For parents, the decision that their child will need orthodontics is not something made spontaneously without first hearing the doctor’s expert advice and recommendations for resolving the situation. Understandably, the consultation is an event that both parents want to be present for, but in the majority of cases such a scenario is unrealistic due to work demands. Needless to say, assuring parents of the need for orthodontics is much easier for Orthodontists when both parents are present. Parents are not likely to move forward with treatment unless they are assured of the necessity, and who better to articulate that than the doctor or Treatment Coordinator in a real-time consultation.

BeamYourScreen, the provider of numerous web-conferencing tools, has developed an innovative new product that enables parents to take part in orthodontic visits even while at home or at the workplace. With screen sharing technology, Beam2Present allows doctors to present any content on their computer live over the Internet while discussing the situation with the absent parent over the phone. When unable to attend the consultation, parents can now view anything the doctor wishes to show such as the patient’s digital images, digital x-rays, patient educational software (including videos) and even 3-D digital study models, all while listening to the doctor over the phone and participating in a real-time consultation. Parents simply open a standard Internet browser and enter a unique session ID number, enabling them to instantly view the doctor’s desktop content in real-time and true color quality. It is equivalent to a website with a real time picture of the doctor’s desktop content.

Beam2Present technology has already brought benefits to the orthodontic world, something Dr. Doug Depew of Depew Orthodontics has experienced first-hand. "It has dramatically improved our conversion ratio, and the common objection "Oh I need to talk to Dad first" is now rarely heard", explains Dr. Depew.

The session transmission is 256 Bit encrypted, ensuring the privacy of the patient and their personal data. The doctor’s PC content is only visible when a session is running and a guest has joined the session with a unique 9 digit session ID.

Getting started with Beam2Present is quick and easy – a matter of learning in seconds and mastering in minutes. Doctors only need to install a small piece of software on their computer to be able to host a session. Upon starting a session, the doctor obtains a 9-digit session ID and has the parent enter this ID on their own computer in order to join the session. Without any downloads or firewall changes required, the parent can then join the live presentation either from the Beam2Present homepage or right from the doctor’s website. An included feature makes it possible for the doctor to record the presentation so the parents may later relive the consultation. Once the presentation and consultation is complete, the doctor may end the meeting and subsequently the transmission of their computer screen. As there is no downloading required on the parent’s side to join a session, they leave the consultation with no unnecessary software on their computer, only a greater understanding of their child’s orthodontic situation.