Day: 27 May 2022

Veterinary Dentistry

Posted on May 27, 2022 by - Product Articles, Vet Specialist Articles

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Veterinary Dentistry: Improving Patient Health and Comfort

Veterinary dentistry plays an essential role in providing quality care for your patients. Dental disease is one of the most common issues in companion animals and can have serious impacts on the pet’s long-term health. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how veterinary dentistry can improve patient health and comfort. We’ll also go over what you need to know before investing in new dental equipment for your practice. 

 

The Importance of Veterinary Dentistry

Veterinary dentistry is about more than just improving your patient’s breath. As a veterinarian, you know that plaque and tartar buildup can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. In severe cases of periodontal disease, this bacteria can enter your patient’s bloodstream and cause systemic concerns. 

Additionally, dental disease can be painful and affect your patient’s day-to-day activities. Some pets experience pain and discomfort while eating due to their poor oral health. This can cause the pet to lose interest in food and even lose weight. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, their health will continue to deteriorate. 

By removing plaque and tartar buildup, veterinary dentistry plays a significant role in improving the long-term health of your patients. Prophylactic cleanings can reduce the risk of severe disease and allow for a more thorough oral exam. 

While preventative care is essential, advanced dental procedures can also play a critical role in improving patient health and comfort. In some cases, dental extractions are necessary to reduce pain and can drastically improve your patient’s quality of life. 

 

Improving Dental Health and Patient Care 

Understanding the importance of dentistry is only part of the equation when it comes to improving your patient’s health. The next step is to ensure your patients get the dental care they need. This is often a multifaceted issue that involves improving client education, offering various dental services, and staying up to date on the latest techniques and equipment. Here are a few of the ways you can help address these issues and improve the health of your patients. 

 

•     Client Education 

 

Many pet owners do not understand the significant impact dental care can have on their pet’s long-term health. As a result, pet owners are often hesitant to invest in expensive dental procedures. When addressing your patient’s dental needs, take the time to discuss the importance of dental health with your client. Improving their understanding of the benefits your services provide can improve the chances of getting your patient the care they need. 

 

When discussing dental health with your clients, it’s also important to mention how dental care can improve their pet’s comfort and overall well-being. Many owners overlook the signs of dental pain and underestimate its effects on their pet’s day-to-day life. 

 

Helping your clients understand the importance of veterinary dentistry can improve the likelihood they will approve their pet’s dental procedures. Additionally, focusing on client education can strengthen your relationship with your clients and help you continue to provide the quality care their pets deserve.

 

•     Expanding Your Dental Services 

 

Expanding your dental services allows you to better serve the patients in your care and can be a significant source of income for your practice. As you consider what dental services to provide, keep in mind that some procedures may require additional equipment or training. 

 

Continuing education (CE) and wet labs can be a great way to learn new techniques and sharpen your dental skills. In addition to doing your own CE, it’s also critical to make sure your technicians and staff are properly trained. 

 

Investing in Dental Equipment 

Whether you’re a general practitioner or dental specialist, your dental equipment plays a critical role in the quality of care you are able to provide. When investing in dental equipment, it’s important to consider who will be using the equipment, what services you want to offer, and any required maintenance. Dental equipment can be costly, so it’s essential to do your research and invest in quality products.

For many veterinary practices, the primary concern with dental equipment is the initial cost. However, the initial cost of equipment isn’t the only number that matters. When comparing products, make sure you consider any maintenance or repair costs that the equipment may require. While higher-end equipment may have a higher upfront cost, it will typically last longer and have fewer maintenance issues. Not only is this a financial win, but it also allows you to continue to provide quality patient care with fewer interruptions due to equipment issues. 

Other significant advantages of investing in quality equipment include the ability to improve patient comfort, improve efficiency, and decrease procedure time. Dull or damaged equipment can make it difficult to perform necessary procedures and result in increased trauma to your patient’s mouth. Superior equipment allows you to get the job done with less force and effort. Additionally, having the right tools can make you more efficient and decrease the amount of time your patient spends under anesthesia. This can significantly reduce the risk of anesthetic complications and improve patient recovery. 

 

Dentalaire Ultimate Cart

If you are interested in expanding your dental services and improving patient care, the Dentalaire Ultimate Cart is a great option for your growing practice. With over 30 years of experience, Intriquip Instruments understands the importance of reliable equipment, and we are proud to offer this unique product. 

With its wide variety of dental tools, the Dentalaire Ultimate Cart will ensure you have the right tools to care for your patient’s needs. The system is complete with a low-speed polishing handpick with a prophy angle as well as a high-speed fiberoptic handpick with a push-button turbine. The cart also includes a built-in water system and a silent air compressor. 

 

Summary

Veterinary dentistry is an essential part of preventative care and plays a critical role in your patient’s long-term health. Thorough oral exams and prophylactic cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Additionally, having the appropriate tools to care for more complicated cases can help improve patient comfort and overall well-being. 

For more information about the Dentalaire Ultimate Cart or other dental equipment we offer, please reach out to one of our product specialists. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you care for your patient’s dental needs. 

The Importance of Patient Side Diagnostics

Posted on May 27, 2022 by - Product Articles, Vet Specialist Articles

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The Importance of Patient Side Diagnostics

When it comes to patient care, diagnostic testing plays a critical role in your ability to determine an appropriate treatment plan and improve patient health. While many diagnostic tools are available in veterinary medicine, patient-side diagnostics provide some unique benefits. Their ability to offer quick results can dramatically reduce diagnostic time and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, patient-side diagnostics are often less expensive and provide financial benefits for both you and your clients. 

 

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of patient-side diagnostics and a few tools you should consider incorporating into your practice. 

Decreasing Diagnostic Time 

One of the most significant benefits of patient-side diagnostics is the ability to get quick answers for your patients. When sending out samples for testing, it can take several days to receive results. Unfortunately, this can prolong the time it takes to reach a diagnosis and affect patient care. Not only is this detrimental to your patients, but it can also be frustrating for your clients. However, patient-side diagnostics allow you to obtain fast and reliable results. 

Whether you are using a handheld device or a bench top tool, many diagnostic tools can be used in the clinic and provide results in minutes. Because of this, patient-side diagnostics play a critical role in helping you understand your patient’s condition and formulating an appropriate treatment plan. The speed and accuracy of these results are essential when dealing with critical patients where every minute counts. 

While rapid results have many benefits, they also have their limitations. In some cases, patient-side diagnostics cannot tell the whole story, and additional testing may be necessary. However, the initial results from patient-side diagnostics can help direct further testing and narrow your differential list. Because of this, these in-clinic tools can still play an essential role in helping you reach a diagnosis sooner. 

 

Improving Patient Care

In addition to providing timely answers, patient-side diagnostics can also improve patient care. The quicker you have answers, the quicker you can formulate a treatment plan and get your patients the care they need. This can help improve patient outcomes and, in some cases, may even be lifesaving. 

These diagnostic tools can also improve patient care by increasing client compliance and making sure your patients receive the treatment they need. When owners have to wait days or weeks for test results, it can be challenging to get them to return for follow-up care. Patient-side diagnostics are easily performed in your clinic and provide immediate answers. This allows you to formulate a treatment plan and discuss the treatment options with your client during their initial visit. 

 

A Financial Win for Both You and Your Clients 

For many pet owners, the cost of diagnostic testing is a significant concern and can be a major obstacle in getting their pet treatment. Patient-side diagnostics are often more affordable and can increase the likelihood that your client will agree to testing. In more complicated cases, patient-side diagnostics can also help direct the diagnostic plan and limit the total amount of tests required. This can reduce the diagnostic costs for your client and allow their financial resources to be used for their pet’s treatment. 

While reducing costs for your clients is a significant win, patient-side diagnostics can also provide financial benefits for your practice. For many veterinary clinics, the profit margin on send out tests is minimal. The tests themselves are often expensive, and your total charge has to include sample preparation and shipping. Because of this, in-clinic diagnostic tools can provide a greater financial return for your clinic. 

While there is an upfront cost associated with purchasing diagnostic equipment, consistent use can help the equipment pay for itself. Over time, most practices see a significant return on their investment. Not only does this generate more income, but the improved care you are able to provide can help grow your business and keep clients coming back for years to come. 

 

Incorporating Patient Side Diagnostics into Your Practice 

When investing in diagnostic equipment, it’s important to consider what tools will provide the most value for your patients and practice. Inriquip Instruments is proud to offer a wide variety of diagnostic equipment to provide the best quality care for your patients. Here are a few of the instruments you should consider. 

•    Rhino VET 360 Refractometer

Refractometers are a great tool for measuring specific gravity and serum protein. While they are a staple for many veterinary practices, refractometers can be challenging to read and are prone to damage. This can decrease the accuracy of test results and is detrimental to patient care. 

However, the Rhino VET360 Refractometer is a durable solution designed to withstand routine use and various weather conditions. With improved optics and automatic temperature compensation, the Rhino VET 360 provides quick and accurate results. The advanced temperature technology helps to improve diagnostic accuracy whether you are treating large animals in the field or companion animals in a clinic setting. 

•     Motic Series Microscopes

From cytology to histology, microscopes can help you perform a wide variety of diagnostic tests. While they can be a significant investment, the versatility of a microscope can make this equipment a valuable tool for your veterinary practice. 

When purchasing a microscope for your clinic, it’s essential to consider what services you want to provide and how the microscope will be used. The Motic Series Microscopes offer a range of functions to improve your diagnostic testing and patient care. Our compound microscopes contain two lenses to improve magnification. We also offer stereoscopes with various stands and illumination systems. 


Summary 

Patient-side diagnostics play an important role in veterinary medicine and are an essential tool for your practice. By providing quick and accurate results, these tools can decrease diagnostic time and improve patient care. While there are many diagnostic tools to choose from, it’s essential to consider which tools will provide the most value for your patients and practice. Microscopes and refractometers have a variety of uses and are a great place to start when investing in diagnostic tools.