{"id":7533,"date":"2022-04-30T08:37:20","date_gmt":"2022-04-30T14:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?p=7533"},"modified":"2022-04-30T08:37:20","modified_gmt":"2022-04-30T14:37:20","slug":"8-things-to-consider-when-choosing-your-next-practice-management-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/8-things-to-consider-when-choosing-your-next-practice-management-solution\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Next Practice Management Solution"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As dentists, we focus on giving our patients the best experience in healthcare. We choose the finest materials to deliver services that enhance their lives, and our grueling academics taught us how to place margins and seal dentinal tubules. But we probably didn\u2019t learn how to pick practice management software to maximize our operations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Getting this piece right is critical to practice success.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Today\u2019s market offers many options to help us manage our business with more precision and efficiency than ever. Dental practice management software (PMS) anchors every step of the patient journey, and we need robust tools to match the demands of a growing enterprise. The right software choice ripples across the practice in every direction; so does the wrong one.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At a minimum, we need software that:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Automates dozens of administrative functions within a single interface.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Provides comprehensive, secure storage of patient records.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Integrates with third-party hardware and software or eliminates it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Includes patient experience tools for better service.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Delivers analytics that drives profitability and strategic planning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Supports unlimited growth across one or dozens of practices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We consider details that most patients never notice in a dental restoration. But that attention helps create solutions that look and function well for years. We benefit the same way by applying that mindset to practice management software selection.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s not easy to find a program that stands up to the demands of modern dental enterprises. When evaluating PMS performance, ask these eight questions to set your business up for growth, service, and profitability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Well Does It Function?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Every app, website, and software tool come down to the user experience. Nearly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbizgenius.net\/by-the-numbers\/ux-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">80%<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> of users emphasize the usability of a site or app above everything else. Our staff is the first customer, and their daily user experience with our operating system drives every process throughout the business.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our PMS needs to be able to keep up with us on our busiest days and its features need to be able to adapt to each practice.\u00a0For example, a periodontist may pay more attention to well-designed perio charting than an endodontist. The software should match the flow of patient care with functions that link together, like digital imaging to insurance claims. Third-party solutions may expand functionality, but the best programs integrate more tools into one platform.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Much Does It Cost?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Software fees add up in a hurry, and we often lose track of costs for third-party applications. For example, patient relationship management software can add $300 monthly to our tab, and analytics software can double expenses. Then we realize that<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthleadersmedia.com\/innovation\/assessing-online-scheduling-emerging-trend-scheduling-physician-appointments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"> 80%<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> of patients prefer online scheduling, so we add a module that costs another $250 a month.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Server-based systems require regular maintenance and upgrades along with additional hardware requirements. A server can easily cost $5000 or more every few years, along with other access and security expenditures. A cloud-based PMS that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resource-library\/dental-software-subscription-calculator\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">integrates wide-ranging features can save us thousands<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, eliminate surprise expenses, and protect cash flow.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Secure Is It?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Healthcare security deserves serious attention in every business. Breaches that exposed patient data <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiercehealthcare.com\/health-tech\/healthcare-data-breaches-hit-all-time-high-2021-impacting-45m-people#:~:text=Cybersecurity%20breaches%20hit%20an%20all,from%2034%20million%20in%202020.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">surged <\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">in 2021, and the number of people affected has tripled since 2018. And patients aren\u2019t the only ones threatened when a breach takes place. Healthcare entities face costly fines and public scrutiny under federal law, and the effects in a local region can be devastating for a healthcare brand. I know a colleague who faced a six-figure penalty and life-changing stress due to a security breach; none of us need that.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cloud-based PMS <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">systems add security layers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> that dramatically reduces the risk of a breach. And the larger an organization becomes, the more trouble it may face. DSOs appreciate built-in security across multiple locations, and single-practice owners can insulate against the consequences of security failures, too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Difficult Is Implementation?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A software conversion in a busy dental office takes an orchestrated effort, and teams need a game plan that helps them make the shift. The benefits of moving from a complex server-based PMS to the cloud quickly outweigh the challenges. It starts with behind-the-scenes data conversion and set-up, but it doesn\u2019t end when the system goes live.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The best PMS systems include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/moving-to-denticon\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">comprehensive support<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> that provides on-site help, video libraries, reference guides, and on-demand phone access to trainers. Consider the team behind the software and how they\u2019ll ensure you\u2019re covered at every step.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Does It Enhance the Patient Experience?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We know that the patient\u2019s experience doesn\u2019t start and end in the operatory, and consumers bring their expectations to our offices. Patients now rate <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcarefinancenews.com\/news\/new-age-healthcare-consumerism-convenience-king\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">convenience<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> as their top criteria for choosing a healthcare provider, and they look for it throughout their interactions. Savvy practices recognize this growing pressure, and they integrate tools that match other industries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An adaptable PMS brand recognizes we need more options inside one platform to offer first-class service. For example, look for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/online-patient-tools\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">online portals<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> that are built in with your PMS so patients can schedule appointments, make payments, and fill out intake forms whenever it fits their lifestyle. Third-party applications work, but multiple vendors can lead to disjointed, expensive \u201csolutions\u201d with new challenges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Much Insight Does It Give?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The best brands always know what\u2019s happening below the surface, and we can\u2019t afford to guess in our practices, either. As overhead continues to rise, incremental adjustments produce exponential gains in enterprises of every size.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Look for a PMS that produces dozens of reports that give actionable insights to drive decision-making. Centralized reporting helps multi-location entities keep a pulse on operations, and single practitioners need this critical data to successfully juggle their roles. Practice metrics enhance cash flow now, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/insightful-analytics\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">clear reports dramatically influence valuations<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> when selling in the future, too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Is Imaging Handled?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We rely on reliable data to drive treatment decisions, and radiographic images are critical for clinical, administrative, and referral tasks. Complex challenges arise when X-rays are stored on-site, especially when a growing organization faces hardware, security, and storage demands across multiple locations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Many innovative organizations are choosing web-based imaging that functions seamlessly with their PMS. Users can access images from anywhere, but files are protected with enhanced security protocols and backup protocols. A new server every few years is expensive in one facility, but costs compound across multiple offices. Dental imagery on the cloud works from the ground up and makes any office better<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Innovative Is the Team Behind It?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our practice is a critical asset and piece of our legacy, and we can\u2019t afford anything but the best resources on our team. If we\u2019re building one practice, we want it to be a model for mor<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">e just like it. If we\u2019re managing a DSO, we want every practice to reflect excellence in all locations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Look for a company with a proven track record in dentistry and a history of adding new features, security protocols, and user experience features. Many dentists have discovered they\u2019re using a PMS that fails to invest in analytics, imaging, patient communications, and other critical tools. Look closer at cloud-based solutions with years of innovation at their back<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Choose A Dental PMS Built for Tomorrow<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Despite recent challenges, our profession faces unique opportunities. Dental organizations that embrace consumer expectations and develop efficient practices will enjoy a share of the projected <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/news-release\/2021\/12\/23\/2357550\/0\/en\/U-S-Dental-Services-Market-Size-to-Worth-Around-US-196-18-Bn-By-2027.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">$200 billion<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> dental industry. Cloud-based dental practice management software sets the stage for dental organizations to operate at peak efficiency with centralized access to administrative, clinical, imaging, analytical, and patient experience utilities at their fingertips.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To learn more about a PMS that offers reliable answers to your questions, download the ebook <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/web.planetdds.com\/2022-09-DENT-TheDentalPracticeManagementSolutionBuyingGuideforDSOs_LP.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Dental Practice Management Solution Buyer&#8217;s Guide: Why Denticon<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Learn how the seven core functions of Denticon benefit your dental practice from front to back. Plus, six users share how Denticon elevated their practices with efficiency, functionality, and profitability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As dentists, we focus on giving our patients the best experience in healthcare. We choose the finest materials to deliver services that enhance their lives, and our grueling academics taught&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7537,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[146,138],"tags":[27,467,329,468,469,43,971,86,325,373,147,20],"class_list":["post-7533","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-practice-management","category-trends","tag-dental-practice","tag-dental-practice-management-software","tag-denticon","tag-denticon-software","tag-denticon-solution","tag-dso","tag-functionality","tag-implementation","tag-innovation","tag-patient-experience","tag-practice-management","tag-security"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7533","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7533"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7533\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}