XDR Radiology: Digital Solutions Designed by Dentists for Dentists
Adam Chen, DDS, Clinical Director at XDR Radiology, says there’s no doubt that direct digital radiography makes clinicians’ work easier than it was with traditional radiography methods. Chen should know; besides being an actively practicing dentist, he is the designer of the ergonomic and functional features of XDR’s combined sensor and software technology. Chen says the advantages of digital radiography go far beyond conveniences such as image capture speed, ease of filing and retrieval, and dispensing with the need for chemicals.
“Clinical insight, imaging science, and careful software design take digital much further,” he says. “Digital radiography can deliver consistent image quality, advanced image processing to support diagnosis, and software tools to advance treatment planning.”
XDR, says Chen, has played a vital role in the development of this transformational technology. “We’re proud to have led the industry, from simple things like a black viewing background to proprietary methods for revealing soft tissues and correcting for projective distortion—and all with a touchscreen-ready interface.”
XDR’s Digital Radiographic Imaging System, he says, was designed by dentists for dentists, in consideration first of image quality, but also with equipment handling for the dental team in mind, as well as the comfort of patients. “For instance, the sensor corners are very round and provide maximum coverage on the mesial end of the sensor, making it far easier to image the premolar/canine interproximal contact,” says Chen. “Its white face makes it easier to visualize the sensor in the patient’s mouth. The software’s exposure meter helps assistants put the best images in front of the doctor. We even designed alternative holders to be simpler for assistants and more comfortable for patients. Who but dentists would think of such things?”
Chen says dentists in the market for imaging software should be primarily focused on image quality. “Otherwise, what’s the point?” He says XDR’s software capitalizes on the company’s foundation in math and science. “Our software reflects a deep understanding of how to process the data coming off the sensor, and how to display the subtleties that clinicians look for.” Yet, the system, he adds, is also easy for all members of the dental team to use, featuring a context-sensitive interface that presents the appropriate options with large buttons in plain English. “The last thing the doctor and staff need is to wrestle with software menus,” says Chen.
Doctors, he says, deserve to test drive “a useful digital armamentarium” before purchasing with questions such as the following in mind: “Is it easy to adjust contrast and brightness? Are there one-click filters for hard- and soft-tissue analyses? Is the sharpening subtle and revealing, minimizing artifact? Can all assistants individually set up their own layouts, using sequences they like? And, how well does the software auto-assign tooth numbers for subsequent searching?”
The company, he says, goes beyond traditional methods of supporting clinicians who use the XDR system to make sure they are satisfied with their equipment and prepared to take full advantage of it. “We take a broad view of the word ‘support.’ It starts with the first phone call. The clinician wants clear, honest, accurate answers, not a sales pitch. And since we want happy users who tell their friends about us, it just makes sense to ensure that they purchase the right amount of the right equipment,” says Chen. He explains that for this reason training is provided by the company’s own specialists with real-world clinical experience, and installation is handled by its own IT professionals.
The dentist-run company, he says, also breaks from tradition when it comes to software support. “Our software support team never counts hours. For a monthly cost less than the price of a bitewing exam, a practice gets unlimited software upgrades, training, troubleshooting, re-installation, and even radiographic consultation.”
Chen says XDR means to be the kind of company a doctor wants to work with, with a pleasant attitude, dedication to service, and clinical expertise. “In our case, this means every member of the XDR team is steeped in a culture of passion for excellence. We design our own sensors and write our own software. Every decision is based on dentistry and science. Every doctor matters. Every call counts.”
XDR Radiology
11300 W. Olympic Blvd, #710
Los Angeles, CA 90064
855-XDR-XDR2 (855-937-9372)
dentalaegis.com/go/cced437
