Dentally Portal vs. Traditional Appointment and Form Systems: A Comparative Analysis

In the dynamic world of dentistry, the need for efficiency, patient satisfaction, and management  ease is never-ending. As we leap into an era powered by innovation and technology, the gap between traditional appointment systems and modern, digital solutions is widening. Today, we're diving into a comparative analysis between Dentally Portal and traditional appointment systems, showcasing how embracing innovation can revolutionise your practice. 

Efficiency and Time-Saving Features 

Traditional systems for booking usually involve several steps; the patient calling the practice to arrange an appointment, the receptionist manually scanning the calendar for availability, inputting the appointment into the calendar and linking to the patient’s record. Practices will opt for using this method often to maintain control over the appointment book, however, it can ironically lead to the opposite. By relying on incoming calls to receive bookings, this can cause a bottleneck at reception - meaning some phone calls get missed, while patients in practice receive a somewhat poor experience with the receptionist preoccupied with a ringing phone.

On the other hand, Online booking, a feature that can be switched on from Dentally Portal, turns this narrative on its head. Through its sleek, user-friendly interface, patients can book their appointments online at their convenience, significantly reducing the administrative load on your staff. This shift not only optimises your practice's efficiency but also opens up new avenues for enhancing patient care and focusing on what matters most—your patients' oral health. 

34% of patients using Dentally Portal have booked out of hours (outside the hours of 9-5) - this is 34% of appointments that could’ve not been booked simply because the practice would not have been open to take the call. 

Customisation and Control  

A common misconception is that shifting to a digital system means losing control over your appointment scheduling. We're here to dispel this myth. Dentally Portal is designed with customisation at its core. Whether it's setting specific appointment types, adjusting available slots, or managing practitioner schedules, the power remains firmly in your hands. This level of control ensures that the transition from traditional to digital enhances your practice operations, not hinders them. 

Security and Compliance 

In the realm of patient data management, security cannot be an afterthought. Traditional systems often rely on physical records or local databases, which carry inherent risks and compliance challenges - particularly when it comes to storage. 

 Dentally Portal, with its emphasis on data security, offers peace of mind through encrypted, cloud-based storage and small ultra-frequent updates that happen in the background with no disruption to your practice. Your patient data is not only secure but also only accessible to those who need it with editable permission levels, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and patient privacy laws at every touchpoint. 

Scalability 

As your practice grows, so do your needs. Traditional appointment systems are often limited by storage space and can therefore quickly become overwhelmed - leading to scheduling errors and missed opportunities.  

Dentally Portal, with its scalable cloud infrastructure, grows alongside your practice. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re a solo practitioner or a multi-site operation, your appointment system is as agile as your ambitions. Your Online Booking and Forms are tightly integrated within your practice management software, meaning no manual input of data is needed and you will always see the most up-to-date information for each patient. 

The Verdict 

While traditional appointment systems have served practices for decades, the contrast with Dentally Portal’s innovative approach is stark. By embracing Dentally Portal, you're not just upgrading your Appointment and Form Systems; you’re empowering your practice with efficiency, control, and scalability. It's a leap towards future-proofing your operations and dedicating more time to what truly matters—the health and satisfaction of your patients. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or feedback about integrating Dentally Portal into your practice, our team is ready and excited to hear from you - get in touch today.