Integrated office technology: how technology can help improve office efficiency.

BACKGROUND

While innovation in the technology industry has produced ever more advanced equipment specifically for dentistry, it is important to understand how these advances actually improve internal operations in a dental practice.

OVERVIEW

The overall trend in general industry in the United States is to use technology as an instrument in enhancing productivity, and dentistry is no exception. This increased use of technology does not necessarily threaten the dentist/patient relationship. While the benefits of technology in dentistry are real, costs are not limited to just the price of the equipment itself. Each technology purchase should be evaluated on the basis of a thorough cost-benefit analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Though dentistry is essentially a personal service, selective use of technology can benefit patient care as well as contain costs. Dentists should consider technology as a partner in their practices.