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How doctor Wittmann improved treatment acceptance rates with a new checkup and diagnosis routine
Meet doctor Wittmann, the owner of a small dental practice in Kiel, Germany. His team consists of two hygienists, one assistant, and Dr. Wittmann himself. He felt that patients armed with better insight might be more open to treatment proposals. His experience confirmed it.
By implementing AI assistive diagnostics into his checkup routine, Dr. Wittmann’s practice reports higher acceptance rates across multiple categories, including prophylaxis appointments, fillings, crowns, and restorative treatments. This is his story about how he managed to get there.
The challenge
Traditional checkups rely on the professional’s visual inspection, X-rays, and verbal explanations. When problems are present, they can be difficult to explain to patients. The patient cannot see what the dentist sees. Professionals may use dental mirrors or x-rays, but these can be challenging for patients to interpret.
Dr. Wittman says, “I think a problem in dentistry is that we are not always able to show patients their problems in a way that they can fully understand. Patients may listen but not remember or act on the information once the appointment ends.”
Starting every checkup with a scan is shifting things
For Dr. Wittmann, TRIOS 6 and Dx Plus software changed the role of scanning from being solely a step in a restorative or orthodontic workflow to becoming a communications tool.
Today, diagnostic scanning is becoming a part of both Dr. Wittmann’s patient checkup and prophylaxis workflows.
Dr. Wittmann:
“In the past, if we spoke to patients about plaque, they would hear it, but most likely, forget it. Now, when they see it on a big screen, it’s different!”
Appointments begin with a TRIOS 6 scan performed by the hygienist or assistant*. The patient then undergoes their conventional checkup. Once completed, Dr. Wittmann and the patient review the conventional checkup results supported by the Dx Plus visualizations on a large screen monitor.
The results of changing the checkup routine are drastic
Dr. Wittmann says, “the scan itself is quick – but what has become the most important part of the visit is the discussion we have together while viewing the scan.
Dx Plus enables the professional to visualize plaque accumulation, recession, wear, and caries, from the TRIOS 6 scan. This makes the conditions visible and no longer just words.
Better understanding, higher acceptance, stronger relationships
Because of the change, Dr. Wittmann’s practice now allots at least 20 minutes for his patient checkups. With most of that time spent reviewing the Dx insights with the patient.
Dr. Wittmann:
“Since introducing Dx Plus into routine appointments, we have seen clear improvements in patient communication and treatment acceptance.”
Dr. Wittmann: “Importantly, the goal for us is not to sell more treatment, but to create better understanding for our patients. It’s more important for me to have a patient who knows what or why. If they understand that, then the next step may come naturally.”
Research confirms: loyalty can increase
When 3Shape surveyed 264 consumers who have experienced intraoral scanning and were shown a demonstration of Dx Plus software, 79% said they would refer the dentist to friends or family, and 71% said they would be more likely to book a next appointment after seeing the Dx Plus software simulation.
This is in line with Dr. Wittmann’s findings. He is not billing extra for the diagnostic scans. He believes that building trust and long-term patient relationships is their most important benefit.
For Dr. Wittmann, Dx Plus has become a key part of his delivering modern dentistry. The software and TRIOS 6 are helping him turn every checkup into a clear, visual conversation about oral health.
With that insight, his patients’ next step will come naturally.
*Delegation of clinical responsibilities can be dependent on local regulations.
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This article is a summary of the full case study of how Dr. Wittmann saw treatment acceptance increase after implementing Dx Plus in his routine checkups.
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