As a dentist, I wanted to impress my patients, so when our office needed a new computer system, I was naturally drawn to the new systems with the on-screen charting, and other bells and whistles that would blow patients away with how progressive we are. What I found is that while the high tech products out there are impressive, I could not find one that also did the basics well.

We need a system with good accounting and detailed breakdown of A/R, good practice reports, good networking so that we could have terminals in the operatories, good speed, a place for notes on financial arrangements, CDA/net, a good appointment book which coordinated with our inactive charts so we could see who needed appointments, etc.

We chose Genie, because my staff told me that what it did well was more important than what the high tech systems could do. This was a sad day for me, because I really wanted the glitzy system. But, I realized core functions are more important than frills.

Since installation, hardly a day goes by when someone from my staff doesn't comment about how much they like the system. This is also what the references we phoned had said.

A lot of dentists have been on Genie for quite a while and all the little things they have wanted, have gradually been incorporated to the point that it's all there. It is a proven system. This is what we needed. Something that works.

We also needed a system that has good support. They are very prompt, professional and knowledgeable. They have provided excellent support. We never had to shut down when we started up. We had no major problems and what we did have, they looked after and were there when we needed them.

When I look at the system, I really can't explain why my staff love it so much. I think I fell asleep in the demo. I guess it's because it works, so it makes their job a lot easier. As for me, I still have to impress my patients the old fashion way, but I know I made the right decision for our practice.