What could be more exciting than customizing Open Dental to fit your needs? Customizing the colors inside of Open Dental! Whether you’re super creative, want to see your brand colors expressed in your software, or just want to color-code things for better visibility and easier categorization of data, this post is for you.
Appointments Module
There are so many colors that can be changed in the Appointments Module. You can assign colors to providers and appointments, change the schedule background, create colorful Blockouts, and so much more!
Here are the changes we made to the preceding screenshot:
- We assigned a special main Border around the outside of the software window by going to Setup, Definitions, Misc Colors.
This changed the color at the top of every module and window. You can also change the text color as well. - We changed the provider color in Lists, Providers. The appointments display the associated provider’s color. Alternatively, colors can be assigned to Appointment Types.
- Practice Closed and Open and Appointment Complete colors were customized in Definitions: Appointment Colors
The Holiday and Blockout Text color can also be changed here. - Confirmation Colors were customized by type in Definitions: Appt Confirmed
- Custom Blockouts can be created in Setup, Definitions, Blockout Types.
Additional appearance changes can be made for the Appointments Module in Preferences. For example, you can also edit the Appointment time line color (the horizontal line that tracks the current time), change the Waiting room alert color, and choose to Use solid blockouts instead of outlines on the Appointments Module.
Chart Module
Colors can be edited in the Graphical Tooth Chart, on various items in the Progress Notes area, and the medical rows in the Patient Info section to add some additional flair and help organize different types of information.
Here is what we changed in the preceding screenshot:
- Tooth Chart graphic colors were changed in Definitions: Chart Graphic Colors
The procedure colors for treatment planned, completed, referred, or completed by other providers can be customized. - Progress Note colors. There are a couple places to edit colors that show up in the Progress Notes.
- Change the color of different Commlog types in Definitions: Commlog Types.
- Change the background color of procedures and appointments that happen today, and the Medical lines of the Patient Info section in Definitions: Misc Colors.
TECH TIP: Want procedures to show in the assigned provider’s color? Enable Use provider color in chart from Preferences!
Account Module
The items listed in the Patient Account tab inside the Account Module can also be color coordinated. Check out the options we have available.
In the preceding screenshot, we made the following changes:
- Adjustments, Discounts, Patient and Insurance Payments, Claims and more were all adjusted from Setup, Definitions, Account Colors.
- We discussed changing the color of different Commlog types in the previous Chart Module section, those changes can also be seen in the Account Module.
Treatment Plan Module
Get your patients excited about their treatment. Color code those treatment plan priorities and provide your patients with a rainbow of treatment options!
To have your Treatment Plan look like the preceding screenshot, customize Treatment Plan Priorities in Setup, Definitions, Treat’ Plan Priorities.
The changes made to Treatment Plan Priorities, items in the Chart Module Progress Notes, and Graphical Tooth Chart are also reflected in the Treatment Plan Sheet and the Patient Dashboard.
Tasks
Busy days typically mean a lot of tasks flowing into your Task Lists. Create and color code custom task priorities so you can get your Task Lists organized and ready to tackle.
Customizing task priorities is a snap. Simply go to Setup, Definitions, Task Priorities.
TECH TIP: Not seeing your Task Lists? Go to Setup, Tasks and make sure Always show task list is checked. You may also need to maximize Open Dental to see the bar to adjust the size.
Ortho Hardware and Prescriptions
Hardware and Ortho Prescriptions can be customized with various colors for your brackets, wires, and elastics. Have your Ortho Tooth Chart truly reflect your patient’s impeccable taste in elastic colors!
Here’s what we did in the preceding screenshot:
- We added a lime green elastic option in our Ortho Hardware under the Elastic Type in the Ortho Hardware Setup. You can also customize brackets and wires from here.
- Ortho Prescription colors can be modified in Ortho Prescription Setup.
Have fun coloring Open Dental your way! In the meantime, check our Manual for more info or contact us. Our team is happy to help with any questions.
Information in this post reflects features available in Open Dental Version 24.2. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our manual.