Best Dental Practice Management Software

What is Dental Practice Management Software?

Who Uses Dental Practice Management Software?

What are the Common Features of Dental Practice Management Software?

Trends Related to Dental Practice Management Software

The general consensus for why dentists adopt dental practice management solutions is so their practice can become efficient. However, dental practice operations are becoming impacted by the need to competitively distinguish themselves for patients. Practices are becoming interested in leveraging technology that helps them automate daily processes in order to better and more quickly service their patients. Below are a few trends within the dental practice management sector.

AI-Infused Technology — Artificial intelligence (AI) makes dental software smarter. The infusion of AI into aspects of dental practice management software reaps so many benefits: enhanced scheduling, optimized patient communication, productive interoperability between clinical and administrative sides of the business, and even optimized dental staffing.

Stronger Integration with Digital Imaging — Dental practice management software is made up of a clinical and administrative database and digital imaging functionality. Most dental practice management platforms include a digital imaging feature, but some still require a third-party integration. Increasing integration with digital imaging tools results in a better physician-patient experience and relationship. The integration also promises more accurate treatment planning and reduction of wasteful clinical practices.

Mobile Technology — Health care practices of every specialty are partaking in HIPAA-compliant text messaging and email practices. People are on their mobile devices every day and respond better to convenient modes of communication. Why go through the slog of calling a dental practice and leaving a voicemail to schedule an appointment, when software exists to streamline the entire scheduling process, from request to reminder to in-person intake? Couple HIPAA-compliant messaging with telemedicine solutions, and mobile technology has revamped the patient experience realm.

Online Reputation Management — Customer feedback practices are weaving their way into the health care sector, and dental practices must have strategies in place to address or capitalize on public-facing patient feedback. Some dental practice management solutions include reputation management or social media monitoring functionalities, but most do not as of yet. Solutions that bill themselves as "all in one" are recognizing the need for bundled reputation management features or streamlining integrations for standalone tools.

Potential Issues with Dental Practice Management Software

Dental practice management software doesn’t solve every single problem within a dental practice. Pain points can arise from poorly implemented practice management software or from any inefficiencies that crop up post-deployment.

Need to Digitize — A chartless practice is different than a paperless office. Both, however, require digital copies of patient and clinical records. That, in turn, requires the dental practice to embark on the digitization journey. This is a huge undertaking, one that will result in great advantage (for example: easing access to and sharing of patient records and compliance with regulation and litigation) but requires a large investment from the dental practice.

Get to the Cloud — Server-based practice management solutions still exist and remain popular. Despite cloud-based software providing physicians with more flexibility when it comes to remote management, integration possibilities, and data storage, on-premise options flourish because of security implications. Issues arise when practices want to switch from a legacy system to a more modern one, and admin must identify and anticipate every potential cost.

Interoperability — Even the most comprehensive dental practice management software may need an integration with a supplemental, third-party solution. Practice management software that refuses or makes it very difficult for users to connect their existing marketing tool, for example, will undeniably cause frustration post-implementation.

Too Many Functions — While buyers may be persuaded to go all-in on a practice management solution from a well-known industry brand, they’re not doing their practice any favors if the solution ends up being too comprehensive for their actual needs. Most dental practice management platforms don’t allow buyers to pick and choose their desired features, and those comprehensive platforms come with a hefty price tag.

Software and Services Related to Dental Practice Management Software

Dental Imaging — Dental imaging software is a necessary tool for dentists, because it provides them with the tool to take and store dental X-rays. Some dental practice management platforms offer built-in dental imaging tools, but the majority of them integrate with fine-tuned digital imaging solutions.

Billing — Billing and invoicing features are generally bundled into the dental practice management platform. However, some dental practice management solutions offer integration with third-party billing tools, which are more general invoicing and payment notification solutions.

Online Appointment Scheduling — Providing patients with the ability to book their future appointments online offers them convenience. Dental practice management’s online booking features allow office administrators and dental physicians to have full visibility into upcoming appointments, any no-shows or reschedules, and even staff schedules.