A Simple Way to Keep Your Team Aligned and

Your Patients Informed

If you’re an Open Dental user, you’ve probably seen the commlog—but are you really using it to its full potential? This humble tool can do so much more than store notes. When used intentionally, the commlog becomes a powerful way to keep communication tight, improve your accounts receivable workflows, and create a better experience for your patients.

Let’s talk about how to make it work for you.

1. Keep Financial Conversations Clear and Consistent

Think of the commlog as your digital paper trail. Anytime your team talks to a patient about a balance, a payment plan, or a billing concern, make it a habit to log the details.

Here’s a format we love:
🗓️ “10/12/24 – Spoke with John Doe. Reviewed $200 balance. Patient agreed to pay $50/month starting 10/15.”

Why it matters:
It keeps everyone on the same page—especially when multiple people touch the account—and gives you quick answers when patients call back with questions.

Pro Tip: Standardize your note style across the team. It saves time, avoids confusion, and makes follow-up so much smoother.

2. Improve Patient Communication

Patients notice when you remember details—and the commlog makes that easy. Use it to document phone calls, emails, and messages about treatment plans, appointment changes, or follow-up questions.

✅ Log communication after every touchpoint
✅ Use templates for common updates to stay consistent
✅ Reference previous notes during calls (“Last time we spoke, you mentioned waiting until after your HSA resets…”)

This kind of follow-through builds trust, shows professionalism, and strengthens patient relationships.

3. Streamline Your AR Follow-Up

Let’s be real—managing AR can be a team sport. When you’ve got multiple people making calls, sending statements, or following up on balances, having a clear log of what’s been done (and when) is a game-changer.

Examples of strong commlog entries:
📞 “11/20/24 – Sent 30-day statement. Called patient; left voicemail.”
💬 “12/01/24 – Spoke with patient. Paid $100 of $300 balance. Will pay remaining by 12/15.”

Not only does this cut down on duplication, but it also helps everyone move faster and with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The commlog might seem like a small feature, but when it’s used well, it becomes a central hub for communication and accountability in your practice. Build the habit. Keep it consistent. And make it part of your team’s daily rhythm.

It’s one of those simple tools that—when used right—can make everything else easier.