Highlights from the DentalFix Summit, Powered by UptimeServices Part 1 of 2.

Welcome to the first of two exciting newsletters sharing insights from the 2024 DentalFix Summit, powered by UptimeServices. Held in the energetic city of Nashville, TN, this year’s summit, running from October 3-6, 2024, brought together industry experts, innovative thinkers, and leading professionals to discuss the future of dental equipment repair and the evolving role of technology in the field.

In this edition, we’ll share key takeaways from some of the thought leaders in attendance and explore how they’re shaping the future of dental repair. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll share additional discussions, and the innovative solutions presented at the summit.

Gary McHale: A Seasoned Expert

We’re back at the Dental Summit, and this year’s event has truly exceeded expectations, according to Gary McHale, a seasoned attendee who’s been to over eight of these conferences. Gary shared his enthusiasm about the unique atmosphere this year, saying, "It’s exceeded what I thought it was going to be." He highlighted how the content went beyond what he anticipated. What really stood out for him were the engaging sessions mixed with lighthearted moments, which kept the audience energized. "The comedy breaks keep everyone engaged, and I’ve been charged up, getting new ideas that go beyond what I expected."

For Gary, this summit isn’t just about learning—it’s about building relationships and getting fresh perspectives. "I make it a point to sit with different people at lunch and during sessions. Even though I know many of the regulars, I love meeting new folks because that’s where you get new ideas." The energy at this year’s event was palpable, and Gary remarked that it felt like a "new beginning" for the industry. Reflecting on the future, he noted how important it is to stay updated with the evolution of dental equipment and technology. "With the equipment evolving, continuous learning is critical. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, something new comes along."

Jason Kluttz: From Biomed to Dental

Jason Kluttz, a former biomed technician who transitioned into dental repair, provided an eye-opening perspective on the current state of dental equipment maintenance. "It’s the wild west out here," he said, drawing attention to the lack of regulatory oversight in dental maintenance compared to the biomedical field. “There’s no regulatory oversight like in other fields, so maintenance is often neglected until something breaks,” Jason explained. This reactive approach to equipment care has long-term consequences, with many practices avoiding preventive maintenance due to costs.

For Jason, education is key. "Convincing clients to invest in preventive care is a challenge, but as I build trust with them, they begin to listen," he shared. His approach involves a five-step process that includes thorough equipment evaluation, honest estimates, quality repairs, staff training, and preventive maintenance. "This process has allowed me to build relationships where clients eventually trust my recommendations," he added. His story underscores the disconnect between the dental industry and more regulated fields like Healthcare Technology Management, but also highlights the opportunity to shift dental repair from reactive to proactive. "It’s about treating dental offices like partners in their own success, rather than just fixing things when they’re already broken."

Charlie & Leslie Hunter: A Husband-Wife Power Team

Charlie and Leslie Hunter, a husband-and-wife team from Louisiana, shared valuable insights into how the dental repair industry has evolved over the years, particularly from their experience with Dental Fix. Charlie, with over eight years of experience in the field, emphasized how the industry has shifted toward becoming more competitive with larger corporations. “When I first started, we didn’t have access to many of the major equipment lines, which made it tough to get the right parts. But now, we have dealerships with major manufacturers, and we can compete with the big guys,” Charlie explained.

For Charlie, the dental repair industry is heading towards more professionalism and competitiveness, especially with smaller companies like Dental Fix gaining ground. "I can compete with the $58 billion giants now, and in some cases, I beat them. It wasn’t like that before," he added. He sees this shift as a huge win for independent service providers who can now operate on a level playing field with the larger corporations.

Leslie, equally invested in the business, shared her perspective on the need for better documentation in the dental repair world. “I was really impressed with the presentation on the new software that’s coming out. It’s about time we had something like this to help with documentation,” Leslie noted. This sentiment echoed across the summit, with many technicians recognizing that proper documentation is essential not only for tracking repairs but also for maintaining accountability.

Charlie, having a background in the elevator industry, understands the critical role documentation plays. He shared, “You can’t make good decisions without accurate information. I’ve always documented everything, and it’s helped me not only troubleshoot but also build trust with clients." The Hunters believe that with the new tools becoming available, dental repair will start aligning more closely with industries like biomed, where documentation is a strict requirement. “We’re already seeing a shift toward more biomed-like practices, especially in terms of maintaining sterilizers and other essential equipment,” Charlie added.

Both Charlie and Leslie envision the future of the dental repair industry as one that will increasingly emphasize preventive maintenance and standardization, much like other healthcare sectors. “As more practices adopt better documentation and maintenance protocols, the entire industry will benefit,” Charlie concluded.

John Schmidt: Bridging Biomed and Dental with CBET

John Schmidt, Director of Programs at the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET), emphasized the need for formal training and standardization in dental equipment repair. “We identified a gap in the industry—there’s no formal training for dental technicians,” John pointed out. In contrast to other healthcare technology fields, dental repair lacks the standardized certification and training programs that ensure technicians are fully equipped to handle complex equipment.

To address this, CBET has developed a three-phase training program aimed at filling this void. "The first phase introduces technicians to the dental environment, teaching them about the roles in a dental office and the equipment they’ll work with, from chairs to compressors." The second phase dives deeper into dental utilities and support systems, offering both online and hands-on components. “We’re not just focusing on specific manufacturers or products. Our goal is to provide a broad understanding of the dental systems themselves, so technicians can walk into any office and know what they’re dealing with.”

Upon completing the program, technicians will earn college credits and micro-badges that can be added to their credentials. “This program is not just about learning the basics—it’s about creating a pathway to professionalization in dental repair,” John explained. CBET’s vision is to see these training programs lead to a certification in applied sciences, and eventually, an associate degree with a focus in dental technology. "The ultimate goal is to help standardize the industry, raise the level of professionalism, and ensure patients receive safe, reliable care through well-maintained equipment."

Eliece Waggoner: UptimeHealth Leading the Charge in Technology

Eliece Waggoner, VP of Operations at UptimeHealth, offered a in depth reason how technology is reshaping dental operations by making equipment management more efficient. “One of the biggest challenges field technicians’ faces is time. They’re constantly on the go, juggling jobs, taking notes on the fly, and trying to keep track of everything,” Eliece explained. Uptime Health’s solutions are designed to address this issue head-on by streamlining the documentation and scheduling processes, making technicians' lives easier and more productive.

The software allows technicians to receive work orders, log maintenance reports, and track equipment status all in one platform. "Technicians are able to respond to job requests and input critical data on the spot, saving them time and helping dental practices maintain a clear view of their equipment’s condition." This immediate feedback loop helps reduce downtime for practices and improves the overall efficiency of dental operations. "It’s all about giving both technicians and dental offices more visibility into what’s happening with their equipment," Eliece emphasized.

Moreover, the system doesn’t just help technicians—it empowers dental practices to manage their assets more effectively. "Most practices don’t even know the age of their equipment, let alone have a system for tracking when something needs to be replaced," she said. The software’s ability to tag and monitor assets through QR codes, coupled with tracking warranties and purchase histories, gives dental offices a much-needed tool to manage capital expenses. “It’s not just about repairs anymore—it’s about being proactive in managing equipment lifecycles and avoiding costly surprises down the road.” By bringing dental practices up to speed with modern asset management practices, UptimeHealth is paving the way for a more efficient and reliable industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Dental Repair

The conversations at this year’s DentalFix Summit made one thing clear: the dental industry is on the brink of transformation. Whether it’s new software solutions, innovative training programs, or the rise of AI, dental repair is evolving rapidly. With professionals like Gary McHale, Jason Kluttz, the Hunter duo, John Schmidt, and Eliece Waggoner leading the charge, the future looks bright for dental technicians and the practices they serve.

?Stay tuned for more insights from the DentalFix Summit, and join us as we continue to explore the exciting changes shaping the dental and healthcare technology landscape!