Schick CDR Digital Radiography FAQ

We have provided this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list to inform you of the most commonly requested facts regarding CDR. If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us at 1-888-4-SCHICK and we would be happy to help.

Questions about Schick CDR

1. What does "CDR" stand for?
2. Is CDR cost effective?
3. Does CDR completely replace all my film needs?
4. What are the physical and active area sizes of the sensors?
5. Will CDR work with my existing x-ray tube?
6. Is the diagnostic quality of a digital radiography system as good as that of film?
7. What are the minimum hardware requirements for CDR?
8. Is it possible to capture digital photographic images in Schick CDR?
9. How large will the image files be?
10. How can I use CDR with my practice management software?
11. Does Schick CDR conform to the requirements of DICOM?
12. Which sensors should I purchase?
13. How safe is my data with CDR?
14. How can I clean my Schick sensor?
15. How do I train my staff to use CDR?
16. What are the terms of warranty for the Schick CDR system
17. Is there a way to extend the reach of the sensor even further than the maximum with CDR approved USB cables?

General Information about Digital Radiography

1. It's been my experience that computer products often go down in price over time. Should I wait to buy CDR?
2. What is the significance of the line pair / millimeter test? And why do Schick images appear cleaner and crisper than competitors with higher lp/mm ratings?
3. What can you tell me about “image noise”?
4. Will I have to change the way my practice handles radiography?

Miscellaneous Questions

1. What is sensor fatigue?
2. What do veterinary practices usually charge for digital radiographs?
3. Are there any current specials for being run by Schick Technologies at this time?
4. Why didn’t Schick Technologies participate in the 2008 Sensor Shootout conducted by Dr. Tony Woodward
5. What options do I have if I can’t turn my x-ray head exposure time down far enough?
6. The staff at our clinic could use some training on positioning, could you recommend someone?
7. Are there any books, publications, videos and/or websites that you would recommend for veterinary dentistry, digital radiography and/or dental health?

Questions about Schick CDR

1. What does "CDR" stand for?
   CDR Stands for "Computed Dental Radiography" and is a registered trademark of Schick Technologies, Inc.
2. Is CDR cost effective?
   Yes. CDR will save time and reduce the consumable waste associated with film and processing. In most cases, our customers enjoy a significant and rapid financial return on their investment. These benefits are most fully realized when a practice goes completely digital and no longer needs a processor or darkroom.
3. Does CDR completely replace all my film needs?
   Currently, Schick offers three different types of intraoral sensors; sizes 0, 1 and 2. This variety will satisfy virtually every intraoral imaging need. Some veterinarians say that a size 4 sensor would be helpful.  However, given the speed at which two size 2 images can be shot most Schick Technology adherents think that this is a preferred and cost-effective method for image acquisition
4. What are the physical and active area sizes of the sensors?
   Each item below lists the sensors in size order: Size 0, Size 1, and Size 2. All dimensions are in millimeters (mm).

·         Size of outer sensor: 31x22; 37x24; 43x30

·         Size of sensor active area: 24x18; 30x20; 36x25.6

·         Size of sensor thickness: less than 5

5. Will CDR work with my existing X-ray tube?
   The CDR system will work with virtually any X-ray tube and requires no physical contact with your X-ray source.  If your X-ray tubes are very old, you may find that you get even better images if you purchase a newer "digital ready" DC tube system and there is some guidance below on the differences between the two types.  Additionally, talk to your sales representative about the establishing the correct settings for your unit. 

AC x-ray heads fire with a sine wave shaped pulse – and not always consistently – thus delivering a slightly different amount of radiation with each exposure.  So, even with all other things being equal (exposure time, distance between x-ray head and sensor, angle, target, etc.) the exact same shot can be darker or lighter because of the inconsistency in the radiation from the AC x-ray head.

DC x-ray heads fire with a square wave pulse and as such deliver a very consistent level of radiation with each shot.  One would have very little – if any – variation amongst images with the same parameters (exposure time, distance between x-ray head and sensor, angle, target, etc.)

6. Is the diagnostic quality of a digital radiography system as good as that of film?
   Schick CDR produces superior image quality equal to film, meeting ADA Seal of Acceptance requirements. In addition, CDR has features like zoom, contrast, colorize, and more! - features that make diagnosis easier and more precise. CDR also brings you benefits you don't get from film: up to 90% lower radiation dosage, greater patient satisfaction, and patient education.
7. What are the minimum hardware requirements for CDR?
   Please click here for a current list of system requirements.
8. Is it possible to capture digital photographic images in Schick CDR?
   Yes, with the Schick Intraoral camera, you can quickly and easily capture real-time digital images directly into Schick CDR. Should you already have a digital camera, you may be able to configure it to provide streaming video directly into Schick CDR. To achieve this, the camera must support Svideo or Composite with a capture card that supports this functionality or a digital camera that is USB 2.0 with DirectX compatible.  Or if you have digital photographs in JPG format, you can import those photos directly into an existing examination.
9. How large will the image files be?
   File size estimates are as follows:

·         Size 2 sensor images                500kb

·         Size 1 sensor images                450kb

·         Size 0 sensor images                300kb

10. How can I use CDR with my practice management software?
    Some software vendors provide integrated versions of their products which allow you to switch between practice management or charting tasks and CDR automatically, without having to re-enter patient information. This list is growing as more practice management software vendors recognize the growing popularity of Schick CDR in the veterinary industry. The Universal Integration Module, available for domestic customers with CDR DICOM 3.5, supports integration in cases where it is not already provided by the practice management program itself.

Additionally, any program that has TWAIN acquisition can be configured to acquire x-ray images with Schick hardware.

Schick currently works with the following companies:

·         Intravet

·         Cornerstone

·         Impromed

·         Tigerview for Vet

·         Radinfosys

·         WebPAX (available for free at www.WebPAX.com)

·         Eklin’s eFilm (PACS server)

·         Coactiv (PACS server)

·         Fuji Medical System’s Axon (PACS)

·         IDEXX (PACS)

 

 

11. Does Schick CDR conform to the requirements of DICOM?

Schick CDR conforms with the standards of DICOM.  Our conformance statement can be downloaded via the following link:

http://www.schicktech.com/items.php?catid=502

We also offer an FAQ to answer your DICOM related questions via this link:

http://www.schicktech.com/items.php?catid=562

12. Which sensors should I purchase?
    The size 2 sensor is the most commonly used sensor for general practitioners. The size 1 sensor is very beneficial for taking anterior radiographs. The size 0 sensor has been found to be useful for taking radiographs of cats, small animals and for special cases where access is severely limited.
13. How safe is my data with CDR?
    The CDR software automatically saves your images as soon as they are accepted. In order to ensure the safety of your data in the event of a disk failure, it is important that you have a data backup system such as a tape and that you perform backups on a regular basis.
14. How can I clean my Schick sensor?
    Schick advocates the use of barriers / sheaths to mitigate the risk of spreading bacteria between patients. However, we also advocate that clinicians wipe the sensor with a surface disinfectant.
15. How do I train my staff to use CDR?
    All new Schick systems sold by Webster include in-office training by your regional Webster Digital Equipment Specialist. The training takes place in your office at a time that is most convenient for you and your staff and we cannot stress enough that your experience with digital radiography will be significantly enhanced.
16. What are the terms of warranty for the Schick CDR system?
    Schick CDR is warranted against all manufacturing defects for a period of two years.  Should your sensor fail during this two year period (determined during a call to the Patterson Technology Center) you will be sent replacement equipment overnight so that your inconvenience is minimized and your are up and running as quickly as possible.  This level of commitment to our  customers is what clearly separates us from our competitors.

Please contact your local Webster representative or Webster Digital Equipment specialist for further information about customer support, troubleshooting, and the Webster Service Club. (Toll-Free 866-265-5972)

17. Is there a way to extend the reach of the sensor even further than the maximum with CDR approved USB cables?
    Yes, Schick has tested a few "booster" extension USB cables that augment your existing setup.

·         For USB 2.0 equipped systems IO Gear model #GUE216

·         For USB 1.1 equipped systems IO Gear model #G2LUB16

Schick in no way takes responsibility for other manufacturer’s equipment

General Information about Digital Radiography

1. It's been my experience that computer products often go down in price over time. Should I wait to buy CDR?
   Digital radiography is not a consumer item like PCs or digital cameras. It is a sophisticated diagnostic imaging tool designed specifically for use in a professional dental environment. Development costs of improving existing and creating new technology are high, and in fact, prices of superior systems like CDR have actually climbed over the last five years.
   There are companies that sell relatively inexpensive systems. But as the old axiom goes, "you get what you pay for." If you consider digital radiography as an investment in the growth of your practice and carefully analyze the payback (ROI), you will find that you can afford the best.
2. What is the significance of the line pair / millimeter test? And why do Schick images appear cleaner and crisper than competitors with higher lp/mm ratings?
   The line pair test is often cited by manufacturers as a valid metric for selecting an imaging system. That said, you should be aware that the manufacturers usually provide the theoretical value (the lp/mm that is theoretically possible, but never achieved) based on their respective pixel sizes. However, if you took a line pair plate and x-rayed it, almost all manufacturer’s would have a figure of less than 10 lp/mm with some at about 12 lp/mm. Manufacturers can build a sensor to produce excellent results for taking an x-ray of a line pair plate (which is a two dimensional, high-contrast object) that perform poorly when taking an x-ray of a tooth (which is a three dimensional, low-contrast object).
   How?
   The answer lies within the sensor packaging. One competitor uses a SFPO which stands for scintillating fiber optic plate whereas we use a standard FOP with the scintillation material (the phosphor) separate from the FOP. When you combine the scintillation material inside of the glass plate (some competitors), you increase resolution for 2D objects (line pair plates), but decrease resolution for 3D objects (teeth).
   Simply put, we don't maximize line pairs, we maximize signal-to-noise ratio. Larger pixels contain less noise and smaller pixels have more noise. Noise affects the clarity of the image and what you can actually discern in the image. If you have access to an x-ray head, it would be worthwhile to have a head-to-head with whatever competitive system and in that way you can evaluate the results free of any enhanced and optimized images.

For a third-party discussion, please visit Dr. Matt Wright’s website at:

http://animalinsides.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=84

3. What can you tell me about “image noise”?

For a third-party discussion on “image noise”, please visit Dr. Matt Wright’s website at:

http://animalinsides.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=84

4. Will I have to change the way my practice handles radiography?
   The CDR system uses the same radiological techniques that you currently use. The system allows you to take the same anatomical areas that you would with film.

Miscellaneous Questions

1. What is sensor fatigue?
   Schick sensors do not experience sensor fatigue (display of a poor contrast and/or blurred image due to quick consecutive images) because the Schick sensors are electronically cleaned between every image to provide the highest quality diagnostic image achievable. If a sensor is not electronically cleaned between consecutive shots, a portion of the previous image may still exist and corrupt a subsequent shot. Sensor fatigue occurs in some competitive radiography systems when they expose successive shots quickly.
2. What do veterinary practices usually charge for digital radiographs?
   While every practice has to determine their own pricing, generally practices following one of two approaches:

·         Approximately $25 for the first shot and $15 for each subsequent shot

·         One to three shots for $65, four to six shots for $105, and more than six shots $135

3. Are there any current specials for Schick Technologies at this time?

Schick Technologies is pleased to offer free software to anyone…even without a purchase.  Simply register and you can download a full version of our latest software via this link.

Schick is also very pleased to offer the “Competitive Exchange Program” to anyone interested in turning in a competitive digital imaging system…working or not.  Details of the program and pricing can be obtained directly from your Webster Veterinary Supply representative (link to Webster Branch map) or by emailing vetsales@schicktech.com

4. Why didn’t Schick Technologies participate in the 2008 Sensor Shootout?

Schick Technologies was honored and pleased to be one of four participants in the inaugural “Sensor Shootout” from 2007.  The results of the testing can still be seen at this website:

http://vetdentalrad.com/shootout/image/index.html

Schick Technologies, decided against participating in the “Sensor Shootout” in 2008 for two reasons.  Primarily, scheduling conflicts with the host (although very flexible on his end) were too difficult to overcome.  The secondary reason was that Schick did not introduce new hardware in the calendar year and any new software did not include image enhancements; thus the image quality being tested would be the same as the prior year.

However, the 2008 “Sensor Shootout” did include a further test beyond the image testing; the inclusion of a third-party evaluation of each participants conformance to the DICOM standard.  Schick Technologies is proud to be one of two dental participants to have passed…

http://www.animalinsides.com/index.php/Digital-Imaging-Tutorials/DICOM-Validation.html

5. What options do I have if I can’t turn my x-ray head exposure time down far enough?

We recommend that you speak with the manufacturer of the x-ray head to see if they could recommend any additional ways to lower the duration of the x-ray shot.  Short of that, there are two options.

·         Pull the x-ray head slightly away from the sensor.  This is not ideal as it will lead to increased noise in the image, but it will also lower the radiation exposure to the sensor.

·         There is a company that manufactures a filter for reducing the radiation at the x-ray source.  We do not take responsibility for the success or failure of the product that they sell, however, we have heard that the devices work with some client’s systems.  The company is Margraf Corp and the filters can be ordered via their website (http://www.margrafcorp.com/aluminum-filtration.html)

6. The staff at our clinic could use some training on positioning, image acquisition and/or veterinary dentistry , could you recommend someone?

Schick cannot endorse the work of any individual or group, but we may be able to furnish you with the name and contact information for someone.  However, we still advise you to conduct your own due diligence and check references.  If you are interested in finding someone in your area, please email vetsales@schicktech.com and we will be happy to put you in touch with someone.

7. Are there any books, publications, videos and/or websites that you would recommend for veterinary dentistry, digital radiography and/or dental health?

Books for digital radiography and veterinary dentistry

·         “Atlas of Dental Radiography in Dogs and Cats”, by Gregg DuPont and Linda DeBowes

·         “Veterinary Dentistry for the Small Animal Technician”, by M. Lynne Kesel

·         “Veterinary Dentistry:  Principles and Practice”, by Robert Wiggs and Heidi Lobprise

·         “An Atlas of Veterinary Dental Radiology”, by Ben Colmery and Donald Deforge

Publications and proceedings for digital radiography and veterinary dentistry

·         “How to obtain the best dental radiographs”, by Brook A. Niemiec (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Interpreting dental radiographs: The clues to clinical disease”, by Brook A. Niemiec (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Dental radiography: Small improvements to technique can make a big difference”, by Brett Beckman (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Veterinary dental radiography simplified (Proceedings”, by Brett Beckman (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Oral pathology & dental charting: Part 1 (Proceedings)”, uncited author (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Oral pathology & dental charting: Part 2 (Proceedings)”, uncited author (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Promoting dentistry through client education (Proceedings)”, uncited author (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Sink your teeth into year-round dental care”, by W. Andrew Rollo (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Talking teeth with timid clients”, by Brendan Howard (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “How to incorporate dental radiology into your practice”, by Jan Bellows (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Let technicians polish dental practice success”, by Jan Bellows (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “ADA Professional Product Review”, pages 9 through 15 (available via http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/ppr/archives/0607_ppr.pdf)

Videos for digital radiography and veterinary dentistry

·         “What are your recommendations regarding dental home care and dental radiography”, by Brook A. Niemiec (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Visualizing the bisecting angle technique”, by Brook A. Niemiec (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Radiographing the maxillary canines in dogs”, by Brook A. Niemiec (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

·         “Intraoral radiology (Proceedings)”, by Benjamin H. Colmery III (available via www.vetmedpub.com)

Websites for dental health and dentistry

·         “Dental Care for Dogs and Cats”, by Marian Brown (available via http://healing.about.com/od/cats/a/dentaldogcat.htm)

·         “Periodontal Disease”, by Pfizer Animal Health (available via http://www.pfizerah.com/health.aspx?country=US&species=FL〈=EN&drug=PU&t=2318&key=1849&type=3&sec)

·         “Dental Health Care for Your Pet”, at HealthyPetJournal.com (available via http://www.healthypetjournal.com/default.aspx?tabid=25107)

·         “Treatments and Procedures”, by Ben H. Colmery III (available via http://vetdentistry.com/treatments.html)

·         “10 Steps to scale like a pro”, by Brett Beckman (available via www.vetmedpub.com)