As we all know, changes can bring a myriad of emotions into one's life especially if is has anything to do with technological advances in one's own profession. On one hand we look forward to it because we know that it will enable us to finally step into the 21 st century but on the other hand we are hesitant as we often are with new things. We need to sort out these contradictory feelings and decide if we want to be part of a modern, advancing world or we want to be left behind in the Stone Ages.

In the year 2000, I specifically encountered all of the excitement and all of the growing painsthat come along with modernizing a dental office. I decided to fully computerize my New York dental office and to become paperless with the help of Dental Systems Inc. which basically changed my practicing habits, schedule and quality of life. I went from an overworked inefficient dentist to a “time to spare” productive dentist in a matter of a few months. I wanted to eliminate the majority if not all paperwork and radiographic film from my office and with the help of Dental Systems Inc. I was able to choose the right software, computer and digital radiographic system with an intraoral camera and integrate it successfully. Choosing the right software and customizing a system to your needs is integral in achieving ultimate results. After a thorough research of the 2000 market we chose Dentisoft/PracticeWorks, Dell computers and Trophy Digital Radiographic/Intraoral Systems for the office. The treatment rooms were computerized with the Trophy software, Dell flat panel screens, wireless keyboard and mouse.

To have the patient's file which includes personal, medical, financial information, lab prescriptions, digital radiographs, progress notes all on one screen and not have to run around and try to locate it in different places is phenomenal. I remember many occasions when the staff and I have wasted time and looking unprofessional trying to locate either a patient's paper file or misplaced radiographs instead of clicking on a few buttons and having everything ready at our fingertips. This is no longer an issue because every piece of information is scanned in and saved under the respective file.

Storage is another key issue that people might not have thought about. Dentists that have been practicing for more than 10 years can accumulate thousands of paper charts and need to hold on to them due to the legal requirements of 7 years for each patient. You eventually need to rent a separate space just to store all the inactive files. This sounds like money thrown in the wind not to mention the money that you save on copy machine, toner, paper and all the trees that no longer need to be sacrificed. If you practice paperless dentistry all you do is save the files on a disc and store it in your drawer.

By successfully integrating all the technology and having a fully networked system, meaning all info is readily available to all treatment rooms as well as front desk staff, it can save a lot of time and frustration. Cross training assistants, receptionists and hygienist we can accommodate the patients more effectively by being able to look at the files right then and there in the treatment rooms, scheduling their next appointment, taking insurance information and billing for the procedures that were performed. An e-claim feature can be attached and the insurance statements no longer need to be sent via regular mail which usually prolongs the processing of the claim. The e-claim will decrease the length of time that a check is cut by the insurance company and by having it directly deposited into your bank account your cash flow will increase in a flash. This is definitely a bonus that you don't want to miss out on.

Every patient that came in through my office door, either new or a recall patient was amazed when all the information was extracted at the click of a few buttons and they could actually view their photos, x rays and personal data on a flat panel screen in front of them. They became active participants in their treatment. My patients were my best critics who commented on the advancement of my office. They were glad that I am keeping up with the latest technology and appreciated the investment that I made to provide better, more accurate and more efficient service to them. I am sure that all of us recall that feeling of accomplishment when they are commended on a deed well done.

Computerizing and transforming my office into a paperless dental practice was probably the best investment that I made when it came to patient management, staff efficiency and professional quality care to my patients. Today I am a modern, professional dentist finally practicing with the tools provided by the 21 st century and the help of Dental Systems. Inc. Hopefully everyone ready to embark on such a change will have just as great of an experience as I had.

Dr. Andrea Botar DDS