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