Open Dental Forum

After upgrading from OD V7 to V17, the doctor has noticed that she can no longer save a procedure without a tooth number if the procedure definition is type "tooth". In the old version, it was possible to leave this blank.

Is there a way to select multiple options in the procedure code, or to allow saving without a tooth number (for example)? For example, she has said that for D0140 -- limited oral exam -- it is not always necessary to have a tooth number, but sometimes you do want it. This code is presently set up from the old database as requiring a tooth#, but she'd leave it blank if it was not needed. in the new version, she will have to go in and change the proc code definition each time she has a case with a limited exam that is not tooth specific.

Alternately, is there a way to add the tooth # if it is flagged as "mouth"? As far as we can tell, if tooth is not selected, there's no option to enter one.

Thanks

Lennox

I'm not aware of a way to select multiple options for a procedure code.

We have the LOE set to "mouth" as it usually is the front desk who schedules this procedure. I'm not comfortable depending on those scheduling to accurately determine which tooth is the problem. What happens if you select #4 and it actually is #5? Do you have to go back and change the tooth number to reflect this? If it can be determined accurately, then in the Appointment Note we add "tooth #9" or "last tooth worked on" or some other descriptive way of narrowing down the area of concern.
Most of the time, according to the patient, the "last tooth worked on" was one from years ago!

Jim

JimZ,

Thanks for the feedback. I recommended this approach to the Doctor/wife and she agreed that that's probably the best way to proceed.

Historically, she's been changing the tooth number after the appointment when she records her notes -- leaving it blank if it wasn't a specific tooth. However, she agrees the approach you recommend is probably a better way.

Lennox