Dental centre goes digital

Staff and patients at Pukaki Dental Centre are getting their teeth into some new technology.
The centre is the first in Rotorua to install a digital x-ray machine that allows staff to make a panoramic image of the entire mouth.
Dentist Stewart Edward told The Daily Post the machine was part of a major investment in modernisation at the centre.
"Everything has been computerised and screens have been installed in all four treatment rooms," he said.
This enables dentist and patient to view x-rays immediately in the treatment room, rather than having to wait and it is cleaner than developing traditional films.
"Not only do we get it instantly, we don't have to worry about fumes because there are no chemicals involved," Dr Edward said.
Dentists are also able to email images to specialists when making referrals, which speeds up that process, and the digitisation will reduce the amount of space required to store film. The panoramic x-ray machine gives a better view of the mouth as a whole, offering a complete picture of the teeth and gums.
"It gives a fantastic screening opportunity," Dr Edward said. "We can tell more easily whether this is something we can deal with or if it needs a specialist. It is also a great educational tool.
"A picture really is worth a thousand words."
Patients are able to see more clearly what the dentist is talking about and can see how the problem relates to the rest of their mouth.
Such x-rays have been available in traditional form before but not in an instant, digital format.
Dr Edward said the modernisation had been a significant investment for the centre - the panoramic x-ray machine alone cost $50,000-$55,000 with all the software, supporting technology and staff training.
The digital machines operate at a lower level of radiation, which reduces patient exposure, and the centre no longer has to worry about disposing of waste products from the developing process.
While redesigning the treatment areas to accommodate this technology, Dr Edward said the centre made the most of the opportunity to to improve efficiency and hygiene.
"The high speed drills can create quite a bit of water spray and we have set up the rooms to minimise cross infection."
A new room has been created to clean and sterilise equipment, with the process flowing around the room to further keep used and sterile instruments apart.
The new sterilisers are also computerised and give printouts so staff can confirm the process has been completed satisfactorily.
"It has been a huge investment, but we now have a totally modern surgery."