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How The Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program
Transformed My Practice
By Dr. Heather Marks
In April of 2021, I participated in the Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program (WETP). I originally heard of WETP through Facebook, and the featured benefits immediately caught my attention. We had begun lacking in our use of the dental laser technology, but since I had used BIOLASE dental lasers previously, I was interested in learning more to get “back into the saddle,” and in developing a deeper understanding of ways lasers could benefit my patients and practice.
Though COVID-19 was still rampant in the early spring of 2021, the program allowed us to touch and feel the dental lasers, which truly made a significant difference in immersing ourselves in the technology. This sparked a stronger desire to leverage the technology and get my team more familiar with using them daily vs for isolated treatments. As we began to pick up the lasers more frequently, our comfort level and understanding of their value grew. This eventually led us to add the Waterlase iPlus, Epic X and Epic Hygiene to our suite of solutions.
One of the many takeaways from the WETP was the suggestion for practices to track the procedures, treatments, and different lasers used each day. My team leaned into this by playfully “competing” against one another in a friendly “contest,” to see who completed the most procedures with the dental lasers. This naturally created both a fun and educational work environment that benefited patients and my team. My team continued to become nimbler and more versatile through the use of dental lasers, pushing past the comfort zone of using traditional tools and further elevating our skills and our practice. Now, all our rooms are fully equipped with dental laser technology. Keeping lasers front and center reminds my team they have the opportunity to utilize them for a myriad of procedures, ranging from hygiene treatments to routine care, to endodontic and periodontal needs.
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A happy child means a happy parent
Since adopting dental lasers as part of our daily practice, patient satisfaction and safety increased across the board. Some of the happiest patients we see are families – a happy child means a happy parent! With my pediatric patients, I like to make treatments fun with a little Star Wars reference, saying “we’re going to use the lightsabers now,” anytime our Waterlase is used for treatment around fissure decay and plaque buildup – which are two of the most common procedures we perform at our practice. One patient specifically had severe composites on his teeth, as well as significant staining. Typically, treating these concerns would have taken a lengthy amount of time. However, with our Waterlase, I was able to cut the procedure time in half!
Seeing their kids comfortably sit through quicker treatments – thanks to our Waterlase – allows parents to breathe much easier during what many anticipated would be a high-stress visit. They are also highly relieved and pleasantly surprised when we explain that by using Waterlase technology there is typically no need for numbing or drugs to address smaller restorations (compared to performing the procedure with more traditional tools), and a significantly diminished risk of hemorrhaging.
Technology for all ages
My pediatric patients aren’t the only ones who benefit from Waterlase dentistry. In fact, patients of all ages can receive the same high-quality care. One example that comes to mind is a procedure we completed on a patient in her 30s who had not been to the dentist in years. They had a very severe case of gum disease coupled with a gummy smile. I did an initial root planing procedure and then used the laser to do gingival scaling vs using a scalpel. The patient’s gums were so inflamed and overgrown it would have been a very difficult, time-consuming procedure without our Waterlase, due to the calcium buildup with traditional tools. When the procedure was done, the patient was so excited. I will never forget the instant smile that came across her face.
A total transformation
I am genuinely excited about the results I have seen since adopting the BIOLASE dental lasers into my practice for regular use. I attribute my rekindled love for laser dentistry to the WETP. Not only did this program allow me to get reacquainted with the latest dental technology, but it helped me gain a much deeper understanding of their capabilities and patient results. I highly recommend anyone considering (or curious about) a dental laser to participate in the Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program. The BIOLASE dental lasers were one of the best investments I made for my patients, staff, and myself.
Ready to be part of the dental laser revolution?
BIOLASE is offering select dentists an obligation-free opportunity to integrate minimally invasive Waterlase laser technology into your practice. Visit the Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program to learn more!
About Heather Marks, DDS
Dr. Heather Marks graduated from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 2011 with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Prior to that, she attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Dr. Marks always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare field. Promoting good health is important to her. Dr. Marks has experienced both great and horrible experiences with healthcare professionals, and she wanted to be able to provide positive experiences for others. Dr. Marks states she has been fortunate enough to have had great dental care since she was young, and wanted to be able to help others have a great, healthy smile.
Dr. Marks joined River Place Dental shortly after graduation and has enjoyed being a part of the practice since.