Lately, I’ve had a lineup of amazing guests on the podcast, but today, it’s just you and me. I want to dive into a hot topic that’s been generating buzz—Dentrix Perio Chart updates, particularly the long-awaited Bleeding All Button! If you’re a hygienist eager for more efficient workflow solutions, you’re going to love this.
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The Bleeding All Button: A Game Changer
One of the most requested enhancements in Dentrix history has been the Bleeding All Button for the Perio Chart. If you’ve ever had to painstakingly click through every single site to mark bleeding, you know the frustration. Well, Dentrix finally did it! This update makes perio charting faster, more efficient, and honestly, just more enjoyable.
Here’s how it works:
- Open your Dentrix Perio Chart.
- Ensure you have the Perio Panel open (if it’s not there, go to View > Perio Panel).
- Click and drag over the area where you want to apply bleeding marks, just like using a snipping tool.
- In the Perio Panel, click the little bleeding box, and voila! Bleeding is now applied to all selected sites.
Not only does this save time, but it also ensures consistency across charting. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s time to give it a go. Trust me, once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Customizing the Perio Panel for Better Charting
Beyond the Bleeding All Button, the Perio Panel has so many useful features that often go unnoticed. One of the most underutilized yet powerful tools in Dentrix is the Exam Information Tab. This section allows you to document:
- Gingival color and texture
- Stages and grades of periodontal disease
- Smoking status and other relevant patient details
Many offices are now incorporating the new periodontal classifications, which have been around for about five years but are still underutilized. If you’re still relying on outdated classifications, it’s time to make the switch.
Another time-saving trick is copying the Exam Information directly into your clinical note. Instead of retyping everything, just transfer the data and tweak as needed. This little hack can cut down your documentation time significantly.
Making the Most of the Graphical Perio Chart
Dentrix has also made significant improvements to the graphical representation of the Perio Chart. If you haven’t explored this feature, it’s time to take a look. When you open the graphical chart, you’ll see small plus signs in the corners and center. Clicking these allows you to zoom into specific quadrants or full arches.
Why is this important? Because patients understand visuals much better than numbers. When they see a clear, graphical representation of their pocket depths and recession, it clicks. The Perio Chart, when used effectively, can be just as powerful as an iTero scan in showing patients what’s happening with their periodontal health.
Creating Custom Scripts for Faster Perio Charting
One feature many hygienists don’t know about is the ability to create a Custom Perio Charting Script. By default, Dentrix follows a predetermined order when recording probing depths, but if your office prefers a different sequence, you can customize it.
However, here’s the catch—custom scripts are saved only on the computer where they were created. If you want consistency across workstations, you’ll need to manually apply the script to each computer. If you need help with this, reach out—I’d love to guide you through it.
Why These Updates Matter
As dental professionals, efficiency is key. The Dentrix Perio Chart and its Bleeding All Button help streamline workflow, reduce charting time, and improve accuracy. When we make documentation easier, we have more time for patient care, education, and ultimately, providing better treatment outcomes.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, please share this with your fellow hygienists. Whether it’s in a Facebook group or a team meeting, spreading knowledge helps everyone work smarter. And if you need further guidance on optimizing Dentrix in your practice, I’d love to help.
Here’s to making perio charting faster, smarter, and stress-free!
