A multi-location dental practice needs more than computers and internet at each office. It needs a technology strategy that addresses connectivity, dental software, cybersecurity, employee access, backups, and centralized support across every location.
Once a practice expands to 2 or more offices, inconsistent technology can create unnecessary downtime, security gaps, and support problems.
Use this five-part framework:
Standardize → Connect → Secure → Centralize → Recover
1. Standardize Technology Across Locations
Whenever practical, use consistent technology standards across offices.
That may include:
- Workstations
- Firewalls
- Network equipment
- Wireless systems
- Microsoft 365
- Endpoint security
- Backup systems
- Remote-support tools
Standardization makes troubleshooting easier and reduces the number of different systems employees and IT providers must manage.
It also makes future expansion easier.
2. Plan How Dental Systems Connect
Multi-location practices need to determine how employees will access practice-management and imaging systems across offices.
That may involve systems such as:
- Dentrix
- Dexis
- Open Dental
- Eaglesoft
- Imaging platforms
- Patient communication systems
The right design depends on the applications, vendors, internet connectivity, and whether systems are cloud-based, locally hosted, or hybrid.
Don't assume that adding another location is simply a matter of installing the same software on more computers.
3. Apply Cybersecurity Standards Everywhere
A practice is only as secure as its weakest location.
Each office should follow consistent cybersecurity standards for areas such as:
- MFA
- Email security
- Endpoint protection
- Firewalls
- Secure Wi-Fi
- Guest-network separation
- Employee accounts
- Remote access
- Security monitoring
A smaller satellite office should not become an easier entry point into the organization's systems.
4. Centralize Employee Access and IT Support
Employees may work at multiple locations.
That makes access management increasingly important.
Use individual accounts and establish processes for:
- New employees
- Role changes
- Employees working between locations
- Administrative permissions
- Departing employees
IT support should also be coordinated across the organization.
Employees shouldn't have to figure out whether a problem belongs to the internet company, dental software vendor, imaging company, or another provider before asking for help.
There should be a clear first point of contact.
5. Plan for a Location-Specific Failure
Ask:
What happens if one office loses internet, its network fails, or an important system becomes unavailable?
A multi-location practice should consider:
- Backup internet
- Backup and recovery
- Network redundancy
- Vendor contact procedures
- Emergency communication
- Business-continuity procedures
The goal is to prevent a problem at one location from unnecessarily disrupting every location.
The 7-Question Multi-Location Dental IT Check
Ask:
- Do all locations follow consistent IT standards?
- Can employees securely access the systems they need?
- Is MFA appropriately deployed across locations?
- Are networks and guest Wi-Fi properly configured?
- Is there one clear process for requesting IT support?
- Are backups and recovery plans documented?
- Could one office continue operating if another location had a major IT failure?
Several “no” answers indicate that growth may be creating technology risk.
Add Technology Planning Before Adding Location #2
The best time to develop a multi-location IT strategy is before the second location opens.
Planning early gives the practice an opportunity to standardize:
Networks + Computers + Security + Accounts + Support + Recovery
Waiting until each office has developed its own technology environment can make future standardization more difficult and expensive.
Why Dental Practices Choose IT Services of Utah
IT Services of Utah has supported businesses for more than 30 years and works with dental practices throughout St. George and Washington County, Utah.
Our team understands environments involving:
- Dentrix
- Dexis
- Open Dental
- Eaglesoft
- Dental imaging
- Networks
- Servers
- Microsoft 365
- Cybersecurity
- Backup and recovery
We provide fast remote assistance, local on-site support, live phone answering, and an internal support team - important advantages when multiple offices depend on the same technology partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a dental group develop a multi-location IT strategy?
Ideally, before opening the second location. Decisions made during the first expansion can establish standards that make future locations easier to support.
Should every dental office use identical technology?
Not necessarily. Different locations may have legitimate requirements, but standardizing appropriate hardware, networking, security, and support processes can reduce unnecessary complexity.
Can one IT provider support multiple dental locations?
Yes, provided the provider has the appropriate capabilities and understands the practice's applications, infrastructure, security requirements, vendors, and geographic needs.
Is Your Dental Practice Adding Another Location?
Growth shouldn't multiply your IT problems.
Remember:
Standardize. Connect. Secure. Centralize. Recover.
For dental practices expanding throughout St. George, Washington County, and Southern Utah, IT Services of Utah can help develop a technology strategy that supports multiple offices without creating unnecessary complexity.
Schedule a Multi-Location Dental IT Planning Consultation with IT Services of Utah before your next location opens.
