The dental practice has evolved over the years and only a few dentists are using computers and technology. As a result, they find themselves having to deal with multiple challenges when it comes to making their practice more efficient.
Thus it becomes crucial to use dental software that allows you to operate at a desired level of efficiency and seamlessly manage patient records and practice information. When it comes to choosing dental software, it is important to avoid the most common mistakes that some dental practices tend to make during the selection of the tool.
1. Outdated technology
When you are looking for a software solution for your dental practice, you want a solution that can easily integrate with other critical applications. Investing in a desktop practice management tool isn’t the best way to go about it. Rather, it will put your practice at a disadvantage as integration with the existing line of software will be difficult and expensive.
Look for a cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates with other popular dental practice applications.
2. Operating system
Gone are the days when Macintosh systems were widely popular with dental practices for their ease of use. Today, Macintosh has been acquired by a company with PC-based dental software programs. As the user base of Macintosh is decreasing, it is likely that it won’t be possible to provide support and service for such systems. Purchasing a Macintosh operating system will be a mistake for new dental practitioners looking for a software solution to streamline their practice efficiency.
Linux is also giving good competition to Macintosh as a better alternative for dental practices. However, as of now, only a few products are compatible with Linux, which means the operating system isn’t the best solution for dentists at this time.
3. Features
Every software solution comes with a number of bells and whistles. Not all dental practices need each of these features. As a result, they end up paying more for solutions that are redundant to their practice.
It is important to review and assess your requirements and then decide which features will serve your purpose best. There are certain areas of practice management solutions that are used by all practices, including treatment planning, patient registration & scheduling, recall patient management and insurance processing.
Remember, every practice is unique. It is important to research different programs to determine which features the best fit your requirements.
4. Staff involvement
When it comes to choosing a dental software solution for your practice, it is important to involve your staff in this decision, especially end users who are responsible for handling administrative functions. Most practices do not consider this factor while selecting the software and end up finding that the end users are not able to use the system and optimize its features, which proves disastrous for their practice.
Determine the way a software system works and assess its features to make sure that your investment proves to be an invaluable resource for your practice.
It is important that the product you choose can integrate and work with the software and hardware of your existing products. Of course, you won’t want to invest in a solution with an underpowered software component that handles clinical data, including digital x-rays.
Keep in mind that the software you choose should adapt to your practice and how you prefer to process patients. If you choose poorly designed software, it may force you to change the way you practice and see and treat patients.
5. Training & Support
Do you want to invest in a solution that is not backed up by a strong support staff team? Of course not! Unfortunately, some dental practices ignore this aspect when it comes to choosing dental software and end up with a tool that is hard to use without adequate training from the vendor’s end. Moreover, there are several issues that require ongoing vendor support when you are running the software.
If the software you plan to purchase does not come with in-class training, you are in for a surprise, and you may want to invest in a solution package that includes classroom training. Even if the solution doesn’t offer training, it will be best to invest in learning the solution. Remember, dental management programs can be complex to use.
Additionally, some dentists forget to factor in the cost of ongoing support. When you are wondering how to choose a dental program, try to find out whether the vendor offers free ongoing support for the first year so that there are no last-minute surprises for you.
Are updates included in the first year? What will be the cost of updates in the following years? Does the vendor offer on-site support? Is training included in the price? How efficient and trained are the support staff members?
The more information you have about a software package, the better!
If you are still confused as to which dental software will make the right fit for your practice, come in touch with the ITQlick experts. We will recommend the best dental practice solution for you.