Finance: Making the move

7p443-445.qxd 30/03/2005 10:30 Page 443 TRADE NEWS Please send trade news information and illustrations to Arveen Bajaj at the BDJ, Nature Publishing Group, The Macmillan Building, 4–6 Crinan Street, London N1 9XW. Trade news is provided as a service to readers using text and images from the manufacturer, supplier or distributor and does not imply endorsement by the BDJ. Normal and prudent research should be exercised before purchase or use of any product mentioned. High speeds WHAT’S NEW Hygiene and safety Manufactured from extremely light pure titanium, the Sirona T1 handpieces are ergonomically designed with a superior finish and are ideal for all preparation procedures where high speeds are required. Optimum fibre optic light of 25,000 lux ensures maximum illumination when carrying out treatment. In addition, triple spray rings on the handpiece direct irrigation to the operative site to ensure the preparation is kept free from heat and debris. The Sirona T1 handpieces will withstand repeated sterilisation up to 135°C and have an improved spray ring that is exchangeable with the handpiece. The Sirona Click & Go feature enables the T1 handpieces to be used on other leading brands of handpiece couplings. Reader response number 50 Kodak Dental Systems has designed ClinAsept packets for Kodak Insight Dental Films to improve hygiene and safety in the surgery for the benefit of both clinicians and patients. ClinAsept packets are designed to effectively minimise the risk of film cross-contamination during intraoral examinations and darkroom processing. Presenting clear barriers to guard the film against the contaminants which may occur in oral fluids, the ClinAsept packets can be easily removed after exposure and prior to processing. The Insight dental film in ClinAsept packets is available in two sizes, 3.1 x 4.1 cm supplied in boxes of 100 single or double films, and 2.2 x 3.5 cm supplied in boxes of 75 single or double films. It is also available in Periapical Super Poly-Soft packets, Periapical, Bite Wing and Occlusal paper packets. Reader response number 51 Award winner Help for needle phobic patients The Sonicare toothbrush recently won FHM Magazine's Best Grooming Innovation Award and Philips Oral Healthcare is giving away 1,500 free copies of the April Edition of FHM Magazine for dental practices, waiting rooms to celebrate its success. The product was voted winner in the dental care category by readers of the 600,000-strong circulation magazine and was considered to be the best product innovation. For more information contact 0800 0567 222 or visit www.sonicare.co.uk Reader response number 52 The Wand from DPS is a new product that can help patients who have needle phobia. Topical anaesthetic is first applied to freeze the gum and then a tiny needle is gently introduced through the already-numb tissue to anaesthetise the surrounding area. The controlled flow also eliminates the 'bee sting' effect, which is descriptive of the pain associated with a surge of fluids into tissue. Because less penetration force is required, needle advancement is almost effortless while the flow rate of the anaesthetic is controlled by a microprocessor BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 198 NO. 7 APRIL 9 2005 instead of the pressure of the clinician’s thumb, making it more precise. The Wand technique is already being taught in many dental schools across the UK as a less traumatic and less intimidating method of administering anaesthetic. The disposable handpiece may be used with all 1.8ml and 2.2ml cartridges. Reader response number 53 443 7p443-445.qxd 30/03/2005 10:31 Page 444 TRADE NEWS FOCUS FINANCE Finance options Spreading the cost To help control the potentially high initial costs of equipping a new surgery, or refurbishing an established one, The Dental Directory can offer a number of finance options to suit individual needs. Practices can choose to finance equipment over a period of two to five years either lease hire or lease purchase. The Dental Directory offers finance through most reputable institutions including Siemens, Vector and Braemar. Dentists can choose from a comprehensive range of selected surgery equipment and defer the first payment for six months which allows extra time to establish the surgery and patient numbers and control substantial initial costs. Reader response number 54 Making the move Dental payment plan provider Denplan has launched a new website, www.readyforindependence.com, aimed at supporting dentists wishing to make the transition to independent private practice and highlighting the benefits of Denplan membership. The website acts as a one-stop shop for dentists wishing to find out more about the numerous benefits already enjoyed by Denplan's 6,500 member dentists. Products featured include the Denplan Essentials maintenance plan and Denplan Excel accreditation programme. The new website demonstrates services and expertise and how these can make a valuable difference to practices such as the Denplan Conversion programme, professional development, quality programme, training and marketing support. The site also provides existing Denplan members with information on the range of products and services available to their practice. Reader response number 56 444 3dee Treatment Funding is a straightforward loan service offered by Frank Taylor and Associates. It encourages patient acceptance of higher value treatment plans and enables patients to spread the cost of dental treatment, up to as much as £15,000 (or more by special arrangement), over an agreed period of up to five years. 3dee brings to the practice and its patients a number of benefits, including competitive interest rates, an interest free option or buy now pay later, can increase profits, delivers immediate, upfront payment to the practice and provides comprehensive practice support and staff training. Taking advantage of an in-house training day ensures that the whole practice team is poised to maximise patient acceptance of 3dee from the outset. Reader response number 55 Sickness and accident protection The Dentists' Provident (DPS) offers sickness and accident protection exclusively to qualified dentists throughout the UK and the Irish Republic. DPS understands the difficulties faced by dentists during illness or after an accident and offers its members insurance to meet their specific needs. Membership combines protection against accident or illness with a lump sum available at retirement. A monthly payment to the DPS funds a policy designed to accommodate each member's individual needs. Features include an option for benefit payments to commence from the first day of incapacity or after 26 weeks, levelling or reducing of sickness benefits up to age 55, adaptability to changes in a member's circumstances and the same subscription rates apply for men and women. For each year of membership members are also entitled to share in any profits made by the Society so f (...truncated)