Issue #11 - 1.16.07


Dr. Lorne Lavine
Dental Technology Consultants
Printer Friendly Version

Treatment Room Technology

Operatory Design

In the past issues of The Dentist’s Network, I’ve explored some of the nuts and bolts of running a modern practice. Having worked with over 800 offices, there’s no doubt that putting technology into the operatories is critical to developing a digital dental office. By placing computers in the dental treatment rooms, not only does that allow the practice to use new technologies like digital x-rays and intra-oral cameras, it also allows for de-centralization of the practice. For example, scheduling, treatment planning, and even collection of funds and insurance submittal can occur chair side if the practice chooses to do this.

However, after working with many practices, there’s no doubt that designing the layout of the treatment rooms and the specs for the technology can be a difficult decision to make. While every room is obviously unique, here are some basic thoughts and ideas to incorporate as you either add or update your operatories:

  1. You should choose your computer systems with the understanding that they will probably last 3 years. This doesn’t mean that the system will stop working after 3 years, but it does mean that with the updates of your practice management software and other software systems, the computer hardware after 3 years will start to choke on the higher software demands. In early 2007, I am currently recommending a Pentium Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, and Windows XP Professional (at least, until Vista is released on January 30th). An equally important decision is the size of the computers. I almost always recommend using a small form factor computer, such as the Dell SFF, for the ops. These smaller computers can fit into much smaller spaces. Be aware, though, that some older interface cards, such as video capture cards, may not fit into these smaller cases.
  2. Another challenging decision for most offices is to choose their monitors. The vast majority of offices that we’ve set up over the past two years have elected to place two monitors in each operatory. There will be a patient monitor that is used primarily to show the patient digital images, TV, DVD patient education, etc. Most offices will choose a monitor like the Samsung 940MW, which has both computer and TV inputs. At the very least, this monitor should have speakers built into the sides or bottom. The second monitor is primarily for use by the doctor or assistant and doesn’t usually need speakers. This monitor should be placed where the patient cannot easily see it, as the information on here is often HIPAA-sensitive, such as the electronic schedule with patient names on it.
  3. Since both monitors will be showing digital x-rays images, make sure you get a monitor with a minimum of 500:1 contrast ratio; the contrast ratio is important for viewing caries on the monitor.
  4. An entire book can be written on monitor placement. In many cases, it will boil down to personal preference. If you want the patient to be able to view their monitor while being completely reclined, then the ideal position will be from the ceiling. There are many options, such as ICW, Flexview, and the Chair Potato. If you don’t need them to see the monitor while reclined, then attaching the monitor to a light pole or a side wall is also a decent option.
  5. When positioning keyboards and mice, make sure you place them in an ergonomic position. For example, you’d never want to place them behind the doctor or assistant’s back if it means that they need to twist around to use them. I always recommend using a wireless keyboard and mouse. A Bluetooth system, such as the Logitech MX5000, will prevent interference from multiple operatories. Some of the monitor mounts, such as the ICW systems, allow you to attach a tray to the bottom of the monitor for ideal positioning. You may also want to consider a keyboard skin that will cover the keyboard and allow for easier infection control.

As you begin to consider the upgrade of your digital systems in the offices, proper planning of the operatories can be critical for long-term success. Not only should you choose your hardware carefully, but the location of those systems is just as important.

Lorne Lavine, DMD is the Founder and President of Dental Technology Consultants.  Dr. Lavine holds two prestigious certifications, the A+ Certified Technician designation and the Network+ Certified Professional.  These designations demonstrate proficiency in computer repair, operating systems, network design and installation.  Dental Technology Consultants provide dentists a full range of services relating to the implementation of technology.
 Dr. Lavine can be reached directly at 1.866.204.3398.

Interested in speaking to Dr. Lavine about your technology concerns? Email him at Drlavine@thedentistsnetwork.net
Interested in having Dr. Lavine speak to your dental society or study club? Click Here.