Operatory Functions

Functions of the Notebook in the Treatment Room

Portability

Maximum portability means that it is possible to think in terms of a notebook pc for each clinician, rather than a fixed PC for each location that a clinician needs a computer to function properly. Possible locations include: Operatory-Dr. Side, Operatory-Assistant side, Hygiene, Consult Room, Dr. private office. A dentist working 2 or 3 operatories and just 2 hygiene rooms with 2 hygienists would need 7 or more fixed PC's. If he has a single assistant he could survive with one notebook for himself and 1 for each hygienist for a total of three. Four would be plenty.

A high speed wireless network connection means that the notebook can be moved to a new position without worrying about the connection to the network. Battery life is realistically 2-3 hours or more depending on how the unit is programmed to behave when not in use.

Network Connectivity

With high speed wireless, there is no need to locate a network connection when moving the notebook PC from one location to another.

Battery life

Battery life has improved over the years. The new Pentium-M processor is designed to make the battery last longer. When docked or placed in a normal location such as the 12:00 o'clock position behind the patient, a power adapter would apply power to the notebook and replenish the battery.

Imaging device compatibility

The newer notebook PC's include USB 2.0 interfaces. ExpressPlan offers a high speed capture device for use with intraoral cameras that will interface the standard composite or s-video output signals from the camera with the image management software used on the notebook PC. Most current digital x-ray units will interface via USB or PCMCIA interfaces. Both of which are included with the ExpressPlan Clinical Notebook.

Other device compatibility

The ExpressPlan Clinical Notebook will allow output to a second monitor which can be either a TV type monitor (recommended only if already in place in the operatory) or a VGA or VGA LCD monitor. Software is provided to allow control of what is viewable on the second monitor. If budget is a consideration then it is practical to simply move the notebook to a position where the patient can now view what it is you want them to see.

Display quality

The ExpressView Clinical LCD has the best quality image for x-rays and camera images with a brightness rating of 800 nits. The built-in display on the Clinical Notebook is approximately 60% of this brightness level. This is more than adequate for viewing the entire range of clinical images presented in a dental practice.

Cost

Two factors are considerations related to cost and using a Clinical Notebook. First, since the unit always includes the display, the cost of the first display is included. If appropriate this can be the only display located in the treatment room. It is easy enough to move the notebook in a position for the patient to view when necessary. So, it is less likely to require a second monitor with associated interface and mounting costs (which can be substantial).

The second factor is associated with the fact that it is not necessary to purchase a PC for every work location in the practice. The Clinical Notebook can be moved to where the work is taking place, and investment in computers that are sitting idle in an unused treatment room can be eliminated.

Staged Investment

Notebooks allow you to "get your feet wet" with operatory computer technology. As time passes and staff is able to assimilate more computer uses in the treatment room, additional peripherals can be added such as a second monitor if it becomes necessary.

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