Combining highly specialized care with innovation and convenience for its patients
As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast its shadow across the world, the way most services are provided, including doctor visits, changed seemingly overnight. But the dental profession is known for innovation and rapid deployment of technology to provide care for those who need treatment.
A clear intersection of care and adaptation is the implementation of virtual consultation technology used by Tilghman Orthodontics.
The need to quickly adapt and implement a new technology did not surprise the team at Tilghman Orthodontics. They had begun preparing for the ongoing care of their patients remotely before the COVID-19 outbreak. When steps to limit the potential spread of the virus was recommended by the American Dental Association and mandated by state governments, Tilghman Orthodontics moved forward rapidly in adopting processes to connect with its new and existing patients.
Since orthodontic care is an ongoing process, and Tilghman Orthodontics has patients in active treatment — many with dental appliances in use — seeing patients is crucial in providing safe and professional treatment. The care provided by Tilghman Orthodontics is not a cookie-cutter approach, but a precision plan created and directed by each patient’s needs.
Adapting and moving forward has served Tilghman Orthodontics well. Patients have been able to continue treatment under the watchful eyes of experienced orthodontists. Dr. Tilghman also knows that continuing treatment in this difficult time will help make an “easier transition back into the normal routine” of ongoing treatment.
The virtual consultation process is a simple one. A patient in orthodontic treatment can use a link on the practice’s website to view step-by-step instructions on how to use their smartphone to take and upload intraoral photos to the practice. For new patients, a quick click of a widget on Tilghman Orthodontics’ homepage leads them through a similar process. Dr. Michael Tilghman or Dr. Carrie Schwartz then examines the photos to evaluate the progress of the treatment. Plans can then be altered, if needed, or emergency in-person treatment provided if deemed necessary.
Adapting and moving forward has served Tilghman Orthodontics well. Patients have been able to continue treatment under the watchful eyes of experienced orthodontists. Dr. Tilghman also knows that continuing treatment in this difficult time will help make an “easier transition back into the normal routine” of ongoing treatment.
Have patients followed through and continued treatment using the new and social distancing technology? “I’m surprised at the number of people who have adapted and adapted very quickly,” said Dr. Tilghman.
Connecting remotely with its patients is a powerful addition to the already considerable systems Tilghman Orthodontics has in place. But virtual consultations will not replace the in-person care for which Tilghman Orthodontics is known. The team has made a priority list for appointments once the emergency measures are removed.
Care and innovation are not mutually exclusive. When implemented by passionate professionals, like those at Tilghman Orthodontics, new ways of adapting to provide personalized treatment become second nature. The team at Tilghman Orthodontics is looking forward to not only seeing patients in person once again but also providing care that adapts to each patient’s needs — even through technology.
TILGHMAN ORTHODONTICS
410-742-4813 | 1324 Belmont Avenue, Suite 104, Salisbury
9956 Main Street, Unit 1, Berlin
TilghmanOrthodontics.com