Opening the Doors to Practice Success & Growth

Patient communication is at the core of a successful dental practice, and these days, a phone call doesn't cut it. With dental patients expecting the same fast-paced interactions they experience in other areas of their lives, how can practices keep up? For starters, they can invest in a practice management system (PMS) manufacturer that's as passionate about the patient experience as they are. While the concept of a PMS emerged decades ago as a way to ditch paper charting, today, systems like Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend have evolved into fast-growing digital ecosystems that connect every step of a patient's journey with their dental practice.

“We like to think of our practice management systems as platforms that people interact with across the patient’s continuum of care—from patient communication and data analytics to insurance and payment tools," said Alan Rencher, Chief Technology Officer, Henry Schein One.

With that, he added, comes a litany of complex controls and processes running behind the scenes to keep practice data encrypted—whether it’s at rest or in flight across the wire. “Henry Schein One is passionate about interoperability and data sharing, so we’re constantly ensuring that our applications work seamlessly for our customers and their patients," he continued.

In support of a seamless user experience is the Dentrix Ascend API Exchange, a cloud-based exchange program that illustrates Henry Schein One’s commitment to open architecture. Available to anyone who follows approved security and safety standards, the API Exchange allows industry innovators to plug and play into the Dentrix Ascend digital ecosystem.

“All of the source code that powers our tools is analyzed and scanned every time a developer makes a change,” added Rencher. “While it’s a rigorous process, at the end of the day, it adds up to peace of mind for practices; they can be confident that their data are protected and secure.”

Clinically Sound Solutions

Inviting others to bring innovation into the Henry Schein One ecosystem has reaped benefits for practices on the Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend platforms, particularly in the case of newly launched AI-driven tools like Detect AI, powered and manufactured by VideaHealth, and Voice, powered by Bola AI, which are both integrated Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend solutions.

Detect AI automatically annotates x-ray scans with AI-enabled caries detection—helping clinicians make early, accurate diagnoses for more effective treatment plans. Voice enables the dental team to use voice entry for perio exams, clinical notes, and other office correspondence by leveraging intuitive, easy-to-learn voice commands.

Opportunities Abound

Today, data analytics is in the driver’s seat when it comes to decision-making, and dentistry is no exception. “While practice owners may be very in touch with their businesses, data can help validate the right areas to focus on,” said Steven Maroulis, General Manager, Dental Analytics & Patient Experience, Henry Schein One. “We often don't know what we don't know until data expose where the strengths and opportunities are-- especially when you compare the results to a benchmark or industry standard.”

A user-friendly data analytics software, Jarvis Analytics takes on the tedious task of organizing key practice data metrics into a simple-to-use format that practices can use to understand patient behavior, identify potential business opportunities, and ultimately boost revenue.

“Keeping the data front and center for your team can motivate them toward their own personal responsibilities and outcomes in the practice, and helps foster a sense of ownership with the team,” added Maroulis.

Improving Dentistry for All

“If our dental platforms can make the patient flow and patient experience even 5% or 10% more efficient, then the doctor can see 2 or 3 more patients that day,” noted Rencher. “And, if dentists get better at revenue cycle management because of our tools, they can run their businesses more efficiently, become more profitable, and expand and build more dental practices. That lowers the cost of dentistry for everyone.”