How Hatala Orthodontics Simplified IT

• Ezra Angelo
• • February 23, 2025
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When Tech Quietly Slows You Down

The Early Warning Signs Were Subtle

Hatala Orthodontics had all the ingredients of a thriving practice: a warm, skilled team, modern tools, and a growing list of happy patients. Yet quietly, their technology began to stall their momentum. A scanner might freeze mid-use. A front-desk computer would take just a bit too long to respond. Initially, these hiccups were manageable. Gradually, however, they became daily frustrations.

Adaptation Became the Norm

Rather than ignore the problems, the staff adapted. Like many practices, they got creative. One team member would reboot a system between patients. Another might plug and unplug a monitor in hopes of a reset. These temporary fixes helped in the moment, but the problems kept coming. Tasks took longer. Stress levels rose. Eventually, the team’s pace adjusted to match unreliable systems, rather than patient needs.

Support Systems Were Missing

Behind the scenes, a deeper issue emerged. There was no structured IT support. No real-time help desk. No dependable backup strategy. When something broke, the default response became: “Google it.” The staff juggled tech troubleshooting while trying to remain patient-facing. Without reliable systems or support, morale slipped, confidence weakened, and risk accumulated.

Realizing the Bigger Picture

Eventually, leadership paused to reassess. The practice wasn’t failing, it had simply outgrown its technology. The solution wasn’t just better hardware. It required a digital foundation designed for their current pace and ready to scale.

Building a System That Supports People, Not the Other Way Around

When Hatala Orthodontics reached out to EKIM IT Solutions, they didn’t ask for a fancy new system. They asked for help making their workday easier. Their goal wasn’t complexity, it was clarity. They needed tools that worked consistently, without forcing their team to think about them. In other words, they needed technology that simply did its job, so their people could do theirs.

We began by understanding the real workflow. Instead of jumping straight to fixes, we spent time learning how the Hatala team worked: where delays happened, which tools they used most, and where bottlenecks kept showing up. What we found wasn’t surprising, but it was revealing. Their tech problems weren’t isolated. They were symptoms of a system that had never been built to grow.

Step 1: Strategic Hardware Refresh

EKIM’s first priority was replacing outdated computers. The front-desk system was slowing check-ins. Clinical workstations frequently froze especially during high-demand tasks like multi-scan imaging. We replaced only what was necessary, prioritizing high-traffic areas. Each machine was chosen based on its purpose. Not overkill, just efficiency.

The improvements were immediate. Check-ins sped up. Imaging stations loaded without freezing. Appointments ran smoothly. What once felt like friction now felt like flow.

Step 2: Reliable, Automated Backup Protection

Previously, Hatala’s data security relied on external drives and manual saves. That left the practice vulnerable. We introduced a HIPAA-grade, centralized backup system with automated daily saves and real-time alerts. If something goes wrong, the team is notified immediately.

The result? True peace of mind. Staff no longer worry about losing patient records or wondering if backups happened. The system quietly protects them in the background.

Step 3: Real-Time Support. No Tickets Required

Support had been another pain point. There was no one to call, only a hope that someone could fix things eventually. EKIM changed that by offering direct access to a local support team. No ticket numbers. No long waits. Just quick, friendly help from people who know the practice and care about the outcome.

This shift didn’t just improve functionality, it improved morale. Staff no longer feel isolated when tech breaks. They feel supported.

The Ripple Effect: How Small Fixes Led to Big Improvements

The transformation at Hatala Orthodontics didn’t require dramatic changes or a complete system overhaul. Instead, the magic happened through small, thoughtful upgrades. Each one designed to remove friction, restore confidence, and protect the team’s time. What followed was a quiet but powerful shift in the way the practice operated.

Less Lag, More Flow

Before EKIM stepped in, slowdowns were common. Imaging froze mid-treatment. Check-in systems lagged. These weren’t just inconveniences, they disrupted care. After workstation upgrades and performance tuning, the lag disappeared. Staff could move through their tasks without hesitation. X-rays loaded on cue. Front-desk tasks resumed their rhythm. That predictability restored confidence.

Data Peace of Mind

In the past, the team was unsure if backups were happening. Now, they know. Systems back up critical data automatically and securely. EKIM monitors everything in the background. If anything falters, it’s addressed before it becomes an issue. That quiet confidence allows the staff to focus fully on patients.

Help That Feels Human

Support wasn’t just faster, it was personal. Instead of being passed around, staff now talk to someone who knows their system. This eliminated the fear of reporting problems. Instead of hesitating, team members engage with support early, which helps prevent issues from escalating.

A Tangible Shift in Workflow, Culture, and Confidence

The changes at Hatala Orthodontics weren’t flashy, but their effects were unmistakable. With EKIM IT Solutions in their corner, the entire atmosphere of the practice began to shift. From one of daily stress to one of steady control. Let’s break down the tangible results the team experienced, not just in productivity, but in morale and peace of mind.

Productivity That Stuck

Slowdowns dropped by over 85%. What used to take minutes now takes seconds. This reclaimed time allowed for better prep, smoother appointments, and stronger patient interactions. The workflow didn’t change. The pace did.

Morale That Could Be Felt

As frustrations faded, morale rose. Staff no longer felt burdened by broken tools or the need to troubleshoot. They had space to focus, breathe, and do their jobs well. The energy in the office improved and patients noticed.

Confidence in the Background Systems

There’s no longer a quiet worry about data loss or system failure. Backups run automatically. Alerts trigger human follow-ups. The safety net is strong, silent, and ever-present.

A New Definition of “Normal”

“Normal” no longer means tolerating glitches or dragging tools. It means confidence. It means knowing the systems will work, so the staff can work. Hatala Orthodontics found its rhythm again, with a little help from the right support.

Why It Matters for Your Practice

Hatala Orthodontics’ story isn’t just a one-off success, it’s a mirror for what so many growing dental practices are quietly experiencing. The truth is, most technology issues don’t start as dramatic failures. They begin with small slowdowns, occasional workarounds, and the creeping sense that everything takes a little more effort than it used to.

But here’s the problem: over time, those small issues add up.

Hatala’s story reflects what many dental teams are quietly experiencing. Technology problems rarely begin with catastrophe. They start small and grow silently.

When “Good Enough” Isn’t

Most practices don’t ignore tech problems. They just deprioritize them. As long as things function “well enough,” they stay on the back burner. But as systems degrade, the cracks become harder to ignore. Your team shifts from doing their job to managing disruptions.

That’s what happened to Hatala. Perhaps it’s happening to you.

The Right Tech, Not More Tech

Hatala didn’t need a massive overhaul. Just better alignment. We introduced the right tools, the right support, and systems that fit their real-world workflow. No bloated upgrades. No unnecessary complexity. Just IT that matched how they work.

Warning Signs You Might Recognize

• Staff rely on workarounds more than systems
• Tech disruptions cause sighs, not solutions
• Backups are inconsistent or unclear
• Troubleshooting falls to the same 1–2 people
• No clear point of contact for support

These aren’t failures. They’re signals. And when you address them, everything shifts.

You Don’t Need to Start from Scratch

The good news? Fixing these challenges doesn’t mean tearing everything down. Often, it’s about identifying what already works, what’s slowing you down, and how to create better flow between the two.

Hatala’s turnaround didn’t involve a complete overhaul. It was powered by a few focused upgrades, a smarter support system, and a shift from reactive fixes to proactive alignment. And your practice can experience the same.

When your systems are steady, your people are steady. And when your people are steady, your patients feel it.

The Results You Can See And Feel

For Hatala Orthodontics, the biggest change wasn’t just that “things worked better.” It was that things felt better. Calmer, smoother, and more controlled. That’s the kind of shift that spreads through every part of a practice.

Less Downtime. More Time for Patients.

After EKIM implemented the changes, slow computers became a thing of the past. The workstations that once froze without warning? They now load imaging software instantly. Staff stopped hesitating before logging in. They no longer wondered, “Will it crash again today?”

And that speed paid off. Appointments ran on time. Front-desk check-ins became quick and seamless. The clinical team could focus on treatment, not on coaxing sluggish machines back to life. Over the course of a week, those small wins added up to hours of reclaimed time.

That time went back to the people who needed it most, patients.

Fewer Interruptions. More Focus.

Before EKIM stepped in, tech disruptions were unpredictable. A workstation might freeze mid-appointment. A system update might hit during the lunch rush. It left the staff constantly bracing for the next problem.

Now, updates happen on a fixed schedule after hours, with no surprises. Monitoring runs silently in the background, alerting EKIM to small issues before they become big ones. And when a team member needs help, they know exactly who to call and get an actual human who understands their setup.

That kind of clarity makes a difference. It lifts the mental load. It lets your team focus fully on patients, instead of reacting to tech drama.

Staff Morale Rebounded

The shift in performance triggered a shift in energy. No more dreading the “slow computer.” No more internal debates about whether to report an issue. Confidence returned. And when your tools work as expected, your people show up differently. More engaged, more focused, and less stressed.

Hatala’s team felt it almost immediately. They moved through their days with less tension. Patients noticed too. The office felt more polished, more present, and more in control.

It Wasn’t Just a Tech Fix. It Was a Culture Shift.

That’s what effective IT support does. It doesn’t just solve problems, it changes how people feel at work. It removes the constant friction so your staff can focus on doing their best work, every day.

When your systems get out of the way, your team steps up. And when your team steps up, your patient experience levels up too.

That’s what Hatala Orthodontics gained. And it’s a result any practice can achieve. With the right support, the right structure, and the right partner guiding the way.

What Hatala’s Journey Reveals About Your Own Practice

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’ve seen echoes of Hatala Orthodontics in your own practice.

The truth is, tech slowdowns don’t usually happen all at once. They creep in quietly. First a slow login, then a frozen screen, then an update that interrupts your busiest time of day. At first, your team adjusts. Some find workarounds. Others stay late to catch up. Most simply do their best to “make it work.”

But over time, those small interruptions pile up and they carry a big cost.

Your Team Is Already Working Hard. Don’t Let Tech Work Against Them.

Like Hatala, your team is likely focused, fast-paced, and committed to delivering excellent care. But when the tools they rely on start breaking down or just dragging their feet, that dedication gets stretched thin. And when staff are forced to troubleshoot on the fly, stress levels rise and patient focus slips.

It’s not a people problem. It’s a systems problem.

Hatala didn’t overhaul their culture or replace their staff. They simply aligned their technology with how their team already worked. That one shift just making systems work the way they’re supposed to, changed everything. Stress dropped. Morale rebounded. Patient satisfaction improved.

You Don’t Need More Tech. You Need the Right Tech.

It’s easy to assume that fixing these problems means adding complexity, new platforms, more logins, expensive gear. But the real solution isn’t adding more. It’s simplifying.

Hatala didn’t install cutting-edge AI or move to enterprise-level systems. They upgraded where it counted, implemented a safety net behind the scenes, and made sure help was always within reach.

The result? A calm, focused environment where the tech fades into the background and the team gets to focus entirely on patients.

This Isn’t About Size. It’s About Fit.

Whether you’re running a large multi-provider practice or a single-location office, you deserve systems that support you. And your team deserves technology that works as hard as they do. Without drama, crashes, or confusion.

That’s what EKIM delivered for Hatala. And that’s what we can deliver for your practice too.

So if your staff is silently working around slow logins, unreliable backups, or a help desk that never really helps it,  may be time to step back, just like Hatala did, and ask:

Are our systems helping us move forward? Or are they slowing us down?

Let’s make sure your systems support the care your team is so committed to delivering.

🗓️ Book a  call with us
📞 207-333-2206
📧 info@ekimit.com
🌐 www.ekimit.com

Want to see where small fixes can create big gains?
👉 5 Critical IT Mistakes That Can Cripple Your Dental Practice And How to Avoid Them

• Ezra Angelo
• • February 23, 2025
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