With a paperless office, dental practices can save time and money by streamlining their business operations. How much? Modernizing workflow will save gobs of time by eliminating redundant paper-based processes and duplication of effort.
Does eliminating paper charts mean that you’re paperless? Not necessarily. Although ridding your practice of paper charts is an excellent step forward, going paperless pushes efficiency further through enhanced workflow. Be watchful, features within the practice management software must support your paperless workflow in order to be effective.
The choice is yours
Client-server systems are in-house options that have been the standard for many years. A local server within the practice stores your patient’s data. Cloud-based solutions store your data offsite and don’t require a server.
Most dentists are well aware that servers aren’t cheap and can easily set them back $10,000 to start. On top, IT managed services and backup costs are remarkably expensive! And remember, servers are just as expensive to replace when they’re old and tired.
The cloud disconnects the local server and frees dental practices from the financial burden of IT services. IT managed services and backup alone may cover the monthly cloud subscription or in some cases – income positive! Dental technology 2.0 allows dental practices to simplify, automate, and replace old paper-based systems with highly efficient workflow.
How does your practice stack up?
No vision, no plan…no good!
Deciding whether to keep your client-server setup or transition to the cloud is a major decision that starts with your vision for the practice. Please understand that most mistakes start here. These steps are like the foundation of a building, even the slightest flaw will lead to much bigger problems down the line. Following these steps prior to initiating product demonstrations will serve you well.
If you need help – now is the best time to get it!
Begin with the end in mind by determining your vision for the practice and expectations from technology. Going paper-less is a process so carefully document your plan of action.
Do a financial analysis and compare your current out-of-pocket to the cloud. Costs and timing could end up considerably different from initial expectations. Budgeting for your project eliminates surprises during the transition.
List your current technology assets including computers, dental imaging software and equipment. Verify that local internet speeds meet or exceed digital imaging requirements.
Choose the right upgrade path based on your current technology assets.
The Final Word
Dentistry is at a pivotal point in time. From patient portals to wearable devices, electronic health records, practice analytics, social media and marketing, the dental industry is undergoing a digital makeover.
Going paper-less is not as much about paper as it is reducing redundant paper-based processes and eliminating duplication of effort. The server-less practice will benefit dental practices of all sizes and specialties- thanks to cloud computing. No matter how it’s sliced, improving efficiency while reducing costs is a winning combination.
T2 Consulting prepares dental practices for major technological changes like cloud-based software and workflow. In the world of choice overload, we help navigate through the hype and provide educational value in adopting new technology. This preparatory work is the foundation of dental technology 2.0 and will provide the tools for successful transitions.
