An orthodontist’s office is usually the last place someone would expect to find touch-screen computers, fingerprint scanners and 3-D video presentations.
However, with a digital age zooming into perspective, Dr. Nicole Mullally and her staff at Studio 32 Orthodontics are meeting it head-on.
The office, at 2222 NW 40th Terrace, Suite B, combines digital technology with energy efficiency to create a modern experience for patients, Mullally said.
Mullally said her staff uses digital X-rays and 3-D videos to show patients what will be done to their teeth as well as how to take care of their braces.
Michele Exelbirt, Studio 32 office manager, said although her office strives to meet patients’ needs on a personal level, she stressed the importance of technology.
“I think moving ahead and going into ‘The Jetsons’ way of life is important,” she said.
With technology on hand, Mullally said the office is also energy efficient. It was built using recycleable materials to limit its carbon footprint. She said her office is paperless and has patients sign in for appointments by scanning their fingerprints onto touch-screen computers.
Exelbirt added the office was purposely built near a bus stop so patients wouldn’t have to drive their cars for an appointment.
“The office is doing its very miniscule, atom-sized part in this universe to prevent any more pollution from happening,” she said.
A kids’ section and a Wii gaming console keep children at ease and entertained, said Stephanie Goll, mother of patient Erin Goll.
“The kids’ section is better. I always look for that,” she said. “If we didn’t go to a dentist with computers and things to keep Erin entertained, he’d definitely get bored — at least here he can play the Wii.”
Dr. Nicole Mullally speaks to Cameron Varvel, 10, about braces. Mullally described the best way to maintain and clean braces using a 3-D instructional video.