Patient Education

It is time to make this area of the office paperless. For years dentists have drawn elaborate pictures for patients on scraps of paper scattered around the treatment rooms. Caries, abscesses, crowns and more have tested the artistic abilities of many practitioners. Elaborate explanations including futile efforts showing radiographs to patients have been the norm. Several companies have put out books and videos that are professionally produced to use as visual aids. Many practitioners use their own cases either in book or photo form, including beautiful poster sized treatment results to aid in this arena. With a computer in the treatment area, photos and videos on demand can be very helpful. Bob and Liz Rondeau broke this ground with the introduction of CAESY, first on CD, then DVD and now in a networked environment with high quality photos, videos and animations. Now there are several companies at multiple price points and various presentation innovations that give the practitioner a wide choice for the practice. The ROI for the office is extraordinary. Not only in savings on pencils and paper, but time and energy instructing patients about procedures, which patients are more likely to understand and go forward with treatment plans. The patients appreciate the office’s explanations and have a clearer vision of what to expect.

A good patient education system should have short and to-the-point modules. They do not have to be too graphic- some seem to be aimed more to impress dentists than patients. Look at these products with the eye of an uninformed patient. Note the ease of bringing the programs up for viewing as well as system requirements. These products must be assessed by the entire staff, as education and case presentation comes from all members of the office. All who are going to be using the system should be part of the decision process. Most of the companies provide demos or have examples on their websites.

CAESY

The original patient education. Over 200 modules explaining procedures to patients. Excellent graphics and videos. Smile Channel is entertaining for adults and children, Network version allows central server with each workstation able to customize content. Distributed by Patterson Dental.

Orasphere

Very powerful group of modules. Excellent graphics and animations with simple to complex explanations of a variety of procedures. Frequent upgrades.

Patient Care Suite

This is actually a Practice Management system with an excellent education module.

Consult Pro

Excellent animations. Products are available for GPs and specialists. Also has treatment planning and modules for dental professional education.

Medvisor dental

New entry using a pen based monitor or tablet PC. Operator can annotate the animations and save/print them. Novel animations.

Dental Wizard (digidentist)

Lower cost basic education system with many excellent modules and features