Practice and communications systems: a word processor based communications system.

The majority of computerized systems currently available for the orthodontic office have been designed for and aimed at those offices that have a volume practice and frequently have multiple practitioners. The stand-alone practitioner and the small office have been grossly ignored. Systems designed for large practices are frequently too complex, too involved in business administration, and too costly for the small office to use effectively. This article describes how an office communications system can be assembled by using commercially available programs. For background information and definition of terms used in this article, I suggest referring to "An Introduction to the Computerization of the Orthodontic Practice," in the Oct. issue of this Journal.

An introduction to computerization of the orthodontic practice: practice and communications systems.

This article is the result of an extensive investigation into currently available computer software and hardware systems. It is designed to present an overview of the options that are available, what to reasonably expect computer systems to do and not to do, and to introduce the reader to the terminology of the computer world to assist in evaluating and selecting appropriate software and hardware for office use.