When navigating any software, you want to do it in the most efficient way possible. In this post, we’ll discuss some quick ways to move around in Open Dental and maximize each keystroke and click. In many cases, there’s no need to search a patient because you can quickly access their account in just a few clicks. 

1. Keep multiple instances of Open Dental open.

Did you know you can open multiple instances of Open Dental? This is a great option when you are handling one patient account, but have to quickly access another without losing your place. “Multiple instances” is just a fancy way of saying, open the program multiple times. 

2. Navigating back to recently viewed patients.

If you need to move from one patient to the next or go back-and-forth, no need to search for them over and over. Here are some places you can easily access other patients.

Select Patient Dropdown

Use the dropdown arrow next to the Select Patient button to quickly access one of the last 5 patients accounts you’ve viewed.

If the patient is in a family, the other family members will also list.

Account Module Family

In the Account Module, on the right-hand side, you can quickly switch to other patient accounts within the family. This is a great tool when reviewing accounts.

Family Module Family

In the Family Module, other family members can be accessed from the Family Members grid.

3. Right-click options

When you are working in appointment lists, viewing certain reports, or sending claims or running your monthly billing list, you can quickly access a patient’s account without having to search for them. Here are some areas where you can right-click to go to the patient’s account.

Appointment Lists

• Recall List.
  Right-click to see the family module or the patient account.
• Confirmation List.
  Right-click to select the patient, or go directly to their chart.
• Unscheduled List.
  Right-click to select the patient, or go directly to their chart.
• ASAP List.
  Right-click to select the patient, or go directly to their chart.

Reports

• Outstanding Insurance Claims report.
  Right-click to go directly to the patient’s account to review the claim.
• Procedures Not Billed to Insurance report.
  Right-click to go directly to the patient’s account to create and send the claim.
• Claims Not Sent Report.
  Right-click to go directly to the patient’s account to review the claim and send it off.

Manage Module

• Send Claims window.
  In the Manage Module, right-click a patient to view their account.
• Billing List.
  When running monthly billing, right-click a patient to view their account.

4. Viewing patient appointments.

No need to flip through the schedule or scroll through the progress notes, use the View Pat Appts button to view all appointments for a patient.

Select your patient, then in the Appointments Module, click View Pat Appts.

Here, you can view all appointments related to the patient. If there are family members, click them in the upper left to view their appointments too!

Do you have other tips for navigating Open Dental? Add your comment below! If you have any questions or need any assistance, feel free to contact us.