How Eaglesoft Transformed this Dentist’s Front Office

If new technology is the right move for your practice, don’t let the learning curve hold you back, says Gerald Lande, DDS, of Carmel, Indiana. In an interview with Inside Dentistry, Dr. Lande—a cosmetic dentist in Carmel, Indiana, shares his experience with the Eaglesoft Practice Management System (www.pattersondental.com) and how using a practice management system can make both the front and back offices of a dental practice more efficient and effective.

Inside Dentistry (ID): How has your office evolved in terms of using computerized systems, i.e. practice management software?

Gerald Lande, DDS (GL): I invested in a computer program in the mid-1980s in an attempt to offset the cost of hiring additional team members. We initially saw the benefits of the software in the front office because all of our accounting and insurance documentation could be completed by the computer rather than by hand. Additionally, insurance information could be sent electronically and our practice was able to implement digital charts. This feature alone greatly increased our efficiency.

ID: How does practice management software help you and your office provide the best possible patient care?

GL: Our practice management software has allowed us to spend more time with our patients. Patient records are stored within Eaglesoft, so my staff can easily look up patient history and insurance forms at their convenience, even while we are chairside. Also, when a patient is scheduled for another dental visit, our software sends automatic reminders in whatever form the patient prefers, whether it be a text message, phone call or email, to ensure the patient is reminded of their appointment. This helps our schedules remain accurate and keeps us top-of-mind for patients.

Another way my staff uses our practice management system is by looking at patient insurance benefits, especially when approaching the end of the year. If a patient has remaining insurance benefits the program allows us to remind the patient to stop in the office before their benefits run out. These reminders are not only convenient for the patient but also the office, as we are able to see more patients by proactively scheduling appointments rather than waiting for last-minute signups.

ID: What features of your practice management system have made a difference in your practice when it comes to clinical care?

GL: Eaglesoft has definitely increased our efficiency when it comes to clinical care. My team is able to create a complete tooth chart (X-rays included) for patients, allowing for a much smoother process when developing a treatment plan. The interactive chart available in our practice management system, not only allows my team to look at each tooth on an individual scale, but also the medical history for each tooth. I can simply click a tooth on the digital chart and see the patient’s information and X-rays, rather than wasting time digging through paper charts.

ID: What advice would you have for someone who is looking to purchase or upgrade a practice management system?

GL: Do your due diligence, look at the programs and research how each works. Talk to other dentists to gather their thoughts on practice managements systems and keep customer service in the forefront of your mind.

You are bound to need help at some point during installation or upgrading. I can personally vouch for the quality team and training behind Eaglesoft—they listen to your comments and take your feedback into consideration. I have personally seen my requests implemented into the system as they continue to improve the product with each iteration. Technology is always updating, and I know that I can trust Eaglesoft to make worthwhile enhancements that will better my practice.