Saving Trees, One Tooth at a Time

Walk into Le Chic Dentistry and you’ll notice a space free of clutter, a place devoid of noises that most office workers have become accustomed to as they go about their daily routine.
What’s different at this forward-thinking practice is there’s no paper to be found anywhere (except the bathroom, of course) — a move that is not only a first for a dental practice on the Westside, but also one that reflects the personal commitment of its dentist owners, Maryam Hadian and Pouria Sadri, who specialize in cosmetic and implant dentistry.
“We wanted our office to resonate with warmth and care for our patients and also demonstrate, in a real way, what people can do every day to make small changes that can have a huge impact,†Dr Hadian says.
The Brentwood residents have incorporated digital technology throughout their recently opened office; an expensive initial investment, they say, but an important one.
“In the long term, the paperless system is more cost-effective than keeping traditional paper charts,†says Dr Sadri. “It also reduces toxicity issues associated with dentistry, an important factor in protecting the health of staff and patients.â€
The environmentally friendly system works like this: A first time patient is directed to a computer workstation to fill out their information. Their file is kept in digital format rather than traditional paper files, including charts, x-rays, camera images, prescriptions and clinical notes.
“For the patient, the benefits are enormous,†Dr Hadian says. “Everything can be done online, from requesting an appointment, making a payment or accessing their account.â€
That translates well when a patient is traveling too, they say. Dental records can be accessed worldwide and if necessary, emailed to any doctor with computer access. If a problem were to arise, patients can provide valuable information to a dentist in any country in the world that could speed relief and healing.
Another advantage is doctors can log in to view records when they are away from the office. A patient with an after-hours question or emergency can also receive informed care in an instant.
The system saves mounds of paper each week.
“Having a newborn made us realize that it was no longer ‘just about us’ and that we needed to do our part to reduce waste and make the environment better for the next generation,†says Dr Hadian.
The doctors also wanted their office to be a warm environment — one that would immediately put their patients at ease, as such they chose not to lease traditional office space, and instead purchased Gloria’s Bakery, at Venice and Sawtelle, and completely remodeled it.
“Our decor was chosen to give the office the look and welcoming feel of a home. It has charm and a spa-like quality, which is helpful in decreasing patient anxiety,†says Dr Hadian.
Serene, state of the art patient rooms are filled with natural light. Outfitted with intra-oral cameras, the doctors capture digital x-rays that can be viewed in minutes on flat screen monitors.
Patients can also see in real time what the dentist is looking at, affording a new level of integration and education.
“We practice ‘show, tell, do’ with our patients, allowing them to see exactly what we are doing. Fear comes from not knowing,†says Dr Hadian.
“The high resolution of digital imaging allows for a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment options for patients. It also allows 60-90 percent less exposure to harmful radiation and eliminates the need for highly toxic chemicals used in traditional x-rays.â€
Digital will soon become the standard for dental care, with all medical records to be electronic by 2014. The benefits are a wiser, healthier and greener choice for all.
For more information about Le Chic Dentistry, visit www.lechicdentist.com