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2022 CDT Codes are available in versions 21.2.47 and 21.3.22 and greater.

Watch the How to Update Your CDT Codes Video

Newsletter Contents
New Feature Highlights
Software Update: Version 21.3 has been released as Stable, implementing many exciting features including 12 features requested by our users. 
For the full list of new features by version, please visit the versions page in our manual.
Explore the New Features in our Feature Highlights Webinar

New Features in this version include the following:
 

Advertising Postcards

Market your practice with new advertising postcards. Use your own list, or purchase one based on the demographics you select, then select and customize a postcard design and send.  Learn more in our manual or watch this video:

2022 CDT Codes

2022 CDT codes are available in versions 21.2.47 or 21.3.22 and greater. Watch this video on how to update these codes. 
Run the D Codes Tool after seeing the last patient of the year or at the start of 2022. A warning will be displayed if the tool is run before the start of the new year.

Highly Requested Features

A keyboard shortcut opens the Select Patient Window

Ctrl+P will bring up the Select Patient window. See all our keyboard shortcuts here.

Secure Email Feature

Set up Secure Email to send PHI or other sensitive information securely via email. Recipients will use a one-time passcode to view and reply to messages. Learn more on our Secure Email Workflow page.
This feature is currently in limited beta - please email eservices@opendental.com to become a Beta Tester. Qualifying offices will get the first 3 months free!

Less data entry when adding a new family member in the Family Module. 

Select an existing family member, then add the new family member - the Email and Phone will be copied over.

eServices
Web Sched Existing Patient

Change recall display name to show a more generic term like “Teeth Cleaning” to include both Prophy and Perio appointments.

eReminders

If a patient is marked as premed, a customizable premedication message can be attached to messages to remind them to take their medication prior to their appointment.

eClipboard

  • Payment Plans can be displayed and signed. 
  • New Account Module Preference to save payment plans as PDF from eClipboard. 
  • Patients can make a payment via eClipboard (if your practice is using PayConnect or XCharge).

Patient Portal

  • Determine conditions for sending Patient Portal invites to a patient
  • Patients making online payments can choose to receive a receipt via email.
  • Online payments are automatically allocated using the preference you’ve set in Allocations Setup.
    An Online Payment Pending Alert will show in the main menu when online payments are received, and Payments show as pending. Open the payment and check to mark it Processed.

eRx: DoseSpot

Proxy users can utilize DoseSpot through Open Dental Mobile
Imaging Module
  • Multiple images can be opened simultaneously 
  • Text can be added to images using the Draw button – see more in our manual.

Patient Statements

New Ortho Chart Features

  • The Ortho Chart can only be edited by one user at a time. By default, the Locked by note will appear at the bottom, with the current user allowed to make edits.
    If the Ortho Chart is in use by another user, a warning will display if another user attempts to open the Ortho Chart. The new user can click Take Control to take over editing. When this happens, the existing user’s edits will save and will be able to be seen by the new user.
  • The Ortho Chart can be viewed or printed for a specific date range. When the Print button is clicked, the information shown will print.

Security Permissions

  • Restrict access to add, edit, or delete an allergy in the Allergies List: Allergy Definition Edit.
  • Restrict access to add, edit, or delete medications in the Medication List: Medication Definition Edit.
  • Restrict the ability to add or update a password in a Program Link that requires one: Manage High Security Properties.
  • Restrict the ability to add or edit allergies for a patient: Pat Allergy List Edit.
  • Restrict the ability to add or edit problems for a patient: Pat Problem List Edit.
  • Restrict the ability to add or edit medications for a patient: Pat Medication List Edit.
  • Restrict access to the Edit Patient Information window: Patient Edit.
  • Create an Audit Trail entry when a patient credit card is edited.
  • Require the AdjustmentCreate permission when adding a discount to a treatment planned procedure.

Other New Features

  • ERA downloads can be automated! Learn more about ERAs in our manual.
  • New Merge Billing Types Tool can combine duplicate billing types.
  • The Unearned Allocation Report can only be used by users on MySQL 5.6 or MariaDB. If your practice is using MySQL 5.5, please contact support to upgrade.
  • Sheet-level setting to control auto-saving of form to the Imaging Module.
    This option is only visible when an image category (folder) is marked as Autosave forms. See more on this feature in our manual.

In Beta Version 21.4

  • Insurance information can be collected when a Web Sched appointment is scheduled online
  • Web Sched New Patient questions can be customized (e.g. to exclude certain insurance plans)
  • Text messaging access can be restricted to specific User Groups
  • Daily appointments can be printed with a white background
Announcements and Helpful Info

Open Dental's 'Software Support' Fees will increase on January 1, 2022

Open Dental’s monthly ‘Software Support’ fee will increase by $10/month to partially offset increased costs over the last several years.
Customers in their initial 12-month contract period will remain at their current rate until the end of the contract period when their Software Support fee will drop to the then-current reduced rate on the Fees page.

Other service prices (such as eServices and Conversions) are not changing at this time.

End of 2021 and Start of 2022 Tasks

This post reviews the steps in Open Dental that will help you end the year on a high note and ensure a terrific start to 2022.

Getting Started with eRx

Is your state mandating electronic prescribing in 2022? Learn about the two eRx options integrated into Open Dental, and how to get started using the one that meets your needs.

Tracking Actions with the Audit Trail

Learn more about using the various Audit Trails available in Open Dental to see who took specific actions in the software, and when.

Questions & Answers with an Open Dental Expert: Assistant Manager, Advanced Services

Open Dental is backed by a team of experts from all kinds of backgrounds. In our new Q&A series, we’re interviewing our experts in various specialties. Meet Kylie, an expert in all things eRx, and an Assistant Manager on our Advanced Services Team.

Helping Patients Afford the Care They Need

Learn how membership/discount plans, payment plans, and the new, integrated option for financing with a CareCredit credit card can help your patients afford the care they need.
Tips & Tricks
We love sharing tips & tricks with you!
In our latest Tips & Tricks post, we discuss using Queries for customized reporting, adding medications to the Medications Master List, creating and using the Patient Dashboard, and the benefits of using Appointment Confirmation Statuses.
Highlighted Partners & Supplemental Services

How CareCredit's Integration Can Help Patients Manage Fee-For-Service Costs

Out-of-pocket costs don’t have to be a barrier to offering optimal treatment plans. Learn how CareCredit’s integration and features like Batch Quickscreen make it easy to have a successful financial conversation with patients to help them move forward with treatment.

4 Tips for Handling Declined Customer Credit Card Transactions

As a small business owner, you need to have a strategy for the uncomfortable moments when a customer’s credit card is declined. Here are four best practices for handling the situation.

Are messaging apps safe for HIPAA compliant file sharing?

Learn how HIPAA can affect your file-sharing practices and how you can protect your company.
Get to Know Us
eServices Team
These specialists handle eServices Bundle installations, help customize eServices to meet your practice's needs, and assist with troubleshooting any complex issues. They're a super tech-savvy bunch who is ready to help you maximize all the eServices tools in Open Dental.

Questions about the Cares Act?

 
Health RecordsThe ADA has a new FAQ available on the federal rule designed to give patients and providers more secure access to electronic health information.
Learn more here.
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