The evolution of the dental industry is taking shape at a very fast rate courtesy of changing technology. One of the examples most people would consider a revelation is the dental lab management software-a remarkable invention which was developed to facilitate the awful lot of management task of a dental lab. Dental practices not only perform the procedures but also require sturdy support having a great potential for procedures such as restorations, prosthesis and other appliances. Nevertheless, dental lab management is a difficult task that entails many risks. This is where internal dental lab management software comes in to change the way this function is performed, improve operations, and ownership.
Hiding Beneath Managing a Dental Laboratory is a Lot of Hidden Struggles
It’s a very competent task to operate a dental laboratory. There are challenges ranging from orders tracking and stock updates to the deliveries of orders as ordered, and quality assurance activities of the lab that a lab manager might find quite trying. For that reason, a lot of laboratories used to depend on cumbersome paperwork, tracking by head and spreadsheets for operations. But such precautions are quite inefficient and even more accurate and cost avoiding measures such as urgent orders being executed could take place resulting to high levels of customer dissatisfaction.
Think of an ordinary day in a dental laboratory. Technicians are involved in cutting and making dental crowns, bridges, dentures and other types of appliances and are serving numerous orders from different dental offices at the same time. Each one is equipped with its features, dead lines and materials in place which means every order needs special attention to the given details. Nevertheless, within all of this, there is also the lab manager who has to make sure that the relevant materials are available to order, satisfy certain requirements and all products are delivered on time. Most of all, it is an easy process. If lacking the proper tools, the whole thing could fall into place easily.
Cue Dental Lab Management Software
Then there is management software for dental labs. This is software oriented towards the needs of lab managers and their technologists. In other words, this program is intended to solve the scope of those problems. The basic function of this software is to combine all processes of the organization in one system, eliminating any possible performance hinderance or delays. Specifically, it focuses on improving laboratory operations by optimizing scheduling, increasing ease of communication, cutting organizational costs, and reducing mistakes.
But what exactly should you expect in terms of features and functionality from dental lab management software? Let’s take a closer look at a number of key advantages and features which are the reason behind such efficiency of this technology for dental laboratories.
Streamlining Order Management.
One of the main roles of a dental lab management software system is achieving efficiency in the order processing. With such software, dental offices are able to issue orders to the lab along with digital impressions, design files and specifying comments. The software then queues such orders, delegates them to skilled technicians and updates the status incessantly. This reduces data entry work and minimises the risk of error involving risking information once passing to another.
Moreover, a management software for dental laboratory enables visibility throughout the whole production setup. Order managers are able to track where each order is at, what is their cause for not getting fulfilled and modify other factors in a bid to achieve the business objectives. Visibility like this however, helps improve efficiency but also extends relations with dental practices for better outcomes.
Enhancing Production Efficiency.
In most dental labs, time is a very crucial resource. It is so because at this moment high quality dental disposables are manufactured, which fit precisely these or those wishes of dental practices within a very short period of time. Fortunately, the dental lab management software enhances effectiveness of the production process by relieving operators from routine works, such as scheduling jobs, allocating resources, and controlling stock levels.
For instance, applying the program allows the system to independently distribute the tasks between technicians, basing it on their competences and their present status. It can also monitor the materials and inform the lab manager when they are short on stock, thus minimizing the risks associated with stock out.
In addition, dental lab management software is capable of CAD/CAM systems and other applications which include the databases, thus making the data input less time consuming, and the design or concepts are made and verified within a shorter time span. The importance of this development is not just as it shortens the possibilities of effort and time misallocation but also increases the precision of products as there are fewer undesired reworks.
Enhancing Quality Control
In dentistry, quality is the basic aspect as the slightest of the errors can be critical when it comes to the health of the patient. Dental lab management software contains quality control module which assists in ensuring that the highest level of quality in craftsmanship is met by the laboratories.
With this software, laboratories are able to customize the approaches on quality control for each type of product made. Afterward, from the software, technicians can do the documentation of the tasks done, track every stage of the production process, and indicate problems encountered during work. There is also provision for lab managers to undertake some operations, perform audits, monitor the performance of the technicians, and other relevant operations.
As the quality control procedures are systematized and the records are comprehensive, the chances of mistakes and deviations from the standard specifications of the dental lab management software are minimal since no product leaves the lab without being up to the required standards.
Devising Better Communication with customers
Constructing relationships between the dental lab and the dental practices it serves is very important, and this requires effective communication. Dental laboratory management software removes the challenge of communication by providing information to people through a system where lab managers and the dental practice can communicate, resolve issues and provide updates on progress.
For instance, they can forward digitally scanned impressions to the dental lab, check their order status, and contact the dental laboratory to modify their order if required using the software. In addition, for example, the lab managers can utilize the software to update the dental practices about the status of the tasks, ask for more details and inform them about the readiness of the orders for dispatching.
Same as this kind of communication helps boost teamwork, it also reduces the chance of misunderstanding or mistakes that may happen in the process of acquiring information through phone calls or correspondence. With dental lab management software, even areas like communication are managed well making sure that the right information is passed and the orders are fulfilled.
Making Billing and Reporting less stressful
How a dental lab is managed including the financial part is usually daunting and rather tedious. Dental lab management software makes billing and reporting less complicated by cutting down on the number of steps to be tracked in the payments, invoice preparation, and account maintenance.
Attached insurance billing and collections management software can create the invoices after the job is done, monitor incoming payments, and issue statements on unpaid balances to dental offices if necessary. It can also contain robust financial reporting that gives lab managers a clear overview of how much money comes in, how much goes out and if they make a profit.
Since such tasks can now be performed by the dental lab management systems, it helps lessen the load of administrative tasks from the laboratory managers and gives them time to do more vital work. It also enables labs to keep correct financial records which in turn assist in cash flow, effective decision making, and tax compliance.
Fostering Innovation and Change
As the world of dentistry offers better products and treatment options every day, the laboratory side of the industry has to be in a position to change periodically. A dental lab management software ensures one such flexibility and scalability to remain on top of the game.
For instance, a good number of the dental labs are switching over to several in-house digital workflows that use 3D printing, intraoral scanners and other technologies. The dental lab management software may not remain physical, but spys on these tools, so that new processes can quickly be integrated into the workings of the laboratories without the need to make any alterations to the normal working processes.
Moreover, the application can be effective in the analysis of lab performance, consumables and other market trends. Again, lab managers can utilize such data in discovering firm-level opportunities for growth, streamline operations and determine critical actions that embrace innovations for the firms competitive advantage.
A Case of New Direction
Now, we all have this scenario in our mind and let us picture the narrative for a dental lab named, Pearl Precision Labs. Pearl Precision Labs depended heavily on various traditional means of operation for a number of years. Records of orders were kept in logbooks, phone calls were the main means of interaction with the dentistry practices, and inventory control systems were maintained using manual files. Though there was quality work done in the lab, many number of errors and inefficiencies and some time overrun were typical in the lab.
After some time, Dr. Jane, as the lab’s owner, was ready to buy software in a dental lab management system. The metamorphosis was instantaneous: order was completely electronic, automatic task allocation was performed within the system to the technician depending on his skills and workloads. Dr. Jane managed to keep track of the order process at any point and intervene if need to be for the timely delivery of the orders. Quality control measures were also put into place where processes were followed to the latter and opportunities for mistakes and reworks were highly minimized.
However, the bluntest alteration was in interaction with customers. With the transformation of the operational procedure, dental practices started to provide the dental software company with digital impressions, trackingorder status and communicating with the laboratory overall using the software. This degree of information accessibility and engagement brought about better customers’ relations as well as satisfaction.
Hence, Pearl Precision Labs had an opportunity to increase its order intake capacity, enhance the turnaround time and increase the volume of its clientele. The lab business grew, and her revenues increased, enabling her to buy new assets as well as train on new technology, which equally stimulated internal growth.
What to Expect in the Management of Dental Labs
The story of Pearl Precision Labs is only an exemplar of what dental lab management software can do for a business. As more labs embrace this technology, the future of dental lab management looks favorable. At the same time, dental lab management software has the potential to fully support operations, increase quality control, facilitate communication, and enable progress and development in a number of ways, and so will be needed by a large number of laboratories regardless of dimension.
Moving forward in a rapidly changing environment, the labs that will win, will be those that embrace technology to enable themselves to compete, deliver the highest quality, and retain customers for the longest period possible. This is where dental lab management software comes in. It is what will make it possible for the labs to grow, amidst intense digitization.
Thus, irrespective of whether you are a lab manager wanting to streamline processes, a technician hoping to minimise mistakes, or a dental clinic wanting to share information with your lab, dental lab management software provides a solution. It’s not simply about administration of a lab. It is about looking at the possibilities in the functioning of a dental practice differently.
Leading dental laboratory management systems.
Having examined the capabilities demonstrated by the dental laboratory management system, it is now time to look at some of the software solutions currently on offer. All of these platforms come with tools that are relevant to today’s dental laboratories regardless of whether they are running a nondescript practice or a full-blown laboratory practice.
1. LabStar
LabStar is an award winning dental lab management software with an applauded graphical user interface and many functions. This is because LabStar was developed with dental labs in mind, featuring tools for order management, production scheduling, stock management, and communication with clients.
** Key Features: **
Cloud-Based Platform: You may connect to your lab operations anywhere and at anytime.
Order Management: Efficient order entry, order production tracking, and order delivery time coordination
Quality Control: internal and external tools for documenting, supervising and auditing production
Customer Portal: Ordering, order status updates and communications between the practices and the laboratory via a consolidated portal for practices.
Integration: supports various peripheral CAD/CAM systems, enabling more effective digital workflow.
Where to Buy:
LabStar is a capacity based pricing and billing software as a service. You can sign up and request a demo directly on their Official website.
2. DentaLab for QuickBooks
DentaLab for QuickBooks is an effective and easy-to-use solution which integrates with the QuickBooks accounting application. It is suitable for dental labs which would like to implement one system for both, the management of the laboratory and the accounting department.
Key Features:
Order Management: Remain updated on the status of each case, monitor timeframe, and production progress.
Inventory Control: Cut down on stock-out occurrences using a robust automated inventory system.
QuickBooks Integration: The system is integrated with QuickBooks for proper accounting of revenue and expenses.
Customizable Workflows: Change the program in accordance with the needs of your specific laboratory.
Customer Management: Keep records of all the clients’ preferences, histories, and correspondences.
Where to Buy:
DentaLab for QuickBooks can be bought together with the demo on the official site.
3. Wieland Dental Management Software (DMS)
Wieland Dental Management Software (DMS) addresses these concerns as it is a very powerful solution for high performance dental laboratories. Equipped with all that is necessary for smooth operation of main departments, the system caters to all the stages from order placements to fulfillment.
Key Features:
Advanced Production Scheduling: Systematize labor tasks/activities and make efficient use of human resources and equipment/materials.
Integrated CAD/CAM: Digital dentistry workflow that works with CAD/CAM imagers and other related devices and software.
–Owing to a customer study and an analysis of present and future market research, the report will generate reports on lab performance, financials, and customer satisfaction metrics. –Targeted at small labs, large scale operations are also favored. Where to Buy: iiText of Rocky has been provided by Ivoclar Vivadent. More details can be found on their Ignasty.com or one can request for an estimate. 4. **MagicTouch Software Mixed Denture Case MagicTouch is another business system for a dental lab….the makers can appreciate its flexibility and the ease of use of the specific software. There is fairly good set of functions letting to fulfillment of wide variety of requirements of dental labs. Convince Me: 8 Customer Communication: Built-in interplay with dental practices dated 11.06.2015. Provider providing only Progressive Billing and Invoicing – connected to other well-known accounting packages. The hint or suggestion can be overstated simply by saying that you can tailor the program to your lab’s specific needs. MagicSoft aims at only one potential consumer lab, excellence is built into the product. Where to Buy: Towards the end of the article, the demo request option is drafted. Magic Touch is tendered by MagicTake right.”
How Important is Software Selection
As the management of dental labs requires the selection of the right dental lab management software, it is less of a technical issue than it is a business issue. The system you decide to purchase will consistently determine how your lab will be operated and in particular the level of operational efficiencies and the extent of growth over time. Some of the best options outlined above are merely examples but the suitable option will vary with the needs, number, and objectives of your lab.
For small-sized laboratories, it seems like a relatively cheap and handy solution could be the DentaLab for QuickBooks. Large-sized labs with more complicated processes might feel that they cannot do without Specialized Wieland DMS. No matter the nature of your operation, however, it would be important to choose software compatible to that already in use and one that can handle increased demand with time.
Conclusion: The Time is Now is to Accept the Future
At last, it is worthwhile to mention that the dental industry is on the verge of the digital transformation era, and searching for the right dental lab management software is a part of this change. This software makes it easier for labs to be productive, less prone to errors, and produce better output by streamlining repetitive processes, enhancing collaboration, and providing better visibility.
It is evident that the costs, and resources for lab managers, technicians, and dental practices have drastically reduced improving operations, working in teams with others, as well as concentrating on the delivery of dental care services.
However, looking into the future, the labs that will do well are those that adapt themselves to such devices and utilize all aspects of it. If you are just beginning to learn about your possibilities, or if you are determined to jump right in, investing in dental lab management software is one of the steps toward the smoother and more dynamic evolution of the practice.
One hast to ask the question – why now? Choose the appropriate software for your dental practice and take a big step towards a more advanced dental practice more today.
