Technology Placement Considerations in the Operatory
In a recent meeting with clients we began discussing where to place the CPU in the operatories in order to maximize space utilization and provide proper computing power. These particular clients are moving all of their operatories to rear delivery rather than a mix of some rear and some side delivery of services. Once we’d run down all of the things they wanted to see in their 12:00 cabinets, it became apparent that there was little room left for the CPU. Thus, as part of the new dental office design, we took a look at the central island units.
The placement of the CPU in the central island units immediately made sense. These units are already designed to share the X-ray equipment between two operatories. Why not share computing power, too? With the placement of the CPU in the lower portion of the island unit, we have freed spaced from the 12:00 unit and improved the space utilization in this cabinet.
We’ve also looked at the number of monitors required for the new office and the proper placement of these. The doctors definitely want a monitor and keyboard in the 12:00 unit for their own use. Plus, by keeping this information behind the patient, it reduces the chances of accidental disclosure of other patient information, which is a big HIPPA consideration. We’re also looking at a second monitor to be either ceiling mounted or wall mounted on the central island unit for patient viewing. These monitors can be run off the same CPU and deliver different content than the primary one in the 12:00 cabinets.
