How the right practice management software helps one dental practice rock and roll

Since 2003, Laura Hatch and her husband, dentist Anthony Hatch, have been rocking dentistry. When they opened the doors at their Maryland practice, they chose a rock-and-roll theme that has carried over to their new practice in San Diego, Scripps Rock Dental, which they opened in 2008.

The rock-and-roll theme not only creates a fun environment, but it gives the couple a reason to buy music-related artwork, including a life-sized Elvis; a guitar signed by Lynyrd Skynyrd; coffee table books about Johnny Cash, the Beatles and AC/DC; a painting of a New Orleans street music scene; and posters of everyone from Frank Sinatra to Jimi Hendrix. 

As office manager, Laura is responsible for more than finding musical relics to add to the office. She handles scheduling, statistics, goals and day-to-day duties for 16 employees and three general dentists at the seven-operatory practice. She said Eaglesoft practice management is key for the following reasons: 

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Efficiency 

The software enables users to view schedules, patient accounts, medical history, prescription history, proposed treatment and clinical images easily. The view can be adapted for providers and clinicians or front office staff to see the information they need more easily. The color-coded schedule also helps in planning for the day, with emergency appointments scheduled in red, primary appointments in green and other procedures in orange. “It’s visually awesome to make sure the front and back office are getting what they need,” Laura said. “It seems simple, but it makes a big difference. It makes everyone more efficient and more productive.” 

Integration of X-rays and software 

On the clinical side, digital X-rays give the provider or clinician a clear view for better diagnosis. “Before we had to bridge with another software system to view X-rays. With Eaglesoft, it’s integrated, removing a step from the process and providing a much better image,” Laura said. 

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Integration of RevenueWell and Eaglesoft

RevenueWell is a patient communication tool that sends text and/or email messages to patients at automated intervals. If a conversation about the need for a crown takes place during the provider appointment, a code is entered into the system. If the patient doesn’t schedule that day, RevenueWell can send messages, including reminders, a treatment plan and an informational video. If staff members get busy, RevenueWell reaches out to the patient, providing reinforcement. “It’s another way to communicate with the patient,” Laura said. “It has increased our case acceptance by letting the patient know we’re doing everything to take care of them.”

Reporting 

The reporting tool provides easy access to information, including production, collection, referrals, the most commonly used codes and day sheets showing daily production. It makes end-of-year analysis and next year’s planning much simpler and easier. “I can get a good pulse on the practice, whether I’m here or not, by using the reporting tool,” Laura said.  

Eaglesoft practice management makes communication simple, easy and effective. In addition to making everything run more smoothly at Scripps Rock Dental, it gives everyone more time to sit back and enjoy the music.

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