I have to say that teaching this technology has become an extreme passion of mine. I just love helping people grasp the concept of CEREC, and help them to 'think like the computer.'

The issues are usually the same for most new users. Prep, powder and picture are the big three. The other big questions I get are cementation, insurance and scheduling.

CEREC is a total paradigm shift for most who embark on this CAD/CAM journey. They now have to figure out how to schedule properly to make this technology profitable and efficient.

Here is my big tip: TIME YOURSELF!

The CEREC procedure basically has three parts to it. For parts 1 (prep) and 3 (cementation), the dentist must be there. The middle part is where we can drastically improve our bottom line by scheduling another patient or another procedure on the patient being worked on.

The key is to find out how long it will take you to get to step 2. If you time each section, you will make yourself very efficient. I know that in my practice, I can get my prep done in 30 minutes or less (usually less). At the 20-minute mark, the next patient can be scheduled for their treatment. That patient can be brought back and anesthetized.

Once the prep is done, the middle portion of the procedure can be delegated to staff. Design, milling and characterization can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on material, milling chamber and whether you polish or glaze. If I'm doing an e.max, I have at least 30 minutes to do another procedure. I can be pretty productive, even in 30 minutes. We offer the patient waiting for their CEREC a magazine, satellite radio or TV to occupy their time.

You can train your staff to design, mill, characterize and even adjust the restoration. Once it is all done, the doctor is called back for part 3, final cementation.

Know how long it takes to do each step. Then make sure your staff is properly trained. If you train properly and delegate accordingly, it is amazing how efficient you can become with your CEREC.