For some tasks in Dentrix, there are multiple ways you can complete the task, with the same end result. Charting procedures in the Patient Chart is one of the tasks where there are different methods you can use, each with their own advantages. This blog post explores three methods of charting treatment. Chances are, you’re already using one of these methods, but there might be an alternative method you can begin using, to make posting procedures a little easier.

Posting Treatment Using Procedure Buttons

One method you can use to post treatment is by using procedure buttons. Posting procedures using this method saves time because you don’t have to search through a list of procedures, and you can easily memorize which button represents a certain common procedure. These buttons can be customized to represent the most common procedures you post in your practice, as well as be customized for different Dentrix users.

To post treatment using procedure buttons:

1. Select a patient and tooth/teeth that require treatment.
2. Click the appropriate procedure button.
3. Select a provider for the procedure and select an appropriate procedure status.
4. Add surfaces or quadrants as required for the procedure and click OK to post.

Posting Treatment Using Procedure Code Panel

Another way to post treatment is by using the Procedure Codes panel. An advantage to using this method for posting procedures is that you can select multiple procedures at once and post them all at the same time. In the Procedures Codes panel you can search for and select the procedures you need from the list. If a procedure code doesn’t appear in the category list, you can add a procedure code to the list or click <<More Codes>> at the bottom of the category to see a complete list.

To post treatment using the procedure code panel:

1. Select a patient and tooth/teeth that require treatment.
2. In the Procedure Codes panel, expand the ADA category containing the procedure(s) you want to post and select the procedure(s).
3. Click the Post button.
4. Select the appropriate surfaces and/or quadrants for the procedures if needed and click OK to post.

Posting Treatment Using the Procedure Code Field

A third method you can use to post procedures is by typing a procedure code directing into the Procedure Code Listing field (between the provider drop-down list and the procedure status buttons). You probably already have many procedure codes memorized, so the ability to simply type the code into a field can really speed up the posting process because you don’t have to search for a procedure code in the list or search for a procedure button.

To post treatment using the procedure code field:

1. Select a patient and tooth/teeth that require treatment.
2. Type the procedure code in the Procedure Code Listing field. Note: This field will not be present if Auto-State is turned on.
3. Select a provider for the procedure and select an appropriate procedure status.
4. Check the appropriate surfaces and/or quadrants for the procedure as needed and click OK to post.

Additional Information

Read the various topics under Entering Treatment Overview in Dentrix Help.