There’s more to your dental practice data and it’s management than storage. That consideration and more could help you understand why the cloud is right for you and your dental practice.
The cloud has become the standard way we refer to most of the data we consume these days. And frankly, it rolls off the tongue rather well when speaking about your data being – “in-the-cloud!”
It’s a choice to make
Your dental practice data and its management has one of two places to reside. It’s either in a traditional, legacy system on-site.
Or…
It’s “in the cloud.”
Your decision about whether the cloud is right for you could be helped by considering basically three things.
- Your choice of a technology or operating system
Computing platforms (e.g. desktops, mobile devices) and operating systems (e.g. Mac or PC) have application to on-site hosting or cloud-hosting.
- Your choice of technology and the patient experience
Hardware can impact patient interactions. For example, a mobile device allows your team to be more face-to-face rather than having to step away and access an operatory desktop unit. Again, on-site or cloud systems apply to both.
- Your choice of ongoing support and upgrades
Chosen technology can be managed by an on-site team member. Or you could outsource it to an IT company. Keep in mind that a cloud-based solution will in most cases require less on-site or outsourced support.
So, while we’re talking cloud advantage let’s explore the bigger “whys” of choosing a cloud-based platform.
Why the cloud is right for your dental practice management
No doubt, the trend is upward as a more dental and healthcare organizations report they’re using the cloud.
Early adopters to now are discovering the benefits.
- Improvements to patient care with increased patient-facing solutions
- Overall team efficiency increases from front-office to clinical
- Revenue stream and profitability growth
That brings us to the big results you can expect when transition your dental practice to the cloud.
Simplified IT environment
You’ll notice a huge drop in complexity when moving to the cloud. Frankly, there are other complex issues associated with dentistry. Why should technology be among them?
Cloud-based systems don’t require bulky, maintenance-intense network servers. Legacy systems are most often tethered to a dependence on IT support – in-house or outsourced.
Of course, there are support costs packaged within a cloud system. But you’re likely to absorb some savings by not being reliant on a traditional server.
Group practices and DSOs will appreciate a more centralized support option built-into many cloud-based platforms. This keeps their system running efficiently throughout their organization.
Solo practices, group practices, and DSOs can appreciate the behind the scenes support on a cloud platform.
“…a good data center staff that hosts the cloud application will keep the software “tuned” to provide optimal performance. Systems change over time and need tweaks to stay efficient.”
Safe, secure data management
Data is always under-fire. Risks include:
- Hardware failure
- Virus and ransom-ware attacks
- Natural disasters
- Hackers and identity theft
You’re aware that securing your
