In the rapidly evolving world of dental healthcare, technology plays a crucial role in streamlining operations and enhancing patient care. In a recent episode of ProspHire’s Soaring to New Health podcast, Chris Miladinovich and Dan Crogan explored the transformative impact of cloud-based dental practice management software. Their guests, Mike Huffaker, Chief Revenue Officer of Planet DDS, and Luke Laurin, Managing Director of Dental Practice Management at ProspHire, shared valuable insights into the benefits, challenges and future trends of adopting cutting-edge technology in the dental sector.
The Rise of Planet DDS
Mike Huffaker began by discussing Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based dental software. Founded in 2003, Planet DDS has been at the forefront of innovation, offering solutions like Apex Imaging for cloud-based X-rays and Legwork, a marketing automation tool for dental practices. With a strong heritage in cloud technology, Planet DDS focuses on providing multi-location practices with flexible, future-proof solutions.
“Our heritage is cloud,” Mike emphasized. “We live, sleep and breathe cloud. We are a SaaS platform with a commitment to always being on the cutting edge.” This dedication to innovation ensures that practices using Planet DDS can continuously adapt to new technologies and stay ahead of the curve.
Challenges in Implementation
Transitioning to a new practice management software can be daunting, especially for multi-location practices. Luke Laurin from ProspHire pointed out that many dental practices face challenges in planning and resource allocation during the implementation phase. “A lot of organizations don’t plan accordingly from a resource perspective,” Luke noted. “It often ends up costing them more money in the long run due to budget overruns and unmet schedules.”
Luke stressed the importance of thorough planning, resource allocation and optimization of front, back and clinical office workflows to ensure a successful implementation. This planning phase is crucial for practices to not only transition smoothly but also to leverage the new software to its fullest potential.
Adoption and Change Management
Once a new software solution is implemented, driving adoption and managing change are critical. Mike discussed the importance of creating and documenting new workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure staff can efficiently use the new system. “You want to make sure you’re celebrating the success that your practices have in the adoption of the software,” Mike said. “This increases the buy-in and the probability of being successful.”
Strategic Acquisitions for Comprehensive Solutions
Planet DDS has been strategic in its acquisition approach, recognizing the diverse needs of dental practices. Mike mentioned that their acquisitions, such as Cloud 9 and Apex Imaging, allow them to offer integrated, best-in-class solutions tailored to different specialties within the dental field.
“We’ve been very thoughtful in trying to provide a comprehensive solution of best-in-class products that integrate together,” Mike explained. This approach ensures that dental practices can operate efficiently with tools specifically designed for their unique workflows.
Conclusion
The adoption of cloud-based dental practice management software, like that offered by Planet DDS, is transforming the dental industry. By focusing on scalability, thorough planning and strategic acquisitions, Planet DDS and ProspHire are helping dental practices navigate the complexities of modern healthcare technology. As the dental sector continues to evolve, embracing these cutting-edge solutions will be key to staying competitive and providing top-notch patient care.
For more in-depth discussion on ‘The Modern Dental Practice’, download the Soaring the New Health podcast where you find your podcasts. Or visit: Soaring to New Health Series | ProspHire.
