If you have a great handpiece does that make you a great dentist? Of course not you need to know how to use it; you need to be a master clinician you need the hands of a master. The same is true with technology, just having a great technology system isn’t enough you need to know how to use it; you need to be a technology master.
Training must be ongoing, it isn’t good enough to have a half day session the day before you activate a computer program and then forget it. Ongoing training is important for new staff members, learning new updates, cross training and complete use of any program. The most important staff person who must be trained in the use of a computer is often neglected, the doctor. The more the doctor knows about the computer and the programs in the office the more maven protection he/she will have.
How technology is used is a fundamental element in determining the nature of a dental practice. Using technology is not just a business task it is a leadership task. In order to provide leadership the dentist must understand how technology will work in the office, create a vision of the office and inspire others to follow.