In this new dot.com age, we have been bombarded by advertisements and advise regarding the "high-tech" office. How much technology is necessary and how much will be truly useful in terms of increasing efficiency and decreasing overhead?

There is currently a plethora of new equipment available in today’s market. Walk down the aisle of any trade show and you may become overwhelmed and confused.

Obviously, first and foremost, you need a solid computer program to help run the practice management aspects of your office. I feel that the next most important piece of equipment is an intra-oral digital camera. Ideally, you should get one that integrates with your software package. While it is true that this helps immensely with patient education, we present it as a diagnostic tool. We keep the computer monitor behind the patient and take a picture of each quadrant of the mouth, as well as their anterior teeth, at the initial exam. We explain to the patient that because the picture of their teeth on the screen is so much larger than their actual size, it gives us the ability to diagnose more effectively. Because they cannot see these pictures, they are all the more interested in finding out how they look.

When we sit down with the patient to present a treatment plan, these digital photos are used. When treatment is provided, we take pictures during the procedure. Finally, when treatment is completed a final photo is taken. This is a very powerful tool for giving the patient "ownership" of their dental problems. It increases their confidence in you and also increases your case acceptance.

Another great piece of technology that is available is digital radiography. Though there is a long learning curve on this piece of eqipment, in the long run, it is well worth the effort. Do away with processing time and the associated mess. This is especially helpful during endodontic or surgical procedures. Most importantly, your patients will be very impressed.

Unfortunately, the downside to all the high-tech additions is that most of the technology comes in "stand-alone" system form. This can make the ergonomics of our formerly low-tech operatory a nightmare. As we add each piece of equipment, we find a little less space available for our staff and ourselves. Until the problem of software/high-tech hardware integration is solved, we must make judicious choices regarding our economic and ergonomic options.

There is not one solution out there that actually runs the office, as it should. But the future looks promising and we are working on internet time, so the future is in 6 months!!!