As a passionate dental hygiene consultant, I always say there are three things you can do to help dental hygienists fulfill practice production objectives and provide the best care possible for patients…

1. Front office staff works hard to maximize hygiene production.

• Implement a reliable recall system that is adapted to your patient’s unique requirements and medical circumstances. In addition, periodically consider whether or not you might use a tighter recall system depending on the degree of care needed.

• When possible, personally call patients to confirm appointments.

• Have a procedure in place for cancellations. Maintaining a patient waiting list or keeping track of patients who called to reschedule but were turned away is helpful.

• Become a destination that patients seek out. In other words, make the patient feel compassionately cared for by becoming the front desk. Additionally, you can work quickly, personalize handoffs, and pay close attention to patients’ needs, inquiries,  and concerns.

2. Consider the tools your dental hygienists use.

New tools and technologies ensure the team’s efficient workflow. Furthermore, they make it possible to provide patients with higher-quality care. This, in turn, enhances their experiences.

Upgrades usually benefit all parties in the workflow.

In addition, you can take an inventory of your office’s equipment to make sure it’s in good shape. After that, you can make sure they get regular maintenance for the best effectiveness. Equipment that isn’t properly maintained and is out of date is a potential hazard to both patients and your workforce. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult your team and check in frequently to ensure that the machinery is properly functioning. According to all dental hygiene consultants, comfortable hygiene team is a productive one.

Individual Equipment:

In an eight-hour physical workday, we function more effectively and efficiently when we are comfortable. Therefore, give your employees the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) they require and facilitate access to it as much as you can.

If your team is complaining subtly about a chair that is giving them backaches, bad lighting, or uncomfortable PPE, pay attention to them. Therefore, work on diligently replacing or fixing these items to improve their comfort and enable them to complete their workday more successfully and efficiently. As you do, you demonstrate that you are paying attention and that you care. However, suppose your budget does not allow for urgent resource replacements or updates. In that case, it is possible to show concern by outlining and sharing your long-term plans for maintenance and improvements.

Team Equipment:

Offer rewards for the team both individually and collectively. And think about giving them a budget so they can buy what they require. This can help them feel appreciated and more in control.

3. Hire a dependable hygiene assistant to support your hygienists.

The amount of time each of your hygienists spends with a patient can be maximized by an assistant. Additionally, an assistant can have crucial dialogues that result in better health and patient acceptance of dental care.

Production can rise as a result of better data collecting, doctor communication, and operatory preparation for the following patient. Making changes to how the team operates can quickly pay off while at the same time lowering staff burnout and turnover.

Your thoughts? Questions? The Hygienepreneur, dental hygiene consultant, is here to address any ideas or feedback you have!