Scott Hughey (left), David E. Drake, D.M.D.

The Goal

Streamline orthodontists’ practices and help them transition to Mac OS X by leveraging ACTC certification.

The Assignment

  1. Help clients take full advantage of Apple technology
  2. Leverage existing systems and software
  3. Reduce total cost of ownership for IT
  4. Provide complete solutions for orthodontists, including hardware, software, networking, practice management and imaging solutions

Scott Hughey, owner of MacAnswer, spends much of his time helping clients who previously used Windows move to Mac OS X, a process that both he and his clients find rewarding. “I love it when I’m on the phone helping clients. They are often stunned at how effortless everything is—so stunned that I can almost hear them smiling through the phone,” he says.

Hughey acquired specialized expertise during Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) training that he draws upon when providing solutions to clients. Members who hold the ACTC Certification are Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server specialists, giving them greater knowledge and expertise to perform troubleshooting on server-based systems. As a certified member of the Apple Consultants Network, Hughey is well equipped to help clients reap the full benefits of Apple’s operating system.

“The value of certification and participation in the Apple Consultants Network program has been tremendous. I can share expertise with other members and continually increase my skills to deliver more effective solutions and service for clients.”

— Scott Hughey, owner
    MacAnswer

“By providing a certification path for consultants, Apple reinforces my dedication to the Macintosh platform and lets me present impressive credentials to clients,” says Hughey. “My clients immediately see the value of Apple certification, and I can differentiate my services from those of other consultants.”

The Solution

Implementing complete solutions for orthodontists.
Hughey specializes in providing Mac OS X based practice management and imaging solutions for orthodontists. His clients often start out on Windows or other platforms, but become keenly interested in moving to the Mac once they discover powerful Mac-based solutions such as topsXtreme for practice management and Quick Ceph for working with digitized x-rays.

“Orthodontists are immediately impressed with the Mac OS X solutions when compared with what is available on Windows,” says Hughey. “Then they discover that Macintosh systems last longer and are easier to maintain, and therefore have a lower overall cost of ownership. Then they are really sold.”

Setting up stable networking.
MacAnswer installs iMac and Power Mac G5 computers, often networked using Gigabit Ethernet connections. Hughey says his clients are amazed by the stability of Mac OS X and impressed with how seamlessly Macintosh computers integrate into mixed PC and Macintosh networks.

When David E. Drake, D.M.D. approached MacAnswer, the orthodontist wanted to increase efficiency by making it easier to manage patient images and records and schedule patient visits. MacAnswer delivered a Macintosh based solution that leverages topsXtreme and Quick Ceph to automate the orthodontist’s operations. Hughey installed new Power Mac G5, iMac and PowerBook systems, and configured the mixed PC and Macintosh network. He integrated the Macintosh systems with PC-controlled digital x-ray equipment and a PC-based patient contact system.

“If clients want to keep their Windows machines, they can easily leverage their existing hardware and software investment,” says Hughey. “At the same time, they can take advantage of the stability and power of Mac OS X and share files across platforms—all without disrupting their current operations.”

Expert advice on imaging.
MacAnswer clients often use built-in Mac OS X applications such as iPhoto and iMovie. When used with a digital camera, iPhoto can provide a newly established practice the ability to manipulate digital photos. They can crop and edit patient photos using iPhoto, or use iMovie to create informational videos showing different treatment options. Ease of use makes these applications ideally suited for orthodontist’s practices, where most employees do not have extensive imaging expertise. “It literally takes five minutes to train someone to use iPhoto or iMovie,” says Hughey. “So many expensive imaging applications go unused because they are too complicated.”

Once doctors are established, they can opt to purchase a more advanced program such as Quick Ceph. When used in conjunction with an x-ray machine that can export JPEG images, Quick Ceph can create highly accurate patient imagery.

The Results and Benefits

Tap the advantages of Mac OS X.
Leveraging his Mac expertise and certification, Hughey can help clients take full advantage of Apple technology, from easily sharing files with Windows users to using built-in applications to increase productivity and reduce software and training expenses. Mac OS X is so easy to learn, use, and maintain that Hughey handles most client support over the phone and Internet, using Netopia Timbuktu software to remotely control the client’s Mac.

“Hughey's certification in Mac OS X along with his knowledge of how software and hardware integrate on the Mac Platform have been a large positive to my orthodontic practice. Our network runs more effectively with fewer problems and less down time. I feel very fortunate to have MacAnswer's services and professional attitude available to my practice.”

— Dr. David E. Drake, D.M.D.

Improved productivity.
MacAnswer clients report increased efficiency because Mac OS X is more stable, less troublesome, and more enjoyable to use than their previous operating systems. And, with built-in Gigabit Ethernet for networking, clients can communicate and share large image files at top speed.

For Dr. Drake, their new Mac OS X network increases efficiency, because all of his operations are automated and integrated. Images flow directly from his PC-based digital x-ray machine to his Mac-based practice management software. There is no need to send patient images from one system to another, and Dr. Drake and his staff have easy access to patient images that are linked to each patient record.

“Hughey’s ACTC certification along with his knowledge of how software and hardware integrate on the Mac platform have been a large positive to my orthodontic practice,” says Dr. Drake. “Our network runs more effectively with fewer problems and less down time. I feel very fortunate to have MacAnswer’s services and professional attitude available to my practice.”

Exceptional solutions and service.
For Hughey and his clients, certification in Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server make a world of difference. “The value of certification and participation in the Apple Consultants Network has been tremendous,” says Hughey. “I can share expertise with other members and continually increase my skills to deliver more effective solutions and service for clients.”