Our product buzz this month is centered around time management and productivity. Without the right systems in place, we can sometimes find ourselves compromising one for the other. For those of you who know me, you know I don’t hold back sharing when I’ve been off track and where I’ve grown. What I mean by off track is, we can often get too comfortable in doing things as they’ve always been done — especially when we’ve been doing this for many years. It has been my experience, that I have the greatest breakthroughs (both personally and professionally) when I remain open to regularly reviewing my practices, staying in a space of constant learning and examining areas that aren’t working. A particular area that I made such a shift came about by way of a product that supported me in creating that balance between time management and productivity all while making my patients comfortable and everyone happy.

There are several scenarios that could bring a patient into hygiene that is scheduled for a prophylaxis yet, it turns out, they require additional therapy. A typical scenario could be, a returning patient is seen for recare and upon initial evaluation, it is determined that the patient’s condition has changed from healthy (on the previous visit) to gingival and/or periodontal disease. It is not uncommon that a patient’s condition can be modified in a relatively short period of time — often due to systemic factors such as pregnancy, stress, diabetes, etc. In this case, the patient may require either a localized or full-mouth non-surgical periodontal therapy approach (SRP) in addition to or in lieu of a prophylaxis. This scenario often challenges hygienists because it becomes an appointment that can require more time educating and treating the patient appropriately. However, having a well-defined protocol in place will support a team in swiftly shifting gears from what is scheduled into what the patients’ needs are in a productive and fluid manner.

When the need for isolated, non-surgical care is required, the patient can receive their prophylaxis as well as their therapy for the day without having to reschedule — making the most out of the appointment for everyone. And, when the need for a full-mouth non-surgical approach is required, the hygienist can get a jumpstart with therapy — again, making the most of out the appointment without delay. ‘But, what about getting the patient numb?’, you might ask. Well, there is one key product I do recommend in facilitating this protocol. This is a product you, your hygienist and your patients will LOVE.

What is it?

Oraqix

Oraqix is the only FDA-approved, needle-free pain relief system for non-surgical periodontal therapy (SRP). Oraqix is a unique patented combination of lidocaine and prilocaine, delivering pain relief in thirty seconds (YES! seconds) for most patients. There is NO DELAY in jumpstarting therapy and your patient is comfortable and happy. The duration of the anesthetizing effect is approximately twenty minutes and can be repeated, as needed, with up to five cartridges per appointment. Oraqix transforms from a liquid to a gel on contact and goes directly to the area being treated — minimizing waste and the chance of spillover into areas of the mouth not being treated. This is especially a time saver in areas of the country where hygienists are not permitted to administer injections for local anesthesia. Therefore, there is no disruption in the doctors schedule and no delay in getting started immediately.

No Shots, No Pain, No Time…

 and, you’re scaling away!

Now that’s how I say ahhh! 

Over the years, Oraqix has given me the freedom to maximize my appointment time for the best and most efficient care possible for my patients. And, most importantly, there is never delay in addressing a patient’s disease. When we provide care that eradicates any sign of disease immediately and with a process that is comfortable and not complicated, patients are confident and get that they are our top priority. In fact, when they realize they don’t have to wait hours for the numbing affect to wear off, they are blown away!

Oraqix is available through your authorized dental dealer. Learn more by visiting Oraqix online. And, please check with your local representative for current pricing and special offers.

It’s not just what we know, it’s about what we DO that makes the difference in having breakthroughs and being as productive as we can with every patient. The doing is implementing those strategies and protocols behind the scenes. And, sometimes that can be the most difficult part.

If there is an area in your hygiene department where you would like to have a breakthrough in productivity or time management, I invite you to message me with a request for a 30-minute coaching call to discuss that specific area. I will walk you through some simple steps you can implement today that will make a difference. It’s my gift to you for being a loyal reader and I’d be honored to support you in having an ahhh moment!

P.S. Access your coaching call by messaging me at: Chris@hygienebydesign.com. I’m excited and look forward to hearing from you.