Adding new dental software to an existing practice routine can be difficult. Practices moving to a new location can use this as an opportunity to make a clean break from the old, inefficient system and create a better set of procedures.

The Problem of New Software

Any organization finds resistance to new ways of doing things. Even if people agree the new system is better, the old one is familiar and comfortable. There is an underlying attitude of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," yet outdated methods are "broke" even if they are getting the job done.

Integrating dental software into an existing system often requires changes in policies and procedures. These modifications carry a learning curve and during initial adoption, the new methods may seem clumsy. People project their own unfamiliarity with the new procedures onto the software, blaming it for everything that goes wrong.

Practices that struggle through and get past the learning curve realize the new dental software is a better way of running the office, but it can be difficult moving people beyond that initial period.

Chaos Leads to Change

It seems counterintuitive, but the confusion associated with moving the practice to a new location is actually an ideal time to bring on a new system and implement dental software. With so many changes occurring, throwing in one more isn't going to make things worse

After a major move, the office is disorganized as the staff gets used to the new space. However people often view a relocation as a positive change. Everything is shiny and new so the problems associated with the move don't seem like such a burden. As they adjust to the new office layout, a different phone system or changes in their commute it's just as easy to also adapt to new dental software. The changes all get lumped together and there is less resistance to the new procedures.

Starting From Scratch

Some practices like to dip their toe into the dental software pool, minimizing disruption by tentatively trying a few features and taking lots of time to fully adopt all capabilities. Many aspects of the software may never be touched. Instead, relocation is a great opportunity to embrace the new software and make major changes to office procedures.

To do this right and with a minimum of disruption, the change should be planned out well before the move. Input on the new dental should be taken from everyone in the office. This allows the creation of a comprehensive plan that leaves no one out of the new system. Including everyone in the planning process is another strategy to resistance to change because the new procedures are something created by the team rather than being imposed on the office against their will.