3 Underused Charting Tools in Open Dental That Will Save You Time (and Sanity)

Most practices are using Open Dental to chart, but not to optimize. And when your charts are clunky, inconsistent, or overwhelming, that leads to bottlenecks, missed details, and team burnout.

Here are three charting features you should be using if you want faster documentation, cleaner workflows, and a team that’s not constantly reinventing the wheel.

1. Custom Chart Layouts and Color Coding

You can’t chart clearly if your screen is cluttered.

Too many practices stick with the default Open Dental layout, which shows every field, whether you use it or not. With just a few tweaks, you can:

• Adjust your chart view to match what your providers actually need to see

• Use color coding in the odontogram, patient info, and perio chart for quick-glance clarity

• Reduce visual noise and decision fatigue, especially for new team members

When your chart is clean, your care is more focused. Simple as that.

2. Chart Buttons, Auto Codes, and Explosion Codes

You don’t need to click through five screens to chart a simple procedure. That’s what smart buttons are for.

Open Dental gives you three layers of charting tools:

• Chart buttons: Drop your top-used ADA codes into one-click shortcuts

• Auto codes: Set up logic so the right code populates based on tooth or surface

• Explosion codes: Bundle multi-step treatments (like dentures or ortho) into one single button

Together, these tools simplify charting, speed up training, and prevent missed procedures in documentation.

3. Auto Notes and Nested Prompts

Tired of chasing down missing chart notes or denied claims? Auto notes are your best friend.

They allow you to:

• Standardize documentation across your team

• Build in prompts so no one skips critical info

• Create nested notes for complex procedures with multiple variables

• Ensure every chart is claim-ready, every time

Consistency isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s what protects your license, your revenue, and your peace of mind.

Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Chart Faster, You Need to Chart Smarter

A well-optimized chart doesn’t just save time. It saves energy. It gives your team a system they can trust, a process they can follow, and the mental space to focus on patients, not paperwork.

You don’t have to use every feature Open Dental offers. But if you focus on the right ones, chart layouts, button strategy, and auto notes, you’ll feel the difference in your day-to-day.