Is your oral hygiene department still operating like it did ten years ago? Are your hygienists treating each patient the same way while expecting a different outcome? This can be tiresome for the hygienists and detrimental to patients. As a result, you may miss revenue goals for the practice. Furthermore, burnout can be made worse by a lack of success.

Although a comprehensive makeover could be necessary, let’s start small with a few simple adjustments. As a passionate dental hygiene consultant, I tell dentists that these ideas can be implemented quickly to gain improvements right away.

Empower Your Hygienist

The phrase “My dentist won’t let me do that” is one phrase that is an indication of a frustrating situation for hygienists. Instead, spend time exchanging ideas. In addition, consider how to combine billable procedures with as much patient interaction as possible. Then, periodically reevaluate those procedures. In addition, it’s important to empower your hygienist to make decisions and offer suggestions.

Diagnose Periodontal Disease

Any disease that is identified should have a treatment plan made with the patient, informed consent obtained, and appointments set. The dental hygienists’ assessment and critical thinking abilities are put to use, and billable services are provided for the practice. In addition, potential future litigation may be avoided.

Give Oral Hygiene Instruction

Any good dental hygiene consultant knows that the main preventive experts in any dentist office are dental hygienists. Most hygienists are knowledgeable about the most recent research on oral care products and can match patients with the best tools for achieving ideal oral hygiene. Getting people to a healthy level they want to keep up is important.

One of the challenges is how to charge for the time required to educate and encourage behavior change. This is definitely a billable procedure. Before patients actually alter their behavior, it may take some time and multiple steps. Therefore, taking time to educate them adequately is vital.

Some dentists think that insurance won’t pay for oral hygiene advice. However, based on risk analysis and evaluation, practitioners have a duty to notify patients of their dental needs. Practitioners must then collaborate with patients to create treatment regimens that fit their values and way of life. Also, don’t forget to record your patient interactions and advice in their charts.

A strong periodontal base is necessary for all dental work to succeed in the long run.

Keep Major Products in Stock

Having recommended products on hand complements an all-encompassing periodontal program. In addition, offering dental products at the workplace can encourage patients and save time. Patients are motivated because they understand how crucial it is to start things off right. They also start to care more about their dental health. Furthermore, in the office, patients can test the goods and receive instructions on how to use them properly.

Many manufacturers offer products at a discount to dental practices to aid in revenue generation. This is a good thing. The dental industry is commercial, and clients pay for knowledge. Saving time and promoting your practice can both be accomplished by offering extra services and by purchasing products.

What are you doing to improve your dental hygiene department?

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