- How is Dentiray different from all the other digital x-ray systems?
Dentiray was developed by a practicing dentist to replace film for all of those dentists that up until now have had concerns about the complexity of existing systems, the costs associated with big computer networks and the long learning curves necessary to introduce these older systems into a practice.
Dentiray was designed to replace film, nothing less, but a whole bunch more. Just like film, you can take an x-ray, process and look at it, print it and then save it. The only difference is that its all done digitally. Each and every step was created to be simple to learn and even easier to do. You can also capture and store intraoral camera images as well as scanned documents and view them remotely as well. It's just that simple!
- What does it mean to be "Web or Internet Based"?
There are basically two ways to handle information in an office. One way is to use a complicated network where computers are connected by wires installed throughout the office. These computers are then networked via a software program with one of those computers typically acting as a server. This server holds all of the information allowing all others to use it as a source. This was the "old" way of dealing with information control within an office, corporation or any other type of business. We're now in the 21st century and this is no longer necessary or even preferred. Today, using the Internet, we can have a server in a remote location provide all of these functions and have the local computers (the ones in our office) obtain the information we need using an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer. To access your patient's x-rays all you need to do is open an internet browser such as Internet Explorer, log in using your name and password and access your patient's records using the Dentiray viewer. Internet based means access anywhere, anytime on any computer. You're not land locked anymore.
- What are the advantages of Dentiray being a web based x-ray system?
An Internet based Digital X-ray system is preferred for several reasons:
- No complicated networks or wiring is needed with an Internet based program. Local networks require maintenance, repair and upgrading. This is not only costly but if problems occur, can be devastating to an active practice.
- Lower costs - since there is no network to purchase, no server to buy, no wiring to install and no maintenance on your part, Internet based software is far less costly.
- No maintenance - since your data resides on our secure servers we do all of the maintenance for you. Now some may find this a bit disconcerting but before you totally panic, think about how your bank, stock broker and even your post office now does the very same thing. Most large corporations now use some form of the Internet for their day to day business because companies like our are dedicated and knowledgeable in this service. We take the drudgery out of the day to day operation of your computer network.
- Software upgrades are done by us. With local software programs on a network either you have to upgrade your system yourself or else hire someone to do it. Since all of the software is located on our secure servers, when there is an upgrade, we do if for everyone at the same time. Less cost, less time and less mistakes.
- Automatic backup - Before we discuss the benefits, you need to ask yourself the following questions, 1) When was the last time I backed up my total system and 2) Have I ever tested the backup to make sure it worked? An Internet based software system, such as Dentiray and our other products Denticon and Dentigram, are automatically backed up and saved on multiple computers. This process is called Redundancy and guarantees that your data is safe and sound at all times.
- Guaranteed uptime - Dentiray is guaranteed to be up and running 99.5% or more. Your local system can't make that guarantee. We have professionals watching our systems at all times whose only job is to make sure you are never down. You can't say that for your local software system.
- Remote viewing - Since your data is stored online, you have access to that data anytime, anywhere on any computer. You can see your patient's x-rays while you sit at home on your home computer, when you're on vacation or even at an airport. You can also provide access via a secure consultation module to others so they too can view your patient's x-rays. Just think of the advantages of sitting at your desk while you and your referring doctors look at your patient's x-ray together.
- What equipment do I need to use Dentiray?
Since Dentiray is a web based system your computer requirements are pretty small. Any new PC purchased today with either Windows XP or Vista 1 GB of RAM and a good video card is probably satisfactory. (For a more complete list of computer requirements click here)You will, however, need a broadband (high speed) Internet connection such as DSL, Cable, T1 or better. The faster the connection the better. Fortunately cable or FIOS is now available in most locations.
- Can I use my current x-ray sensor with Dentiray?
Dentiray is compatible with any PSP System that uses a standard TWAIN driver. We are currently involved in adding compatibility for other sensor systems. For more information please call our customer service department.
- Will Dentiray integrate with my current Practice Management System?
At the current time Dentiray works as a standalone product. It does, however, totally integrate with Denticon, our web based practice management system.
- What if I lose my Internet connection?
PlanetDDS has developed the expertise necessary to guarantee that our servers will be online at least 99.98% of the time. This connection is far more predictable than the network system currently available locally. We have trained IT professionals who monitor our servers on a 24 hour basis. Your data is automatically backed up and is placed on redundant servers to insure that you will never lose any x-rays. Once again, far more secure than any local network.
We also provide you with a local Dentiray application that can capture and view x-rays just in case your internet connection is lost. This local application will insure continuity of your practice until your internet connection is back up and running. Once this connection is obtained, any x-rays taken during the downtime will automatically be uploaded to our servers as usual to insure backup and security is maintained.
- What tools are available for diagnosing in Dentiray?
Dentiray has been developed by a practicing dentist to provide you with simplicity and predictability in taking, looking, printing and saving x-rays. It has been designed to follow the same basic principles you already know regarding using regular, "old fashioned" dental film. Additionally, you will be able to alter contrast and brightness and magnify your image in order to increase your diagnostic capability. This is something you just can't do with film! Some other basic imaging tools such as rotation and inversion will also be available although normally not necessary during the examination process.
- How does Remote Viewing actually work?
What is Remote Viewing and why is it so important? Since Dentiray is web based your data is not land locked at your office. It is stored on secure servers that can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection and a computer. This means that when a patient calls with an emergency, you can immediately log onto Dentiray using an computer, anywhere and see your patient's x-rays, intraoral camera images and scanned documents so that you can make an informed treatment decision rather than working blindly as you may have done in the past. You will be able to invite other dentists to view the same x-rays etc. that you are viewing in a secure Consultation Vault so that mutual decisions can be made to insure a proper diagnosis and potential treatment decision.
- Is Dentiray HIPAA and DICOM compliant and what does that actually mean?
The answer to this question is YES. Dentiray was designed to be compliant to all the rules stipulated by the HIPAA regulations to protect patient confidentiality. It is was also created to be compliant with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard that dictates that images be viewable by a standard viewer. This means that Dentiray images can be looked at by a standard DICOM viewer should Dentiray not be available.