4 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to Cloud-Based Dental Software

Efficiency.

That’s a useful, all-purpose term for how you want your dental practice or DSO to function. It’s also an evaluation point for deciding to upgrade to a cloud-based dental software platform.

That seems bold to say — especially since there are options for how you manage your dental practice or DSO’s data.

You might admit to testing your efficiency against your current dental practice management system (PMS). The results could signal a necessary upgrade to a cloud-based dental software solution.

Why consider cloud-based dental software?

No doubt the internet has helped redefine access and efficiency. You’re accustomed to in-the-moment information access.

Cloud-based dental software capitalizes on internet accessibility. You’re no longer bound by proximity to a fixed, on-location server.

Anytime, anywhere access somewhat redefines dental PMS efficiency. Plus, there’s the potential for unlimited storage of your patient data.

Cloud-based dental software is equipped with benefits worth considering.

• Cost-effectiveness when compared with hardware upgrades and maintenance
• User-friendly interface without compromising productivity
• Built-in, automatic updates
• Scalable bandwidth that grows along with your organization
• Secure, compliant and encrypted platform to protect your data and align with security regulations (e.g., HIPAA and GDPR)

These fundamental benefits are strong motivation for considering an upgrade to cloud-based dental software. It’s important to evaluate your current dental PMS and look for a few practical signs that an upgrade could solve.

4 signs it’s time to upgrade to cloud-based dental software

1. When you’ve exceeded the limits of your current system

You might discover that you and your team are having to patch or cobble together solutions for managing your daily dental practice routines. Or you could be faced with having to invest in more hardware or server capacity to accommodate your practice management needs.

Cloud-based dental software centralizes your current workflows. And its bandwidth is equipped to anticipate and support your practice’s growth.

• Avoid duplication of patient records.
• Navigate your patient database and (when necessary) move patients between providers and practices within your group or DSO.
• Centralize and scale your administrative workflows to enhance team productivity and efficiency.

2. When your team is sacrificing efficiency for complicated or outdated processes

Patient data consumes a high percentage of your front office team’s time. Aside from patient interaction, it’s perhaps their largest energy investment.

Related workflows can experience efficiency pinch points on an outdated or slow server-based software platform. Poor responsiveness or time-consuming report building impacts productivity.

Cloud-based dental software is designed to keep pace with your routine and time-sensitive workflows.

• Track your organization’s key performance indicators and other metrics.
• Create templates for more efficient patient data entry.
• Access patient records off-site using a secure internet connection.
• Scale up your dental workflows to improve scheduling, patient communication, dental marketing and more.

3. When you’re concerned about the security and backup of your patient data

Cybersecurity risks are common. You could also experience data breaches from unsecured access points such as weak passwords or lost administrative keys.

Bottom line, there’s no guarantee your data won’t be compromised whatever you do. But the likelihood could increase when your data is stored on an on-site server-based system.

Cloud-based dental software has built-in security and redundancy protocols.

• Software can be set for automatic updates, eliminating time-intensive monitoring.
• Updates often align with known security threats, risks or vulnerabilities.
• HIPAA compliance is maintained and supported across your system.
• Data backups are a routine security protocol.

4. When you’re intent on improving your patient experience

Much of the patient experience revolves around communication. It could be about billing, scheduling, and obtaining and importing patient information.

You might be forced to jump through some technical hoops to scale your server-based system for new opportunities. And the bandwidth or software issues could require costly upgrades.

A cloud-based dental software platform helps streamline the patient experience. You’re equipped out of the box for most innovations.

• Built-in digital communication tools support your patient acquisition and patient retention metrics.
• Patient billing, payment portals and insurance claims management can enhance your revenue stream.
• Dental marketing campaigns can be tracked, and your marketing communication can be more easily segmented for certain demographics.

The good news is you have a choice. You’re no longer tethered to an in-office server for your dental PMS.

Cloud-based dental software expands your capacity for growth, team efficiency, data security and compliance, and improves your patient experience.

Check out these related cloud-based dental software resources:

6 More Benefits of Using Cloud-Based Software

7 Steps for a Smooth Transition to Cloud-Based Software

When you’re ready to upgrade to cloud-based dental software, choose a proven platform

Dentrix Ascend from Henry Schein One centralizes data, supports the structure of your practice or DSO and provides scalability as your organization grows.

Learn what makes Dentrix Ascend the right solution for your practice or DSO.

Request a demo today.