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

New Year, New Dental Practice: Why new dental practices choose XLDent

Posted January 15, 2021 by Beth

New dental practices are often hit with a range of decisions to make all at once. As a new dental practice owner, finding the right software for your practice right away can make a significant difference in your business’s success down the road. Similarly, there are substantial advantages to implementing a new software suite like XLDent as early on as possible in your practice’s launch to take advantage of our proven workflows and customizable features for newly established dental practices.

Dentists and their staff should not need to be technology experts to run a successful dental practice. Certain software systems are often much better for new practices because of their usability design. More experienced software users might be more proficient with any given software product in your dental practice. Still, the good news is that even staff who are new to using software tools as part of their dental practice workflow improve at similar rates to experts when the software systems themselves are designed with new users in mind. Thus, good usability is a crucial metric to the success of all dental software implementations. Usability is also directly related to your entire practice’s overall user satisfaction with the software product.

At XLDent, we’ve taken a particular interest in the experiences and needs of new dental practices. Starting a new practice is a huge undertaking, and probably one of your professional life’s most significant decisions. The content, integrity, and continuity of your electronic dental records will play a key role in your ability to grow efficiently and profitably, as well as maintain valuable patient relationships and patient engagement mechanisms. XLDent’s All-Inclusive Suite of products and services includes all the tools you will need to make this journey. XLDent is your long-term solution for equipping your dental office with a customizable, scalable, and robust Practice and Clinical Management software system.

When you choose XLDent as a new startup dental practice, you will receive our special package for new business owners. In addition to our tried and true methods for getting started with the software, the time with your Getting Started Coach will focus on planning, building, and launching your top priorities – and leave you with a strategic plan to accomplish what’s next. To learn more about implementing a new practice with XLDent, visit our New Startup Practice Guide.

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

Tagged : Dental ePrescribing,Dental Practice Management Software,Dental Software,Dental Technology,Electronic Dental Records,Electronic Practice Software,Electronic Prescribing,Mobile Technologies,Patient Experience,Web-based Dental Solutions,XLDent

Choosing Software for Your Dental Practice

Posted November 6, 2020 by Beth

When it comes to selecting the software your dental practice will use for practice management, charting, or otherwise, dentists are often looking for just the right product to increase their practice’s efficiency, productivity, and revenue. This is no small task given the vast array of vendor options and features to select. We propose four key variables that can help you find out if a software is right for your practice: support, innovation, scalability, and integration.

Support

Some software vendors offer little customer support or onboarding process for their products. Especially with your first software, a lot of time, money, and effort will go to setting up, installing, and learning to use the software. Your practice will need support to adapt quickly and realize the software’s productivity benefits as soon as possible.

You’ll also need professional technical support on hand to make the most of your investment and avoid downtime.

Whether you have an existing practice or are starting a new practice, XLDent is here to guide you in managing or establishing a successful dental practice with our software. We not only understand the importance of the software selection process, but we also take pride in the experience and knowledge our XLDent Certified professionals will offer you during the process and long after you decide to move forward with the XLDent Suite of products.

The XLDent Software Assurance and Business Care Plan protects your investment. We are here to help long after your initial training is complete. Our knowledgeable and friendly Implementation Specialists genuinely care about your happiness and success with the XLDent Suite. We will consistently go the extra mile to answer your questions and help you reach your software implementation goals.

Innovation

A software product that does not evolve cannot grow with your practice. Not only does your vendor need to be able to invest in the growth of their company to keep up with regulations, but they also need to keep up with the challenges and opportunities created by new dental technologies.

XLDent is committed to innovation. We use current and updated development tools for the continual enhancement of the XLDent Software Suite. At XLDent, we dedicate ourselves to providing software features and solutions focused on our clients’ success, and we work with them to define those goals. We express that dedication in our commitment to the continual enhancement and redevelopment of the tools we create. We are continually re-evaluating the current development landscape with a strong emphasis on using proven, secure technologies and features to the advantage of the dental practices that partner with us.

Scalability

The needs of dental practices are continually evolving. So is technology. A software product that gets you started today may not serve your practice in the long run as you continue to grow. Before you adopt any technology, make sure that you understand how technology can adapt and scale to align with your future goals as a business.

XLDent Cloud offers a scalable cloud solution that can meet your practice where you are now and scale with you as you grow. With XLDent, all of your clinical documents, charts, patient contact information, and other practice management data can be accessed at any time by any authorized user. XLDent Cloud allows you to work in a secure environment without complicated network connections to retrieve your data.

Integration

The right software for your dental practice will integrate with as many of the tools and services you need for success as possible. Always look for software solutions that offer a complete suite, or at least integrate Real-Time Insurance Eligibility, Electronic Remittance Advice, Patient and Doctor Portals, Encrypted Email, and more.

XLDent has already integrated the eSolutions you need to stay competitive and maximize the efficiency of your practice. By partnering with an elite group of market leaders in the healthcare industry, we can offer you a comprehensive, fully integrated Electronic Services solution. All eSolutions are seamlessly integrated with your XLDent Suite to improve workflow processes, accuracy, patient experiences, and patient outcomes. XLDent has it all: electronic prescribing, patient and doctor portals, appointment reminders, credit card processing, electronic statement processing, electronic claim processing and claim status, real-time eligibility and benefits verification, electronic remittance advice, dental claim attachments, custom websites, marketing, offsite backup storage, Practice Booster for coding strategies, HIPAA-compliant email, cloud-based phone system through Mango Voice, and more.

Posted in: Dental Practice Management Software, Dental Software, Dental Technology, Dental Web-based Solutions, Electronic Dental Records, IT Services, Perio Chart, XLDent Cloud, XLDent Company, XLDent Patient Experience, XLDent Referrals, XLDent Website, Leave a comment/ No Comments »

Tagged : Dental ePrescribing,Dental Practice Management Software,Dental Software,Dental Technology,Electronic Dental Records,Mobile Technologies,Offsite backup,Patient Experience,Responsive Design,Secure Email,Treatment Plan,Web-based Dental Solutions,XLBackup™,XLDent,XLDent Cloud

How to Refer to XLDent

Posted September 24, 2020 by Beth

With all the dental industry changes in 2020, this is a significant time to introduce other dentists to XLDent. We’ve created XLDent Referrals to make that process rewarding and easy. Here are five simple steps to referring to XLDent.

Step 1: Follow the Rewards

Referring dentists to us should be rewarding. If you refer another practice to XLDent, we want to give you 15% off your annual subscription fees. XLDent Referrals is our new program that allows your practice to receive 15% off your yearly subscription fees each time a dentist you referred pays for a year of service in advance.

Step 2: Share the Resources

Fellow dentists are sure to want to know why you chose XLDent. We hope you’ll be able to share how our software has helped your practice in your own words. We also hope you’ll be able to say that our company has been a great partner to your practice and that you’ve noticed that we dedicate ourselves to your success. You can get more inspiration on why referrals matter and how to make them in our blog post Software Referrals for Dental Practices.

Of course, you’ll also want to mention that as an XLDent client, you can get them a discount! They’ll get 10% off their annual subscription fees when they pay for a year in advance.

Step 3: Show Them the Start

We’ve curated a lot of content on XLDent.com to help dentists learn more about how XLDent can breathe some fresh air into their workflow and help them make their practice as profitable as possible. While each practice we work with is unique, generally established practices are looking for a practice management system that can grow with them while new practices are looking to launch with a strategic plan and experts’ help. No matter where a practice is now, we can help guide them toward a successful dental practice on our Getting Started page at xldent.com/getting-started.

When the dentist you refer is ready to learn more, ask them to click the request a Live Demo at the top of any page on our website and specify your name in the “Best Time to Reach You” box.

Step 4: Claim a Referral

To claim a dentist that you referred to XLDent, send your colleague’s contact information to referrals@xldent.com. We’ll be able to match up your referral through their demo request form. Thanks for referring to XLDent!

Step 5: Enjoy the Rewards

Your practice will earn 15% off your annual subscription fees once your colleague commits to one year of subscription and pays in full. They’ll also get 10% off their annual subscription fees when they pay for a year in advance. We look forward to working with you both for years to come.

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