Improving Practice Productivity with Analytics

Improving Practice Productivity With Analytics

With almost 11 ADA recognized dental specialties and having a burgeoning market share, the specialty dental business is here to make significant gains in the coming years as we take a cursory glance on the latest trends of the dental industry.

Listen to Ryan Arnold, Principal, Wisdom Teeth Guys as he explains the possibilities that lie ahead for Dental Specialty business and how he has paid attention on patient care,technology adoption and brand management to further sustainable practice growth for his specialty.

Dentistry's Inner Circle bg 37

Creating Sustainable Specialty Dental Businesses

Dentistry's Inner Circle Podcast

A series of podcasts from practice owners on how they navigated the change and successfully transitioned to CareStack. 

Enabling Technology to Connect Better with Your Patients

How Dr. Williams' Practice Optimized Growth with CareStack

Case Study: How Dr. Williams' Practice Optimized Growth with CareStack

Expanding Dental Care beyond the Clinic

Expanding Dental Care Beyond the Clinic

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Embracing Change To Grow Your Group

Enable Dental Completes Its Migration To CareStack

Enable Dental Completes Its Migration To Industry Leading Cloud Based Dental Software

Beatrice

Ishtiaq Rouf

Dana Veach

Dr. Himesh Kana, DDS

Himesh Kana

 Penny Filipe

Promoted to Manager, Now What

Promoted to Manager, Now What?

Top Trends in Dental Software for 2025

Top Trends in Dental Software for 2025: What Practices Should Prepare For

Brand Guidelines for Dental Offices to Attract and Retain Gen-Z Patients

Reducing patient no-shows and cancellations begins by accepting that 

it’s impossible to guarantee that your patients will always keep their appointments

. Once you accept that this falls outside your control, you can pool your efforts on the aspects that are within your control, and which help reduce no-shows and cancellations.

missed appointments cause a ripple effect

 that impacts your schedules, revenues, and the effectiveness of treatments. It strikes a serious blow to your bottom line. But with that said, there are 

effective safeguards you can put in place

 to address this issue. Before we explore these safeguards, let’s examine the key reasons behind no-shows and cancellations. 

Typically, patients miss their appointments when they:

Don’t understand the importance of keeping their appointments

Misunderstand when their appointment is scheduled

Self diagnose and decide to skip their appointments

Worry about bad news and try to avoid the situation

Have a shallow relationship with the provider

There is a wide range of reasons for patients to miss their appointments, but most can be mitigated with improved patient-provider communication and by implementing the following safeguards.

It became widely accepted as a care delivery method after the 2020 pandemic, but thanks to the convenience offered to patients, 

 is here to stay. Outside the initial check-up and actual treatment, consultations and routine post-op visits can be performed remotely. The virtual interactions offer patients the opportunity to 

receive treatment in the comfort of their living room

 or office. The added benefit of leveraging teledentistry is it adds one less reason for patients to rethink or opt out of their dental appointments. 

Another approach that has gained traction is using 

 to collect vital patient information. E-forms are a key feature of modern practice management software (PMS). This feature is now used widely to stay in line with the COVID-19 safety protocols. With this new norm, practices have completely replaced the clipboard and embraced digitization. Another fact that supports this approach is that 

98% of patients who take time to fill out online forms commit to their appointments

COVID-19 has added fuel to the fire of dental anxiety among patients. The risk of exposure is a valid fear. The best way for you to 

 is with communication and education. Ensure you convey the safety protocols and measures followed at your practice to reduce the risks from COVID-19. Launching targeted email campaigns, and updating relevant information on your practice website and 

convey your commitment to patient care and safety

 and encourage patients to follow through with their appointments.

When you provide your patients with the option to make payments in advance, it reduces the instances of no-shows and benefits your collections and accounts receivable. Get paid upfront instead of having to wait for 2-3 months. Paying cash in advance leads to 

. You can provide this option during patient checkout, especially when both you and your patient agree with the importance of scheduling the next appointment.

Offering upfront payment at this stage is apt, as the patient is likelier to take action and commit to their oral health. Another way to make it easy for them to pay is by providing an 

. Make sure that you inform your patient about your prepaid payment options. Market it through your campaigns, newsletters, and phone scripts.

Reminders are an effective way to reduce patient no-shows. Plan your 

and decide on a frequency that works best for your target clientele. Start off with a postcard, followed by email and text reminders. Add a phone reminder a few days before the scheduled appointment. Ensure that you cut down on reminders once you receive confirmation from your patients. Practice management software aids you to launch, coordinate and track your recall campaigns effectively.

reward patients who keep their appointments

. The reward initiatives can include discounts or gift cards. The benefits of such an approach are twofold. You encourage your patients to follow through on your appointments and 

convey how much you value their participation

. Moreover, curating such experiences helps you retain your customers.

Sometimes, patients simply forget an appointment. Send 

 that can include a “We missed you at the practice” message. Follow this up with a phone call to encourage them to reschedule immediately.

It is crucial that your patients know the impact of your treatments on their oral health. If your patients are not invested in the outcomes of your treatment plan, it is unlikely that they will uphold their commitments. 

 before every appointment. Remind them of the benefits of the procedure and the progress they’ve made so far. 

 of the scheduled appointment and ensure that they are fully onboard. A phone reminder before the appointment will help refresh what they already know about the 

Patients skip appointments because they owe your practice money or are worried the procedure will be too expensive. When this happens, it’s time to 

. It’s important that payments never come as a surprise to the patient. This causes anxiety in the patient, especially when they expect hidden expenses from each visit. When 

 and benefits are discussed upfront and agreed upon, patient no-shows due to financial concerns can be avoided. 

 allows you to effectively educate and communicate with your patients. Automating tasks like appointment reminders or confirmation/cancellation emails, filling last-minute openings, and sending online forms and other notifications to engage patients, practices can drastically cut revenue loss and staff workload while reducing patient no-shows and cancellations.

Eliminating No-Shows and Cancellations at Dental Office

For a dental practice, revenue cycle management is the equivalent of the body’s circulatory system and the heart of a practice’s financial success. The revenue cycle incorporates data capture, claims and denials management, and the collection of payments from both patient and insurance receivables. A healthy system works in concert with industry best practices and technical solutions to optimize efficiencies, identify “leaks” and improve operational workflows. As every practice is unique, it is difficult to prescribe a “one size fits all” approach. However, there are key performance indicators, which can and should be followed to measure practice performance. There are several potential KPIs which provide valuable insight into the collection’s performance and financial health of practice including, but not limited to: Collections percentage, Production growth, Aging accounts receivable, Days sales outstanding, Adjustments percentage, and Credit balances. 

Since 2011, the dental industry has experienced a steady and upward trend in aging receivables, with the majority of balances aged greater than 90 days. The good news is that CareStack offers a solution that combines modern technology, effective processes, and industry expertise to kick start the heart and breathe life back into the revenue cycle.

Revenue Cycle Playbook for Dental Professional

Revenue Cycle Playbook for Dental Professionals

From small, solo practices to large, multi-location clinics, these case studies demonstrate the versatility and value of CareStack in improving the patient experience and driving practice . 

AUSTIN, Texas, February 28, 2024 - CareStack is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Alcan Dental Cooperative, a leading Dental Partnership Organization specializing in pediatric dentistry.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of dental practice management, combining Alcan's extensive services in revenue cycle management, HR, and more with CareStack's innovative technology to elevate patient experiences and operational efficiencies in pediatric dental practices. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to set new standards in the pediatric dental sector, ensuring high levels of satisfaction among patients, clinicians, and front-office staff while simultaneously reducing operational costs and workplace stress.

"It makes sense for Alcan to engage in exclusive offering with CareStack. CareStack’s level of dedication to improving clinical workflows and enhancing front-office functionality is a major reason for our organization’s success. CareStack's versatile platform offers integration with a wide range of dental technologies that have a direct, positive impact on the top line and patient experience,” said Tim Otto, co-founder of Alcan Dental Cooperative.

"We're excited to partner with the Alcan team to create state-of-the-art solutions for pediatric dentists. By combining Alcan's deep industry insights with CareStack's cutting-edge technology expertise, we can generate impactful outcomes for growth-focused pediatric offices. We look forward to working with the Alcan team to continuously improve CareStack's product portfolio for pediatric offices," said Abhi Krishna, CEO of CareStack.

Founded by Dr. Alexandra Otto and Tim Otto, Alcan Dental Cooperative assists pediatric dentists in maintaining majority ownership of their practices while alleviating management burdens. The organization is rooted in a patient-first philosophy, promoting clinical autonomy and collaboration among dental professionals.

CareStack's primary objective is to provide dental healthcare professionals with a better understanding of and control over their financial health through cloud-based technology. The company's cloud-based enterprise practice management solution is tailored to dental practices, enabling them to run more effective operations and offer superior dental care to their patients. To learn more, please visit carestack.com.

CareStack Announces Strategic Partnership with Alcan Dental Cooperative

 couldn’t scale their dental practice operations using Denticon since Denticon could not provide the specialized care coordination and reporting requirements unique to mobile dentistry. The ability to add facilities, track patients at a facility level, and create reports to monitor care quality were all missing in their previous software.

After having been introduced to CareStack, Dr. Suter was convinced by the existing set of capabilities in this dental software, as well as the CareStack team’s willingness to work together with his team to build additional features and capabilities that would help 

 like Enable Dental scale their operations while continuing to provide a better quality of care to their 

 capabilities helped Dr. Suter streamline the workflows as they met with patients in hundreds of facilities across the United States. Accessing patient information, collecting payments, and reconciling finances became significantly easier with CareStack. In addition, Enable Dental’s tech support team was able to 

 from CareStack to easily create custom reports using real-time data to support their operating model better.

Looking for the best cloud-based dental software?

Book a demo with us!

Nathan Suter, DDS

Nathan Suter

CareStack’s training team worked with Enable Dental to identify the different user groups to create customized training plans for each group.

 worked with Enable Dental to identify the different user groups to create customized training plans for each group.

Training Plans

Users were provided with a trial environment to try and learn workflows by themselves and gain confidence.

Self Paced Trials


Generic Training Plans don’t work. Training users specifically for their functional roles significantly improves their confidence and readiness to switch to a new system.

CareStack’s modern User Interface is easy to learn. You can also use our learning center to swiftly onboard new staff. Your team will thank you!

Start using the best in Dental Software

How Enable Dental uses CareStack to scale their mobile dentistry operations

Case Study: How Enable Dental uses CareStack to scale their mobile dentistry operations

Navigating Operational Complexities Across Multiple Locations

Dr Patel and his team realized they needed a unified platform to centralize operations across all their locations. Their previous system, 

, was a desktop-based solution, leading to patient and referral information fragmentation, causing operational hurdles and inefficiencies. The team grappled with multiple logins, unexpected system blocks, and the inability to schedule patients across various locations seamlessly. The 

 for a comprehensive solution that could streamline their operations and enhance patient scheduling was all they were looking for.

Embracing Operational Excellence with CareStack

The search for centralized, all-in-one, cloud-based dental 

 brought them to CareStack. Referred by a 

, Dr. Patel, Dana, and other executive team members conducted an evaluation, completed their due diligence, and determined that CareStack best fit their requirements. ROOT could effortlessly centralize operations, ensuring seamless 

, unified patient information, and eliminating system blocks and multiple logins. They onboarded their first location in Dec 2019 with CareStack.

Revolutionizing Periodontal Care with Streamlined Operations

Today, ROOT stands as a testament to operational excellence and superior patient care. The integration of CareStack’s comprehensive solutions has empowered ROOT to overcome previous challenges, ensuring seamless operations across all locations. The ability to efficiently schedule and centralize patient and referral information has significantly enhanced the patient experience, reinforcing ROOT’s commitment to providing exceptional 

They also use CareStack’s referral portal to communicate and share patient information with their 400+ referral providers in a 

CareStack’s training team worked with ROOT Periodontics & Implant Center to identify the different user groups to create customized training plans for each group.

 worked with ROOT Periodontics & Implant Center to identify the different user groups to create customized training plans for each group.

Generic Training Plans don’t work. Training users specifically for their functional roles significantly improves their confidence and readiness to switch to a new system.

Why ROOT™ Periodontics & Implant Centers switched from Open Dental to CareStack

Case Study: Why ROOT™ Periodontics & Implant Centers switched from Open Dental to CareStack

One of the largest dental service organizations in the United States, with over 1000 practices, recently experienced a cybersecurity attack that potentially compromised the personal information of tens of thousands of patients.

 may unravel only in the coming days, this unfortunate incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity and urges dental practices to take proactive measures against 

Patients entrust dental practices with their most sensitive information - from their medical histories to their payment details. With the increasing use of digital tools and electronic records, it's more important than ever to ensure that patient data is secure.

89% of healthcare providers suffered a cyberattack over a 12-month time frame. 

2022 survey by Proofpoint and the Ponemon Institute

 are becoming more common, putting patients' personal information at risk. This can result in not only financial losses but it can also damage the trust that patients have in your practice.

 is a top priority for CareStack, and our comprehensive security features reflect that commitment.

CareStack’s Cybersecurity Approach Explained

CareStack has implemented the best practices in the healthcare industry for ensuring the security of ePHI in the Cloud. We have put the following practices and measures in place to protect both CareStack and our customers against data breaches:

Cybersecurity Approach

We have implemented reasonable and suitable policies and procedures to comply with the 

 Rule's standards, implementation specifications, and other obligations.

The required Security and Privacy Controls align with HIPAA regulations, 

ISO 27001-2013 Information Security Management System [ISMS]

 comprehensive security controls and best practices.

 as well as architecture security threats, CareStack has developed and implemented a full suite of information security controls and other types of risk management.

 to the ePHI in accordance with the HIPAA security standards for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI.

Data Security Plan

Microsoft Azure’s Cloud security management and monitoring

 to aid in the management and monitoring of Azure cloud services and virtual machines.

In order to keep the ePHI secure in the cloud, end-to-end encryption of data using 

 file systems, where each customer has an account with only the ePHI they need to accomplish their job ensuring ePHI stays intact on the CareStack environment. 

 to keep encryption keys safe are both essential for safely storing ePHI on the cloud.

To Increase network security and prevent network intrusion, we have implemented 

Anti-virus software and malware detection tools

 are installed on all computer systems at CareStack.

We have an agreement in place with Azure Cloud services that outlines the security controls that are implemented by Microsoft and the ability for the CareStack team to customize them.

 (Azure RBAC) allows authorized users to govern detailed access to Azure resources, granting only the level of access they require to do their tasks with Azure RBAC. Access is revoked when the employee leaves the organization.

 that gives an extra degree of protection to user sign-ins and transactions. Multi-factor authentication protects data and applications while allowing users to sign in quickly. A variety of verification alternatives provided by Microsoft (phone call, text message, or mobile app notice or verification code) are also in place.

Microsoft Azure’s Configurable security auditing and logging tools are engaged to assist in 

. This helps us generate, collect, and analyze security logs from Azure services.

 signed with Azure cloud services as per the requirement of HIPAA regulations.

In addition to these, we regularly implement security awareness and training programs for all our employees. Also, all CareStack employees are trained and certified in HIPAA during the onboarding process.

Cyber security is an essential aspect of running a modern dental practice. With the increasing digitization of patient data, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches has also risen. CareStack offers robust security features and measures you need to protect your patients' sensitive data in the cloud. With CareStack, you can focus on providing the highest level of care to your patients, knowing that your practice's data is safe and secure.

Learn more about how CareStack can help your practice

Protect Your Practice Against Cybersecurity Threats

How Does CareStack Protect Your Practice Against Cybersecurity Threats?

Austin, Texas, United States, January 31, 2023: 

, a company that provides at-home mobile dental services, has successfully migrated its enterprise system to CareStack, a modern, 

cloud-based dental practice management system

. With this transition, Enable Dental's 16 locations in 8 states across the USA will be able to 

 and enhance patient care while allowing clinical and administrative teams to manage patient care more effectively using a modern practice management system. 

This alliance is expected to improve communication and organize the dental care teams and administrative staff at different locations. Automating many processes with CareStack will allow Enable Dental staff to offer better at-home care and prompt communication with the patients and their families. The 

 enables consistent updates and information sharing between various parties involved. The platform also eliminates the need for multiple third-party subscriptions and offers an upgrade from legacy dental software, providing a centralized user experience.

mobile dental practice management features

 and API integrations that allow connectivity with Enable Dental’s proprietary workflow software, Healier, which the company acquired last year. Overall, this migration to CareStack will empower Enable Dental's teams to manage patient care more efficiently and offer an advanced, modernized dental practice management system to improve patient care.

"CareStack combined with Healier will allow our remote support staff to communicate and coordinate care more efficiently with our clinical teams and patients," says Paul Langley, CEO of Enable Dental, “our focus is always on creating ways to increase patient access and improve overall patient outcomes.”

CareStack is a unique cloud-based dental practice management software solution for dental practices in the USA, UK, Singapore, and Australia. Founded in 2015, CareStack’s mission is to streamline dental practice management and allow dental professionals to focus on patient care, service quality, and business growth.

Enable Dental is an at-home mobile dental service provider. They offer their services independently and in partnership with managed care organizations, healthcare payers, and government-sponsored organizations. The services provided by Enable Dental are specifically for people with mobility limitations, geriatric patients, and I/DD populations. The patients will receive assistance in the comfort of their homes or an assisted living or independent living community.

CareStack, a cloud-based technology provider for dental practices, has secured a strategic investment and partnership with Straumann Group to expand its reach in the U.S. and internationally. CareStack’s comprehensive management software enables dental practices to streamline operations, replacing multiple software tools with an all-in-one solution that covers clinical, business, and marketing functions. The collaboration aims to improve treatment planning, scheduling, and payment options, combining Straumann’s clinical excellence with CareStack’s advanced business intelligence. Together, the companies will drive software internationalization, operational efficiency, and customer retention in new markets.

CareStack’s CEO, Abhi Krishna, emphasized the company’s mission to support various dental practices, from private practitioners to DSOs, as the industry increasingly shifts toward digital solutions. The partnership is set to enhance the experience for Straumann’s clients and CareStack’s expanding customer base, which includes private practices, dental groups, and startups. Both companies aim to reduce care variability and optimize patient experiences, further establishing CareStack as a leader in dental technology. This partnership also opens new opportunities in oral health management, allowing both organizations to strengthen client engagement across diverse geographies and support further growth in digital dental practice management.

CareStack's mission is to simplify dental practice management and allow dental practitioners to truly focus on things that matter - patient care and business growth. Founded in 2015, the company offers a unique cloud based dental software solution designed for dental practices to simplify operations, elevate patient relationships, improve staff productivity, and accelerate business growth and income. To learn more, please visit 

The Straumann Group is a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions that restore smiles and confidence. It unites global and international brands that stand for excellence, innovation and quality in replacement, corrective and digital dentistry, including Anthogyr, ClearCorrect, Dental Wings, Medentika, Neodent, NUVO, Straumann and other fully/partly owned companies and partners. In collaboration with leading clinics, institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, manufactures and supplies dental implants, instruments, CADCAM prosthetics, orthodontic aligners, biomaterials and digital solutions for use in tooth correction, replacement and restoration or to prevent tooth loss. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Group currently employs more than 9000 people worldwide. Its products, solutions and services are available in more than 100 countries through a broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.

Straumann Group Acquires a Strategic Minority Stake in CareStack

What are the right things to do when it comes to inventory management, logistics, and choosing the right supplier? Take back from this webinar the best methods to manage your practice and products like a pro.

Equipment & Supplies_ How Much is Too Much

Equipment & Supplies: How Much is Too Much?

Increasing consolidation by Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and group practices, is reshaping the dental industry. 

 continue to grow, they must rely on technology solutions to scale sustainably.

So what is sustainable scaling, and how does it impact long-term profitability and value? For group practices and DSOs, scale is not just about growth. It's the ability to 

, reducing quality, or changing the organization's core values.

 with cloud-based practice software that meets their unique needs. Cloud-based systems don't require extensive hardware purchases, and 

 online by authorized administrators. They are browser-based, which means you can access them from anywhere and from any device.

Before we explore the value-add from cloud-based systems, let's look at the available alternatives.

Why Cloud-Based Practice Management Solution Is the Next Big Thing

Legacy systems predate cloud technology and are still being used widely in the dental industry. They store information on local devices and servers, thus requiring one's physical presence at each location to do the work. These old 'bolt-on' software, as they are aptly named, come with pre-set features that 

lack flexibility, have higher maintenance costs, and require constant upkeep

Moreover, practices have to employ dedicated manpower to maintain both the hardware and software for each practice location. The frustration to collect and compile data across locations and the 

 lower the appeal for these outdated systems. While 83% of healthcare organizations have adopted cloud-based solutions, this technology wave is yet to catch up in dentistry.

The cloud-based systems are here to stay, especially with both Group & DSOs targeting sustainable growth. Let's look at how cloud-based solutions help 

The subscription-based cloud-practice management software not only lowers cost but also provides value with the many advantages provided through its 'pay for what you use' payment models. They require little in the way of local hardware beyond computer workstations and internet access. A major portion of these savings comes from 

. Traditional multi-location legacy systems require extensive hardware, trained personnel, and frequent maintenance. This includes upgrades and maintenance to both hardware and software.

vendor charges you for the legacy software as upfront costs

. This doesn't include the hidden costs of the infrastructural backbone necessary to support legacy software. Costs increase over time for comparatively limited benefits, especially when scaling your business across multiple locations.

With centralized data, both patients and providers can travel to 

different locations without the need for duplicate records

. It brings clarity to provider compensation and streamlines collections. Moreover, cloud-based systems reduce data duplication and end piecemeal reporting, fragmented 

Issues such as collection delays, the duplication of bills and patient records, higher staff turnover rates, stagnant growth, and patient dissatisfaction are strong indicators to consider adopting cloud-based solutions for a centralized data structure. Embracing data centralization can optimize your organization's workflows for key business functions, as you continue to expand your practice locations.

With legacy desktop systems, locations aren't on a centralized system, and management has to pull reports from each system and compile them for a comprehensive overview of their performance at the enterprise level.

Modern cloud-based practice management systems 

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