Can Wearable Tech Improve Patient Care?

By Paige Anderson, CRDH

Technology has streamlined many aspects of the dental office workflow, from digital diagnostics to CAD/CAM smile design. Even artificial intelligence (AI) has entered dentistry. But what about enhancing the patient experience, improving communication within your team, and keeping patients safe during an emergency?

In medical settings, wearable tech has already proven its value. According to a report by Deloitte, over 80% of healthcare professionals believe wearable devices can improve patient care and outcomes by tracking vitals, alerting staff to emergencies, and streamlining communication. Considering these benefits, it’s worth exploring how similar technology can enhance your practice's efficiency and patient care.

Can Smart Watches Help Your Dental Office Run Smoothly?

Smartwatches have become nearly ubiquitous, and with good reason. They put powerful technology within easy reach and have become a critical tool for clinicians to monitor conditions like heart irregularities, even when patients are out of town.

In recent years, dentists and dental software companies have harnessed the power of these convenient devices to improve efficiency and productivity. Here’s how.

1. Simplifeye® and Streamlining Communication: Simplifeye® is arguably the leader in improving dental office efficiency with wearable tech. Distributed by Henry Shein, the program integrates with Dentrix® to optimize your dental office management software. Its features include:

• Easily accessible patient information, including medical history.
• Real-time updates when patients check in.
• Communication between staff members.
• Voice-activated controls to open patient files.

Glancing at your watch can show you who's waiting, which operatory to head to next, important medical details, and even let you pull up X-rays—all without needing to change your gloves.

2. Task Reminders to Protect Your Practice: You've likely invested tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in building and equipping your practice with the latest technology. Wearable technology is a simple and effective way to stay on top of essential tasks like routine autoclave maintenance.

These reminders can prevent costly errors, such as neglecting spore tests or improperly labeling biohazard containers. You can even use reminders to stay in touch with patients, helping maintain positive relationships and providing the best possible care.

3. Emergency Management to Protect Your Patients: While you don't want to forgo traditional medical equipment, wearable tech can be a valuable tool that helps streamline patient care in and out of the operatory. It's not just about productivity—smartwatches now monitor heart rate and even blood oxygen levels. With SOS features, you can quickly alert emergency services or designated contacts, speeding up response times when every second counts.

4. Preventing Common Errors: Medical errors in the dental office can put healthy patients at risk. Most states require CEs on medical error prevention with license renewals. Wearable technology can reduce the risk of errors by displaying alerts for patient-specific needs, such as medications, allergies, or special treatment instructions.

Instant access to treatment plans also means everyone on your team stays updated on changes without digging through notes, leading to a smoother patient experience and fewer mistakes during treatment.

5. Improving Your Patients’ Experiences: Most importantly, wearable technology can significantly improve the patient experience in your dental office. Aside from preventing emergencies and medical errors, monitoring your patient’s vital signs with wearable technology can help manage anxiety. Continuous alerts to rising stress signals allow you to intervene with breaks or stress-reduction options before patients reach a panic point.

These communication and task management features also ensure patients feel prioritized. When your team is alerted that a patient has arrived, you can track wait times, see patients promptly, and advise of any delays. Since you won’t need to turn away to check notes or images on a computer, patients remain the center of your attention.

Implementing Smart Tech in Your Practice

There are many ways innovative technology can improve how your team operates and how your practice thrives. However, incorporating these changes can come with a learning curve. Here are a few tips:

• Not every piece of tech will work for your specific practice. Avoid jumping on every new trend before it’s proven. Sometimes, it’s better to let others experiment first.
• Look for opportunities to integrate with existing systems. Simplifeye® is a great example. If your practice already uses Dentrix® and you’re happy with the system, this simple integration fits into your routine.
• Give team members time to adjust. Some staff will embrace new technology quickly, while others may need more time. Provide adequate training and allow for questions.
• Ensure all new tech is HIPAA compliant. Any HIPAA-protected information shared through apps or smart devices must be handled with the same security as your practice’s digital information.

In Conclusion

Wearable technology is an easy upgrade that can make a big difference in your dental practice. From improving communication to boosting patient safety and comfort, smartwatches bring many benefits to help things run more smoothly. They are especially helpful in practice management, offering the most benefit by supporting smooth and efficient workflows. While they won’t replace traditional medical monitoring devices, they can assist in quicker response times and add extra support. Start small, integrate thoughtfully, and train your team. With the right approach, wearable tech can become a valuable addition to your practice.

Author: Paige Anderson is a certified registered dental hygienist with eight years of clinical experience and an English degree. She blends her two areas of expertise to create resources for dental providers so they can change lives by giving their patients the highest possible standard of care.