What does it mean to be an ASP Internet based provider and why is that important to the practice of dentistry?
Answer: By definition, ASP is a third-party entity that manages and distributes software-based services and solutions to customers across a wide area network from a central data center. To access our software and services, the only requirement are a broadband internet connection and browser.
The traditional client/server relationship (multiple computers networked to a server located in your office) typically found in most offices was appropriate in the past because truthfully nothing else existed to replace it. Client/server systems are "land locked" by design and may work well locally within your office but beyond that it has a lot of shortcomings. The maintenance of a network, the problems associated installing and updating software, backing up and restoring data, the limited applications and services that can be provided by this type of computer environment and other problems of maintenance issues and costs have made the client/server environment somewhat dated. Simply, with an ASP, you are connected using a web browser and an internet connection. By being connected to a secured central server the dental practice can be secure in the knowledge that it's data is totally secure and backed up, all software updates are automatically updated by highly trained IT professionals. Also you will always have the latest and greatest version every time you access your system. Instead of managing your network, your office can focus on running the office. In additional, the ASP allows your office to connect to many services and applications unavailable on a traditional client/server systems. (for examples please view our features and benefits page) . Most importantly the ASP model allows your office to access, utilize, share and collaborate with your patients, colleagues, insurance carriers and dental vendors all in a real time basis. The ASP model provides a platform for applications and services that that are both cost-effective, overhead reducing and revenue producing.
What happens if my Internet connection is lost?
Answer: In order to make the best use of Denticon you will need a broadband connection (i.e. cable, DSL or T1). These connections have proven to be extremely reliable and the amount of downtime that you should experience should be minimal and probably far less than you currently experience with your client/server network. However, should that connection ever be lost you will have the opportunity to connect to Denticon via a dial-up connection. This type of connection, although slower, will be functional until your broadband connection is up and running. We will also have the ability to either send you the information necessary to keep your practice running until the connection returns either by telephone or fax. It's your choice….dial-up, fax or telephone.
Data Security
How can you be sure that my data is secure?
Answer: PlanetDDS, the manufacturer and distributor of Denticon, has gone to great lengths to make sure that your data is not only totally secure but is also always available so that at no time is the productivity of your day interrupted. From the moment you log in, all information is encrypted with the latest technology similar if not superior to what is currently being used by credit card companies, banks and major Fortune 500 companies. We understand how important your records are and can assure you that they are protected and given the respect they deserve. Our servers are stored in a secured data center with sealed vaults, protected by professional guards and cameras 24/7. The entry to the data center vaults include a physical screening by uniformed guards and extensive ID verification. Further security include biometric security devices to have access to the server rooms. Our facilities are all HIPAA compliant and your patient's can be assured that their privacy will be maintained. A copy of your data can be sent to you on a periodic basis should you prefer to keep a copy in your office.
Since all of my patient records are stored remotely on your server, what happens if your servers are not functional?
Answer: PlanetDDS provides you with several alternatives should that highly unlikely situation arise. First, all our equipment; firewalls, switches, servers, database servers have secondary failover systems that will automatically and seamlessly kick-in if the primary servers fails. In the very unlikely event that both systems fail at once, the data is saved on remote servers in a secure data center located in another region of the country. You can be reassured that your data is not only backed up but is duplicated and a second copy stored on a remote server. All data that is deemed to be operationally important will be available to you should our main servers and secondary fail over systems be inoperable. The ability for your practice to function normally during any emergency situation is far more secure with Denticon than with your current client/server network.
Denticon vs. Traditional Systems
How is Denticon different from other practice management systems?
Answer: As an ASP (Application Service Provider) provider, Denticon is the premiere dental practice management system to fully utilize all of the features and benefits of the Internet to enhance the daily activities of your dental practice on a subscription basis. No upfront costs and rapid entry are the hallmarks of the Denticon system. Denticon is able to provide your office with a wide variety of services that the standard client/server management systems currently available are unable to offer such as automated recall and premedication reminders, appointment confirmations and real time management reports just to name a few.
Why should I give Denticon a try when there are so many other practice management systems currently available?
Answer: Most current practice management systems utilize a client/server relationship. Besides the cost to set up these complicated networks and the maintenance required to be sure that they are up and running at all times, the downtime you may experience waiting for a technician to come to your office can significantly impact your office productivity. Additionally, current practice management systems cannot provide you with the kind of services currently available by using a true ASP Internet provider. Denticon has been created to provide you with all of the functionality of current client/server systems without the hassles of maintaining your own network, installing your own upgrades, dealing with tech support issues over lengthy phone calls and absorbing extensive costs in both purchasing the systems and maintaining them. Denticon utilizes your current Internet explorer browser, requires no costly installation, avoids all of the hassles of setting up a complicated network and requires no initial financial outlay to get started. For one low monthly subscription cost you can have Denticon in your office today. Secondly, the principals involved in developing Denticon have all been involved in the development of practice management. With a combined experience of over 50+ years in the practice management business they have designed Denticon from the ground up taking into account all their experience and expertise and incorporating the latest and greatest technology. They spared no expenses in research and development and with the goal of creating the premiere dental practice management system.
What are some of the services Denticon can supply that are not currently easily attainable using client/server management systems?
Answer: There are wide variety of services available based upon the needs of your practice. One example for those practices dealing with complicated insurance issues on a day-to-day basis Denticon can provide real-time patient eligibility information instantaneously. You no longer have to guess what your patient's eligibility is and hope to get paid. Denticon provides you with insurance eligibility information before your patient reaches the chair. Additionally, Denticon provides a cost-effective means of electronic claims processing assuring you that payment is prompt and accurate. For our private fee-for-service clients Denticon contains a wide variety of modules that can assist your front office in the day-to-day management of patient appointments thereby maximizing your schedule, increasing your revenue and decreasing your operating costs. For a complete list of additional revenue producing, cost-saving features please contact your Denticon representative.
Exactly how does Denticon work?
Answer: Since all of the Denticon practice management software resides on our server there really is nothing for you to install on your end. No headaches setting up a complicated network, no need to hire an installation company and no need to install software on all of the computers in your office. Once you have subscribed you will be given a username and password and an Internet site to log into using your current Internet browser. Once you login to our secure server all you have to do is add your practice, patient and financial data. During setup you will be given the opportunity to subscribe certain rights and privileges to each member of your staff. One setup is complete you will be able to log into your office from any computer, anywhere in the world. Just imagine the convenience of handling those emergency telephone calls and being able to access all of your pertinent patient information from the comfort of your own home. If you're on vacation and want to check in on your office, find a computer, login and you're there. Nothing could be more convenient.