Dental charting refers to the process through which a dental care professional describes and lists the health of the gums and teeth. Periodontal charting forms a part of dental charting that refers to certain specific measurements done for each tooth. Usually, the charting is done at the time of dental checkups. It is a graphic mode of information organization regarding dental health.
Now, we know that keeping up regular dental appointments and getting periodic charting done can be really helpful in maintaining oral health. But how should a dental health professional manage dental charting effectively? Read on to find the answer to this question.
Dental EHR software – An easy way to manage dental charting
The EHR (Electronic Health Record) is a proven, mature platform that comes with features like medical entries and digital charting that make the dental professionals feel like they are turning, reviewing, and holding the pages of an actual paper chart. It helps in streamlining the treatment procedure by letting the professionals access the data anytime and from anytime.
As the dental industry is basically a part of holistic patient care, the dental providers should never miss all the advantages of the EHRs. In this digital era, EHRs are not an option any longer, but rather a necessity. It helps a dental institute provide the continuity of care, which is the crux of running a successful business. And that’s only the beginning!
How dental charting works using a dental EHR software
Now, the way dental charting works for you depends on the dental EHR software you have chosen. However, in the most popular EHR software options, there are features like color coded treatment plans, easy learning curve, and the need for minimal manual interaction.
You simply input the data in the respective column, and let the data get sorted and stored for later use. The simple and intuitive user interface of the modern-day EHR software makes life a lot easier for any dental professional.
Benefits of using a dental EHR software for dental charting
Firstly, dental EHR software allows better coordination with the medical provider of a patient. Now, medical and oral health are interlinked. Oral problems are usually the first sign of a major health issue, nutritional deficiency, or infection, which means the two disciplines need a way of seamlessly exchanging data.
EHRs are made to be so interoperable that medical and dental health professionals can exchange information and assess patient needs more effectively. There are inbuilt tools for faster decision-making and real-time data sharing. On the other hand, inconsistencies in the paper charts can lead to discrepancies that prevent effective care management. The kind of dental software that doesn’t share only delays care delivery.
Secondly, dental EHRs let dental practices get more in less time. Before any patient comes in, the staff can take a look at insurance eligibility and seek information regarding current medication, medical history, or present health problems. With all those details handy, you can reduce the waiting time for each patient without giving up on your care-first approach.
In addition to that, dental charting in EHRs need only a couple of clicks and taps rather than manually shading and filling paper charts. The automation can save a ton of time for any clinic. In fact, the benefit of relying on an EHR software extends even after patient visits. They help in facilitating post-visit tasks related to referrals, claims submission and billing, and e-prescriptions. It saves money and time by streamlining the workflow and letting you focus more on patient care.
So, if the EHR software is not how you do your dental charting, you are missing out on a lot of advantages!
