See Use Blank Database

Use this checklist after installing the full version of Open Dental as a quick-start guide to setting up your database.

In order to use the links on this page, access the Open Dental website using the Help Feature.

Print the page to check off items as you complete them.

Before You Start

	Data Paths: Make sure the paths to Open Dental folders work on all computers.
	Program Bridges: Determine what third-party software you will bridge to (e.g., payment processor, digital imaging, etc.)
	Clearinghouse: Select the clearinghouse you will use to send e-claims, then set it up.

Initial Setup

	Show Features: Enable or disable features (e.g., Medicaid, Public Health, Clinics, etc.) as needed by your practice.
	Providers: Set up dentists and hygienists.
	Practice Setup: Enter the practice name, address, phone number, default provider, etc.
	Clinic Setup: If using Clinics, add the clinic names, addresses, and defaults.
	Operatory Setup: Create and set up operatories (assign providers, clinics, etc.)
	Appointment Views: Set up views for the Appointments Module.
	Employee Setup: If using the Time Clock, enter employee information.
	Security: Create users, assign user groups, set user permissions, restrict access, create and change password requirements.
	Schedule Setup: Set up provider schedules. This affects open/close time in the Appointments Module.
	Time Card Setup: Define pay periods and rules so employees can use the Time Clock.
	Printer Setup: On each workstation, set up default printers.
	Imaging Setup: Set up default scanning options.

Fees Setup

	Fee Schedules: Create fee schedules for office fees, insurance fees, etc.
	Procedure Code List: Enter fees for procedure codes for various fee schedules.
	Edit Procedure Codes: Mark hygiene procedures as "Is Hygiene procedure", add default notes, etc.
	Add Procedure Codes: Add alternate codes, substitution codes, or non-standard codes (e.g., for merchandise).

Appointments Setup

	Recall Types: Verify default recall types (procedures on appointment, triggers, etc.) (Advanced)
	Recall List Defaults: Set defaults for the recall list.

Chart Setup

	Procedure Buttons: Set up buttons for quick entry of commonly-used procedures.
	Auto Notes: Create templates for frequently-entered, complex notes (e.g., exams, root canal, materials, post-op instructions, etc.)

Preferences & Customization

	Preferences: Set default preferences for modules and other miscellaneous settings.
	Claim Forms: For printed claims, set the default claim form. (Advanced)
	Definitions: Customize various options in the program (e.g., payment types, Appt Proc Quick Add, billing types, colors, etc.)

Optional Setup

Master Lists: Many of the following lists will auto-populate as you enter data for the first time. You can also enter data directly into each list.

	Allergy List: Allergies must be added to the master list before they can be added to a patient's Medical Chart - Allergies tab.
	Problem List: New problems can be added to the master list from the patient's Medical Chart - Problems tab.
	Medication List: New medications can be added to the master list from the patient's Medical Chart - Medications tab.
	Referral List: New referral sources can be added from the Family Module.
	Dental Laboratories: Dental laboratories must be added to the master list before creating a lab case .

Forms, Letters, and Labels

	Sheets: Customize templates for forms, letters, labels, and statements. These templates can be used to gather and send information electronically.

Communication

	eServices: Sign up for and set up eServices.
	- eClipboard
	- Automated Messaging: eReminders, eConfirmations, Automated Thank-Yous, Arrivals, and General Messages.
	- ODMobile
	- Patient Portal
	- Payment Portal: If using an integrated processor for credit card payments.
	- Web Forms
	- Web Sched Recall
	- Web Sched Existing Patient & Web Sched New Patient
	- Web Sched ASAP
	- Secure Email
	- ODTouch
	Email: Set up email addresses to send and receive email in Open Dental.
	Tasks and Task Lists: Create task lists and inboxes for staff communication.

(Advanced) We recommend contacting Open Dental support for assistance with changes to advanced features.

Open Dental offers many resources to help you continue learning about Open Dental and its many capabilities. See Learning Resources.

For help addressing HIPAA security requirements, see Security Issues.