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Login | Tuesday, January 06, 2009

My online learning experiences

My first online learning experience began through my quest to understand how to use computers and basic Microsoft programs, such as Word and Excel, when they first became popular. I took several online courses through a local college, which were extremely helpful and convenient, and this led me to continue on to courses in computer repair, history, and writing.

 

TIME SAVER


 
After learning about the Electronic Claims application in a webinar, we were able to save our practice time. 
 
 

After this initial experience, online learning extended to benefiting my career as well; specifically during a transition to my current position as an office manager for Dr. Monte Morgan’s practice. Dr. Morgan was looking for someone with previous business experience and the motivation to learn and balance the needs of the business, while also serving the patient base. I knew my existing skill as a computer business manager would allow me to meet these needs, as well as my desire to explore the dental industry and familiarize myself with the practice as much as possible. I quickly became confident in my knowledge of the practice, and in dentistry overall.

One of the main responsibilities of any office manager is to keep the practice organized and productive. By exploring and experimenting with the practice management software used by the practice, Patterson EagleSoft (eaglesoft.net), I discovered many applicable tools for our office. There were several tools such as scheduling and billing applications that the practice wasn’t using that had the capability to make things faster, easier, and more efficient. To implement these applications, I found a way to train myself through Patterson EagleSoft customized webinars. These webinars train users on how to tailor the practice management software to meet the practice’s specific needs and preferences.

Benefits of eTraining webinars

(1) Maximized functionality

 
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
for learning online

 
  

The webinars have helped increase the functionality of our practice management software, along with practice efficiency and productivity. The eTraining sessions include a live chat interface allowing me to ask questions and receive answers in real-time. Also, eTraining CDs provide similar information, allowing me to keep it on hand and refer back to it at my convenience. This provides me with tips on how to use the system more effectively. With topics constantly being updated, all of the information provided is highly relevant.

(2) Enhanced learning

Online learning has enabled me to help staff members use our practice management software to perform tasks specific to their job duties. For example, hygienists can schedule patient appointments with the software, while assistants use it to take intraoral pictures. A short webinar related to these topics can be taken online, and I then can share the knowledge with the rest of the staff immediately, helping to instruct them on how to implement and use the features themselves. For instance, one of our new hygienists had used the Voice feature in Patterson EagleSoft in the past for perio charting, while the other hygienists had not. Because we realize the value of this function, I can learn how to use it myself by taking a course and then help the other hygienists learn how to use it as well.

(3)
Heightened efficiency

Before I came on board, our office would practically shut down for a full day to process billing statements, and now we have the ability to process our billing electronically within five minutes. Additionally, our office now has the capability to scan x-rays and forms and send them to all insurance companies electronically, quickening the submission process without the fear of losing our claims. Online learning has assisted us in understanding how to use the applications, saving time and money. In the future, as practice management software improves, we will be upgrading to a version with a time-saving application that will allow us to start contacting patients via e-mail, text message, and voicemail—a feature we will learn to use with the help of electronic training.

Overall, online learning has benefited our practice in a number of ways. The real-time visuals and how-to advice gives users the ability to archive the information while providing easy, hands-on interactive lessons. Now that I am established in my role, I look for ways to improve the success, efficiency, and productivity all around me. Online learning is integral to accomplishing this, and I would suggest that anyone take advantage of this new educational technique. Technology is everywhere, and the opportunities to learn from, adapt to, and use it are wide-ranging. Online learning is an important tool that encourages users to continuously explore. With a multitude of options, online learning is a dynamic process that can assist all dental professionals in increasing their knowledge in, around, and beyond the dental practice.



Melanie Culveyhouseis a dental office manager in Salem, Ore. She has been managing the office of Dr. Monte Morgan, a general practitioner with a cosmetic dentistry emphasis, for more than three years. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree in business, Culveyhouse is a volunteer for the United Methodist Retirement Center as well as the Muscular Dystrophy/ALS Association. Culveyhouse is an annual attendee of the Oregon Dental Association meeting and has taken a number of classes and seminars about using dental office software. She can be reached at melanie_drmorgan@comcast.net.

 

Photos courtesy of Patterson EagleSoft
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