Improving Dental Practice Efficiency: Insights from Allison Hale, Emma Cifuentes, and Tom Barberio

In this roundtable episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker is joined by Allison Hale, COO of Parks Orthodontics, Emma Cifuentes, COO of Progressive Dental Management, and Tom Barberio, CIO of Thinc Forward.

Join them as they discuss: 

• How AI, cloud-based software, and efficient revenue cycle management can improve efficiency and patient communication
• Tracking key performance indicators
• Merging data from multi-specialty practices
• Getting buy-in from staff members when implementing new technology
• The importance of standardization
• And more!

Episode Highlights

Transitioning From Old Technology to New: The group discusses the ways in which technological developments have helped the dental industry. Emma notes the inefficiency and unreliability of server-based systems, and praises the way that Denticon helps with automation, communication, and minimizing errors. Thomas says that transitioning to a cloud-based system allowed his practices to operate seamlessly across locations and from home. Allison welcomes new technology because it can fix problems that would otherwise have been solved with more employees.

New Technologies On The Rise: Allison says that AI has been useful in her practice for workflow and process optimization, including front office, treatment planning, and patient data analysis. Tom mentions how a cloud based practice management system allows for remote work and increased efficiency, and notes how AI is particularly good for personalized patient communication. Emma agrees on AI’s benefits for patient communication, using the example of generating new email copy. She goes on to emphasize the need for all staff members to understand the capacity of AI before it is implemented. 

Key Metrics for Success: Emma stresses that practices should focus on metrics that drive results, making sure to look for missed opportunities. She uses the example of missed phone calls, medical history, and productivity. As well as identifying faults, this can also identify what kind of technology can be implemented to make life easier for the team members. Tom says that the Cloud Nine system he uses can integrate fully with data to track a wide range of metrics. Allison stresses the importance of standardization, and says that the most important metrics are finances, collections, revenue, and patient satisfaction. 

The Importance of Buy-In: Emma emphasizes the need for input from the office staff when making decisions about implementing new technology. She believes that the choice should come from the people who will be using it the most, as they spend more time at work than at home. She shares examples of implementing new technology based on the input and belief of the doctors and staff members. Tom discusses the common challenges faced by multi-location groups when implementing new technology, such as inertia and resistance to change. He emphasizes the need for buy-in from different user groups within the organization, including clinical, back-office, front-office, and executive level staff. He suggests forming a committee to demonstrate how the technology will make their lives easier and facilitate standardization.

About Our Dental Practice Experts

Allison Hale is an award-winning orthodontist and COO of Parks Orthodontics, who provides guided solutions and clinical customized care in Yorktown, Virginia. Parks Orthodontics won Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Emma Cifuentes is COO of Progressive Dental Management, a DSO based in seventeen locations that builds partnerships with local organizations and promotes oral health awareness.

Tom Barberio is CIO of Thinc Forward, who deliver technology solutions that produce meaningful business outcomes. The Silicon Review listed Thinc Forward as one of the “50 Fastest Growing Companies of the Year 2023.”

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