Every field has its own specialized jargon. If the language barrier of technical terms gives you anxiety, this post will help bridge the gap so you know just what that Open Dental technicians are referring to when you call.
Server Computer
Oftentimes, an Open Dental technician will ask to get remote connected to your server computer in order to troubleshoot an issue. For Open Dental purposes, the server is the machine that hosts the Open Dental database. Sometimes, this is a dedicated computer shoved away in a closet or locked room, or it can be the computer in the doctor’s office.
Open Dental technicians routinely need access to the server to perform updates, resolve errors, and troubleshoot issues. If you’re not sure which machine in your office is the server, or how to log into it, check with your IT professional. Knowing which machine the server is helps you get the answers you need as timely as possible.
Open Dental Database
The Open Dental database is a series of files that make up all of Open Dental. Databases store information on patients, procedures, preferences, and much more. This is typically stored on your server computer.
Open Dental Program
This is what opens when you click on that Open Dental icon from your taskbar or desktop. This is installed on each workstation. The program then connects to the server computer to access the database, so when you open it, you see your patients and appointments.
OpenDentImages (A to Z) Folder
The OpenDentImages folder, also referred to as the A to Z folder, is located on your server and contains any file you’ve scanned or uploaded into the Imaging Module. This can include patient forms, insurance cards, patient pictures, and more. As part of our troubleshooting steps we may need to locate this folder and have you enter the appropriate password to access it.
Open Dental Services
Open Dental uses several services that are typically installed on the server computer:
- MySQL: This service runs the database. This is what makes all of the data accessible when you open the Open Dental program.
- eConnector: This runs all of the Open Dental eServices and allows them to communicate with Open Dental HQ so features like Web Sched, eClipboard, and Integrated Texting function. Some third parties will also use the eConnector for their services.
- Open Dental Service: This is similar to the eConnector, but runs other miscellaneous processes throughout Open Dental, such as Payment Plans or CC Recurring Charges.
- API Service: Third-party vendors often use the API Service for 2-way communication with their application.
Cloud
When referencing “the cloud”, what you’re really using is a server somewhere else. For example, Open Dental Cloud simply means instead of having your own server in your office, you use the servers located at Open Dental HQ.
Network
A network is necessary when you have two or more computers in the office. A network allows your computer to share information with the server and other workstations. With Open Dental, all workstations must be on the same network. This way, when you schedule an appointment for a patient, your coworker in the other room can see the appointment on their machine as well. Networks are set up and maintained by IT Professionals. Open Dental technicians may be able to tell you we suspect a network issue, but we cannot make changes or fix the network on our end.
Remote Access
Remote Access allows you to access a computer that’s not physically in front of you. For example, if you are working from home, your home computer is not on the network for your office. You can use a third-party remote software to log into your office computer. This also typically means that while you’re remote connected to your office computer, no one in the physical office can use it.
IP Address
An IP address is a unique number that’s assigned to every device (including laptops, tablets, etc.) connected to a network. While you may have no idea where to find it, or what it even is, you may hear our technicians say that we need the IP address for the server to troubleshoot an issue, or that pointing your workstation at the IP address is what fixed the issue. We’re trained on where to find them and where it may need to be placed for Open Dental to work properly, so no need to study up on them!
Drivers
A driver is a set of files that tells a piece of hardware how to function. It’s needed for all pieces of hardware, but commonly you’ll hear us reference drivers when we’re helping you get your scanner or x-ray sensor up and running with Open Dental using a TWAIN driver. The installation of drivers, if they were missing from your hardware, is done by an IT professional so oftentimes we will do all the troubleshooting and determine a new or different driver is needed. We’ll then refer you to your IT to get it installed.
Technical jargon doesn’t have to be intimidating. Now that you’re familiar with the basics, you and our support team can get straight to solving the problem. Give us a call whenever you need us!