IA LP OrthO tribunE the World’s Orthodontic newspaper · u.S. Edition www.ortho-tribune.com A good impression How to keep your patients coming back Page SP EC OCTOBER 2009 PcSO and nESO What you can expect at the annual meetings Page CS O ED ITI O N VOL. 4, NO. 10 new products A Class II appliance, a hand driver and more 3 6 Pages 13, 14 tooth decay more common in patients with cleft lip, palate P atients with cleft lip and/or palate have a higher prevalence of tooth decay and cavities, also called dental caries, than their siblings without clefts, according to a report published in The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal. In this study, conducted at Damascus University of Syria, 53 patients with clefts ages 12 to 29 years were compared with 53 sex- and age-matched siblings without clefts. Eighty-five percent of the patients with clefts exhibited a moderate or high dental caries score, compared with only 43 percent of the control subjects. To read the entire article, visit www2.allenpress.com/pdf/cpc j-46-05-529-531.pdf. OT Shooting straight about 3-D imaging An orthodontist shares his views By Bradford Edgren, DDS, MS S tudies on learning have shown that visual images provide 80 to 90 percent of the information that the brain receives. So it makes sense that in the dental office, details received from our radiological workups are imperative for precise diagnosis and communication with patients. Now, cone-beam technology has brought 3-D imaging right into the dental office, expanding the scope Fig. 1: Superimposed molars spotted on scan. of treatment for my patients as well as for other dental practitioners. The greatest benefit of 3-D imaging is the amount of information obtained from each scan. The 360-degree scan of the entire head shows the maxillofacial complex in a format that can be rotated or sliced to achieve the best view of these structures. For oral surgeons, periodontists or general dentists placing implants, the opportunity to view the dentition from any and all of these angles is of great benefit during diagnosis and planning. g OT page 4 Enter now to win free practice makeover Deadline to apply extended to Oct. 30 I f you are ready to grow your orthodontic practice, apply now to win the second Levin Group Total Ortho Success™ Practice Makeover. The deadline to apply has been extended to Oct. 30, which means you still have time to win one full year of a free Levin Group Total Ortho Success Management and Marketing consulting program. When was the last time you took a close look at your practice’s systems? Whether you are in the beginning stage of your career or already experienced and successful, growth is always within your reach — even in this economy. The winning orthodontist will experience improvements in every aspect of operating his or her practice. This free, one-year manage- ment and marketing makeover will be a customized approach based on the orthodontic practice’s unique needs, goals and potential. To apply, go to www.levingroup ortho.com or www.ortho-tribune.com. For more information, contact Lori Gerstley, professional relations manager at Levin Group, at (443) 4713164 or lgerstley@levingroup.com. Check out how last year’s winner, Dr. Brian Hardy, has grown his practice since he started the makeover process at www.ortho-tribune.com. OT AD Dental Tribune America 213 West 35th Street Suite #801 New York, NY 10001 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 306 Mechanicsburg, PA