LeeAnn Shipowick Dental Practice Management Articles


A Paperless Future; is it our possibility?
Written by: LeeAnn Shipowick
© Copyright. ADEI. All rights reserved.


Remember years ago when we all thought computers were something you could choose whether to incorporate into your practice or not (ok, some of us can remember that time!)? Computers in practice are no longer a choice and perhaps going paperless will be the next wave of necessity in dental practices.

"Canada must adopt a comprehensive tracking system to cut down on improper prescriptions and diagnostic tests, according to the Health Council of Canada." (Reported in the Globe and Mail; September 27, 2010.) From the trends cited in the Globe and Mail, it would appear that we are being pushed by our government; lead of course by our American counter parts to go eletronic in our health industry. It was this way with asepsis control and now the wave of going paperless.

What would that mean to us in dentistry and could we do it completely? Being paperless means putting all the information into the computer that you would have normally printed out or documented manually on a chart.

The debate is still ongoing as to whether or not we actually use less paper since we've hit the computer age. According to research, we don't actually use less paper yet but let's blame the insurance companies for that. We may eventually go completely paperless in the future; however right now, our clients still requesting the paper copies of transactions. Until a time when our consumers are comfortable with our offices going completely paperless, we seem to be at middle ground where we use electronic charting and not having physical paper charts.

Under the medical umbrella, we are beginning to be held accountable to have electronic/computer records. Dentistry, as I see it, has always been ahead of the physicians. Our offices lead the way to paperless being comfortable and the norm. Understanding where we are going, what we need and how to use it is the key to succeeding.

Knowledge is power. Yes? So your success in going paperless, and the freedom that will come with it, is directly proportional to the mastery of your software and in knowing what you can customize for your specific office needs. Take the time to choose your software carefully as they are not all created equally. Not all systems will get you to your goals of more freedom, less overhead and less time involved. You will require a system with all of the critical reports and built-in fail safeguards to negate human error.

Your software and your team should be able to track patients each month for the following:
I also like the ability to see how long patients have been waiting, as monitoring time, booked time billed and patient satistfaction is key to running your practice.

Another aspect to consider when evaluating new software systems is your toys and technology. Your toys include items such as cameras, Cerac, digital x-rays, CAESY, the RAT or voice-activated charting systems. Some softwares are not able to handle these things. You want your computer to assist with patient care and education. Being able to send photos to clients via email and store images easily is important. You can have them ready for doctor at the click of a mouse button. Patients really appreciate seeing as well as hearing about their specific treatments.

Please take time to understand and use your computers fully and enjoy your integrated technology. As you use your technolgy, make sure you have enough training and information. Good luck to you as you prepare for this wave, and here's to hoping that we can all not only save a tree or two in the process but be prepared for our new paperless future.



"I say luck is when opportunity comes along and you're prepared for it."
Denzel Washington