I know dentists who won’t even administer anesthetic without their assistant helping them. Okay, I won’t pick on you, but it’s true. My point is, as the doctor, you have the power to make sure your hygienist has the help s/he needs. I’m encouraging you to take the lead here. Yes, it helps the hygienist and, more importantly, it supports the practice as a whole by getting necessary periodontal therapy diagnosed early and providing excellence in patient care. To get the ball rolling, I recommend incorporating this as a component in every morning huddle.
Posts Taggedhealth
3 Easy Ways to Step Up Your Game in Hygiene
While juggling the schedule, managing the business of the practice and leading the team, the hygiene department is one area that most dentists would agree they would love to have operating as co-pilot without having to micromanage the process. Here are just a few ways your hygienist can take the lead, increase practice revenue and enhance patient care…starting today!
What Can We Learn From the Oprah Incident?
I cannot help but relate this story to the opportunity we have every day with patients. Consider, in dentistry, how we impact the hearts and minds of our patients through their experiences — good and maybe, not so good (dare I say, bad). How could we ever know the true depth of how their experience can run in their social circles? And, how their experience may impact whether we lose or gain a patient? We don’t. Therefore, why would we ever risk creating a negative experience on our watch? This reminds me of a quote I love and happens to be painted on a wall in the office of one of my clients.
How Do You Say Ahhh?
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.
All Lit Up
Patients are always interested in new treatment options. Most patients have heard of lasers in dentistry, but not sure how they can be used. As with any new treatment options, there is the need to explain the treatment plan recommendations and the outcome of what to expect with a soft tissue laser. Especially when using visual aids, hygienists find it very easy to explain how laser therapy will enhance their treatment. This is where patient education is a must. By creating value for our patients, they understand and are willing to accept laser therapy for their dental care.
Bringing Sexy Back
Sleep is the new SEXY! WHAT?!? I know…you may have thought I was prepping you (no pun intended) for a chat about gorgeous white, sexy smiles. But, we get enough of that — don’t we? Seriously, I have…
The Way to a Patient’s Heart
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month While that may not seem very exciting, I promise it is one of THE best ways to engage your patient’s in their overall health; takes very little time and…