Practice by Numbers (PbN) continuously syncs data from Dentrix Ascend to provide accurate reporting, patient information, scheduling insights, and financial metrics. This guide explains how key data is validated between Dentrix Ascend and PbN, helping practices understand where information originates and how values can be verified.
The following areas can be validated:
Patient Information
Account Balances and Aging
Planned Services
Insurance Information
Visit Dates and Recall Information
Appointment Data
Production and Collection Metrics
Patient Data Validation
Patient Information
Patient demographic information in PbN is synced directly from Dentrix Ascend and can be validated by comparing the patient record in both systems.
Common fields to verify include:
Patient name
Date of birth
Phone numbers
Email address
Mailing address
Patient status
If information differs between systems, verify that the patient record was updated correctly in Dentrix Ascend and allow time for synchronization.
Accounts Receivable (A/R) Aging
PbN displays aging balances using standard aging buckets that correspond to aging values in Dentrix Ascend.
PbN Aging Bucket | Dentrix Ascend Aging Bucket |
Current | 0–30 Days |
30 Days | 31–60 Days |
60 Days | 61–90 Days |
90 Days | 91+ Days |
Balance Due Calculation
The Balance Due displayed in PbN is calculated as:
Current + 30 Day + 60 Day + 90 Day balances
When validating balances, compare the patient ledger aging information in Dentrix Ascend with the corresponding aging values displayed in PbN.
Planned Services
PbN synchronizes treatment-planned procedures from Dentrix Ascend.
When validating planned services, compare:
Procedure codes
Procedure descriptions
Quantities
Estimated fees
The information shown in the patient's Planned Services section in PbN should match the treatment plan in Dentrix Ascend.
Insurance Information
Patient insurance information can be validated by comparing the insurance records in Dentrix Ascend and PbN.
Information that can be verified includes:
Insurance carrier name
Primary and secondary insurance order
Subscriber information
Group ID
Employer ID
Insurance plan details
Primary and Secondary Insurance
Primary and secondary insurance plans from Dentrix Ascend appear side-by-side within the Insurance Details section of PbN, allowing practices to verify coverage order and plan information.
Patient Visit Dates
Several patient data fields in PbN are derived from Dentrix Ascend data.
First Visit
The patient's first recorded visit date.
Date Entered
The earliest available date associated with the patient record, based on information received from Dentrix Ascend.
Last Visit Date
The most recent completed appointment for the patient.
Next Recall Due
The next upcoming recall due date based on active recall information stored in Dentrix Ascend.
If recall dates appear incorrect, verify the patient's recall schedule within Dentrix Ascend.
Appointment Validation
Appointment Details
Appointment information displayed in PbN can be validated against the corresponding appointment in Dentrix Ascend.
Verify the following fields:
Appointment status
Appointment date and time
Provider
Operatory
Appointment description
Procedure codes
Appointment production value
Both systems should display matching appointment details when synchronization is complete.
Production Value Validation
Practice IQ vs. Dentrix Ascend
Production and collection metrics in PracticeIQ are designed to align with Dentrix Ascend financial reporting.
When validating data, ensure the same date range is selected in both systems.
For Dentrix Ascend reports, enable: Include Unapplied Credits
This setting is required for collection totals to match PbN reporting.
Metrics to Compare
PracticeIQ Metric | Dentrix Ascend Equivalent |
Adjusted Production | Production Total |
Total Production | Procedure Charges |
Collections | Collection Total |
Financial Dashboard Validation
Within the Financial Dashboard, the following values should align with Dentrix Ascend reporting when the same reporting period is selected:
PbN Financial Dashboard | Dentrix Ascend Report |
Gross | Total Procedure Charges |
Adjusted | Production Total |
Collections | Collection Total |
Important
For accurate comparisons:
Use the same reporting date range in both systems.
Include unapplied credits in the Dentrix Ascend report.
Allow sufficient time for data synchronization after making changes in Dentrix Ascend.
Troubleshooting Data Discrepancies
If values do not match between Dentrix Ascend and PbN:
Confirm the same date range is being used in both systems.
Verify that unapplied credits are included in Dentrix Ascend financial reports.
Check that the patient, appointment, or financial record exists in Dentrix Ascend.
Allow time for synchronization to complete.
Contact Practice by Numbers Support if discrepancies persist after validation.