Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “chart perio probing depths and findings”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

45 min
typically, every day
60%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Chart perio by voice instead of calling numbers to an assistant

Voice perio charting tools record probing depths, bleeding and recession as you say them, straight into the perio chart. Hygienists chart alone and finish faster; vendors report around 20 minutes a day saved.

Typically saves about 45% of the time45 min to set up
  1. 1Check whether your practice system supports voice perio (for example Bola AI in Open Dental, Overjet Voice, or your system's own voice perio).
  2. 2Get a good headset and do the short voice training.
  3. 3Probe and speak the readings in the usual order; glance at the screen to confirm.
  4. 4Compare a week of charts with your normal method before switching over.
  5. 5Only use tools your practice has approved and covered by a HIPAA business associate agreement (BAA) for anything with patient information.

Tools: Bola AI · Overjet Voice · Your practice management system (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, Curve, Denticon, CareStack or similar)

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Let a dental AI scribe or voice tool draft the clinical note

Dental voice and ambient AI tools listen to the appointment (with the patient's consent) or to you dictating, and write the procedure note, perio entries and treatment details into the practice management system. You review and sign.

Typically saves about 40% of the time1 h to set up
  1. 1Ask your owner or office manager which dental AI note tool is approved, or trial one that integrates with your system (for example Overjet Voice, Bola AI or Denti.AI).
  2. 2Set your note templates and the details you always need (anaesthetic, materials, tooth and surface, post-op instructions).
  3. 3Tell patients a tool is helping with notes and get consent as your policy requires.
  4. 4Read every note before signing; you are responsible for the record.
  5. 5Only use tools your practice has approved and covered by a HIPAA business associate agreement (BAA) for anything with patient information.

Tools: Overjet Voice · Bola AI · Denti.AI · Your practice management system (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, Curve, Denticon, CareStack or similar)

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Have you tried charting perio by voice, without an assistant typing for you?
Voice perio tools record the probing depths as you say them, straight into the chart. You can chart alone and finish faster.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

DentistDental hygienist / assistant

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

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Other common tasks for Dentists