The world is digitizing and dentistry is no exception. As practice continues to be up-to-date, digital technologies can be incorporated into practice to strengthen and streamline procedures to help dentists maximize the return on their investment. Newer technologies enable dental offices to provide advanced, streamlined services, receive more patients and provide more efficient treatment.
Integrating technology into practice requires a combination of clinical and managerial skills and should not be done without careful planning. Because technology is an investment in time, money and humanity, a detailed and sequential plan of action can help practice more effectively achieve its goals and objectives. Here are some considerations for developing such a plan to ensure implementation and financial success.
Understand the changes in dental practice
Practices may find slight changes easy, but major changes can be more difficult. Many practices and fundamental changes the most contradictory, an integration
Areas such as advanced technologies such as CAD / CAM, digital radiography, or laser dentistry have generally lapsed. Fundamental changes need to change mindsets, many people do not want to experience, especially when it disrupts their habits and comfort zones.
Integrating technology into practice requires a combination of clinical and managerial skills and should not be done without careful planning.
Introducing CAD / CAM, changing the repair methods we provide involves more than just technology and dental equipment. It also includes scheduling one-time patient reset and changing the appointment method. Patients visited less frequently, but for a longer period of time. Staff initially hesitated to learn a new repair method; it was not familiar with and intimidated. Now, this is a seamless integration of practice, we can not imagine without it.
Integration goals and specific measures
Dentists deserve to consider their financial viability when considering the implementation of new processes, procedures or techniques.
Knowing the return on your investment may not be immediate. If you do not need new equipment, in order to buy something new may not be wise to buy. For example, if you have only a handful of indirect fixes each month, your current technology and processes may be for your purposes. It is important to distinguish between what you need and what you want.
However, even if the expected return on your investment is not high and you are not in a hurry, integrating a new technology is helpful. My approach does not require the purchase of a digital vertex locator, but the proof of purchase is a success, we did not consider. We have significantly reduced our patient's exposure to radiation, the procedure has been simplified and patients feel happy about their care.
In addition, using CAD / CAM increases productivity by having an assistant design the restoration at the office. The whole process is simplified in the office.
Management of human technology
When dentists first start impressing, this is a frustrating experience that takes a lot of effort and nobody knows how to do it correctly. The same applies to the introduction of new technologies. Once you learn and master the new programs, your office productivity increases.
Dental professionals must master new technologies. Learning opportunities are readily available, especially online, via online seminars, discussion groups and the dentist community. Dental professionals should use these options to develop and enhance their skills, as well as continuing education.
One of the biggest mistakes a practice can make is to give up too fast. It is easy to do when change is disheartening, success is not achieved immediately, or integration is unpopular with staff. This emphasizes the need for a detailed integration plan that includes staff comments. When everyone sees the change as more than just introducing new technology, it's a new way of thinking and practice that can become an active participant in transformation.
Multiple roles of dentist
On any given day, dentists wear one of three hats: clinicians, managers and practitioners. As a clinician, we consider what is best for the patient. As managers, we are accountable to our staff, so we should involve them in decision making so that they are more receptive to change. As owners, we should think about what is best. Therefore, digital technologies should provide a return on investment, whether through money returns, new patients, enhanced patient care, or more efficient and effective teamwork.
Propose the correct problem to solve the correct problem
Well thought out plan can speed up your return on investment.
Potential problems in practice need to be resolved in advance. These changes represent a great opportunity to recalibrate potentially neglected systems and processes. Incorporating new dental supplies technology into practice does not solve what is wrong, but it enhances what is already working well. Whatever changes are needed, be aware that you must be willing to provide leadership and attention to your employees throughout the process.
