How to Choose Dental Software
When considering a dental practice management software program, search for software that provides the following:
- A system of checks and balances, including a daily report of posted payments and adjustments matching the totals on the deposit slip and credit card settlement report,
- Online training opportunities,
- A dedicated customer care team rather than a phone tree with long hold times,
- An easy to learn format that does not require hours of staff training,
- Time-saving features such as pre-filled options,
- Electronic claim submission,
- The ability to email radiographs and
- Reasonably priced annual update fees.
One of the most important considerations when purchasing dental software, beyond its ease of use, is the variety of reports that accompany the program. The ideal dental software includes reports that monitor the following items:
- Referral sources and the revenue produced by each,
- Which patients refer other patients to your office,
- Patients who are overdue for a recall appointment,
- Overdue accounts payable,
- Unfiled and overdue insurance claims,
- Unscheduled treatment,
- Productivity break-down by employee (assistants, hygienists, associates),
- Daily reports of posted treatment, payments and adjustments and
- Monthly reports of new patient numbers, production numbers, and revenue.