52
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CERECDOCTORS.COM
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QUARTER 2
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2016
P R O F I L E
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W I T H M A R K F L E M I N G , D . D . S .
dr. mitchell kim started his cerec journey with the accept program.
Now as a cerecdoctors.comMentor, he helps
others on theirs.
Mitchell Kim, D.D.S.
Demonstrating Individualized Care Through CEREC
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN PRACTICE?
I graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2005, and prac-
ticed as an associate for five years before my wife and I opened our
office in 2010.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR OFFICE?
My office is approximately 2,000 square feet. There are 2,000
active patients that are 85 percent PPO and 15 percent FFS.
HOW MANY OPERATORIES DOES IT HAVE?
I have three fully equipped rooms that I work out of and three
additional rooms to expand.
WHAT TYPE OF DENTISTRY DO YOU DO?
I provide procedures including prosthodontics, periodontal
services, oral surgery, pediatric treatment and Invisalign. The
versatility of CEREC has allowed me to incorporate CAD/CAM
dentistry into every aspect of my practice.
WHY WAS CEREC YOUR CAD/CAM CHOICE?
Education and support were two key factors. CEREC and
cerecdoctors.com provided me with the most comprehensive
set of resources to further my education after investing in this
technology. Seeing the structured curriculum, with the hands-
on workshops, support from the cerecdoctors.com community
via the online forum, and online resources such as instructional
videos, gave me the confidence that I would be successful with
CEREC. The technical support that was available with CEREC
through Patterson was also a crucial part in my decision.
HOW DOES THIS TECHNOLOGY FIT INTO YOUR OFFICE PHILOSOPHY?
CEREC helps me further demonstrate to each patient they
will receive individualized care. Whether it be comprehensive
dentistry, an emergency visit or starting Invisalign, CEREC allows
me to utilize technology so patients can engage in the decision-
making process about their own treatment. Prior to integrating
CEREC, the main concern was always cost. Patients could not
place value in what I was recommending and providing. When
they see CEREC in front of them and are educated on how it will
be used to complete their treatment, the question changes from
“why so much?” to “when can it be done?”
HOW DOES CEREC IMPACT YOUR PRACTICE?
HOW DOES IT IMPACT OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
CEREC has providedme with a clearer vision of what I want for my
practice. The plan is set to incorporate CBCT into the office and to
introduce implant therapy later this year. This is something I never
thought I would consider prior to coming on board with CEREC.
Being afforded an opportunity to join the Mentor Group has also
been an amazing experience. The 2015 IDS Mentor field trip has
been my favorite highlight. I would have never guessed traveling
withabunchof dentists toEurope for aweekcouldbe somemorable!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREC PROCEDURE?
Honestly, my favorite CEREC procedure is still a crown or onlay.
The reaction that patients have when they are told they will have
their permanent restoration completed in the same appointment
— and not have to deal with a temporary — is priceless. Patients
who had prior experience dealing with temporary restorations,
or patients that have had to be anesthetized again for another
impression because “it was the lab’s fault” are very appreciative of
having this technology available to them.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST UNIQUE CEREC PROCEDURE?
I used to dread having the emergency new patient with a broken
temporary crown or temporary bridge. In my pre-CEREC days,
that would have been a nightmare of an appointment. Now, I am
able to provide a stronger and more esthetic temporary restora-
tion using a material such as Telio CAD without all the headache
— and in a lot less time.
IF SOMEONE WERE TO TAKE YOUR CEREC AWAY TODAY, YOU WOULD …?
Over my dead body! Just like having great wine, once you get a
taste of the good stuff, going back to that boxed wine is just not
going to happen.
WHAT HAS CEREC TAUGHT YOU ABOUT DENTISTRY?
Personally, I’ve learned it’s better to be proficient at a few things
than be mediocre at everything. Before CEREC, I had no idea
what I wanted those few things to be. I was essentially just going
through the motions without much focus. CEREC gave me direc-
tion in my dentistry and what education I wanted to pursue.
