What and How to Use Forms in Your Dental Practice

Kiltesh Patel
August 3, 2018 | 2 min read

What and How to Use Forms in Your Dental PracticeIt may not be something you've given a lot of thought to, but when you start you practice there are a series forms you need in place. These forms not only need to be created and filled out by your patients, but you need to administer them and have a system in place for getting the information off the forms and into the patient files.

For some practices still using paper, these hard copy forms are given to patients when they enter the office. Once filled out, copies are made and put into the patient files. Some offices take the information off the forms and enter it into a patient database or other digital system. This takes administrator time to enter the information and also can lead to errors between the patient form and what ends up in the file.

At tab32, we've found the best way to save time and prevent errors is to do the whole process digitally. Forms are available to patients online, either before they come into the office or in the office itself on tablets. These forms can then be filled out by the patient and the information is available automatically in their patient profile. No copies, no data entry required.

And, based on the patient population of a practice, these forms can even be filled out at the patient's convenience before their appointment. This shows them you value their time and helps them feel more in control of their experience.

What are the forms you need in your practice?

1. Patient registration - This key form gives you all the basic information you need about your patient. It includes contact and insurance information and may give some details on your office procedures as far as billing and payments. It also gathers family information—who's related and who's responsible for the bill. This is especially important in blended families or those with separated parents.

2. Patient medical and dental history - You cannot work on a new patient without this information. It includes ongoing health issues, past dental work, and allergies. All information you must know before you get to work! When the form is filled out online and immediately available, all critical notes—like allergies—can be seen by anyone on your staff working with that patient. 

3. Procedure consent - Different from the previous forms, this form is typically needed later in the patient relationship. Depending on the patient's treatment needs, they may need to give consent—both medical and financial—for a set of procedures. That's when this form would be used.

Don't get hung up on forms for your practice. They are key, but figuring out what to put and how to use them isn't a huge deal. Especially when they're built into your practice software. Want to learn more? Contact us today for a free demo!

Book a Demo

Subscribe by Email

No Comments Yet

Let us know what you think