Data-Driven Dentistry: How Tracking Systems Transform Clinical Efficiency

In the world of dentistry, there’s a familiar phrase: “Well, it works in my hands.” Yet, personal intuition alone can only go so far in managing large-scale dental operations. Dr. Erik Salvesen, CEO of Oris Dental, a dental service organization that has expanded to over 100 clinics, sheds light on the crucial role of systematic data tracking in ensuring high standards of care and operational efficiency across diverse locations. Dr. Salvesen shares his approach in an interview with Dr. Christian Jarry on Straumann Open Mic, highlighting the critical nature of data-driven decisions for dental professionals at all levels.

The Necessity of Data-Driven Decisions

As Dr. Jarry points out, most dental professionals are trained as clinicians, not business owners. This knowledge gap becomes particularly pronounced in larger practices or organizations, where an efficient system for tracking financial, HR, quality control, and inventory metrics is necessary. Dr. Salvesen emphasizes that data tracking goes beyond mere record-keeping; it enables clinicians and managers to make informed, impactful decisions in real time.

“We actively track KPIs [Key Performance Indicators] in finance, HR, quality control, and inventory, all displayed on comprehensive dashboards,” Dr. Salvesen explains. “These dashboards provide a clear, accessible overview of operations, allowing us to make well-informed decisions daily.”

Combining Clinical Insight with Data

The essence of effective data tracking, however, goes beyond numbers. As Dr. Salvesen notes, quality of care is not solely quantifiable. While data aids decision-making, it’s ultimately each clinician’s expertise and patient interaction that drive outcomes. “The secret to gathering data for decision-making lies in combining this information with a professional clinical perspective,” he says. “We trust our clinicians to use data as a supplement to their clinical knowledge, enabling them to make qualified patient-care decisions.”

By bridging data with clinical expertise, Dr. Salvesen ensures that standards of care remain consistent across all Oris Dental locations.

The Role of Patient Feedback in Quality Control

Tracking metrics also helps clinics prioritize patient experience, which Dr. Salvesen identifies as a critical measure of quality care. “Ask your patients if they feel safe, informed, and respected,” he advises. This feedback is valuable not only for patient satisfaction but also as a metric for assessing clinical success rates.

Efficient Inventory Management with Data

Inventory management is another area where data tracking proves invaluable. Dr. Salvesen likens it to adding items to a shopping list before they run out—on a much larger scale. For a multi-location practice, centralized and preventative purchasing is essential. “One of the first steps in inventory control is ensuring that suppliers provide information dashboards,” he says. These dashboards track usage, prevent overstocking, and save on costs by balancing material needs with inventory levels.

The Implant Registry and the Power of a Simple, Scalable Solution

Dr. Salvesen also discusses his experience with The Implant Registry, a tool that simplifies inventory management, patient tracking, and quality assurance. “The key to success with tracking systems is simplicity,” he shares. By streamlining data entry, such as scanning QR codes directly into the system, Straumann Registry allows practices of all sizes to seamlessly monitor and analyze their data. Over time, the aggregated information builds a comprehensive picture of the clinic’s performance, which Dr. Salvesen emphasizes as essential for both single and multi-clinic operations.

Why Data Matters for Every Dentist

In closing, Dr. Salvesen offers key reasons why tracking data should be a priority for every dental professional. First, “knowing instead of guessing” allows for more informed patient communication. “When patients realize we can track our own success rates, it builds trust,” he says. Financial tracking, meanwhile, enhances inventory and operational management, helping clinics run efficiently while maintaining high-quality care.

In the world of dentistry, where clinical expertise and operational efficiency must go hand-in-hand, data is the key that unlocks consistent, high-quality patient care and financial success.