Sidekick - Winter 2012 - (Page 23)

Using the iPad to Optimize Your Practice My stance has always been that we are not in the dentistry profession working with people but rather working with people providing dentistry. Therefore, “connecting” with patients is key—day in and day out. How do we connect? We ask insightful questions, provide clear explanations, and relate with sincerity. Patients don’t remember necessarily what you said but rather how you make them feel. This creates loyalty as we are developing relationships, and from that, deep mutual trust and respect develops. As a result, patients will follow and accept your treatment advice. This to me is the highest of priorities. —Dr. Cynthia Brattesani It might seem contrary that technology, which is often derided as something that keeps us from genuine face-to-face interactions with others, can help doctors connect with patients. But it’s true. Smart devices, and in particular the iPad, are allowing dental teams to share information with patients in a more userfriendly, engaging way. From the threeyear-old who’s entertained on the plane to the business executive presenting in the boardroom, the iPad and its endless supply of apps have changed the way we play, and it can change the way we work. It’s called a “smart” device for a reason. It will optimize care and streamline the workflow in every room of your dental practice. ~Reception Area Patients cultivate their opinion of your practice in the reception area. Use of an iPad can enhance every part of their experience here from the check-in and required paperwork completion to their entertainment and comfort during any waiting time. • At check-in: Replace “old school” paper and clipboard and have patients complete forms on the iPad, which are imported into DENTRIX from the practice Web site or iPad, with a few clicks. Apps Needed: Dentrix Kiosk • Self-service consent forms: Forms can be set with required fields that expire after a pre-determined amount of time, ensuring that data is current. Apps Needed: DENTRIX Kiosk • Check-in alerts operatory staff: The appointment status in the DENTRIX Appointment Book is automatically updated to indicate that the patient has completed the forms and is ready for the operatory. Apps Needed: DENTRIX Kiosk • As patients wait: Provide wi-fi, branded to your practice. Give patients an iPad loaded with digital magazines and newspapers, games, videos, social networking apps like Facebook and Foursquare, where they can “check in.” Dental care videos can also be provided as a service to patients through Guru. Apps Needed: Flipboard, Foursquare, Facebook, NetFlix, Guru • Display 3-D videos and interactive demos: Explain diagnoses and treatment plans and give patients a superior level of understanding. Apps Needed: Guru • Put digital X-rays into patients’ hands: Enlarge or zoom in to images while sharing your diagnosis with patients as they hold an iPad in their laps. Choose from several iPad apps that can remotely access the computer that houses the DENTRIX image software. Apps Needed: Splashtop, iTeleport, or Jump Desktop • Patient file photos: Use the iPad or another digital camera for non-clinical patient photos. Patients find it fun and intriguing—and it’s less intimidating for some. Several iPad apps allow you to upload photos that can be viewed on all Apple devices in the office. Apps Needed – Apple IOS 5 / iCloud or Dropbox ~Treatment Rooms/Consultation Room Pictures are worth a thousand words, and are an excellent catalyst for conversation between doctor and patient. This “co-discovery” opens up conversation at a whole different level, sealing the message and fulfilling expectations for doctor and patient. sidekick | winter 2012 23

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Winter 2012

Sidekick - Winter 2012
Table of Contents
Johnson Family Dental
A Switch—Just in Time
We Do That!
Using the iPad to Optimize Your Practice
Henry Schein Financial Services
Examining Patient Financing
Keep Score and Win With Technology!
Carr Pediatric Dentistry
Privileges
Lasers. It’s Time to Start Lighting It Up and Learning!
Individuality and Compatibility
E4D Compass: Showing Us the Right Way
Lake Shore Cosmetic Dentistry
Designing and Building the Dental Office That Works for You— A Step-by-Step Guide
TechCentral
Secure? Are You Sure?
Henry Schein Financial Services
Professional Practice Transitions

Sidekick - Winter 2012