While working for Xerox’s Palo Alto research center in 1971, Alan Kay, the man behind object-oriented programming, the tablet PC, and who is considered by some as the architect of the modern GUI used by Microsoft and Apple, said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Indeed, the future of Dentrix Dental Systems lies in our own hands and we are diligent in plotting a course to re-invent ourselves over the next few years. By re-inventing ourselves, as Alan Kay proclaimed, we will secure a bright future for our customers and our software.

The beginning, G2 is released
The release of DENTRIX G2 is the first in a series of upgrades that will re-invent the profession’s most popular practice management system.

DENTRIX G2 centers on the clinical charting aspects of the system with a complete redesign of the chart, as well as the introduction of many new features and capabilities. Subsequent upgrades will follow the same pattern, systematically redesigning each module with new features.

“DENTRIX G2 is the start of a new journey to re-invent ourselves. Our customers who join us will benefit greatly from proven features that have been enhanced and from new features that will improve efficiencies and increase productivity. By subscribing to a customer service plan our customers will travel with us and maximize their investment in DENTRIX.”

Jim Hughes, Vice President of Development
Dentrix Dental Systems

What's next
The next upgrade will focus on the Family File, which includes changing the user interface for improved usability, as well as adding entirely new features. The source for new features, of course, comes from our customers.

Every month Dentrix Dental Systems fields hundreds of user enhancement requests from customers around the country. Each request is carefully entered into a specialized database application, which groups similar requests together and produces reports that suggest where the biggest needs for improvements or additions are required. Analysts and programmers then plan how to incorporate the biggest needs into future upgrades. DENTRIX G2, for example, incorporates more than 3,200 user enhancement requests.

We must admit that changing market conditions and customer needs may mean changes to the plan.

“We must be responsive to a dynamic market and be flexible in our inventing,”

Jim Hughes, Vice President of Development
Dentrix Dental Systems

Dentrix and LabNet
Dentrix Dental Systems’ vision of the immediate future is not limited to software in the dental practice. As part of the Henry Schein family, Dentrix works closely with a team that has developed a dental lab management application called LabNet. LabNet and Dentrix are teaming up to allow dental practices to communicate with the dental labs electronically. The dental office staff will be able to send prescriptions to their lab electronically and schedule crown seatings more efficiently without ever speaking to the lab. In essence, we intend to electronically collapse the “distance” between the dental practice and the dental lab. It will be an exciting development to witness. Our past accomplishments are the result of our customers’ support, encouragement, and input. We are now working toward a second success, a re-invention that will predict a bright future for Dentrix Dental Systems and our customers. We hope our customers will be a close partner on this journey.