Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2011 2:25 PM
Subject: Redux
As we wind down to a holiday weekend I want to take this chance to discuss thoughts that are on all of our minds.
Attached is an article that will be published in the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association's newsletter next month. It recaps the current issues regarding WDS reimbursements to date. I know that you are beyond familiar with this issue so there may not be any surprises for you in it, but I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on the subject, or any additional information.
The letter is a response on behalf of the Association so is very restricted in nature. Our own business relationship is a different matter. Our policy has always been to provide the best work we are capable of, for dentists who are treating patients who need or want to be restored and are willing to pay for it. Good dentistry.
We now need to decide whether we can continue operating this way. If price becomes the #1 factor in a treatment plan then can we continue with unlimited modifications and a no-fault 100% guarantee? Financially I cannot cut fees and continue to do business the same way. My income has already been cut in half in the last 2 years.
What we offer is alternatives to some procedures that entail less labor. Full contour Zi crowns is one obvious choice. They are indestructible, look better than they did even a few months ago due to improvement in materials, and go out with the same fee as our FGC's, $152. We wax to form and scan them, so they are not a generic place holder, they have all the custom contours you expect.
For years I have offered an import crown on precious alloy for $99 flat rate. (Agothos) None of our existing accounts ever wanted one, because they want our own workmanship. I really appreciate that sentiment, since my primary role is to create jobs and employ people to perform them. Sadly this may change for the insured population.
Again, please communicate with me about this issue because I need to respond appropriately and I cannot afford to guess. All of us here highly value our relationship with you and we want to continue as your prosthetic partners.
Sincerely, Loren M. Ford CDT
Thorn Ford Dental Laboratory LLC
425-486-273
Download WDS Reimbursement Reduction Issue
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 8:02 AM
Subject: DentalMail 9 Spring
Dear Doctor, as business and the weather heat up we are finding ways to help your prosthetic service bloom. This is an update on what is new at Thorn Ford Dental Laboratory, and attached is a printable fee schedule. We have a few new items you may take advantage of.
We have always focused on responsive customer service and a high level of attention for a reasonable fee. Talented technicians are a key element of our service to you, and for this reason that you rely on us for your complex cases and I appreciate that. Our traditional methods must in some cases compete on price and speed, with offshore labor and machines. Insurance companies know the most cost effective alternatives and push reimbursements down.
To answer this trend we have a new restorative option that does not require anything different from you. We can now mill full contour zirconia crowns (FCZ) out of a more translucent material than is used for copings. Based on our design so we still have full control of contour, contacts and occlusion. Since there is less labor involved in the production of FCZ’s I am offering them at the same fee as a full gold crown (152), and one week turnaround. This is a great alternative for areas where strength is needed and space is limited.
We have been providing the TAP III for sleep apnea with great success. There is a new design that has some tangible improvements over the current model. It is called the TAP Elite, and we will begin offering it by May 1st. If you have any questions, please contact myself or Liam Besaw and we would be happy to provide information on how these devices can improve sleep and overall health in patients who suffer from this disorder.
If you are currently using DDX for case communication we will be doing upgrades the the program Monday the 4th from 1-2:00 so the service may be intermittent at that time. If you are not using it and would like a more interactive prescription protocol or secure method to send attachments we would be happy to provide more information.
Now a quick poll: We make quite a few clear implant surgical guides and radioopaque stents. I am considering implementation of an open platform guided implant surgery service. From a preliminary impression we would provide a scan template for the patient to wear while receiving a 3D CT/DVT scan, any system that provides a DICOM format. The surgical planning is done by us or any office that has the coDiagnistiX software, images provided to you for approval. Then we would manufacture a surgical guide with precisely placed sleeves for a partially guided (position and diameter) surgery with any brand implant. If the implants are Straumann, then fully guided (depth) is possible. Is this something you would likely use?
Thanks again, and have a great and profitable spring!
Loren M. Ford. CDT
Download FEESCHED 2011
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 3:36 PM
Subject: DentalMail8 GeorgeGauge
Hi again, I hope you're having a terrific Summer. It's been a couple of years since I've been able to get a suntan like this!
I'm writing to expand on one item from my previous e-mail to you. We are pleased to now be certified to make the TAP 3 (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) sleep apnea appliance. One thing we have learned about these devices is that they are less likely to need modification if a good jaw relation can be established for at the impression appointment. This also is true for bite repositioners, snore guards and Anti-Clench devices.
We are offering free use of an indexing device called the George Gauge which is available from Great Lakes Orthodontic. It comes in a kit with a DVD, instructions, a reusable handle and disposable bite fork with either 2mm or 5mm opening (5mm is recommended for apnea patients). It helps find a comfortable opening and protrusive position to start from.
Just give us a call to pre-arrange a delivery, like we do with torque wrenches. As your lab, our primary purpose is to help make your day go as easy as possible.
Have a great August. Loren Ford CDT
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:00 PM
Subject: Dental Mail7 3M-Imtec MDI
Hello Doctor,
I hope your Summer is going great so far. Here at the lab we have not been as busy as we had planned, but things are good overall, and we've been working to implement new products and technology to better serve you.
We will be changing management software at the year's end so our invoices will be more detailed and when you call in information will be more quickly retrieved. This also ties in with the need for more accessible records to comply with FDA manufacturing standards.
Materials traceability is most important with medical devices such as the Anti-Clench appliance, snore guards and the TAP 3 sleep apnea appliance which we are excited to be able to offer now. One thing we have learned about these devices is that they are less likely to need laboratory repositioning of the hardware if a good jaw relation can be established for us at the impression appointment.
We are offering free use of an indexing device called the George Gauge. It comes in a kit with a DVD, a reusable handle and disposable bite fork with either 2mm or 5mm opening, (5mm is recommended for apnea patients). It helps find a comfortable protrusive position to start from. Just give us a call to pre-arrange a delivery, like we do with torque wrenches.
Lastly, another exciting seminar on mini implant placement and use is coming up. (The reg. form is attached) 3M has acquired one of the big players in this market, Imtec. They are presenting a full day course on Saturday July 25th in Seattle at a hotel yet to be announced. With 3M's customer service and marketing juggernaut behind it, you can bet more patients will be asking for this low-cost improvement to their dentures. Either Mary or I plan to be there. More details will follow.
Have a great Independence Day! Loren.
Download Seminar Reg
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 2:45 PM
Subject: DentalMail6 travel, roller teeth and mini implants
Hi Doctor,
I try to keep these messages brief, but there are 3 things I want to share.
1) I will be out of town next week, May 4-8. I'm attending two unrelated conferences in the Los Angeles area. I will still be in contact, but it may take a little longer for me to respond to my direct e-mail. Your cases will progress as normal but I won't be able to schedule any custom shades..
2) There is an interesting enhancement for dentures that is coming onto the market soon. We think it may have some value for patients that are looking for a better experience. Here's the idea;
denture wearers lose the ability to feel the slight movement that assists chewing. The Crownflex Pivot™ (Pat. Pend.) allows each lower molar to wiggle 360º to assist rather than oppose the crushing of the food. It’s the principle of crushing a sugar cube with your thumb. If you just press straight down, you have to push a lot harder than if you wiggle your thumb a little.
Same with standard denture teeth: They don’t wiggle, so a lot more pressure is needed to chew. This results in sore lower gums—the main concern of denture wearers. With Crownflex Pivot™ molars, the wiggle is automatic and the chewing easier. We will have more details on this for you soon. It's not mainstream yet, but it's intriguing.
3) Last, we are sponsoring a full day workshop on June 12th for the placement and activation of mini implants for anchoring dentures. This will be a Friday full day event at the Hotel Nexus near Northgate in Seattle. I'll be sending a full description and registration form soon, but if you might be interested, save the date!
Thanks, Loren Ford CDT
Thorn Ford Dental Laboratory LLC
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 3:56 PM
Subject: NW Laboratory Forum April 2-5, 2009
Dear Doctor; This is concerning an upcoming educational weekend at the Embassy Suites in Lynnwood on April 3-5.
I want to make sure you at least know about this event. I've been serving on the board of the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association for several years, and I'm pretty proud of the programs we are able to provide. This is a prosthetics oriented event but there is such a variety of topics that some of it may be of value to you or your staff. ( At the very least you should pressure your other lab people to attend!)
Dr. Scott Dyer will be discussing the various treatment challenges created by implants, and Leon Hermanides will be exploring dento-facial guidelines for esthetic harmony.
Also, our own Thorn Ford and Mary Alvin will be teaching removable denture balance and function, and another of our technicians, Robynn Lowery, will be present the fabrication and adjustment of night guards and other occlusal devices.
Attached is the program flyer and registration form.
Thanks! Loren Ford CDT, Thorn Ford Dental Laboratory LLC
PS – For more information about the WSDLA check out the Association website, (www.wsdla.com)
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