Automation

Automation can be used to automatically perform actions when a specific trigger occurs and condition is met.

In the Main Menu, click Setup, Automation.

See our video: Automation in Open Dental Webinar.

Examples:

Note: A logged-on user's Security Permissions may affect Automation. For example, if a user has permission to change a billing type, but not to restrict appointment scheduling, an Automation to mark the Appointment Scheduling is Restricted checkbox when a specific billing type is selected will not occur. The PatientApptRestrict security permission is required.

Edit Automation

Click Add or double-click an existing Automation to open Edit Automation.

Options available may change depending on the selected Trigger and/or Action.

Description: Enter the identifying name of the Automation.

Trigger: Select the action that will trigger this Automation.

Procedure Code(s): If ProcedureComplete or ScheduleProcedure is the trigger, enter the procedure codes, separated with commas (no spaces), or click [...] to select from the Procedure Codes.

Conditions (optional): The grid lists the conditions currently attached to the Automation. These must be met for the automation to trigger. See Automation Condition Edit below for details.

Action: Select the automated action that will occur when the trigger and/or conditions are met.

Sheet Def: Shows when PrintPatientLetter, PrintReferralLetter, or ShowExamSheet is selected as the Action. Select the sheet template to use. See Sheets.

Comm Type: Shows when CreateCommlog is selected as the Action. Select the default comm log type.

Message: Shows when CreateCommlog or PopUp is selected as the Action. Enter the default message.

Patient Status: Shows when Change Pat Status is selected as the Action. Enter the patient status.

Click Save to keep changes or create a new automation.

Automation Condition Edit

Click Add or double-click an existing condition to open Automation Condition Edit.

Field: The field to be checked.

Comparison: Determine how the condition must be met.

Text: Enter the description, name, text, etc. for the field being matched. If using Contains, can be partial. For certain fields, click [...] to select from a list.

Conditions are considered together. All conditions of an Automation must be met for the action to occur. To have automation occur for each condition, create separate Automations.

Fields

Most fields that lare listed when adding or editing a condition are self explanatory. Below are a few that need additional explanation.