Dentaltown September 2013 - (Page 73)

transitions feature by Krista Houstoun, Associate Editor, Dentaltown Magazine There is a sea of software programs designed to help dentists better operate varying degrees of “paperless” – or “chartless” – practices. Dentaltown Magazine reached out to leading dental practice management software companies to discuss why transitioning to a paperless practice isn’t a trend – it’s vital. What are the advantages for dentists transitioning to a paperless practice? Andy Jensen, CMO, Curve Dental: The practice with less paper realizes better organization and security of patient information. Jason McKnight, Coaching Manager, Dentrix: The efficiencies gained by having all the information stored within a single software solution are tremendous. A big fear of having a paperless office is “what if my computers crash?” This is a non-issue when an office follows the recommend back-up protocols of having multiple backups and storing them offsite. Literally, with a laptop and access to the offsite backup, the dentist can be up and running instantly. The bigger fear should be for those offices that have not transitioned to being paperless. What if there were a fire or flood? If you are relying on paper charts to store all clinical information, or worse yet, business information, what would you do then? If you didn’t have the information stored digitally, the information is gone. David Arnett, Co-founder, DentiMax: There are so many benefits to be gained from going paperless that it really is hard to list them all. For example, sending claims electronically is going to result in much faster insurance payments, using digital X-rays to educate patients will result in higher patient compliance with treatment plans, texting appointment reminders to patients will dramatically reduce the no shows, electronically sending prescriptions is faster and reduces the chances for drug and allergy interaction issues, etc. Allen S. Jorgensen, Co-founder, Lighthouse 360: Katrina? Sandy? A “digital office,” having all digital charts, X-rays, etc., is a protected office. This office can be “inconvenienced” by even the most major tragedy (we had an office burn down the other week – and saw the next day’s scheduled patient on time thanks to being all digital!) but will not have any records lost. Now, if we turn that question around and ask about the advantage of keeping a wall of charts: How often is that entire wall “backed up and replicated” to be taken somewhere else and re-created “just in case”? Why is it that with a wall of charts – hundreds or thousands of them sitting there looking at you – that the one that you really want is the one that cannot be found? When a chart is “digital” it is always locatable and the entire office can (and should) be duplicated every night. continued on page 74 dentaltown.com « SEPTEMBER 2013 73 http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown September 2013

Howard Speaks: Getting Poised for Growth
Professional Courtesy: Say Hello to Great Service
Second Opinion: Why Won’t My Practice Sell?
Advice Regarding #8 RCT and Large Apex
Patients Who Refuse Perio Treatment
Corporate Profile: Sesame Communications
Office Visit: Building Bridges in Dentistry
Enhancing a Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in the New Economy
Top 10 Questions Dentists Ask When Buying or Selling a Practice
Women’s Time in Dentistry Has Come
The Benefit of Associate Agreements in Dental Practice Sales
Retirement Transition: “Mr.” Instead of “Dr.”, What Do I Do Now?
Paperless is NOT the New Black
Simple Safe Gingivectomy Around Implants Prior to Impression
Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure
In This Issue: Close Your Mouth
Perio Reports
Profile in Oral Health: Nose Breathing for Good Health, Fitness and Correct Craniofacial Development

Dentaltown September 2013