Play PDs chime is a setting in Bola that plays an audible alert when a pocket depth measurement is not fully heard. It is meant for hygienists who chart in consistent cadences and want a real-time signal that a number got dropped, without having to look at the screen.
Important caveat: the chime expects you to chart in sets of 3, 6, or 9 measurements at a time. If you chart in non-standard counts (for example, 4 or 5 at a time), the chime will fire incorrectly. Only enable this setting if your charting cadence consistently matches one of those three patterns.
This setting only affects pocket depths. It does not chime for GMs, bleeding, or any other Perio command.
How "sets of 3, 6, or 9" works
Play PDs chime expects 3 consecutive readings per pocket depth measurement. When you call out a pocket depth, Bola listens for 3 numbers in sequence. If it hears fewer than 3, the chime plays so you know a number got dropped before you move on.
The "sets of 3, 6, or 9" guidance just means multiples of 3. As long as your cadence is evenly divisible by 3, the chime fires correctly:
3 at a time: one tooth, one surface (e.g., "323" for the buccal aspect of tooth 14)
6 at a time: two teeth on one surface (e.g., "323 323" for the buccal aspect of teeth 14 and 15)
9 at a time: three teeth on one surface (e.g., "323 323 323" for the buccal aspect of teeth 14, 15, and 16)
If you chart in non-multiples of 3 (for example, 4 or 5 at a time), the chime will fire incorrectly because Bola will hit the 3-readings boundary partway through your cadence.
Default state
Play PDs chime is off by default.
How to turn it on or off
Desktop App
Open the Bola desktop app
Click Options
Click Charting Settings
Toggle Play PDs chime on or off
Chrome Extension
Click the cog wheel (two icons to the right of the mic button) in the Bola extension
Click Mic Settings
Toggle Play PDs chime on or off
The setting saves and takes effect automatically. No restart required.
Should I use Play PDs chime?
Turn it on if:
You chart in consistent sets of 3, 6, or 9 measurements
You want an audible signal when a number gets dropped, without breaking eye contact with the patient
You have headphones or a speaker setup that lets you hear the chime clearly during exams
Leave it off if:
Your charting cadence varies (sometimes 3, sometimes 4, sometimes 5 at a time)
You prefer to glance at the chart for visual confirmation
The chime would be disruptive in your operatory
You would rather hear the measurement itself read back than a single tone, in which case use Speak back pocket depths instead
You can toggle at any time. If the chime fires more often than feels useful, your cadence likely doesn't match the 3 / 6 / 9 pattern.
Troubleshooting
The chime fires constantly even when I'm charting normally
You're likely charting in cadences that aren't multiples of 3. The chime fires whenever a PD measurement comes in with fewer than 3 numbers. If your habit is 4 or 5 measurements at a time, Bola will hit the 3-readings boundary partway through and chime. Either tighten your cadence to multiples of 3 or turn the chime off.
The chime never fires even when I miss a number
Two things to check. First, confirm Play PDs chime is on (Options → Charting Settings, or cog wheel → Mic Settings). Second, check your audio output. If you are using a headset or external speaker, make sure system volume is up and the device is the active output.
The chime fires for GMs or bleeding too
That should not happen. Play PDs chime is scoped to pocket depths only. If you are seeing it on other commands, send a session ID and we will investigate.
Not sure which mode you're in
Open the desktop app → Options → Charting Settings, or in the extension click the cog wheel → Mic Settings. The toggle shows the current state.
If you're still stuck, reach out and let us know your EHR (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, Curve, Ascend, etc.) and the cadence you typically chart in.