How a Dual Monitor Strategy Can Increase Productivity

One of the best productivity tricks implemented in our office is the use of dual monitors. Computer programmers and designers have long advocated that dual monitors improve productivity by 20 to 40 percent. A decade ago when use of computers became popular in dental offices, the front desk primarily used computer screens to perform single tasks like managing the appointment book. These days, there are numerous windows that staff members need to navigate in order to be effective. Commonly used programs at a dental practice:

• Patient appointment management
• Patient charts
• Family files
• Multiple Internet browsers
• Multiple email platforms
• Office communication and messaging system

Usually all these are active open programs on a single monitor, with one brought into the forefront and others stacked behind. Often data from one program needs to be compared to information stored in another such as patient charts and ledgers. Constantly minimizing or toggling between programs can be cumbersome and inefficient. Setting up dual monitors can make managing this information much easier. Advantages:

• Increased space allows for convenient sizing of the open windows
• Less time wasted from toggling between programs
• Reduced errors when transferring information from one screen to another
• Improved convenience and comfort

Vivek Mehta DMD, FAGD, Visiting Faculty, Spear Education. Follow him on Twitter @Mehta_DMD.