Mobile devices are everywhere, whether they are the ubiquitous smart phone or the more and more common tablet computer. 

The more robust applications on these devices require a Wi-Fi connection to operate.  So, whether it’s a patient in your waiting room or staff using a tablet chair-side, we needed to offer a solution that will meet the security and performance demands of a dental practice.

We have started a Beta testing program with one of our clients that should stretch out over the next few months. 

First we have installed a wireless access point (a small box attached to the office’s wired network).  The device we are using is commercial-grade and should provide the performance and range necessary to meet the demands of the office. 

We have configured it to support two networks; an unsecured public network and a secured private network. 

The public network will be for patients in the practice’s waiting room. 

The private network can be used to support wireless devices the office chooses to add to their practice.

So, where are we going with this?  Tablet applications for the practice.  I’d like to replace the clipboard that is used to collect new patient demographics and health history.  I’d like to provide chair-side tools that would educate the patient or assist in establishing financial arrangements.  All of this starts with a secure Wi-Fi network within the office.

The next big decision, for us, is which tablet device we should use to develop our applications.  Our other software solutions run on the Windows® family of operating systems and to provide native compatibility with those, we should choose a Windows® based tablet. 

The newly announced Microsoft® Surface® is one that is under close consideration.  The version that will be available later this month runs Windows RT, which may not support our existing products. 

However, Microsoft® has promised another version of Surface®, in a few months, which will run Windows® 8 Professional. 

This one should be fully compatible with our other products, but a lot can happen with this.  Here we have a brand new device from a company, whose past focus has been software, competing against an established juggernaut in the iPad. 

Other Windows tablet options exist with Acer and Asus having offerings.  This will be an interesting decision. 

The direction is a right click, where we end up may be a surprise, even to us.