Global dentistry is today
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 23rd January 2022
Simon Tucker, the Carestream Dental Practice Management Software (DPMS) Director for EMEA speaks about why he joined the company, cloud-based practice management systems and the future of UK dentistry:
“With over 40 years’ experience in the dental industry, I’m very familiar with the Carestream Dental team, having worked closely with them in the past. Since February 2021 I have been acting as a consultant focussing on the latest addition to the DPMS portfolio – Sensei Cloud practice management software. I’ve now joined as a Director to help establish the Sensei brand, with the benefit of knowing the business and the full practice management portfolio.
“I really enjoy the products and working with the team, so it’s exciting to be back on the front line. It’s a big challenge and there’s lots to do, but I find that motivational so I’m more than prepared for the task. Since I’ve joined, we’ve proudly brought R4+ into the Sensei family, enabling us to begin bringing some of the new innovations to our install base.”
Simon explains some of the trends that he’s seen emerging in regards to the adoption of cloud-based systems:
“One trend I’ve seen in recent years is that many practices across the globe are looking to make the move to cloud-based practice management systems. This is being driven by practices merging and corporates expanding – they want a solution that transcends country divides and other barriers so that everyone can benefit from a platform that is operable across multi-sites.
“High street practices that aren’t part of a larger entity are heading in the same direction. I feel like in the future we will be seeing fewer, bigger practices, and even now all practices are becoming much more business focused than they ever were before.
“Businesses need data. Practice management software gives professionals that data alongside other perks such as the ability to work remotely, so that a dentist who owns two or three practices can manage the business whenever and wherever they need to. This works across any sized business model, so corporates can monitor 200, 300 different sites, all from one system.
“Of course, the pandemic has caused the switch to cloud-based systems to be much faster than initially anticipated. During the outbreak of Covid-19 it became abundantly clear that practices needed a way to communicate with patients electronically.
“Most people are now used to living an electronic life – we do everything from banking to shopping using our phones. Now most establishments have made electronic communication standard, dental practices are following suit, especially as there is an ongoing need for touchless transactions with regards to online payment and online booking. This is exactly why cloud-based software is such an exciting proposition – it can easily supply these features and help dental practices to innovate the way they provide care.”
But what about those feeling uncertain about transitioning to cloud-based systems? Simon explains how part of his role is to ease the switch for practices and how Carestream Dental is there for support:
“Effectively, the practice management system is the heart of the practice. It holds everything from clinical data to financial accounts and marketing materials. As such, it’s easy to see why there is a certain level of natural caution to swapping over to a new system.
“Every member of the team has to be comfortable with the transition. That’s why part of Carestream Dental’s involvement is to ensure that when people do make the switch, 
they have the support they need to make the transition as seamless as possible.
“It’s all about looking at the advantages provided and identifying the benefits in a clear way. Sensei Cloud can make it so that the receptionist, for example, could logistically work remotely. There’s no need for a server, the IT costs are lower – these are all benefits that make the switch worthwhile.
“Change is difficult, and that’s why Carestream Dental always provides ongoing support, including regular meetings, education and training so that the whole team can feel secure in the new system.
“By introducing the Sensei brand to our on-premise DPMS, the CS R4+, we’ve been able to introduce some great new functionality to help introduce cloud-based elements to practices who want to start exploring this option. Patient Bridge is a cloud-based add-on module offering automated communication directly to patients, including survey and marketing capabilities as well as virtual waiting rooms. This way, our customers can get a taste of the advantages that cloud-based software can bring.”
Carestream Dental is leading the way to a cloud-based future with software that is truly one of a kind. Simon comments:
“One of the reasons I am so happy to be working with Carestream Dental is that it’s truly a global brand that is ushering in a new era of interconnectivity. Sensei Cloud practice management software is unique in that it is helping to standardise dentistry across the world. No matter where people are, they can suggest updates that they believe will enhance the user experience – these suggestions are voted on by users across the planet, creating enhancements to the software that really are tailored to modern dental professionals.
“Dentistry is now global, so it makes sense for professionals to embrace software that allows them to join the conversation, share best practice advice and become part of an ever-growing movement that will benefit them and their patients alike.”
For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or
visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk
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