Contemporary Endodontics is
equipped with sophisticated
equipment like high-powered
microscopes, digital radiographs,
and high-resolution CBCT to
improve diagnostic accuracy and
optimize treatment outcomes.
vide endodontic care with greater confidence and assess when
more complex cases are appropriate for referral.
The practice tailors services to the needs of each referring office
with wide-ranging options that are flexible. “We try to offer as
many options as there are personalities,” says Dr. Wan. “One
dentist may prefer to receive paper reports via the mail, and we
are happy to customize the mode of communication to match
that preference. For doctors who are more comfortable with
new technology, we can email digital x-rays and reports and
provide notifications in real time. Contemporary Endondontics
uses the ‘Refer That Tooth’ portal that enables instant,
secure electronic communication to initiate the referral.”
(www.ReferThatTooth.com)
A staff member who serves as a dedicated liaison reaches out to
connect with referring offices every day to keep the lines of com-
munication open and help provide dynamic, responsive service.
Clear communication between offices helps ensure a high level
of patient satisfaction as well. Referring dentists are provided
with immediate access to the specialists whenever needed via
cell phone, and receive reports immediately following the pa-
tient’s appointment. In select cases, a root canal can be com-
pleted in the morning and the patient can return to the general
dentist for a crown the same day.
8 HOUSTON DENTISTRY | www.houstondentistrymagazine.com
The American Association of Endodontists reports
that while general dentists perform an average of
two root canals a week, an endodontist typically
performs 25 or more each week, resulting in a high
level of clinical proficiency and facility that is espe-
cially helpful in challenging cases.
Dr. Wan grew up in Houston and graduated from endodontic
training in 2008. Since 2010, the practice has welcomed five
associates who came aboard as future partners with a personal
investment in the success of the group. This approach to group
practice yields important advantages for the practitioners and
their patients. Each associate has complete autonomy in clinical
decision-making, including the time spent on each case and the
materials used in treatment, and clinical decisions are never
tied to insurance coverage.
“When I made the decision to bring in the first associate, I could
see how properly structuring our practice could create impor-
tant benefits all around,” notes Dr. Wan. “With a group, we
could expand coverage to accommodate emergencies while
keeping our individual schedules feasible and enjoyable. I have