Industry Insider

Susan Whitt is the product line manager for the orthodontic division of PracticeWorks Systems LLC. She has been with PracticeWorks for 17 years. She worked in dental and orthodontic offices for 14 years prior to working at OrthoTrac (now PracticeWorks).

Orthodontic Products: What is the OrthoTrac Sarver module?

Susan Whitt: The Sarver Module consists of two components. The first component, the Sarver Esthetic Evaluation Module, is for databasing at the initial exam. It uses OrthoTrac software to address patient needs, access functional and aesthetic issues, and take measurements. The second component, the Sarver Esthetic Analysis Module, allows the doctor to digitize points on the face and smile for further breakdown for proportionality and other facial and smile attributes.

OP: How is the OrthoTrac Sarver Module unique?

The Pearl module

Whitt: The module allows orthodontists to recognize the positive attributes of the patient’s aesthetics. When orthodontists don’t recognize what is good with the patient, they run a risk of turning positive attributes into negative ones. The most common examples are flattening of the profile or the smile arc.

OP: How does the Kodak 9000C 3D system’s new stitching program work?

Whitt: The stitching program allows the orthodontist to combine two or three focused field volumes into a larger image to view a wider region. Our focused field images are approximately one quadrant, and sometimes you may need a larger area to examine multiple impactions, large pathologies, or other disorders.

OP: What is the PEARL module, and how does it help orthodontists?

Whitt: The OrthoTrac PEARL module allows orthodontists to access their OrthoTrac software remotely through their smartphones. PEARL organizes and displays the practice’s vital statistics anywhere at any time. It allows the doctor to access a patient’s clinical record, including the treatment card, toothchart, and images, to answer questions on surgical cases or emergency procedures without being in the office.

OP: What kind of technology does PracticeWorks offer to assist orthodontists who are working to become board certified?

Whitt: We have added a board analysis for cephalometric tracing and a superimposition which contains the three superimpositions required for board cases.

OP: Can new products be integrated into PracticeWorks systems that orthodontists already utilize?

The Sarver module

The stitching program

Whitt: Yes. These new features are available with OrthoTrac practice-management software or with Kodak orthodontic imaging software.

OP: Considering the current economy, is PracticeWorks offering any discount or incentive plans to customers?

Whitt: Yes, we have show specials that we are honoring through all of the fall ortho shows. We also offer a migration program for our current customers. We offer a program for new graduates, including practice management and imaging softwares and digital and/or 3D radiography.

For more information about PracticeWorks and other orthodontic companies, visit our Buyer’s Guide.

OP: What do you think is the “next big thing” in orthodontic imaging?

Whitt: Utilizing CBCT technology to replace taking 2D panorex and cephalometric x-rays and impressions for study models and appliances. It is amazing what you can see with 3D images that you cannot see with 2D images. This will greatly improve patient care.