Byte management

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Choosing the right software package is vital to the success of the practice.

Practice software is a critical component of a dental clinic, but getting the most byte for your buck needs some forward planning.

Not all practice management software is created equal. Some systems are better suited for general practice, others have the complexity required for a specialty clinic. In fact, the only certainty is that software success is dependent on making the right connection at the start.

"Of all the decisions that go into a modern digital practice, when it comes to the technology, the practice management software (PMS) is the most critical," says Dr Lorne Lavine, president of US-based Dental Technology Consultants.

"It's the one thing that is going to tie everything together, that is going to ensure that dentists get paid, that the insurance gets processed and that the patient's data is correct."

The right software will move clients through every facet of the practice with ease, meaning less hassle for the dentist, the front office staff and most importantly, the paying patient. For this reason, user friendliness should top the list of required features.

Dentists, says Lavine, should ask themselves, ‘Can this programme do what the practice needs it to do and is it simple to use?'

Jacklyn Kirby, marketing manager of Centaur Software, suggests creating a roll call of desirable software features and measuring each system against the list.

"Based on your initial requirements, and those that arise during the selection process, you can prioritise which features are important and decide which system will provide the most value to your practice," she explains.

Software try-outs are best done onsite, in the practice. Allow staff to handle the system and report any concerns. Make a note of the steps required to complete basic tasks such as how easy it is to search for patients or unpaid claims.

Lavine and Kirby both advise creating an imaginary patient to see how the software tracks in terms of patient records, scheduling, treatment plans and rescheduling.

Package deal

The level and quality of service support available with a system can make or break a deal for Lavine. If a system goes down halfway through the working day, he says, it's crucial that the practice can get immediate help to put things back on track.

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