Setting Up a  Dental Office with Software and Hardware.
Fall  2004

I.  Software:  

   A.  Business office setup.
-Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, web browser, HTML editor) also image editor.
         -E-mail program (Outlook, Eudora)
         -Cable modem or DSL (phone company) creates a constant open line to the Internet.
         -Quicken (QuickBooks) for tracking business expenses, writing checks and payroll.

B.  Types of systems:

    "Turnkey " systems:
-Provides hardware, software, vendor inputs all office records, trains office staff and is most expensive.  Currently best way to go.
    Non "Turnkey" systems: 
-Provides only software and local or telephone support.
-Allows you to start with a minimum system and build upon it.
 
 C.  Dental software--Pick software before the hardware.  Things to consider in the selection of software:

1.  The company should be known  nationally and have satisfied users.

2.  It should provide training, local support and online upgrades.  Full service support is required and you must be able to work with these people.

3.  The program should use Windows XP.

4.  The program should be able to integrate with intraoral cameras, digital radiography and a cosmetic imaging program.  

5.  The program should be able to integrate with voice activated charting and electronic periodontal probing-clinical management programs.

6.  The program should integrate with accounting, word processing and database programs.

7.  The program should have charting that is integrated with treatment planning and provide for electronic claims submission.

8.  The program should provide for progress notes and to interface with any other applications that would be of interest.

D.  Software with good clinical-integration capabilities:

Eaglesoft (Patterson Dental)
-http://www.eaglesoft.net
 
Dentrix
        -http://www.dentrix.com/
-Cost approximately $8,000-$13,000  (software only) for both office and clinical management programs.
        -Also has many customizable reports.  Uses the Internet to update program.   

PracticeWorks (Now Kodak)
-http://www.practiceworks.com/
        -Cost approximately $8,000-$13,000 (software only) for both office and clinical management programs.  

       Softdent (Now Kodak)
         http://www.softdent.com/

        Discuss Dental
        http://www.discusdental.com/software/index.html/

Practice management software can range from $1,000 to $30,000. 

The ADA has a detailed report about dental software requirements on its Web site.  

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