How to Leverage Data to Improve Dental Practices and DSOs

For Dental Support Organizations (DSO), collecting data can be easy — analyzing and implementing actionable insights is more difficult.

Data helps Benevis, a leading DSO that reaches 120 communities across 13 U.S. states and D.C., to focus on patient care and make better informed decisions for the entire organization. Benevis’ Vice President of Clinical Operations Dr. Brad Bryan recently shared that without real-time data and insights, Benevis would not be able to see or select the communities where their care is needed most.

Dr. Bryan expanded on these thoughts during a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Becker’s Dental + DSO, on how to build a data-driven DSO. For the panel, he was joined by Rich Palumbo, Vice President, Marketing, Marquee Dental; Scott Dever, Chief Information Officer, Gen4 Dental Partners; Sonya Zak, Chief Operating Officer, Zak Dental; and Kara Gray, Product Manager, Solutionreach.

Each panelist agreed on the importance and value of data to change and improve practice operations, enhance patient satisfaction, and boost efficiency. The roundtable also explored the challenges associated with collecting data and how to make it relevant within their organization. Read on for some highlights from the discussion.

Differentiating data-driven DSOs from those who don’t use data

For the Becker’s discussion, Dr. Bryan brought clinical heft and real-world experience to the table. He explained that data informs many aspects of Benevis’ local offices including their clinical operations. For example, schedules and services are optimized based on the patient’s information, and the data is used to alert clinical teams of other services that might be needed.

To secure the data, one of the biggest challenges Dr. Bryan noted has been setting parameters for who needs to view it. With such a wealth of data available, it can be overwhelming to colleagues who have access to it — particularly if they only really need access to one or two measurements. On an ongoing basis, Benevis reviews data acquired by the organization to make sure it is actionable and relevant for colleagues — connecting them to the pieces they need so they can learn more about their practice and make improvements.

All panelists agreed that data has the power to improve office practices, boost efficiency, provide a better understanding of their patients and surrounding communities, and ultimately improve patient satisfaction. For example, patient satisfaction increases with time spent with the dentist. Data on practice operations can create efficiencies that speed up other things in the office, such as patient check-in and hygiene activities, so the dentist can spend more valuable minutes with patients.

To learn more or hear from all the panelists, click here to register for the Becker’s Dental + DSO roundtable recording.