DentalRAT...Anybody using it?

[savvy]

DentalRAT is a foot controlled "mouse". Supposedly, it works with all DPM programs that have perio charting.
http://www.dentalrat.com/

Is anybody using it?

Might it work with OD?

Cheers!!

[jordansparks]

Sure, it will work with OD. It's just a keystroke generator. I'm not quite sure what you're supposed to do if the number is greater than 8, or how you simultaneously enter bleeding points. But for typical numeric charting, it seems very handy.

[dentalrat]

I just wanted to chime in since I developed the Dental R.A.T. Its nice to see such a good forum like this for your software!! The Dental R.A.T. does work well with Open Dental. To enter numbers over 8 there is an on screen keyboard that you just use your foot to move the mouse to the higher number and heel click(left click). You can basically do everything you can do with a hand mouse too, open x-rays, run intra-oral cameras, etc.
I'd love to answer any other questions anyone has!

[dentalrat]

Ok, I didn't answer the whole question before. "How to enter the bleeding points with the Dental R.A.T." If you just park the mouse cursor on the bleeding point tab on your software then as you are entering the numbers whenever there is bleeding you just rock back on your heel (your left mouse click) and it will enter bleeding or whatever point your mouse is pointed on. Its real easy:) Its so nice when it only takes one person to do a perio chart! Hope that answers it:)

[savvy]

OUCH!! I just checked the price......

I don't know why I didn't see this earlier........

It sells for $995 and $1495.

A quick search of google came up with this:

http://www.fentek-ind.com/FootPedal.htm#afs3usb

Under $200.

Cheers!!!

[dentalrat]

Yes, there are programmable "foot switches" out there that are cheaper. But, it can only enter 3 things and no mouse functions, we've seen that unit. Our Dental R.A.T. is a mouse & left & right mouse click and numbers 1-8. It was designed specifically for dental software. Ours is programmed and there is no software to download, its a plug and play. So you're not even comparing apples to apples. When a doctor looks at the price of his assistant helping the hygienist perio chart compared to a 100% accurate data entry device that the hygienist can run alone he pays himself back in just a couple weeks. Plus the Dental R.A.T. can be used for other dental applications in a high tech dental office like the intra-oral camera and x-rays.
Hope this explains the difference between a 3 button foot switch and the Dental R.A.T.

[livewise]

I have been using the Dental RAT for a few years. I figure it has cost me about 50 cents for each use because of how useful it has been, but my RAT is still going strong and it wouldn't surprise me that it will end up costing a penny for each use after a few more years. It has been so nice for me to operate independently and it is much less expensive than an assistant. My doctor bought 3 of them--one for each hygiene room--instead of an assistant.

I have no problem with marking the bleeding and recession. It does take a moment longer, but it would take a moment longer regardless of who is doing it. I am able to do a perio chart in about the same amount of time I I am able to do with an assistant.

One of the girls in my office was about 50 years old when she started using the RAT. She picked it right up. It's not complex. When she moved home to Georgia to be closer to her family, she bought one herself because she didn't want to work without it and she can use it on any software.

I love the RAT and the independence. The assistants love that we aren't "nagging" them or bugging them to do simple data entry. The doctors love it because they can give bonuses instead of paying it to an assistant for data entry. The patients love it becasue it is quiet and private and my gloves aren't touching all over.

Good Luck!!!

Natalie Berrett RDH