieces of the same paper in one unit, reducing the need to replace the paper or hand off two instruments.

Practicon LIVE!

2009-05-08T16:45:00.005-04:00

May is a busy month as the Practicon Road Show continues, and we invite all our friends to join us!

The week ahead kicks off the California Dental Association - Spring Scientific Session at the Anaheim Convention Center, and you can visit Practicon all weekend long in the Exhibit Hall. Matt and I will be on hand to feature new products, answer questions, and make friends. Save 10% off regular prices on all orders placed at the show; Premier Rewards Members save even more!

The following weekend, thousands of dental professionals will head to beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Practicon will be there too, and we'll feature practical innovations for pediatric dental treatment and education. For those of you fortunate enough to attend the A.A.P.D. this month, don't leave the island without first stopping by to say "Aloha!"

So here's a recap of where and when to see us LIVE:

California Dental Association (CDA), Booth # 764: May 15-17, 2009
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), Booth # 112: May 22-24, 2009

Money Saving Tips from Practicon

2009-04-30T16:40:00.009-04:00

In this harsh economic climate, we're all looking for ways to save money. Practicon has several great ways to improve your bottom line and keep your practice running smoothly! Visit www.practicon.com to take advantage of these money-saving tips.

First of all, Practicon offers the Premier Rewards Program, which will save you 10% off of every item, every day! Never pay full price for your items again! Our annual membership not only gives you terrific prices; it gives you points that can be redeemed at different intervals to save you even more!

Next, get even greater discounts by taking advantage of items that offer quantity breaks. Practicon offers many items that get less expensive when you purchase more! Not only will this save you money on your items, but will also save time, by not needing to reorder as often!

Finally, minimize your shipping costs by consolidating your orders. Our current maximum charge for regular ground shipping in the continental US is $14.99! ($23.99 in Canada. International charges vary) That's for all orders over $200! Instead of placing 4 orders for $200, place 1 $800 order and pay no extra shipping!

Practicon Introduces over 125 New Products this Spring!

2009-04-24T15:00:00.002-04:00

Springtime is upon us and with it, Practicon has added many new products to its dental products line. Try our delicious Dr. John's Xylitol-sweetened lollipops to give your patients a treat that helps prevent tooth decay. We are also pleased to introduce the next generation FenderMate, which allows completion of most Class II restorations without rings! Our new ContacEZ Dental Strips will end the chore of taking crowns, inlays, and onlays in and out of the mouth for adjustments.

Plus, don't forget that dental student graduating this spring; come visit our Dental Gifts section to find the perfect dental-themed gift!

HOW TO CHECK YOUR RECARE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS

2009-04-17T14:33:00.002-04:00

Recare system effectiveness is calculated based on the number of active patients in the practice. If a practice has 1800 active patients, the calculation follows:

1800 active patients, each to be recalled every 6 months
1800 ÷ 6 months = 300 Recare patients per month with 100% effective system
160 Recare patients per month actual average
160 R patients ÷ 300 R patients = 53% effective system
Minimum goal = 75% to 80% effective system
1800 active patients X .80 = 1440 active patients
1440 R patients ÷ 6 months = 240 R patients per month with 80% effective system
240 R patients (80% effectiveness) minus 160 R patients (actual average) = 80
additional Recare patients per month

So—what difference does it make if 80 additional Recare patients are seen each month? First, you and your staff can assure better oral health for almost 30% more of your patients, a most important factor. Second, multiply your recare fee by 80 more patients to calculate the increased income per month. Multiply the monthly increase by 12 months to predict the dramatic monetary effect an 80% effective Recare system can have on your annual income. A win-win difference for your practice.

Product Spotlight: WireGuard - Now 30% Lighter!

2009-04-10T14:37:00.007-04:00

During normal operation, digital sensor cables kink, coil and bend. Heavy objects set or are rolled over them and can damage their insulation. Over time, this constant wear can cause a short that makes them inoperable, costing a fortune in repair or replacement.

Invented and proven in a busy practice, WireGuard extends the life of sensitive digital radiography sensors by protecting cables from damage due to kinks and compression. It installs over any cable in minutes and stays in place for the life of the sensor. Available in two lengths, each kit is complete with parts and instructions for one sensor installation.