Henry J. Perez, DDS
Every dentist has different product preferences, but in one sense, we are all the same. Once you find something that you like to use, you don’t want to switch it out. Darby Dental Supply offers a variety of such products that I use in my practice for all types of procedures, from their alginate to various disposables to burs. Since I first started using them around 3 or 4 years ago, Darby Carbide Burs (Figure 1 and Figure 2) have quickly become one of those products that I won’t change in my armamentarium. I use them on a daily basis in my practice. A multifunctional product, Darby Carbide Burs offer excellent cutting capabilities and reliability at an affordable price.
Although I use Darby Carbide Burs primarily for operative applications, they are extremely versatile. I use them to open up access for root canals, and sometimes even as an initial surgical bur if I have to split a tooth. With the 557 burs, I can get the initial surgical preparation started and then transfer to the Darby surgical bur to continue the procedure. I also use them to section crowns that have a precious metal on the substrate. I like the fact that when I need to remove a crown, I don’t have to constantly switch them out and go to a heavier bur.
With other brands that I have used, it is not uncommon to find burs that even right out of the packaging seem like they have already been used for a preparation. I find that unacceptable in terms of the efficiency and real cost to my practice.
Especially in today’s economy, price is a factor when deciding what products to purchase. My staff is always looking to make cost-effective decisions. One time my staff purchased another brand, and I cracked three of the five burs in the pack by barely putting any pressure on the tooth. In short, I’ve tried other products, but I always come back to the 100-pack of Darby Carbide Burs. The price is very reasonable for an excellent and reliable product.
In addition to providing excellent products, Darby is a company that has really been a lifesaver for me. Financially, dentistry has taken a hit, just like everything else, after the problems with the economy started in 2008. We are still recovering, and the banks just don’t loan money as readily anymore. In the past, if equipment broke, you could walk into the bank and get $7,000 or $10,000 over a certain term, and it wasn’t a problem. It’s just not like that anymore.
In the past year, I had a compressor, sterilizer, and x-ray processor that all needed to be replaced, to the tune of $12,000 to $15,000. The banks where I have established business wouldn’t help me, but Darby worked with me. I was able to make a down payment on each piece of equipment, and they created a payment plan for me. I don’t know very many other companies that would have done that.
In fact, I switched to Darby because of the personal touch they provide. I’ve used other supply companies in the past, and it seemed like they really didn’t care too much about your practice and any problems you might have. I’ve found that the Darby reps want to take care of you. We are all in the service business. I give personalized attention to a patient, and Darby does the same for me.
Henry J. Perez, DDS, graduated from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of University of USC in 1982. He has been in private general practice in Ventura County, California, since 1986. Dr. Perez’s practice focuses on individualized patient care, offering restorative dentistry and orthodontics along with a strong hygiene program.
The 100% carbide bur is brazed at the base of the neck instead of the head for maximum strength
Greater blade contact on tooth surface provides excellent cutting every time
The stainless steel shank allows repeated autoclaving without the risk of corrosion
Multiple shapes and sizes are available in 5-, 10-, and 100-count packs
Darby Dental Supply, LLC
800-645-2310
www.darby.com
Figures and Images
Figure 1
Figure 2
