Use of computers in dental offices in the US and Canada has become more commonplace over last three decades. With constant adoption of electronic dental records (EDRs) by dental practices, substantial growth in clinical computing and use of EDRs by dental practitioners has occurred, especially within the last decade. Since the dental profession has an ethical and legal responsibility for patient care, dental professionals are compelled by law to produce and maintain adequate patient records. A properly maintained patient record is a very important aspect of patient care. In general, a “record” can also be defined as information generated during an organization’s official transactions and one that is documented to act as a source of reference and a tool by which an organization is governed.
Electronic dental record (EDR) or Electronic Oral Health Records (EOHR) is a patient's dental record that is available through an electronic interface. EDR is the Electronic Health Record (EHR) of dentistry and a contributor to the overall health picture of the patient. Dental records can be stored or maintained in either paper format or in an electronic format. A dental record is a detailed document of the history of the illness, physical examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a patient. Dental records are produced during a dental examination and are the recording of the state of a patient's teeth. EOHR ensures that patient information is reliable and up to date. EOHR or EDR systems generate comprehensive reports and data analysis, allowing dental practices to identify trends, track key performance indicators, and make informed decisions to improve patient care and practice efficiency.
EOHR or EDR Management
Electronic Oral Health Records (EOHR) or electronic dental record (EDR) are essential for dentist and client protection, and its maintenance is considered an ethical and legal obligation of the dentist: Ethical, because it satisfies the duty of care that the dentist has toward his patient and legal, as it is an investment for future protection against medico-legal complications.
Comprehensive and accurate records are a vital part of dental practice. The primary purpose of maintaining dental records is to deliver quality patient care and follow-up. Dental records can also be used for forensic purposes and have an important role in teaching and research, as well as in legal matters. Dental records and charts are permanent legal documents. They must be accurate and complete. A forensic pathologist, for example, may need to rely on dental records to identify a victim or missing person. Professional, ethical and legal responsibilities dictate that a record documenting all aspects of a patient’s dental care be maintained. All patient records must be well organized, legible, readily accessible and understandable.
Electronic Records (EDR) and Record-keeping
In modern era, the use of electronic recordkeeping including digital radiography is quite common practice. EDR must be able to visually display and print the recorded clinical and financial information for each client in chronological order and can print this information without unreasonable delay. They need to include a password or otherwise provides reasonable protection against unauthorized access and back up files on a removable media and allows for data recovery or provides by other means reasonable protection against loss, damage, and/or inaccessibility of client information. EDR must be able to store the original data in a read-only format from within the dental program itself but protects the data files from entry and alteration from the database. It is important to note that electronic records must comply with the requirements and regulations as established by the governing body such as the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC), College of Dental Hygienists, etc.
Most dental offices have long-standing relationships with their patients/clients. They need Dental receptionist/Front desk manager who must be enthusiastic, a team player, hardworking, have a great knowledge about EDR and enjoys clients communication. For a busy Dental office, knowledge of EDR and dental software is a valuable asset. For thriving dental practices, experienced Dental receptionist/Front desk manager is an essentiality, who can take over the administrative duties involved with office organization, patient scheduling and file management, who enjoys people and values compassionate service. The Dental receptionist/Front desk manager job includes significant amounts of multi-tasking, but the ideal candidate provides professionalism and personalized service, and complement dental office.
Dental Receptionist /Administrators Advanced Skills Certificate Programs at Springfield College are short certificate programs to help you achieve knowledge and skills related to administrative duties involved with office organization, patient scheduling and file management in dental setups.
Diploma in Medical & Dental Office Administration (MDOA) Program at Springfield College provide training to become knowledgeable and well-informed Healthcare Administrators who are adept at adjusting to new developments in health care regulations, technology, use of updated EMR Softwares and policies for Medical and Dental offices in Ontario. Diploma in MDOA at Springfield College make the students perfectionist while exercising professionalism in demeanor and work perspectives. They acquire skills and capabilities for effective patient communication and office administration in different medical and dental set ups. Learn and advance your skills and knowledge of Medical & Dental office administration in just few months.
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