In-Office Communication

Cincinnati Ohio Dentist: Thomas K. Hedge D.D.S., F.A.C.E.
The Profitable Dentist
September 1999

How does the dental staff communicate to the doctor that he or she is needed in another room? We have many means and products available to help us.

The least sophisticated means is by verbal communication. Unfortunately, this verbal communication is also heard by the patient that has the attention of the doctor.A hygienist that sticks his or her head into the doctors treatment room, and says that they are ready for an exam is setting the stage for the patient to think that the doctor may be rushing and or short-cutting the procedure. This method should not be utilized.

I invested in the Com-Lite System some years ago.I use the term invested, because of the considerable expense of the system. It costs $250 per location.We had one unit in each of the four operatories, one at the front desk, and one in my office.We had over $1500 invested and I hated the system. The Com-Lite system is a wireless communication system that signals the doctor with a light button and a chime.The system is wireless because it sends signals through the existing electrical outlets and the associated wiring. This sounds great, but proves to be unreliable. Support from the company was also a frustrating experience.I sold the entire system to another practice for 50 cents on the dollar with no replacement in mind.

Recently, I discovered an in-office paging system available from Radio Shack.It consists of a base unit that has a numeric keypad and antenna to broadcast a signal of a number to a pager. The doctor carries the pager. If someone in the office needs the doctor, they enter their number on the keypad and press send.The doctor's pager will signal a number. In our office, 1 is for Kristy, one of our hygienists, 2 is for Dalyn, another hygienist, three is for Patty, my expanded duty assistant, and four is for Chris, my other assistant. I love this system and I got it on sale for $49.99 at Radio Shack. The regular price is still only $99.99.What a deal.If only Radio Shack knew that they could sell it to dentists for $500, and have us perceive it as a value. Let's take advantage of one of the great deals available to dentistry.