Electronic Dental Records Archives - XLDent Dental Software

World Backup Day: Safeguarding Your Practice’s Future

Posted March 25, 2024 by Jennifer G

As World Backup Day approaches on March 31st, it’s an opportune moment for businesses, especially dental practices, to reflect on the critical importance of data backup. In today’s digital age, data is not just a part of our daily operations; it is the backbone of our businesses, holding everything from patient records to financial information. The loss of such data can be catastrophic, making backup practices not just advisable but essential.

Why Backup is Crucial

The significance of backing up data cannot be overstated. It’s about protecting your practice against the unforeseen—be it cyberattacks, hardware failures, natural disasters, or even simple human errors. Data loss can lead to significant downtime, loss of patient trust, and in severe cases, the closure of practices. A robust backup strategy ensures continuity, security, and peace of mind.

Best Practices for Data Backup

Regular Backups: Implement a schedule for regular backups, ideally daily. Consistency ensures that, in the event of data loss, the most recent data is recoverable with minimal loss.
3-2-1 Backup Rule: This rule suggests having three total copies of your data, two of which are local but on different devices, and one copy off-site. It ensures that if one backup fails, you have alternatives.
Test Your Backups: Regularly testing your backups to ensure they can be restored is crucial. There’s no point in backing up data if it can’t be recovered when needed.
Secure Your Backups: Encrypt your backup data and ensure it’s protected against unauthorized access. This is especially important for sensitive patient information.
Choose the Right Solution: Not all backup solutions are created equal. It’s vital to select a service that aligns with your practice’s specific needs, considering factors like ease of use, reliability, and the level of support provided.

How XLDent Enhances Your Practice’s Data Security

XLDent takes data backup to the next level with XLBackup, our managed and fully automated, online, off-site service designed with dental practices in mind. Recognizing that every practice is unique, we’ve tailored our solution to offer the following benefits:

Automated Backups: Scheduled daily, XLBackup ensures that your data is consistently up-to-date without requiring manual intervention, freeing your staff to focus on patient care.
Compatibility: Whether you’re using XLDent Practice Management Software or other practice or imaging software, XLBackup is designed to work seamlessly, providing a versatile solution to all dental practices.
Managed Service: Our team of experts, well-versed in the dental industry, manages the backup service, offering peace of mind and ensuring that your backups are conducted efficiently and effectively.
Routine Audits: We conduct regular audits with each client to ensure that XLBackup meets your practice’s evolving needs, offering a personalized approach to data backup.
Disaster Recovery: In the event of data loss, XLBackup’s off-site storage and easy restoration capabilities ensure that your practice can quickly recover, minimizing downtime and protecting your reputation.

As World Backup Day reminds us of the importance of data protection, it’s crucial to choose a backup solution that not only meets today’s needs but also adapts to future challenges. XLDent’s commitment to providing a secure, reliable, and user-friendly backup service means that your practice can face the future confidently, knowing your data is in safe hands.

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Tagged : Dental Practice Management Software,Dental Technology,Electronic Dental Records,Web-based Dental Solutions,World Backup Day,XLBackup™,XLDent

Are you ready for Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 End of Life?

Posted June 23, 2022 by Nathan N.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 Operating Systems

If you currently have computers running Windows 8.1 or if your server is running Windows Server 2012 it is time to start thinking about replacing or upgrading. Microsoft is ending extended support for Windows 8.1 in January 2023 and Windows Server 2012 in October 2023, bringing both to End-Of-Life status.

What does it mean when an operating system is End-of-Life?

End of Life status means Microsoft will no longer develop patches or fixes for any newly discovered bugs or security vulnerabilities within this version of the software nor will they provide technical support. When operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft, other software developers, such as practice management developers, will stop building and testing in unsupported operating systems.

How does running an end-of-life operating system affect my business?

When an operating system is no longer receiving security updates, exploitable vulnerabilities will likely emerge and could create a security risk for your business. In addition, you may be unable to install newer versions of other software programs on computers running an unsupported operating system.

How long do business computers normally last?

Every single piece of hardware inside a PC will have its own average lifetime, but in general a PC will last anywhere from 5-7 years. As computers age, components will start to wear out and could leave you with unexpected down-time. Components can be replaced but keep in mind that as your computer ages, the more difficult it can become to find an available or compatible replacement part. We recommend practices begin planning for computer replacement when systems start to approach the 5-year mark. Some of our practices choose to stagger computer replacements to minimize the impact on their budget.

New computers are not in the budget this year, do I have any options?

Depending on your hardware compatibility, you may be able to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. Keep in mind that some hardware is not compatible with Windows 10 and is unlikely to be compatible with Windows 11 (released October 2021). If your computer was manufactured in the last decade, it may be able to be upgraded to Windows 10. It is recommended, though, to check the manufacturers’ website(s) to verify the models of your system’s motherboard, CPU, and GPU are compatible with and supported on Windows 10.

I am interested in upgrading to Windows 11, is there anything I should know?

XLDent practice management software is compatible with Windows 11. However, there are some manufacturers, x-ray manufacturers in particular, that are still testing compatibility with Windows 11 and at the time of this post have not guaranteed full functionality of their devices with this operating system. We recommend purchasing computers based on Windows 11 specifications https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications and installing Windows 10 on computers running software or hardware that is not yet cleared for use with Windows 11. Computers running Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11 once connected devices are compatible with Windows 11. There is currently no charge to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

All my computers are using Windows 10, is there anything I need to know?

Windows 10 End of Life is October 2025. Microsoft has provided a tool to let you know if your computer can run Windows 11 and if not, will provide information about incompatibility. It can be downloaded from the official Microsoft site here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11#pchealthcheck.

I would like to start planning for a future upgrade, what are my next steps?

XLDent’s hardware team has over 50 combined years of experience and is happy to help provide you with a free assessment of your systems and make recommendations for future changes. Contact us today to get started.

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Tagged : Dental Software,Dental Technology,Electronic Dental Records,XLDent

World Backup Day 2022: Why backing up your data is important

Posted March 30, 2022 by Jennifer G

Most of us have gone through losing some sort of data from a computer, mobile phone or tablet. Whether it’s personal, such as pictures, school assignments, or tax files, or business-related data like patient records, x-rays, or accounting files, losing important information unexpectedly can be a nightmare.

Data backup has your back!

The 31st of March is World Backup Day and serves as a reminder to take measures to prevent data loss. However, a data backup plan is not limited to one day of the year. It is vital to follow a backup strategy throughout the year as a continuous cyber hygiene process.

What is data backup?

Most everyone using a computer either in their practice or at home is likely aware of what a data backup is but it’s worthy of a quick review. A backup is a separate copy of all your important files. Data backup guides you to save a copy in another secure location rather than storing all your data in one device. In case anything happens to your device, your data will stay safe and can be restored easily.

Why should you backup your data?

Data loss is way more common than anyone would think. It usually happens in several forms, such as hard drive failures, cyber-attacks, human errors, or physical theft. The event of data loss urges the need to implement a data backup plan.

Facts and figures about data loss

30% of all computers are already infected with malware¹
29% of data loss cases are caused by accident²
It is expected that ransomware attacks a business every 11 seconds by the end of 2021³

How XLDent helps you protect your practice’s data

When backing up your data, consider the solution that best suits your data protection strategy. Not all solutions are equal! It’s important to consider the method (how and when the backup is done) and the service that accompanies it. XLBackup is a managed and fully automated, online, off-site service making it easy for your organization to restore lost files, images and critical data during a disaster recovery situation. Automated means it is scheduled to run at regular intervals (daily) so a current copy of data is available if needed. XLDent conducts routine audits of the backup with each client to ensure the service is best meeting their needs. The backup service is managed by XLDent’s team of experts who know your dental business. Whether you are using XLDent Practice Management Software or another practice or imaging software, this offsite backup solution is compatible with all.

Resources
¹Dataprot, Malware Stat. 2021
²Ponemon Institute, 2013
³https://cybersecurityventures.com/global-ransomware-damage-costs-predicted-to-reach-20-billion-usd-by-2021/

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Tagged : Practice Management,World Backup Day,XLBackup™,XLDent

A Better Patient and Doctor Experience with XLDent

Posted June 21, 2021 by Beth

The right software in a doctor’s practice can become a crucial partner in patient care and the business’s success. The XLDent Suite and accompanying electronic solutions offer a robust set of benefits to enhance both the patient and the doctor’s experience in an XLDent office. We’ve long understood from working with dental offices like yours that efficient service and open communication channels are essential to the doctor-patient experience. At XLDent, we design software around actual dental workflows so that the overall features of the products we deliver can enhance dental practices like your own. We’ve also taken care of the thoughtful details that make the patient’s experience better, such as designing our software to cut down on waiting time and use a patient’s preferred method of communication.

Experience an efficient, genuinely mobile solution

XLDent offers tablet-friendly, mobile solutions for those doctors, clinicians, and other busy staff who are always on the go. Dentists can access our software from any location in the office, and with XLDent Cloud, XLDent can even be accessed outside of the office, making it a truly mobile solution that doctors love.

Patients love mobile solutions, too. For example, our automated and paperless Patient Check-In allows you to facilitate patient check-in electronically. Patients can check-in to their appointments with tablet form completion and an intelligent patient document center that serves them the correct paperwork without the paper.

Realtime dental records for you and your patients

Live patient records on an accessible tablet are the most convenient way to communicate patient care to build relationships while improving the efficiency and productivity of your practice. XLDent’s Electronic Dental Records offer realistic tooth charts, built-in restorative and periodontal exams, and progress notes in one easy-to-use, mobile system. In addition, our digital image integration will enable you to manage digital x-rays with image storage that seamlessly integrates directly to the patients’ charts.

Details for lasting patient relationships

XLDent has taken great care to add those special touches that keep patients coming back to your office. For example, XLDent’s patient portal solution, XLPortal, is a dental web-based solution that allows you to offer convenience to your patients, build relationships, improve office efficiency and increase your productivity.

XLDent also provides an integrated eReminder Service solution that patients love. This comprehensive, automated patient communication solution works seamlessly with the XLDent software suite for your dental office.

Posted in: Dental Practice Management Software, Dental Software, Dental Technology, Dental Web-based Solutions, Electronic Dental Records, Electronic Insurance Services, IT Services, XLDent Cloud, XLDent Company, Leave a comment/ No Comments »

Keys to a Paperless Dental Practice

Posted April 26, 2021 by Beth

With XLDent, you’ll find all the right tools to go seamless, mobile, and paperless at once. At every point of patient care, XLDent provides tablet-friendly paperless solutions that improve your efficiency and productivity on the go. Maybe you’ve thought about going paperless in your dental practice but aren’t exactly sure where to start or what elements you’ll need to consider. We have curated these keys to a paperless practice, so you know what to expect along the way.

Paperless Patients

A fully digital office means that your patients will need the right tools before they even get to your waiting room and then again when they leave your office. XLPortal is a web-based solution that allows you to offer convenience to your patients, build relationships, improve office efficiency, and increase your productivity, all while creating a pathway for paperless patients. It is directly integrated with your XLDent dental practice management system to provide electronic dental record information in real-time to you and your patients. With XLPortal Patient Portal, your patients can complete all of their registration forms online. They can also access billing statements and make payments through the portal. With the addition of XLDent’s XLConnect, you can even remind patients to log on to their account to complete necessary forms before arriving for their appointment. Paperless, digital forms can be set to auto-recur or queued by staff from the Intelligent Document Center within the XLDent Dental Practice Management system. Once they arrive at your office, patients can then use XLCheckIn to check in to your waiting room and complete any remaining forms via a Tablet PC.

Paperless Visits

From clinicians to office administrators, everyone in your office works a little differently. Fully customizable workflows make it easy to set XLDent software to your exact specifications, increasing your office’s output and efficiency. Customizable workflows also help take the pain out of paperless in a big way.

Paperless Charting

Imagine paperless charting featuring fully customizable tooth charts, restoration graphics, periodontal exams, and progress notes. XLChart is the most powerful and professional system available. Exams can be customized for any entry order and completed with a keyboard/mouse/pen/touch. Additionally, periodontal exam and progress note entry can be voice-activated. Compare exams, manage treatment progress, and digitally send information to support insurance or to collaborate a case with a colleague. With the Ink Forms feature and a Tablet PC, any exam sheet or patient form can quickly be digitized and added to your Ink Forms library. XLChart and Ink Forms can provide you with the flexibility and power of a paper chart without the paper, putting it in a class of its own.

Digital Image Integration

From digital x-ray systems including panoramic, sensor, and phosphor plate systems, ImageXL stores images from any digital imaging peripheral and integrates them seamlessly into your patients’ charts. Attach photos directly to the face of the dental chart, pair with the functionality of a Tablet PC, note watch areas, and organize your diagnostic and cosmetic images using one complete solution. ImageXL is compatible with all Dental Practice Management systems and is a necessary component of the electronic dental record.

Paperless Prescribing

Easily send prescriptions electronically and benefit from instant access to patient medication history, LexiComp’s medication database, drug-drug, and drug-allergy interactions. With most states banning handwritten prescriptions in the medical and dental fields, electronic prescribing is not only paperless; it is essential! XLDent offers INTEGRATED ePrescribing services to help you complete your electronic dental health record.

XLDent is certified to send Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS) that equips XLDent dentists with the ability to securely ePrescribe controlled substances.

Paperless Communication

Interoffice communication is made simple with XLNotify instant messaging. Send your message to a single person, a group of people, or broadcast your message throughout the office. XLNotify is a massive upgrade from the post-its and taped notes your team usually leaves one another.

Paperless and Profitable

The XLDent dental practice management system takes advantage of the latest software development and design tools to provide you with the most intuitive, robust, easy-to-use dental program available. XLDent is an electronic dental records system that automates critical business processes and ensures dental teams have the tools they need to manage the practice more profitably and without paper.

Posted in: Dental Practice Management Software, Dental Software, Dental Technology, Dental Web-based Solutions, Electronic Dental Records, XLDent Patient Experience, Leave a comment/ No Comments »

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