Patients can store their dental records online through a new Web site that is linked to Microsoft's HealthVault, using a free online application launched by Dentists Management, an Oregon-based practice management software company.
HealthVault aims to aggregate individuals' health information from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, device manufacturers, and wherever else it resides so that individuals can easily cross-reference the data and share them with providers. Dental Optimizer is designed to incorporate information about oral health.
"We hope that providing patients a means to easily share their information with both dentists and physicians, will lead to more coordinated and effective care," said Rachel Picado, director of informatics at ODS -- the parent company of Dentists Management -- and one of the tool's creators.
The application features interactive tools such as risk assessment quizzes and a treatment cost calculator. Patients can also create an online oral health profile that allows them to get personalized suggestions for how to better manage their oral health conditions.
Dentists Management is the first solution provider to partner with Microsoft HealthVault, specifically focusing on oral health.