Why the Dentrix Health History Module Is the Unsung Hero of Your Practice

If you’ve been following my podcast series lately, you know I’ve been diving deep into the FDI and Henry Schein’s collaboration on electronic health records integration. This initiative outlines the 8 Core Oral Health Indicators, and today I’m highlighting number seven: the integration of Dentrix Health History and allergies data into dental practice software. Not only is this a vital part of the future of interoperability, but it’s also one of my personal favorite topics to talk about.

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Let’s face it: you didn’t get into dentistry just to fix teeth. You are an oral health physician, a critical part of the broader medical community. To care for patients holistically, we must share accurate, up-to-date health information with other providers. And that means taking our health history process seriously, especially when it comes to documenting allergies and medical conditions that could impact treatment.

Health History Forms vs. Health History Module

Here’s where many practices get stuck: confusing the health history form with the Dentrix Health History Module. They’re both essential, but they serve different purposes.

The form, whether it’s still on a clipboard or sent digitally, is the legal document patients sign. It gets stored in the Dentrix Document Center as a PDF. But it’s static. What we really want is fluid, living data and that’s what the Health History Module gives us.

This module lets you update, deactivate, or revise entries such as allergies, medications, and health conditions in real time. When you review and document changes at each visit, you’re not just protecting your license; you’re also paving the way for true data sharing and patient safety.

Ditch the Clipboard, Embrace Mobile-Friendly Forms

Patients book vacations, order groceries, and check in for medical appointments from their phones. So why are we still handing them clipboards with blank paper forms?

There are incredible software tools that allow you to automate health history form requests. These forms can be pre-filled with existing patient information, making it far more likely that patients will update them accurately. Once submitted, the data syncs right into Dentrix saving time, improving accuracy, and enhancing the patient experience.

Imagine having a patient’s updated allergies and medical conditions in your Dentrix software before they even walk in the door. That’s not just convenient; it’s good medicine.

Make the Health History Review Visual

One of my biggest pet peeves? Hearing dental teams ask, “Has anything changed in your health since your last visit? ”Ninety-nine percent of patients will say no even when things have changed.

Instead, try this: pull up the Dentrix Health History Module on a monitor where the patient can see it. Have the patient look at the current list of medical conditions and allergies and ask them to confirm each item. I guarantee you’ll get a more accurate response than if you rely on memory or assumptions.

Don’t have a dual-monitor setup? Use a tablet. Or, at the very least, print the current health history and review it line-by-line with the patient.

Document Like a Pro

At each visit, document your review in both the Health History Module and the clinical note. Use templates with checkboxes that say things like

• “Reviewed with patient; see Health History Module for updates.”
• “The patient completed a new health history form; see Document Center.”

This level of detail not only improves communication within your team but also supports legal documentation requirements to protect your license.

And with allergies and health history now part of the FDI’s Core Health Indicators, you can bet software updates will keep evolving to support even more streamlined interoperability. I wouldn’t be surprised if Henry Schein One launches a patient portal where people can access and update their medical history directly.

Let’s Take Action

If your practice is still using outdated forms or struggling with workflow inefficiencies, reach out to me. I’d love to help you review your current tech stack and recommend a path toward automation. The Dentrix Health History Module is more than a software feature; it’s your ally in delivering safer, smarter care.

Your documentation is your defense. Let’s make sure it’s rock solid.

👉 Need help? Book a discovery call with me today. Let’s modernize your workflow and help you become a high-performing dental team.