Maintaining a dental office might seem like a daunting task, especially in this time of pandemic when appointments need to be carefully planned and scheduled as specific protocols need to be followed – such as setting enough window or period to cater to a patient, making sure social distancing is observed, contract tracing management, etc.
To optimize quality dental care, such as expediting access to records upon your client’s request or easier planning for intricate and complicated procedures, having tools immediately at your disposal is essential. Gone are those days of waiting for weeks – or worst – months before you can book for your dental appointment.
As everything and anything can be accessed digitally online, research shows that providing online booking options gets medical and dental clinics more clients. Here are the types and features of tools and software that can make your dental clinic management more efficient and to make your clients’ experience more pleasant:
Table of Contents
1. Practice Management Software
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There is a lot of management software out in the market, but the most common among them, especially when it comes to dental clinic management, is practice management software.
Dental practice management software is not only utilized in the front office, which one would commonly refer to as the “reception”, but it also includes the back office, where dental records of clients are kept, as well as the documents and financial aspects that are included in the operation of your clinic.
Dental Appointment Software
Most establishments, especially medical and dental clinics, now opt for online appointments by accessing the website of their preferred clinic online or through apps that could directly connect the user to the system through a click on their phones. Various software in the market has already been developed specifically for appointment setting management.
So what features does a sound appointment reminder system need to have that you may ponder before applying to your management system? You can consider its accessibility to your existing and future clients. You lessen your staff’s workload, and more importantly, all incoming information and data become automated and safe.
If you wish to have a system that seamlessly converges appointment scheduling within your management system, Weave might be the perfect software for you. With its no-fuss algorithm, which gives prompt reminders for your clients regarding appointments or providing follow-up information post-check ups, client experience would be greatly improved.
Electronic Dental Health Data Storage
One of the advantages of everything going online is being able to pool all your documents, including your clients’ numerous records, all in one place. Now, there’s no more excuse due to missing documents, medical records, medical history, and records from previous clinic checkups, etc.
A system that integrates all this information and lets you have easy, albeit complete access to records as needed is what every dental clinic needs. You can also have software that automates appointments by notifying you as the dentist or clinic staff about procedures or check-ups that your patient might have missed on that day.
Accounting and Payment Processing Software
Of course, it is understood that as you are running your clinic, you are running a business establishment as well. Monitoring your cash flow might feel like a burden on top of doing the dirty work as you dig in the mouths of your clients.
Besides monitoring your clinic’s income, you might also have to think of the bills and pay for overhead expenses. There is rent to think about, electric and technical mishaps that you might not be able to foresee. Even purchasing and setting up an online system might seem too much already.
A good accounting and payment processing software might help solve your dilemma. It is highly advisable and favorable for your clinic if you are on the top of your financial game.
Efficient Training Programs for Your Staff
Besides providing tools for data and service management for your clinic, there are also software programs out there that could help when it comes to training, especially with your staff who do the hands-on treatment or check-up over your clients.
You can also maximize using video conference software or social media to conduct webinars or record and upload on the internet video tutorials, which could also serve as a strategy to market your clinic out to other clientele. Most importantly, your staff will greatly appreciate your effort in allowing them to learn more and improve their skills and expertise.
2. Image and Reputation Management Software
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There are specific tools out there in the market that you can check out, which could help put your clinic out there and attract more clients. A good image and reputation management software might help out your clinic on the map.
Maintaining a remarkable image for your clinic would increase your revenue; it could also help expand your network and give more people the chance to have a beautiful smile.
Having a significant online presence could also be achieved by utilizing image and reputation management systems. For example, your website can be an excellent portal for your clients not only to obtain information or set appointments but also to leave good reviews or feedback regarding your service.
3. Dental Imaging Software
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Dental x-rays are probably the cream of the crop when it comes to checkups conducted within your clinic. However, with technological advancements popping here and there, there are so many options to choose from and consider if you want to give your clients high-quality dental care.
Some of these up-to-date equipment and technology are the following:
- Digital intraoral scanners
- 3-D Cone Beam Imaging
- All-tissue Lasers
- In-office Milling
With the images and data, you can retrieve from these different tools, you might want to consider investing in an excellent dental imaging software that can store and label all this information. A centralized information system, along with having accessible records of images you can use in practice, would most definitely improve your client’s experience.
Takeaway
With all these tools and management software out there in the market, you should explore your options and consider what could work best for the kind of service you would want to offer to your clients.