United Kingdom Edition March 15-21, 2010 Practice Management Tribune 13 handle all of these functions, most fall short of this. Fortunately, there are a number of thirdparty programs that can provide functionality where the practice management programs cannot. Some of the systems that I’ve recommended in the past include Dentforms (www.medictalk.com) to handle patient signatures and online forms, DemandForce (www.demandforce. com) for patient confirmations and surveys, Uappoint (www. uappoint.com) for confirmations and online scheduling, and paperless Technologies (www.gopaperlessnow.com) for patient demographic forms. Image management software. This is probably the most challenging decision for any practice. Most of the practice management programs will offer an image management module: These modules are tightly integrated with the practice management software and will tend to work best with digital systems sold by the company. There are also many thirdparty image programs that will bridge very easily to the practice management software and offer more flexibility and choices, although with slightly less integration. Operatory design. The days of a single intraoral camera and a TV in the upper corner are being replaced by more modern systems. The majority of offices are placing two monitors in the operatories, one for the patient to view images or patient education or entertainment, and one for the dentist and staff to use for charting and treatment planning and any HIpAA-sensitive information, such as the daily schedule or other information you would prefer that the patient not see. Windows and other software have built-in abilities to allow you to control exactly what appears on each screen. There are numerous ergonomic issues that must be addressed when placing the monitors, keyboards, and mice. For example, a keyboard that is placed in a position that requires the dentist to twist his or her back around will cause problems, as will a monitor that is improperly positioned. The Dental Chair potato ciding whether you prefer the (http://www.dentalchairpotato. patient to see the monitor com/) is the best example of when they are completely rea system that makes life easier clined in the chair. If this is for the doctor and staff as well as the case, then the options the patient. are a bit more limited for monitor placement. There are some very high-tech monComputer hardware. After itor systems that not only the software has been chosen allow the patient to see the and the operatories designed, screen, but create a more it’s time to add the computers. relaxing environment for paMost offices will require a deditients who are considering long Another important decision cated server in order to protect procedures. for the office will involve Document-PDF rippers.qxd 09/03/2010 17:17 Page 1 data as well as having the their dental_imaging_dc copy.qxd:A4 - de- 4 necessary horsepower to run the network. The server is the lifeblood of any network, and it’s important to design a server that is both bulletproof, has redundancy built-in for the rare times that a hard drive might crash, and can easily be restored. The workstations must be configured to handle the higher graphical needs of the pracà DT page 14 2 Digital X-ray Systems Dürr VistaScan Mini New Image plate scanner from Durr, making diagnostics even quicker for dentists. Small, fast and easy to operate due to innovative design and functionality. Digora Optime Deluxe 3 Brand New Generation of Wireless Digital Sensor Radiography with highest image resolution available. Kodak RVG 6500 For further details and other offers - please call us or www.thedentalimagingcompany.co.uk or call 0845 602 4944 see our full range of products on our website & online shop High Resolution Diagnostics A new way of looking at dental structures and pathologies, giving you 3-dimensional reconstruction for confident diagnoses. Upgradable to 9000 3D. Kodak 9000 New intraoral Camera from Kodak, enabling quick and easy visualisation of the patient’s mouth. Featuring Autofocus liquid lens technology. Kodak 1500 Morita VeraviewEpocs 3D •Unbeatable image quality •Lowest x-ray dose and a 9.4 second scan time •Single sensor for panoramic and CT images •Ideal for Endo, Perio, Full Arch and single implants, ENT, TMJ, Oral & Maxillo-facial surgery. Please call us or see our full range of products on: 0845 602 4944 ng. Image courtesy of Software of Excellence