Now you can effectively share treatment plans with patients without wasting time

The second installment to Dental Products Report's Paperless Video Series highlights the practical benefits associated with going paperless. While paperless workflows create large, big picture benefits for a dental practice, this portion of the series dials back to the simpler, more practical advantages.

[Watch the entire Paperless Video Series]

Terrible handwriting

Maintaining a paperless workflow will eliminate the need for staff members to deal with terrible handwriting. Digital chart options will make it so notes taken by dentists and staff are stored, eliminating the need for guessing when it comes to translating the message. Health history forms can also be filled out online by patients.

Digital means trackable

New software will ensure that patient records are never misplaced by staff members. The digital files can all be stored electronically. Having a paperless record allows users to see who was in the file last and who has made changes. Money, stress and time will all be saved with this benefit.

It's sharable

Using paperless software, dentists are able to digitally share treatment plans with patients and specialists. They are able to propose treatment plans and e-mail patients photos, and even continuing education videos to help the patient understand the depth of the issue. This will help them decide on optimal treatment. Being able to communicate with specialists rapidly allows the two doctors to co-diagnose without wasting time.

Healthier team

Improving infection control is another way paperless workflows can benefit a dental practice. Paper files that spend time in the operatory and do not get sterilized are creating an opportunity to spread germs. While being passed throughout the office, these files are leaving the chance for contamination wide open. Using a tablet instead of paperless files eliminates the chances for contamination. Most feature a protective sleeve that prevents germs from being transmitted from person to person.