Computers in the treatment rooms are not just simple data input and retrieval devices. They are also communication, diagnosis, education and entertainment centers. They are used by the dentist, the dental assistant and the even the dental patient. Accommodating all these uses and users means that the computer components need to flexible and movable.
Multiple monitors use a function of Windows which allows two or more monitors to run off of one computer. Dual monitors aren’t really new; I have been using them and telling other dentists about the concept since1998. What is new is that program designers are building in dual monitor functionality and hardware vendors, such as Dell are offering multiple monitors as a common upgrade.
Dual monitors provide a great solution to what can be a problem when computers are used in the treatment rooms. That is the “public - private” issue. Some things seen on the computer monitor are public. Those are things we want the patient to see, their own chart, x-rays, photos or patient education. Other information should not be seen. That would include another patient’s chart or the daily schedule; that is private.
Dual monitors allow the user to have two monitors showing completely different things. This is done by extending the desktop. That means you can view different windows, like a chart in behind the patient on the private monitor and patient education in front on the public monitor. However you can not input data simultaneously in both monitors, there is still only one active window even though there are two monitors.

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After I posted the photo below I decided to offer some real help with this link to Extreme Tech. The advice is mostly common sense but worth considering.

Ten Tips: How to Get What You Want from Tech Support Whether your tech support contact is some clueless, minimum wage kid in Bangladesh or a talented techie in Texas, getting what you need from a call or a chat can be a challenge. Here’s how to win the Tech Support game every time.
ExtremeTech - Deep technology for enthusiasts and professionals [1].

[1] http://www.extremetech.com/

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I have been getting a number of questions etc regarding open source software and Open Dental. First it is important to understand what Open Source is. Following is a definition from Webopedia, Follow the link for lots of details.
In very simple terms open source is software that anybody can modify, it is in the public domain. This may or may not be a good thing.

(1) Generically, open source refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design free of charge, i.e., open. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community. Open source sprouted in the technological community as a response to proprietary software owned by corporations.
OSI dictates that in order to be considered “OSI Certified” a product must meet the following criteria:

The author or holder of the license of the source code cannot collect royalties on the distribution of the program
The distributed program must make the source code accessible to the user
The author must allow modifications and derivations of the work under the program’s original name
No person, group or field of endeavor can be denied access to the program
The rights attached to the program must not depend on the program’s being part of a particular software distribution
The licensed software cannot place restrictions on other software that is distributed with it.

What is open source? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary [1].

[1] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/o/open_source.html

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The first step is to install a good, fully integrated, clinically centered practice management system. There are many good choices; however the industry leaders are Dentrix, Kodak and Eaglesoft.
The second step is to install a network with computers in the treatment rooms. If you do not have computers in the clinical areas you can not enter or retrieve patient information in the area where all the real work of the dental office is taking place. It is like leaving the old paper charts at the front desk then leaving the treatment area and running up front whenever you need to look something up regarding the patient’s history, or to examine an x-ray or to write any new notes.
The third step is to learn to use the system completely. Many dental offices use only a small fraction of the capability of the computer system they have paid for.

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Many dentists are so afraid of a possible computer failure that they refuse to use it, just in case. That is silly. Ask yourself, what if my car breaks down on the way to the office? What if the power goes out? What if the air compressor dies? The fact is that we rely on all kinds of systems that possibly could fail. A mission critical system failure, like a power outage or a compressor breakdown could put you out of business for a short time. A computer failure is the same. However the best way to protect yourself from a computer failure is to use redundant data storage systems, make daily off site back ups and most importantly have a local computer technician who you can rely on to be there that day, to get the office back to work.

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10/1/07 - DentalBlogs.com had the privilege of interviewing a new blogger, a true great mind in dentistry, Dr. John Cranham. In addition to his private practice in Chesapeake, Virginia, Dr. Cranham is on primary faculty with the Dawson Center and lectures independently with Cranham Dental Seminars. Here, he shares his [...]

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Turnover is a big issue in many dental offices. How can you keep your team happy and productive for the long term? First, take solace in the fact that all workplaces struggle with staff turnover. Across the board (not just in dentistry), a lack of social support for men and a lack [...]

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This doesn’t have anything directly to do with dentistry…well maybe it does. Check the link.

They say the meek shall inherit the earth, but these experiments with emotional computer programs suggest it may actually be the neurotic. And that they’ll probably take it rapidly by military force.
New Scientist Technology Blog: Neurotic software has a winning personality [1].

[1] http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/2007/10/neurotic-software-is-top-gamer.html

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