Technology Evolution and Revolution in Dentistry

Nearly two decades ago, dental offices began using computers to perform tasks that historically had been done manually and out of the patient's sight.  Tasks such as filing insurance claims and preparing patient statements most readily lent themselves to computerization and thus were among the first functions to become automated.  Dental practitioners soon discovered the efficiency of automating general office procedures, and staff began tracking referrals and running patient recall programs on computer systems.  However, the functions traditionally undertaken by dental practitioners were generally not among the first tasks to be automated in early computer systems.  Tedious scheduling and bookkeeping tasks were the crux of early practice management systems.

The next stage in the evolution of dental technology involved "decentralizing" data entry, or placing computers in dental treatment rooms.  This diminished the burden on front-desk personnel because it allowed clinicians to enter patient data from multiple locations throughout the office and reduce error rates associated with more traditional business methods.  This stage also placed computers in front of the dental care providers themselves requiring them to become familiar with computer hardware, practice and clinical management software, and computer networks.

As clinical and management functions became interrelated, practice management software evolved from a narrow administrative focus to a more complete system.  Such systems involve the integration of patient care with treatment documentation including various imaging and charting functions along with all necessary billing, recall, referral, and external communications.  The result of this integration has made it very cost-effective for dentists to add computer workstations in treatment areas, that capture, synthesize, and store all data obtained with intraoral cameras, digital x-rays, and computerized charting.

Click Here To Navigate Within Article >> Abstract Introduction Digital and Wireless Communication Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Technology Evolution and Revolution in Dentistry Dentistry and the Internet Practice Management: The Next Generation The Future of Dental Technology Conclusion References About the Author
	Page 5 of 12
Citation Number: Vol. 2, No. 3, Page 054