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To use Trixi, first install the .NET framework by clicking here: http://www.softsensedata.com/dotnetfx.exe. (Select "Pract-Eze" when given a choice)
Then, install Trixi: www.softsensedata.com/TrixiSetup13.exe. (last updated 1/26/06).
Free Tech Support: www.softsensedata.com/contact.html
Source Code: www.softsensedata.com/trixi.zip (for version 0.11)
Trixi gives you direct accesss to your Dentrix database. You can either export text files or create reports by combining multiple tables.
The data in Dentrix is yours and you should have complete access to it. It would be extremely simple for Dentrix to include the ODBC driver for their database which would make it open and usable by other programs. The driver already exists, but they have chosen to intentionally prevent your access to your data with claims that your data is their proprietary property. Trixi is our response to Dentrix's policy.
Since we realize that it is difficult for users to switch software, we are trying to give Dentrix users more control over their data so they can get a taste of what an open database can be used for. Obviously, we hope to eventually convince you that Pract-Eze Dental would be a better solution. As an added bonus, any data that we can export using Trixi, we will also be able to automatically convert from Dentrix when you switch.
Procedure-based exports are the key to generating useful reports. You can use procedure information to create production and income reports as well as to get all kinds of specific information about the kinds of procedures your office is performing. The ability to pull information from multiple tables and tie it to procedures is very powerful.
Trixi does not have any premade reports. Its main functions are to export tables and create custom reports. For advanced users, there will always be the option to simply export as many Dentrix tables as possible. Then you can load the tables into your favorite database program, like Access or MySQL to manipulate and run queries on the data.
Trixi will always remain available as a free download. Contact information: www.softsensedata.com/contact.html.
Technical Details
Originally we were going to export the raw data as-is, but Dentrix uses an antiquated
database format that is not especially user friendly. For instance, all notes
are stored in a separate table. So, the note that you would expect to be part
of a procedure would actually have to be dug out of the notes table. Also, all
addresses are in a different table from the person they are attached to. So,
what we have done is to reduce the number of tables by combining all one-to-one
and one-to-few relationships into single tables. Notes are now just another
field in the table of interest. Definitions, like the type of payment, are converted
to the most useful format, usually text. ProcedureCodes are converted from the
current integer format to the expected ADA code. All simplifications are carefully
considered and do not reduce the usefulness of the data.