SOFTDENT SOFTWARE

SoftDent software addresses the needs of busy practices by keeping up with the changing demands of dentistry and meeting the needs of its users.

The practice of dentistry is supported by the business of dentistry. Unless the business is managed effectively and efficiently, a practice can fail regardless of the clinical ability of the dentist.

With the complexities of dentistry constantly expanding, along with the resulting documentation, there is an ever increasing focus on the elimination of paperwork. Electronic data storage can help with this because it is simply a more reliable and efficient way to operate a business today. An absolute necessity for the successful and smooth operation of any dental practice is a robust practice management system.
Virtually all practice management systems on the market will get the job done as the basics are always met. Whether it’s scheduling, charting, billing, or claims, every system supports the most basic needs of running a dental practice. What differentiates one practice management system from another is the depth to which it matches the demands of the dental practice, the speed with which it provides access to necessary functionality, and the ways in which its features are implemented. Ultimately, what matters most for practice management systems is usability—its ease of use or how closely matched the system is to the way the practice does business. The faster, more intuitive, and more fully featured the system is, the more versatile and better suited it will be to meet the needs of a variety of dental practices.

One System Stands Out
With over 25 years on the market, SoftDent software from Carestream Dental has the advantage of longevity. In the world of software, longevity generally means a more robust application supported by years of product development, resulting in stronger functionality as the product has been continuously fine-tuned to meet the demands of the market. SoftDent addresses the needs of busy practices, even those with multiple practitioners and multiple locations. The software keeps up with the changing demands of dentistry and meets the needs of its users through full functionality that offers convenience, customization of user preferences, ideal workflows, and integration with the systems that are integral to the dental practice.

Focus and Efficiency
With core features like Practice Central, the Phone Center, Goal Tracking, and reporting, SoftDent provides the dental office with the ability to not only efficiently manage patient flow throughout the day, but also keeps the business focused on maintaining a full schedule and overall productivity. The Goal Tracking feature can be used at the practice and practitioner levels so that actual production can be tracked for the overall business as well as at the individual level. This feature helps to maintain visibility of patient flow so the business can react and compensate for slower time periods and ultimately maintain a more consistent cash flow throughout the year.
While office production is efficiently tracked, SoftDent software also tracks patients closely and works to help fill in gaps in production. The Phone Center feature conveniently brings up patient information when receiving incoming calls. SoftDent allows your receptionist to view all relevant patient information as they call, including whether they have scheduled appointments, outstanding treatment plans, or overdue recalls. The same information is provided for family members treated by the practice so their needs can be addressed during the call if appropriate. The advantage of this is clear. As a staff member takes a patient call, the information that may help motivate a patient to accept additional treatment is provided to improve the chances of the patient committing to an appointment and therefore treatment. A feature called “the Tickler,” which is a short call report, helps staff fill in cancelled appointments and gaps in the day to keep production moving on slower days.

Practice Support
SoftDent software provides the tools and features that help to support and maintain production, which is a key measure for any dental practice. With this business need so effectively addressed, the application is able to provide more versatility and ease of use.
Charting is fully supported with hardand soft-tissue graphics, ready access to medical history and an audit trail for chart notes and amendments. Integration with a variety of other digital applications, including digital imaging and electronic claims, further enhances charting and the maintenance of patient records. In addition to the robust charting functionality, SoftDent software accommodates user preferences by providing the ability to chart via mouse, light pen, touch screen, touch pad, or voice activation (available only in the perio mode). The application also supports user customization for core functionality, like scheduling, so that the tool can be set up to meet the needs of the individual practice, and for the preferences of individual users.

Customer Support
Online support and onsite training are available for SoftDent software users. SoftDent software is also supported through MasterWorks Online, which supports live classes, recorded classes, and simulations. MasterWorks online can be customized to the needs of a specific practice as needed. SoftDent software is technically supported Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM EST, and Friday until 9:00 PM. Unlimited technical support is provided by phone and email. With a fully staffed direct sales force, each SoftDent software practice has an assigned representative available for whatever needs arise.

Making Business a Pleasure
SoftDent is now on its version 14 release, which introduced features such as the eForms Module. eForms is an add-on module for SoftDent software that allows patients to fill out their registration forms in advance of an appointment, from anywhere with Internet access: work, home, or a kiosk located inside your office. No manual re-entry is necessary. This information is logged into your practice management system with 100% accuracy, eliminating the possibility of accidental clerical error and freeing your staff to focus more time and attention on your patients. Store your patient records and even patient signatures electronically. eForms is convenient for both your practice and your patients. —Monica Roy-Smith