NextGen® Electronic Dental Record – Documentation Basics

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare technology, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. NextGen Electronic Dental Record simplifies patient data management while improving workflow, accuracy, and compliance with industry standards. Let's dive into the comprehensive features and functionalities that make NextGen EDR an invaluable tool for modern dental practices.

Navigating NextGen® EDR: Comprehensive Features for Dental Professionals

The Patient Chart View is the heart of the NextGen EDR system. It provides a holistic view of each patient's information, including personal details, medical history, and treatment plans. This centralized approach ensures that all necessary information is readily accessible, reducing the time spent searching for records and minimizing the risk of errors. Let's get into the detail and navigation of each section:

Icon Tool Bar

The Icon Tool Bar offers quick access to various modules within the patient chart. Customizable to fit the unique needs of each practice, the toolbar can include icons for alerts, allergies, problems, diagnoses, medications, appointments, and more. This customization allows dental professionals to tailor their workflow, ensuring that the most frequently used tools are always within reach.

Patient Information Bar

Located beneath the Icon Tool Bar, this section displays essential patient details such as name, date of birth, encounter number, provider name, and username. The Four Point Check feature ensures data accuracy by verifying these key details before any documentation, enhancing patient safety and record integrity.

Patient Medical Summary Information

Under the Icon Tool Bar, the Patient Medical Summary Information section provides buttons to view or open detailed information on:

• Alerts: Highlighting critical information such as allergies or contraindications.
• Allergies: Documenting any known patient allergies to medications or materials.
• Problems: Listing current and past medical issues.
• Diagnoses: Recording diagnosed conditions.
• Medications: Tracking current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
• Appointments: Managing scheduled visits and treatments.

Each button displays the number of relevant items, allowing for quick assessments. Hovering over a button reveals a pop-up with more details, and clicking opens the respective module for in-depth review.

Patient Chart

Icons 

The patient chart is comprised of all the icons pictured here. Some icons will also change the view of the patient chart for ease of reading or documentation.

Tooth Chart: Visualizing Dental Health

The Tooth Chart offers a graphical representation of a patient's dental records, making it easier for clinicians to visualize and track treatments.

Palette: Simplifying Documentation

The Palette is where commonly used services and conditions are easily accessible for documentation. Features include:

• Exam Buttons: Quick selection from multiple exam types (Comprehensive, Periodic, Limited).
• Mapping Options: Ability to map palette buttons to specific assessments like Caries Risk Assessment or to electronic documents in HTML format.

These features streamline the documentation process, allowing dental professionals to record information efficiently without compromising accuracy.

Filters

Filters enable users to view patient history based on selected criteria, such as documents, x-rays, and notes. Features include:

• Favorite Filters: Starred filters for quick access to frequently used categories.
• Search Functionality: Using the magnifying glass icon to find specific filters.
• Editable Filters: The pencil icon allows customization of default filters to better suit practice needs.

This level of organization ensures that relevant information is always at the practitioner's fingertips, enhancing productivity and patient care.

Details

The Details section in the chart displays both historical dental records and planned treatments. This includes:

• Historical Details: Services performed, provider notes, x-ray images, and scanned documents.
• Planned Treatments: Future services grouped based on treatment needs, linked to upcoming appointments for seamless care planning.

Lab Case Management

NextGen 5.9.1 allows robust Lab Case Management capabilities, allowing practices to:

• Track Lab Cases: From submission to return, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Manage Lab Details: Administrators can add and maintain lab names, descriptions, and case types (e.g., Crown, Night Guard).
• Link Lab Cases to Appointments: Integrating lab work with patient schedules for efficient workflow.
• Generate Lab Reports: Comprehensive reports for better communication with external labs.

This feature ensures that lab work is seamlessly integrated into the patient’s treatment plan, reducing delays and improving overall service quality.

Perio Redesign

This feature includes:

• Tooth Images: Updated to represent teeth accurately with modern visuals.
• Furcation Indicators: Represented by triangles at the root, showing pocket depths.
• Mobility Indicators: Displayed as Roman numerals on the facial surface view.
• Data Entry Tools: New buttons for conditions like Missing and Impacted teeth, and services such as Crowns, Implants, Bridge Abutments, and Bridge Pontics.

The redesigned Periodontal Chart enhances both functionality and aesthetics, providing intuitive visual indicators for tooth health and facilitating more accurate charting.

Maximizing Efficiency with NextGen® EDR

NextGen EDR 5.9.1 is designed to enhance both clinical and administrative workflows within dental practices. Key benefits include:

• Improved Accuracy: The Four Point Check and comprehensive patient summaries minimize errors.

• Enhanced Visualization: The redesigned Tooth and Periodontal Charts provide clear, actionable insights into patient oral health.
• Streamlined Documentation: The Palette and Filters features simplify data entry and retrieval, allowing more time for patient care.
• Effective Lab Coordination: Lab Case Management ensures timely and accurate lab work, enhancing patient satisfaction.

NextGen® 5.9.1 Electronic Dental Record system represents a significant advancement in dental practice management. By integrating comprehensive features like the Patient Chart View, Tooth Chart, Palette, Filters, and Lab Case Management, NextGen EDR empowers dental professionals to deliver high-quality care efficiently and accurately.

Embracing the power of NextGen’s EDR allows dental practices to focus more on what truly matters—providing exceptional care to their patients. With its intuitive interface and customizable tools, NextGen EDR is poised to become an indispensable asset for modern dental practices seeking to streamline their operations and enhance patient care.

Stay ahead with NextGen EDR’s innovative tools that not only streamline documentation but also elevate the standard of care, ensuring your practice remains at the forefront of dental technology. Contact OSIS to learn how we can help effectively implement NextGen into your practice. 

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December of 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.