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January 21, 2009

Editor's Note: In the following article, several dental assistants from around the nation discuss the Lava COS (Chairside Oral Scanning) technology.

Jessicah Whipple and Shannon Fuller work for Dr. John Walker in Olympia, Wash.

Shannon: "We got the Lava COS about six months ago. Our training consisted of a two-day course we took with the doctor, and a follow-up with the COS rep at our office. You have to be certified by Brontes Technologies on the COS, and Jessicah and I earned our certification in a couple of weeks. You earn certification by having your scans evaluated and sending them to a practice lab. There's a bit of a learning curve, and we need to remember that we still have to retract and control the field. It's a great piece of technology, but it's not magic.

"We have a CEREC in the office, so we were used to scanning and that helped a lot. Having an Isolite is also a big help with the COS. We love the COS because we're able to do the scans on our own and the doctor simply checks what we've done. In Washington state, dental assistants can't take regular impressions, but we can take digital impressions. As long as the final check is performed by the dentist, we can do it."

Jessicah: "The COS provides us with a lot of freedom. We're on our own more and feel very independent. Since we've become more independent with the COS, the doctor has more time to do other things that--by law--only he can do. He can spend more time with patients or doing exams."

Shannon: "Patients are very enthused about the technology we have in the office with the COS and the CEREC. They like that we no longer have to take goopy impressions. It takes a little longer than a regular impression (digital impressions take about five minutes), but it's worth it in the patient's eyes. The accuracy is amazing, and patients like that we're up on the latest technology. We show them the 3-D models of the impression on the screen and there's a 'wow factor.' I think patients like that the dentist is moving forward when it comes to technology."

Jessicah: "I think dental assistants should embrace this technology and invite it into the practice. Anything that allows you to improve your skills and gives you some independence can only make you more valuable to the practice. It's a great opportunity to expand your knowledge."

Best thing about COS: Independence

Worst thing about COS: Learning curve

Louise Keough works for Dr. Robert Spingler in Hamilton, Mass.

"We got the COS in January of 2008. Dr. Spingler likes to stay on top of current technology. I was told about a month before the COS arrived that we were getting it. My first thought was, 'We're going digital? OK!' There was no hesitation on my part. I was ready to get it in and learn more about it.

Some offices don't like change, and this definitely changes things for patients and the practice. We had to change the schedule at first because we needed more time with the digital impressions because of the learning curve. Now that time is shorter and just rolls right into the workflow.

If you've used an intraoral camera, you'll be able to use the COS. I found that you can do plenty of practice on a typodont, but it really is when you get in the patient's mouth that you'll become much more comfortable using the system.

When we first showed this to patients, there was a total 'wow factor.' It was remarkable to see their reactions. We explained to them at the start what the new technology was and why it might take a little longer to do impressions this way. We have found that our patients are more than happy to sit a little longer to avoid having that impression material in their mouths. It also helps us with patient education because they can see the scans on our computer screens.

The best thing about the COS is the patient comfort. As a dental assistant, I want patients to be as comfortable as possible. I also think the COS is very efficient and takes some of the human error out of taking impressions. I know the computer is more accurate than my hands.

Having the COS in the office removes the assistant from pouring and disinfecting impressions and deletes many steps from preparing a case. I also think it allows the dental assistant to provide better quality of care to the patient. I never have to leave the room, so it gives me more interaction with the patient.

There definitely is a learning curve, and I would encourage assistants not to get discouraged. Like anything else, you have to practice to become good at it."

Nikki Linders works for Dr. Bruce Bates in Roseville, Minn.

"We started training on the COS in June of 2008. I was very excited to learn the new system. I think it's great to be able to show the patient results of the scan while he or she is still sitting in the chair.

It looked as if it might be difficult, but it was really pretty simple for me to learn. I picked it up right away. I was very comfortable using it, and I think it was very important that Dr. Bates and I went into the training with a positive attitude.

In Minnesota, I'm allowed to scan anything except the preparation. The COS results are the best. When people come back for their second appointment, they are in and out of the chair because the fit is so good.

Patients love the COS because they don't have to go through the process of impression materials. It may take a little longer to use the COS than a traditional impression, but the result is definitely worth it.

My advice to other dental assistants is to be glad if you find out your office is getting a COS. It may look difficult, but it isn't. There is a bit of a learning curve, but it's very fun to use and the results are worth it."

Best thing about COS: Results

Worst thing about COS: Learning curve

Editor's Note: Not all states allow dental assistants to take digital impressions, because they can be viewed as final impressions. Check with your state's board of dentistry to be sure.

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