Is it Time for Your Practice’s Technology ‘Check-Up’?

The technology behind the tools and equipment that dentists use on a daily basis is rapidly evolving. A perfect example is the transition from 2D to 3D imaging and, more recently, the move to digital impressions. These advances took place just within the last 10 years; it’s demanding to keep up with it all while efficiently managing a practice and treating patients.

That’s why, even dental practices need to be diagnosed sometimes—for out-dated or broken equipment, that is. And, since it’s said that doctors make the worst patients, it’s important to consider having an outside representative visit your practice for a technology consultation.

At the surface, a technology consultation can ensure that a doctor is treating their patients with the most up-to-date technology available. However, there are several deeper core benefits to such a consultation.

• Receive In-Depth Assessment
  A consultant spends one-on-one time with the doctor to assess the needs of the practice; this can include addressing ongoing issues with technology or creating a check list of where the practice is now versus where the doctor would like the practice to be.

• Be Reassured of HIPAA-Compliance

  Working with the most recent equipment, or at least equipment that can be easily updated, is vital when it comes to HIPAA-compliance. A technology consultant can make a doctor aware of whether or not their office complies with the latest requirements, as well as whether systems can be updated or if replacements are necessary.

• Head Off Compatibility Issues
  For example, older models of equipment that are compatible only with Windows XP are more susceptible to security breaches and HIPAA violations that could require disclosure to all patients. A consultation would reveal such weaknesses in equipment and recommend a course of action.

• Impress your Patients
  It’s no secret that patients make snap judgments about a doctor and a practice based on their technology. The latest dental equipment benefits a patient in a number of ways, including better diagnoses and more accurate treatment. However, what might impress a patient even more? New, high-tech equipment is, to put it simply, “cool.”

Ultimately, a consultation removes the guesswork and helps a practice determine whether there are better, more current equipment options available to them. Often, upgrades are much simpler and more cost-effective than a doctor thinks, and could even end up saving a practice money in the long-run, such as switching from desktop-based to cloud-hosted practice management software or using an intraoral scanner instead of traditional impression materials.

Most important, a technology consultation means someone else is taking care of your technology, so you can take care of your patients.

Are you “making it work,” when it comes to broken or outdated equipment? Which tools in your practice do you feel are ready to be updated? Would you consider a technology consultation?