Are You Really Using Open Dental Right?

5 Ways to Self-Diagnose Your Practice's Software Setup

Let’s cut to the chase: burnout is real, and in many dental offices, it’s not because the work is too hard—it’s because the systems are too clunky. At SKF Practice Solutions, we’ve helped dental teams across the country clean up their Open Dental software, streamline their workflows, and actually enjoy using the tools they already have.

Our Comprehensive Software Exam looks at over 100 touchpoints in your Open Dental setup. We analyze everything from billing and scheduling to insurance and reporting—and trust me, the “ah-ha” moments are constant. But not every office is ready for a full deep dive just yet.

So, here’s your chance to DIY it:

👉 This is your Open Dental Self-Diagnosis Guide—designed to help you spot inefficiencies, save time, and maybe even avoid a team member putting in their two weeks.

1. 🧠 Duplicate Insurance Plans & Carriers

How to Check: Export your insurance plans and carriers to a spreadsheet. Sort by carrier name or group number. Count how many duplicates pop up.

Why It Matters: Too many duplicates = messy data, incorrect treatment plans, and way more admin work than necessary. Slowly merge them, and you’ll notice your case acceptance improves and your front office breathes easier.

SEO Keywords: duplicate insurance plans in Open Dental, dental software cleanup, streamline insurance billing.

2. 🆕 When Was Your Last Update?

How to Check: Go to Help > About in Open Dental and see what version you’re using. Then check Open Dental’s website for the latest version.

Why It Matters: You could be missing out on new tools—like improved texting features, smarter chart modules, or automated appointment workflows—just because you haven’t updated lately.

SEO Keywords: Open Dental updates, best features in Open Dental, Open Dental version check.

3. 📋 Customize Chart Buttons & Codes

How to Check: Run a report of your top 100 most-used procedure codes. Now go look at your chart module. Are your most-used codes front and center? Are your “Max/Mand” buttons still hanging around from 2014?

Why It Matters: Custom chart buttons, explosion codes, and auto codes = less clicking, more consistency, and fewer mistakes. If your chart feels cluttered or outdated, it’s time to optimize.

SEO Keywords: Open Dental chart buttons, procedure code shortcuts, explosion codes setup

4. 📉 Run Your “Procs Not Billed” Report

How to Check: Go to Reports > Standard > Daily > Procedures Not Billed to Insurance. Run it back 12 months.

Why It Matters: This report should be empty. Anything showing up means you’re likely losing money—or worse, missing out on timely filing deadlines. Create claims or mark codes “Do Not Bill” where appropriate.

SEO Keywords: Open Dental claims management, procedures not billed report, dental billing audit.

5. 💰 Unearned Income Report

How to Check: Head to Reports > Standard > Receivables > Unearned Income. Pull the report.

Why It Matters: If it’s pages long, your team might need help with payment allocation—or your database setup needs a refresh. Either way, it affects your patient statements, revenue reporting, and team efficiency.

Ready to Work Smarter, Not Harder?

These five checkpoints are just the tip of the iceberg. If any of them made you go “Uh-oh…”, it might be time to bring in a pro. Our Comprehensive Software Exam doesn’t just give you a diagnosis—it comes with a customized treatment plan and hands-on training to fix it all.

Because the truth is, no one got into dentistry to be a full-time software detective.

Want to see what your system is really capable of?

📥 Click here to book a consult or message us to get started.