While more and more dental practices are incorporating sophisticated technologies into their everyday operations, many dentists still have not fully utilized these new advances at their disposal. Case in point is the operatory computer.
According to Larry Emmott, about 62% of American dentists now have at least one operatory with a computer in it. They use these units for a wide variety of purposes that include electronic charting, scheduling appointments, viewing digital radiographs and accessing online reference information to name a few. Yet, only about a third of these dentists has and uses patient education software chairside.
As I have said before, “When you educate your patients about their oral health, by informing them of the improved treatment modalities available to them, you serve them better and make your practice more productive at the same time.” Patient education software can be a very powerful tool in this process with its ability to inform and motivate your patients. Products from manufacturers such as CAESY, Orasphere or Click & Print not only teach your patients about the procedures and techniques that you use to better their oral health, but also raise their perceptions of the quality of care that you have to offer them.
The information that such programs present can be divided into three broad categories: descriptions of the different oral conditions that need to be treated; explanations of the different treatment options that are available for those conditions; and detailing the specific treatment plan that has been arrived at by the dentist and his or her patient after a thorough discussion of these issues.
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and the graphics that are used in these software packages exemplify that concept exceptionally well. The clear and detailed illustrations of disease states such as periodontitis or periapical abscess contained in these systems can really turn the light bulb on over your patients’ head as they ask you about the issues being reviewed. And if pictures are worth a thousand words, then video may well be exponentially more valuable. The short movies shown in this type of software effectively depict the progression and consequences of oral pathology, like tooth loss or dysfunction of the TMJs. Sequenced, realistic pictures of procedures from endodontics to implant placement and restoration then give your patients a sound understanding of how the problems previously described can be resolved. Seen on a high resolution screen, they can be incredibly enlightening. Entire treatment plans can be documented with the forms generated from these programs, along with disclaimers as to your patients’ responsibilities in maintaining the treatment you render. Specific titles within the software can also be printed out for the patient to take home.
The various brands mentioned here do have different features that will appeal to the individual needs of their prospective customers. If you do not yet have computers in your operatories, the CAESY software can be run in your waiting room on a TV. If your patient calls with a question on a specific topic, she can be directed to Orasphere’s website with your practice’s access information to view the appropriate informational segment. If you prefer to use your own clinical images or explanations, the Click & Print pages can be customized by inserting your own digital photos, text or both. The bottom line here is that while your words alone may be open to misinterpretation, when they are accompanied by accurate, finely crafted visuals, the efficiency of your patient communication increases many fold. And that, more than anything else, is the key to your practice’s success.