Digital Dental Records on the Rise among Dentists

Digital dental records aren’t yet universal, but more dentists have taken their patient files electronic than have not, according to our recent survey.

38% of practices have digital patient records are in use by 38% of dentists, and another 34% are in the process of converting. Only 29% don’t have electronic patient records.

The slight majority (56%) think electronic dental records save money in dental care. Only 38% think the security risks outweigh the advantages.

Here are some dentist comments:

• “I would quit practicing dentistry if I had to go back to writing in paper charts ever again.” (California dentist)
• “I haven’t been willing to take the time and effort with retirement being in the near future……” (General dentist)
• “It has been 4 years and it was the best move we made.” (Bermuda dentist)
• “Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, takes the place of a well-written and thoroughly documented paper chart! I may be old-fashioned, but a hard copy is so much better than some record ‘floating around’ in cyberspace.” (Alabama dentist)
• “Too expensive. Technologies that may work well for hospital-based medical practice may have little or no application for office-based dental practice.” (California dentist)
• “We find great value in the fact that each member of our team has the ability to access total patient information (clinical and financial) with just a few keystrokes. The increased access to information improves our ability to work as a cohesive unit, promotes cross-training, and creates an improved overall patient experience.” (Dental marketing for an endodontic practice)
• “It’s a lot of work and planning….we’ve been working on conversion to a completely paperless office over the last 2 years and still are not 100% there yet! I’m convinced it’s improved our office thus far and will continue going forward.” (California prosthodontist)

Read more: Electronic Dental Records Gain Ground with Dentists