How to Setup Procedure Buttons in Dentrix

If you use Dentrix every day, you know how repetitive charting and treatment planning can be. One of the easiest ways to speed up your workflow is by setting up procedure buttons.

Procedure buttons allow you to quickly add commonly used procedures to a patient’s chart with a single click instead of searching through procedure codes each time. Once they’re configured, they can save your team a significant amount of time throughout the day.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to set up procedure buttons in Dentrix step-by-step, plus a few tips to keep your button sets clean, efficient, and easy to use.

Why Procedure Buttons Matter in Dentrix

Procedure buttons act as quick-access shortcuts for the procedures your office performs most often.

Instead of:

  • Searching through procedure codes

  • Typing codes manually

  • Scrolling through long lists

You can simply click a button that represents the procedure.

When set up properly, procedure buttons help:

  • Speed up charting and treatment planning

  • Reduce errors with procedure codes

  • Create a consistent workflow across the office

  • Make Dentrix easier for new team members to learn

Step 1: Open the Procedure Button Setup

To begin creating procedure buttons, start in the patient chart.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open any patient chart in Dentrix

  2. Go to the top toolbar

  3. Click Setup

  4. Select Procedure Button Setup

This opens the Procedure Button Setup window, where you can manage all the buttons used for charting and treatment planning.

Step 2: Review the Default Procedure Buttons

When you first open the setup window, Dentrix will show a default set of procedure buttons.

These are basic options automatically included with the software.

From here you can:

  • Keep the ones you use

  • Delete buttons that aren’t relevant to your practice

  • Add new custom buttons

Most offices will want to customize this list so it reflects the procedures they perform most often.

Step 3: Create a New Procedure Button

To create a new button:

  1. Click New

  2. A new setup window will open

Inside this window, you’ll configure several settings for the button.

Select the Procedure Code

First, choose the procedure code that the button will represent.

For example, if you’re creating a button for a porcelain crown:

  1. Click the procedure code dropdown

  2. Search for the crown code (example: D2740 – All Porcelain Crown)

  3. Select the code

This tells Dentrix what procedure the button should insert into the chart.

Step 4: Customize the Hover Text

Next you’ll choose what text appears when you hover your mouse over the button.

You have two options:

Option 1: Procedure Description

Dentrix automatically shows the description tied to the code.

Option 2: Custom Text

You can type your own label.

Custom text can be useful when using Dentrix multi-codes, where one button may represent multiple procedures.

For example:

  • Crown + build-up

  • Extraction + bone graft

  • SRP + localized antibiotic

A custom label helps clarify what the button actually does.

Step 5: Choose the Button Appearance

Now you’ll choose what the button looks like.

Dentrix allows two formats:

Code Text

The button simply shows the procedure code (example: D2740).

Image (Recommended)

The button displays an icon representing the procedure.

Most users prefer image buttons because they:

  • Are easier to recognize quickly

  • Make the interface more visual

  • Help organize procedures more efficiently

Step 6: Select or Upload an Image

Dentrix includes around 80 built-in icons you can use.

To choose one:

  1. Select Use Image

  2. Click Choose Image

  3. Select the icon that best represents the procedure

  4. Click OK

For example, if you’re creating a crown button, you might choose an icon that visually represents a crown.

Creating Custom Procedure Button Images

Sometimes Dentrix doesn’t have an icon that fits the procedure you want.

In that case you can:

  • Create a new icon

  • Draw one in the Dentrix editor

  • Upload your own image file

Many offices prefer uploading their own images so they can create a clean, consistent button layout across all procedures.

If you want to download the images I use, you can access them on google drive here: Download Procedure Button Images

Step 7: Organize Your Procedure Buttons

Once a button is created, it will appear in the button list.

You can rearrange them using the Move Up and Move Down options.

Good organization is important because it helps you quickly find the procedure you need while charting.

A common layout strategy is grouping buttons by category, such as:

Preventive

  • Prophy

  • Exam

  • Fluoride

  • Sealants

Restorative

  • Composite

  • Crown

  • Build-up

Hygiene / Periodontal

  • SRP

  • Perio maintenance

  • Gingival irrigation

Step 8: Smart Codes to Reduce Button Clutter

One important Dentrix feature is Smart Codes.

Smart codes allow one procedure button to represent multiple related codes.

For example, composite fillings have many different CDT codes depending on:

  • Tooth type

  • Number of surfaces

  • Location

Instead of creating buttons for every code variation, you only need one composite button.

When you place the procedure, Dentrix will automatically adjust the code based on:

  • Tooth number

  • Surfaces selected

This keeps your button set clean and efficient.

Step 9: Save Your Procedure Button Set

After creating and organizing your buttons:

  1. Click Save Button Set

  2. Enter a name (example: Practice Buttons)

  3. Click OK

Your customized procedure button set is now saved.

Step 10: Apply the Button Set to Other Computers

One important detail about Dentrix:

Procedure button sets do not automatically sync across computers.

To use the same buttons throughout your office, you’ll need to load the saved button set on each workstation.

Steps:

  1. Open a patient chart

  2. Go to Setup → Procedure Button Setup

  3. Select your saved button set from the dropdown

  4. Apply it

Many offices prefer keeping identical button sets across all operatories so the workflow is consistent no matter where someone is working.

Final Thoughts

Procedure buttons are one of the simplest ways to improve efficiency in Dentrix.

When set up correctly they allow your team to:

  • Chart faster

  • Plan treatment more efficiently

  • Reduce errors

  • Keep the workflow consistent throughout the office

Spending a little time configuring your procedure buttons can easily save hours of time over the course of a week.