Lack of functionality for Scottish Users

Hi ​@niha,

I’m really sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. That’s not the experience we’d want any Scottish practice to have.

I don’t want to jump to conclusions about what specifically isn’t working for you, so if you’re happy to share a couple of examples of what feels lacking or clunky, that would really help me understand it properly

Scotland absolutely shouldn’t feel like an afterthought, so it’s important we get clear on where the pain actually is rather than assuming.

Happy to chat more here or 1:1 if that’s easier!

Hi Saymon

Thank you for getting back to me. Some of the biggest issues specifically in regards to use within the Scottish SDR are follows.

1 - charting NHS fillings.

The service fee has to be selected according to the number of surfaces to be filled before it can be charted. In real terms, this means we cannot simply chart a composite or amalgam and cannot simply add a surface but need to rechart to a different code if we find additional caries on radiographs or during the procedure. Additionally if 2 fillings are required on the same tooth, again charting needs to be deleted and recharted with different codes for that tooth. Previously our software would auto-adjust the codes when we added surfaces. 

2 - No auto-add for additional fees.

Several fees in the Scottish SDR are claimed in combination - eg composite supplement were set up to auto-add when NHS composite fillings were charted on our previous software. This is common in the Scottish SDR and we had several items which were auto-added like this. This saved time and ensured we were not missing any claimable fees. However during our training, we were advised Dentally does not have this function. 

3 - GP17 DMF upon completion.

During training we were advised that upon submitting NHS COTs, we may sometimes be asked for additional information but that this was sporadic like a spot check. This was not the case. The Scottish claiming system requires a DMF score to be filled for any claim involving an extensive exam (annual check up). This was automatically filled by our previous software but now each dentist must self fill this for any COT involving a check up. This involves counting the teeth present, teeth filled and teeth extracted for every single claim involving an exam. While this takes 2-5 per patient, it adds up very quickly into hours of admin time. It is concerning that there was not enough understanding of the Scottish system prior to our training to warn us that this would be the case. 

Hi ​@niha,

Thanks for sharing the detail, that really helps us to understand how this is impacting you.

I’ve shared this directly with our Product team - I can’t promise timelines, but please be assured members of the team will be actively exploring your concerns. We'll aim to provide more context soon from a Scottish SDR perspective.

In the meantime, I can confirm this hasn’t gone into a void, it’s something we’re aware of and actively exploring.

Thanks again for raising it.

Hi ​@niha,

I’m the Product Director for Dentally.  Thank you for the feedback.

The changes needed when adopting Dentally need to be made clearer upfront.  I am working with the team to ensure this happens. 

Charting isn’t where we want it to be. Improvements are planned this year.  If you’re open to it, I’d really value having you involved as we shape those changes. 

Auto-add fees and GP17 DMF are known gaps. At the moment, a large part of our capacity is focused on the significant changes from NHS England and NHS Wales. Once that work stabilises, we’re planning a deep dive into NHS Scotland to ensure it’s not left behind. 

If you’re happy for us to reach out directly, please let me know.

Hi Max, 

Thanks for reaching out. I appreciate the team addressing these issues. 

If someone could reach out, I have come across some further roadblocks for which changes would make a big difference. 

Hi Niha,

I am in Max’s team and have sent you a private message to arrange a time to discuss the charting experience improvements we are looking at this year. 

Thanks!