Automation

Automation can be used to automatically perform actions when a specific trigger occurs and condition is met.

In the Main Menu, click Setup, Automation.

See our video: Automation in Open Dental Webinar.

Examples:

Note: A logged-on user's Security Permissions may affect Automation. For example, if a user has permission to change a billing type, but not to restrict appointment scheduling, an Automation to mark the Appointment Scheduling is Restricted checkbox when a specific billing type is selected will not occur. The PatientApptRestrict security permission is required.

Add Automation

Click Add to create a new Automation, or double-click an existing Automation to edit.

Options available may change depending on the selected Trigger and/or Action.

Description: Enter the identifying name of the Automation.

Trigger: Select the action that will trigger this Automation. There are eight options:

Procedure Code(s): If ProcedureComplete or ScheduleProcedure is the trigger, enter the procedure codes, separated with commas (no spaces), or click [...] to select from the Procedure Codes.

Conditions (optional): Set conditions that must be met for the action to occur.

  1. Click Add or double-click on an existing condition.
  2. Select the condition details then click OK.
    • Field: The field that will be checked.
    • Comparison: The qualifier.
    • Text: The text that must be matched. For Billing Type click [...] to select from a billing type pick list.

    Conditions are ANDed together. In other words, they must all be true for the Automation action to occur. To handle OR conditions, create separate Automations.

Action: Select the automated action that will occur when the trigger and/or conditions are met.

Sheet Def: Shows when PrintPatientLetter, PrintReferralLetter, or ShowExamSheet is selected as the Action. Select the sheet template to use. See Sheets.

Comm Type: Shows when CreateCommlog is selected as the Action. Select the default comm log type.

Message: Shows when CreateCommlog or PopUp is selected as the Action. Enter the default message.

Patient Status: Shows when Change Pat Status is selected as the Action. Enter the patient status.

Fields

Most fields that list when adding or editing a condition are self explanatory. Below are a few that need additional explanation.