Dental Hygiene Treatment | Dental Practice Solutions

A Dental Hygienists Guide to Treating Oral Inflammation

By: Debbie Seidel

September 26, 2023

Periodontal disease is a prevalent oral health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other systemic health problems.

In the battle to conquer this disease process, dental professionals employ various techniques and tools to provide effective treatment. One service that has revolutionized treatment of oral inflammation and one that has a significant result in our total health and well being is use of the soft tissue diode laser.

In this blog, we will explore how diode lasers are used in the treatment of periodontal disease, their effectiveness in targeting aerobic cells, and the ability to boost cellular mitochondria.

This blog will also explain the hygienist’s responsibility to determine health or disease in the oral cavity, how to sequence appointments when a patient has various levels of gingival inflammation and you will learn about the benefits of using soft tissue diode lasers.

At the end of reading this blog you will have information to help your patients better understand the importance of optimal oral health and how this will help them live a longer, healthier life!

Diagnosis of Gingivitis and Periodontitis:

The journey towards treating periodontal disease begins with a comprehensive examination of the oral cavity and a diagnosis. When your patient is seated in the chair for a dental hygiene preventive care appointment it’s imperative for the dental hygienist to evaluate for any abnormalities.

An annual comprehensive periodontal examination (CPE) must be performed at the beginning of a dental hygiene appointment to determine if the patient has active periodontal (“gum”) disease: Gingivitis or Periodontitis. Our goal is to determine optimal oral health.

When the dental hygienist recognizes generalized moderate to severe gingival inflammation, with or without radiographic bone loss, the hygienist and dentist will make a diagnosis for treatment of gingivitis or periodontitis.

When there is a diagnosis of generalized moderate to severe gingivitis or periodontitis, the clinician will properly plan a sequence of appointments to treat the disease which will also include scheduling a 4-6 week re-evaluation, to determine an end-point of the disease.

At the time of a diagnosis and when the patient has active gum disease, a sequence of appointments to treat the disease will be scheduled.

Periodontal Disease Etiology:

Bacterial plaque is the primary etiologic factor associated with periodontitis, yet there are several other variables that may place an individual at risk for developing disease. Two of these variables are clearly defined risk factors: tobacco smoking and diabetes.

Periodontitis is considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Periodontitis and diabetes (DM) have a two-way relationship. DM increases the risk of periodontitis, and severe periodontitis coexists with severe DM.

It’s mandatory for diabetic patients to receive adequate treatment for periodontitis.

The basic treatment modality for periodontitis is scaling and root planing. The conventional periodontal procedure includes scaling and root planing (SRP), which consists of debridement of contaminated root surfaces as well as the elimination of bacteria and their endotoxins from the cementum and from the adjacent periodontal tissues.

Scaling, root planing and curettage procedure creates a long junctional epithelium with no connective tissue attachment.

During the InitialAppointment, the Dental Hygienist Will:

Conduct a comprehensive oral health assessment with comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE). CPE includes measuring pocket depths, assessing bleeding upon probing, recording recession, mucogingival involvement, furcation, occlusal disease, etc.
Recent full mouth x-rays are used to determine the extent of disease.
Identify any contributing factors such as tobacco use, medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, RA, Crohn’s disease, etc, and/or poor oral hygiene habits.
Formulate an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patients specific needs.

The Role of Soft Tissue Diode Laser

Soft tissue diode lasers have become indispensable in modern dentistry, particularly in treating gingivitis and periodontal disease. Diode lasers emit specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by pigmented bacteria and inflamed tissues, making them highly effective in eradicating bad cells and promoting healing.

Soft Tissue Diode Laser Therapy

Let’s delve into how the soft tissue diode laser becomes a crucial component in the treatment of oral inflammation. Use of the diode laser targets the bacteria and inflamed tissues in the periodontal pockets.

Reduction of Inflammation: Diode lasers also promote the reduction of inflamed tissues, creating a more conducive environment for healing.
Stimulation of Mitochondria: Research suggests that diode laser therapy may stimulate the mitochondria of cells, enhancing their energy production and overall cellular health.

Practice Management/Communication Tip: “What happens inside the mouth transfers through the saliva and blood stream and eventually happens inside the body. Year after year of bleeding gums year after year, can create various systemic diseases such as: heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Low Birth Weight Babies, and even Alzheimer’s Disease, etc.”

The enhanced reduction of inflammation induced by laser therapy is also due to the effective bacterial reduction property of diode lasers. In previous research it was demonstrated that diode laser light at 805 nm eliminated Aggregatibacter actinomycetumcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontal pockets.

Lin et al, demonstrated that subgingival treatment with the diode laser effectively inhibited recolonization of A. actinomycetumcomitans for up to 28 days than in root planing.

Note. Read below about the end-point and re-evaluation appointment for more information on the importance of this 4-6 weeks re-evaluation appointment.

Pick et al. showed that diode laser light not only eliminates bacteria but also inactivates bacterial toxins diffused within root cementum. A study by Moritz et al. showed that Gram-negative species showed immediate structural damage when exposed to the laser. Diode laser at 810 nm causes bacterial damage without injury to periodontal tissues.

Soft Tissue Diode Laser Therapy Advantages:

Minimally invasive: It requires no incisions, minimizing patient discomfort and reducing the need for sutures.
Precision: The laser can precisely target infected areas, leaving healthy tissues unaffected.
Reduced healing time: Patients typically experience faster recovery compared to traditional methods.
Improved outcomes: Laser therapy can lead to better results and long-term periodontal health.

Re-Evaluation, Periodontal Maintenance, and End-Point

The final phase of Phase I therapy involves 4-6 weeks re-evaluation. This is also known as (in the case of using a CDT code) the patient’s 1st periodontal maintenance appointment.

This appointment is essential for long-term success in managing periodontal disease. The 4-6 week re-evaluation is very important because we must identify an end-point of the disease process.

When we see a physician for treatment of a disease there is always a re-evaluation appointment to be certain the disease process has ended.

In terms of treating dental patients, we will have the same sequence of appointments: re-evaluate to determine an end to the disease process. Only when you have a patient return after treatment of active disease can you can clearly determine the next interval for preventive care (Periodontal Maintenance).

Never do we treat disease and hope for a positive outcome. We must always have patients return for an evaluation to determine the state of the disease.

Our goal is to halt bleeding gums and gingival inflammation. Only when we know there is an end point to active gingival disease can we truly help our patients live a longer, healthier life!

The Dental Hygienist Will:

1. Complete the CPE

2. Determine if there is a halt of the disease process or if the patients will need referral to a periodontist, etc,

3. If periodontal disease is no longer in an active stage the hygienist will:

Complete LBR full mouth
Scale any new calculus
Polish
Re-cap mouth-body connection, perio process (episodic and cyclic, etc.), review homecare and
schedule regular follow-up preventive care appointments, typically every 3-4 months, to monitor periodontal (“gum”) health.

Conclusion

Periodontal disease is a chronic gingival disease in populations around the world. Treatment of this disease requires meticulous care and attention.

Soft tissue diode lasers have emerged as powerful tools in the battle against gingivitis and periodontal disease, offering precision, reduced invasiveness, and the potential to stimulate cellular mitochondria.

By following a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diagnosis, gross debridement, soft tissue diode laser therapy, scaling and root planing, end-point re-evaluation and ongoing maintenance, patients can achieve optimal total health.

Our overarching message to patients is that optimal oral health will help us live a longer, healthier life.

Do you have questions about this?

Would you like to learn more about treating gingivitis and periodontitis patients?

I have opened my calendar for 30 minute complimentary coaching sessions. Book yours today. Doctors and hygienists must be present for this un-interrupted 30 minutes!

BOOK HERE

Resources.

Löe H. Periodontal disease. The sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care. 1993;16:329–34. Accessed September 21, 2023.
Preshaw PM, Alba AL, Herrera D, Jepsen S, Konstantinidis A, Makrilakis K, et al. Periodontitis and diabetes: A two-way relationship. Diabetologia. 2012;55:21–31. Accessed September 21, 2023.
Adriaens PA, Edwards CA, De Boever JA, Loesche WJ. Ultrastructural observations on bacterial invasion in cementum and radicular dentin of periodontally diseased human teeth. J Periodontol. 1988;59:493–503. Accessed September 21, 2023.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci2015 Aug; 7(Suppl 2): S636–S642. doi https://tinyurl.com/LBRPTRDIODE . Accessed September 21, 2023.
Laser curettage as adjunct to SRP, compared to SRP alone, in patients with periodontitis and controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comparative clinical study. Accessed September 21, 2023.

Updates For Treating Oral Inflammation

By: Debbie Seidel

September 18, 2023

Periodontal disease, comprising gingivitis and periodontitis, is a common oral health issue affecting millions of people worldwide.1

As dental professionals, we play a vital role in managing and preventing this disease condition.

Our overarching reason for treating patients with oral inflammation, active gum disease, is because when we put a halt to oral inflammation and gingival diseases we can help our patients live a longer, healthier life.

This blog post will explore the latest research findings, treatment options, and effective prevention strategies for periodontal disease, including innovative approaches like Guided Biofilm Therapy and BioGaia ProBiotics.

This blog will also include sequencing of various appointments when treating oral inflammation.

Understanding Periodontal Disease:

Gum disease encompasses various conditions affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, including gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone.

The two primary forms are:

Gingivitis:

Gingivitis, a milder form of gum disease, features inflamed, red, and bleeding gums and no alveolar bone loss.
Accumulation of dental plaque, a biofilm of bacteria, and is often the cause of early gum disease.
This early sign of gum disease can also be associated with various systemic diseases as outlined below.
Gingivitis is often reversible with regular dental hygiene preventive care appointments, and proper home care routines.

Periodontitis:

Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease includes alveolar bone loss.
Often this begins with gingivitis and can be associated with other systemic diseases such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, various cancers, Crohns’ disease and even Alzheimer’s Disease.
The most common risk factor is tobacco use.
It involves more severe inflammation, gum recession, and radiographic bone loss.
Recent research suggests potential systemic health links, such as diabetes, stroke heart disease, etc. See the list of systemic diseases and research website link outlined below.

Latest Research on Periodontal Disease:

Recent studies have uncovered crucial insights into periodontal disease, offering a deeper understanding of its etiology, progression, and systemic connections:

- Microbiome and Dysbiosis: Research has highlighted the role of the oral microbiome in gum disease development. Understanding specific bacteria involved can inform targeted treatments.
- Inflammation and Systemic Health: Emerging evidence suggests the inflammation associated with periodontal disease may contribute to systemic health issues.
- Dental professionals must consider the systemic links to gingival diseases during patient assessments and share this important message to help patients “live a longer, healthier life with optimal oral health.”

Treatment Options for Oral Inflammation:

Dentists and dental hygienists employ various approaches to treat gingival and periodontal diseases, tailored to its severity such as:

Gingivitis Treatment: Indicated for patients with generalized moderate to severe inflammation in the absence of radiographic bone loss.

Scaling and Root Planing: Indicated for patients with radiographic bone loss, and moderate to severe gingival inflammation.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): GBT focuses not only on prevention and maintenance of gingival, periodontal and peri-implant diseases in adults but is also the only proven protocol to manage biofilm around orthodontics and in non-surgical periodontal treatment. 2

This therapy utilizes an E.M.S. Electro Medical System.

1.Diode Laser:

Can reduce bacterial load without the side effects of antibiotics. There are clinical advantages for use of the diode laser therapy in the reduction of subgingival bacteria—the etiology of periodontitis. Evidence suggests that lasers can be bactericidal to subgingival pathogens. 3

2. Antibiotics: Dentists may prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline. Dental hyginists may use sub-dose microspheres of Arestin® (minocycline HCl), subgingivally, and/or antimicrobial mouth rinses during home care to manage inflammation and infection.

3. End-Point Therapy/Re-Evaluation:

Every patient who is treated for generalized moderate to severe inflammation, with or without radiographic bone loss will also have a follow-up appointment to re-evaluate the condition of this inflammation.

At the re-evaluation you will complete a comprehensive periodontal exam (CPE). This must include pocket depths, recession, bleeding, mucogingival involvement, furcations, etc.

You will use diode laser, ultrasonics, GBT, scale, polish (No need to polish when GBT is initiated), review of oral-systemic link & perio process ending with an update or continuation of homecare. When there is a halt of the disease process and no active gum disease is present you will determine the interval your patient will return for preventive care.

If your patient returns and active gum disease exists, you will refer to step 1 of this sequence of care.

For a gingivitis patient, you will refer the patient to their PCP for a full blood panel to rule out any systemic diseases; most common may be diabetes, high-cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

The patient will be scheduled to return for re-evaluation in 6 weeks and repeat the above listed protocol. See the above 1st step in treating gingivitis.

In the case of your periodontal patient, who returns with active disease, you will, 1. Re-treat these affected areas (see step 1 of the treatment plan) of active disease and according to each individual’s risk factors and perio status, you will refer to a periodontist for evaluation.

The purpose of this re-evaluation- (Purpose of an “end point” assessment is to be certain there is a halt of the gingival inflammation.

After therapy If we schedule a patient for three or six months without six weeks re-evaluation to check the “endpoint” of the disease, it’s possible that when the patient does return in three months of six months, active disease will progress to a more serious condition which will ultimately affect the patient’s total health and well-being. 4

End point therapy is considered the end of Phase I therapy.

Innovative Treatment Approaches:

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT):

GBT is a cutting-edge approach that uses advanced technology and devices to target and remove dental biofilm more effectively.
It utilizes air-polishing devices to dislodge biofilm from tooth surfaces and below the gumline, improving treatment outcomes.
This therapy is non-invasive, a great way to show patients where they are missing with their toothbrush and floss. You can also disclose to show acidic plaque, etc. Pain Free enamel-safe, plaque removal and a great way to inspire patients to “own their disease.”

Show patients what you see (Biofilm) because “seeing is believing!:”

BioGaia ProBiotics:

BioGaia ProBiotics are beneficial bacteria applied topically to the oral cavity to restore and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
Research is ongoing, but preliminary studies suggest potential benefits in preventing and managing gum disease. 5

Effective Prevention Strategies:

Preventing periodontal disease is paramount, and as dental professionals we can guide patients using these preventive measures:

Oral Hygiene Education: Emphasize proper brushing, flossing, and the use of antimicrobial mouthwash.
Routine Dental Hygiene Appointments: Stress the importance of routine dental visits for professional preventive care and early detection of gum disease.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Educate and share information about tobacco cessation as necessary, maintain a balanced diet. Share information about systemic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s Disease, which can exacerbate gum disease.

Conclusion:

Periodontal disease remains a significant oral health challenge, but ongoing research and evolving treatment modalities offer hope for improved patient outcomes. Dental professionals must stay informed about the latest developments to provide the best possible patient care.

Innovative approaches like Guided Biofilm Therapy and BioGaia ProBiotics show promise by enhancing treatment and prevention efforts. By working together, dental professionals and patients can effectively combat gum disease and our patients can live a longer, healthier life.

Our overarching message to patients is that optimal oral health leads to a longer-healthier life.

References.

Americans with Perio Disease. https://bit.ly/3PgUuI5 Accessed on September 15, 2015.
Guided Biofilm Therapy. https://www.ems-dental.com/en/guided-biofilm-therapy Accessed on September 18, 2023.
Effects of Diode Laser and mitochondria. https://bit.ly/LBRMitochondria Accessed September 18, 2023.
End Point Therapy. https://tinyurl.com/AAPEndPt See page 557. Accessed on September 18, 2023.
BioGaia ProBiotics. https://tinyurl.com/BIOGIA Accessed on September 18, 2023.

For more information about this consider a complimentary 30 minutes coaching session with Debbie Seidel Bittke, Founder and CEO of Dental Practice Solutions.

Click here to book your coaching session.

Effective Strategies for Dental Hygiene Patient Reactivation and Retention

By: Debbie Seidel

August 31, 2023

Maintaining a steady stream of patients is crucial for any dental practice’s success. One of the most valuable segments of your patient base is those seeking dental hygiene services.

This blog will guide you through effective strategies to reactivate and retain dental hygiene patients, ensuring the growth and profitability of your practice.

1. Segment Your Patient List: Start by segmenting your patient list into different categories, such as active, inactive, and overdue patients. This will help you find the best patients to contact first.
Personalized Communication: First begin with a personal phone call to the patients best contact phone number.

When patients don’t answer your phone call (Which happens often!) do leave a very brief message with your name and office phone number.
- Your message will sound something like this:
  - “Hello (Patient Name), This is Angie calling from ABC Smiles about your dental appointment, please give me a call back at (Your office #). Thank you and have a great day!
- Why this brief message?
  - Your goal is to get patients to return your call and #2 is HIPAA compliance. You don’t want to leave any personal information.
- Next is to text patients who have not answered their phone.
  - People are most likely to see a text message faster than listen to a voicemail message.
- Your text message will appear like this:
  - Hello (Patient Name), please contact our office at your earliest convenience. We miss you and hope to talk to you soon. Then sign your office information and include your office phone number.
When patients don’t respond to your text message do send an email. In your email you should send content that is valuable.
- It works well to send video content. Possibly a video created by the dental hygienist talking about why preventive care is important and then add a message to click a link and call to schedule their hygiene appointment.
- If you have patients who need to schedule for gum treatment find a video message (find this inside your patient engagement software) and add this to your email.
  - In the subject line be sure to add [Video] and a few more words that you believe add value to your patients so they will call and schedule their appointment.
- If you are open to having patients schedule online it will work well for hygiene preventive care appointments to click and schedule.
  - Be sure you have blocked out hygiene appointments that are specific to preventive care on your hygiene schedule.
If all else fails, send a letter to the patient with a place where they can check off why they are not scheduling and enclose a SASE so they can send back a reason why they are not scheduling. Inside your letter have them let you know (add a checklist so they can easily respond) they won’t be returning to your office.
- This has worked well for patients who are overdue by 18 months or more. Some patients will call your office immediately and let you know the exact reason they are not scheduling.
- Many patients will tell you they want their records transferred. This is a great way to eliminate patients in your database that won’t be coming back. Edit these patients and mark them as inactive.

Send Reminders and Offers: Utilize email and SMS reminders for upcoming dental hygiene appointments. Offer special discounts or promotions to incentivize patients to return. Limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency.

This one thing has worked very well to keep patients on your schedule. The entire system helps to add more new patients and will grow your cosmetic cases. To learn more about this, I have added a link at the end of this blog so you can learn more.

Social Media Engagement: Use your practice’s social media platforms to engage with patients. Share oral hygiene tips, success stories, and showcase your team. Share specific incentives here. Encourage patients to follow your accounts for updates and useful information.
Educational Content: Create blog posts or videos about the importance of regular dental hygiene – preventive care visits. Address common concerns and dispel myths. Educated patients are more likely to prioritize their oral health.
Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program where patients earn rewards for consistent hygiene visits. Rewards can range from discounts on future visits to free dental products. Check that link at the end of this blog to learn more about this ONE THING,
Surveys for Feedback: Send out surveys to understand patient preferences and areas for improvement. Use their feedback to enhance the patient experience and show that you value their opinions. Ask patients to give you 5 Star Google Reviews. This will help you with SEO and more new patients will find your office.
Flexible Scheduling: Offer flexible appointment scheduling options, including evenings and weekends. This can accommodate patients with busy schedules, making it easier for them to commit to regular visits. If you’re a new office you will do well if you offer evening and weekend appointments.
Telehealth Consultations: Introduce virtual consultations for dental hygiene advice and quick check-ins. This can foster a sense of care and accessibility, encouraging patients to stay connected.

They say there is a big economic decline ahead of us. We don’t want to run business around fear but there are so many valuable ways to use Telehealth Consultations and in the One Thing (See link below) you can use this via Telehealth appointments.

Showcase Patient Results: With patient consent, share before-and-after photos showcasing the positive outcomes of regular dental hygiene visits. This visual evidence can motivate patients to maintain their oral health. Share these on your social media posts and also have a portfolio on a coffee table in your office to show off case studies and your awesome dentistry!
Stay Updated with Technology: Invest in dental technology that enhances the patient experience, such as digital records, online appointment booking, and chairside education tools. We recommend various apps such as Dental intel to track KPI’s and help the team drive your productivity.

We also recommend patient engagement videos to easily send emails with videos and sms messages. See our list of recommendations at the end of this blog.

Create a Referral Program: Encourage current patients to refer friends and family by offering referral rewards. Word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly boost patient acquisition.

Conclusion.

Reactivating and retaining dental hygiene patients requires a combination of personalized communication, engaging content, and strategic initiatives. By implementing these strategies, you can strengthen patient relationships, foster loyalty, and ensure the long-term profitability of your dental practice.

Remember, a healthy patient-dental practice relationship is built on trust, excellent care, and consistent communication.

Resources.

1.Dental Intel. #1 ranked KPI System. Please contact us here for a discount and One Free Month. In your message write: Dental Intel Info

2. Patient Engagement. Click here and find out more about this #1 rated system

3. Discover your hygiene departments true potential. Schedule Here

Enhancing Case Acceptance for Improved Cosmetic Dentistry: A Proven Approach

By: Debbie Seidel

August 28, 2023

Cosmetic dentistry has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, empowering dentists to offer patients a dazzling smile transformation. However, even with these advancements, the challenge of case acceptance remains. Effectively conveying the value of cosmetic treatments and addressing patients’ desires requires a strategic approach.

In this blog post, we will delve into two crucial steps that can significantly elevate case acceptance rates: understanding patients’ smile aspirations and providing comprehensive information. Additionally, we’ll explore how offering an eBook on Creating a Celebrity Smile can be a powerful tool for engaging patients.

Step 1: Understand Your Patients’ Smile Aspirations

A cornerstone of successful case acceptance in cosmetic dentistry is understanding the unique desires of each patient. Dental professionals must go beyond the technicalities and tap into patients’ emotional connections to their smiles. Here’s how to effectively achieve this:

Active Listening: During consultations, allocate ample time for patients to express their thoughts and expectations. Dental hygienists and dentists must actively listen and ask open-ended questions to gain insights into what aspects of their smiles bother them and what they envision as their ideal smiles. Ask each patient how they want their smile to look like.
Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids such as smile portfolios, before-and-after photos, and digital smile simulations. These tools help patients visualize the potential outcomes of various treatments and enable them to articulate their preferences more clearly.
Empathy: Show genuine empathy towards patients’ concerns. Recognize the emotional impact their smile issues might be having on their self-esteem and overall confidence. This empathetic approach fosters trust and establishes a stronger dentist-patient rapport.

Step 2: Provide Comprehensive Information

Transparent communication is paramount in fostering patient trust and driving case acceptance. Dentists should ensure that patients are well-informed about the treatment process, benefits, and expected outcomes. Here’s how to achieve this:

Clear Explanation: Break down complex dental terminology into simple language that patients can understand. Clearly explain the recommended procedures, detailing the steps involved, potential discomfort, and recovery periods. Say phrases like, “Gum disease” vs. Periodontal disease, “Bleeding” vs. nothing at all. Say, “Preventive Care Appointment” or “Hygiene Appointment” vs. Cleaning, etc.
Visual Aids (Again): Visual aids aren’t just valuable in understanding patients’ desires; they are equally important in explaining treatment procedures. Presenting treatment plans visually can demystify the process and make patients more comfortable with their decisions.
Case Studies: Share real-life case studies of patients who have undergone similar cosmetic treatments. Highlight the transformations and positive experiences of these patients to demonstrate the tangible benefits of the proposed treatments.
Financial Transparency: Discuss the cost of treatments upfront, including any potential payment plans or financing options. Patients are more likely to commit to a treatment plan when they have a clear understanding of the financial aspects.

Step 3: Understand Your Patient Desires

The 1st step is to understand what your patients smile desires. Ask them open ended questions.

Use a smile evaluation and/or smile simulation which will greatly enhance patient engagement and case acceptance.

I created an eBook titled “Increase Cosmetic Cases and Grow Your Dental Practice” and this can serve as a powerful tool to increase case acceptance. Many dentists come to me asking to increase the number of cosmetic cases. If this sounds like you, I created this eBook and it speaks to this ONE THING which has proven over many years to increase cosmetic cases, grows new patient numbers and keeps patients returning to your dental office.

What you can expect to learn reading this eBook (link to Ebook below):

Informed Decision-Making: This eBook can dives into the world of cosmetic dentistry, explaining different treatment options, potential challenges, and how to more easily get patients to want cosmetic dental services. You will learn how to simplify this process. No need to overthink cosmetic case acceptance. This ONE THING will make it much easier for patients to want a smile upgrade.
Expert Authority: Discover how to build credibility in your community for patient searching for a brighter smile. Get more patients to call your office and when they do meet you, instill confidence in the patients seeking cosmetic treatments.
The Strategy: This ONE THING that will keep patients returning to your dental office. This One Thing will grow New Patient Numbers. This ONE THING will create raving fans and keep patients returning to your office.

Conclusion

Achieving higher case acceptance rates in cosmetic dentistry requires a dual approach: understanding patients’ smile aspirations and providing comprehensive, transparent information. By actively listening to patients’ desires, utilizing visual aids, and empathizing with their concerns, dentists can foster trust and rapport.

Clear, motivational communication, visual aids, smile simulations, showing case studies, and offering financial transparency, all contribute to well-informed decision-making on the patients’ end.

By combining these steps, dentists can navigate the intricate landscape of cosmetic dentistry case acceptance successfully, ultimately helping patients achieve the smiles they’ve always dreamed of.

Grab this eBook and learn this ONE THING that will have more cosmetic cases scheduled. Once you start to read the eBook, over the next 30 days I will be sharing various tools to support your case acceptance and schedule more value per patient appointment. LINK TO EBOOK

eBook LINK

Resource about Communication and Motivational Interviewing.

Check the YOUTUBE Videos about Motivational Interviewing.

One example of motivational interviewing (Communication to motivate your patient) is this video.

Maximizing Dental Hygiene Department Production: Key Strategies

By: Debbie Seidel

August 22, 2023

Maintaining a successful dental practice involves more than just delivering quality dental care; it also requires effective management and a keen understanding of the industry’s evolving trends. In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, dentists are constantly seeking ways to boost production and enhance various systems, and services especially in your dental hygiene department.

As our dental profession evolves, the dental hygiene department becomes more and more important to patient care and your dental practice growth. In this blog, we will delve into the topic that will elevate your dental hygiene department’s productivity and overall success.

The Digital Revolution in Dental Hygiene

The advent of digital technology has transformed many aspects of dentistry, and the dental hygiene department is no exception. Dentists are increasingly exploring digital tools such as iTero, etc., to streamline operations and improve patient care.

One of the key areas where digital innovation is making a significant impact is patient communication and education.

Incorporating interactive tools like digital scans, intra-oral cameras, and educational videos can empower patients to take charge of their oral health. Making the patient part of their treatment plan and the discovery about what is happening in their mouth makes case acceptance much easier.

Through technology and various tools you can educate patient you boost patient engagement and the ability to “want the care they need.” This will also help you get patients to continue returning to your office.

A high-level of patient engagement builds trust and trust means patients are more likely to accept your care and return for future appointments.

Telehealth and Virtual Consultations

Another emerging trend that dentists are exploring to enhance their dental hygiene department is tele-health consultations. This innovative approach allows dental hygienists to connect with patients remotely, providing consultations, answering questions, and offering guidance on oral health routines.

Tele-health can be a great way to meet potential new patients and hygienists can offer post-op care to their patients more easily.

Consider using tele-health to meet new patients, especially patients who may be fearful about going to a dental appointment. You can also do a dental exam to assess a patients smile, maybe assess their shade when patients are interested in teeth whitening services.

Check out the Smile Club which will allow you to virtually assess a patients shade and they can now come by your office, register for the Smile Club, hopefully feel more comfortable to schedule a new patient appointment. The Smile Club uses Celebrity Smiles teeth whitening and patients leave with their whitening kit that same day.

There are no impressions, trays to make, etc, etc. Your ROI can be huge when you use tele-health for cosmetic dentistry initial exams.

Tele-health allows you to reach a wider audience, ultimately boosting production by catering to different patient preferences.

Data-Driven Analytics

Data driven analytics is rapidly transforming our dental profession is no different. Dentists are recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making to optimize their dental hygiene department’s productivity. By harnessing the power of patient data, practices can gain insights into patient behaviors, treatment preferences, and patterns in oral health issues.

What matters to you will always get measured. Without looking at what is working and not working you can never assess you future success potential.

Ultimately, data-driven decision-making can enhance patient satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and increased referrals.

Continuing Education and Dental Hygiene Department Training

As a dental professional you most likely understand that the expertise of the dental hygiene team directly impacts the success of the hygiene department. Investing in continuing education and training for dental hygienists is a strategy that dentists are actively pursuing to boost production.

Staying updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene techniques, innovative tools, technologies and time saving systems, ensures that dental hygienists can provide the highest level of care to their patients.

Moreover, skilled and knowledgeable hygienists are more likely to spot early signs of dental disease and any abnormalities. They know how to more easily and effectively educate patients, performing more than just a cleaning.

All of the above contribute to improved patient outcomes and loyalty for patients to return to your dental office.

Collaboration and Workflow Optimization

Collaboration within the dental practice is essential for efficient operations and patient satisfaction. Dentists are recognizing that a streamlined workflow between the dental hygiene department and other areas of the dental practice, such as scheduling, billing, and treatment planning for improved case acceptance, can significantly impact overall productivity.

Implementing strategic and time-saving solutions facilitate seamless communication between the various areas of your dental practice.

Optimizing your current systems will eliminate bottlenecks, reduce last-minute cancellations, and enhance the patient experience. When different aspects of your dental practice work in harmony, this translates into more patient appointments, an optimized patient schedule, higher production without running on a treadmill and an overall positive impression of the practice.

Conclusion

Our dental industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and most dentists are proactively seeking strategies to boost production and enhance various departments. The dental hygiene department, in particular, plays a crucial role in patient care and practice growth.

By embracing the latest technology, incorporating tele-health, making data-driven decisions, investing in continuing education, and optimizing collaboration, dentists can elevate their dental hygiene department’s productivity and provide exceptional patient care.

Staying attuned to the latest trends and innovations in dentistry ensures that dentists remain competitive and capable of meeting the evolving needs of their patients. As the landscape continues to evolve, dental practices that embrace these strategies are well-positioned to thrive in the ever-changing world of oral healthcare.

If you found this blog valuable and if you are curious about how you can optimize your dental hygiene department and boost production more easily, schedule a complimentary discovery call. This will only cost you time. Time can be a valuable asset when you have a goal that becomes your next level of success.

Schedule your call here.

Can’t find a time on the calendar? Please send us a message here with a day and time that does work.

Mastering Hygiene Patient-Doctor Exams: 5 Steps to Boost Case Acceptance

By: Debbie Seidel

August 14, 2023

One dental practice goal is to provide comprehensive care to every patient. The dental hygiene patient-doctor exam is a crucial opportunity to assess your patient’s oral health, discuss treatment options, and foster a strong patient-dentist relationship.

Dental hygienists, you can boost case acceptance by building a strong foundation during the first part of each dental hygiene appointment.

In this blog, you will learn five steps to effectively complete the hygiene patient-doctor exam, ensuring your patients receive the utmost care and attention they deserve.

The bottom line is a boost in your case acceptance and keeping patients returning to your dental office.

Step 1: Review the patient’s clinical record.

Before seating patients, at the beginning of the day, it’s imperative to gather your team for a quick team huddle.

Before the team huddle begins, hygienists must thoroughly review notes in each patient’s clinical record and during the team huddle, they must communicate important patient information about patients being seen that day.

This does not mean flipping through patient charts or scanning the online schedule! *Preparation before the team huddle is imperative to make this an efficient huddle.

Every team member comes to the morning huddle prepared to communicate important information. Coming prepared means your huddle will take approximately ten minutes.

If you are not currently holding morning team huddles this will take practice. You must have a huddle strategy and you will create a quick huddle and the result is an amazing day! Think less stress and more productivity!

** Time Management Example

Example of huddle hygienist communication:

Any health issues the team should be aware of? Ex: pre-med? Etc.
Does the patient need X-rays today?
1. What type of x-rays do they need?
What type of exam is the patient scheduled for?
1. Comprehensive exam (more than a quick 5 mins exam)
2. Periodic exam
Does the patient have unscheduled restorative needs?
Etc.

Step 2: Seat and greet the patient:

This is a time for rapport and discovering what the patient wants their smile to look like.

Does the patient have any areas of concern?
If the patient has unscheduled treatment, this is a great time to use motivational interviewing to discover how you can get the patient to schedule for necessary care.

This is your time to review the medical history, ask about surgeries, new medications, etc. See the above image. During the first 15-20 minutes of the hygiene appointment, this is your time to collect all the important data.

Always explain to the patient what they can expect during their time in your chair.

Make your patient a part of the data collection and treatment process. This also alleviates any confusion around what they are seating in your chair for.

True story! Once I started teaching this one thing, patients were stating they thought they were coming to the office for “A” when they were scheduled for “Z”!

Examples of data collection: RMH, blood pressure screening, “cavity detecting x-rays”, “gum exam using a ruler to look for any abnormalities of the gums”, etc., etc.

Step 3: Treatment planning.

Show the patient any abnormalities you discover during the exam process. Use an intra-oral camera or an iTero scan to show patients what is happening in their mouth and with their total health. Collaborate with your patient. Make them part of the process.

Now is the time to communicate the risks and benefits for accepting your care. Explain if, and when your patient does have oral inflammation, that inflammation (“gingivitis and gum inflammation”) can cause other systemic diseases such as stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Use words that are descriptive and easy for the patient to understand what is happening in their mouth.

Examples of words to use: inflammation, infection, bleeding, pus, hole, bacteria, prevention, gum disease, etc.

Step 4: Timing of the hygiene patient-doctor exam

At about 30 minutes into a sixty-minute hygiene appointment, the hygienist should have completed all the patient assessments and reviewed a plan of care with the patient.

This is the perfect time for the hygiene patient-doctor exam. There is no need to wait until the end of a dental hygiene appointment to complete the patient exam.

Refer to step 1. The morning huddle is the best time to orchestrate which hygiene patients need an exam and the doctors assistant knows ahead of time when they will direct/lead the doctor in to the hygiene room for an exam.

The doctor’s assistants are responsible for guiding the doctor to be where they need to be, when they need to be there. Think about hygienists as the air traffic controllers.

Example: The doctor is prepping a crown and waits for an impression. The assistant will direct doctor to complete the hygiene patient exam while the assistant is finishing up the impressions.

Step 5: Doctor-hygiene patient exam process

Collaboration is one key to building trust and accomplishing patient engagement. When the doctor walks into the hygiene treatment room to complete the patient exam, it’s possible the hygienist is polishing or scaling the patient’s teeth.

At this point, the hygienist will move to the side of the patient and bring the doctor into the loop of what has been discussed, etc.

Example: What did the hygienist discover during the seat and greet with their patient? Maybe Mrs. Jones is going to Europe for vacation next week. This is all part of rapport. Personal connection builds trust and patient loyalty.

The hygienist will report to the doctor all that has been completed up to this point and what the patient will return for in the future.

Example when doctor enters to do the hygiene patient exam: “Hi Doctor Good Tooth, I just found out that Mrs. Jones is going to Europe for six weeks this summer!

Doctor can respond as they are washing their hands, putting on their gloves, etc.

We reviewed her medical history and there are no changes, no significant findings. I asked her about one thing she would like to improve about her smile and she said she wants to whiten her teeth!

Doctor can respond as they are looking around the patients mouth.

I told her about our new Smile Club and she would like to get started whitening today! We checked her blood pressure and it’s great! It was 120/70. I completed an oral abnormality screening and her hard and soft tissues look healthy. Next, we checked the health of her gums and we did talk about a few areas of inflammation and bleeding. I am going to review her floss technique and next time she returns I think these areas will be much healthier.

Doctor can respond as appropriate.

Next time she returns in six months for her preventive care with me, she will need a full series of the x-rays and I will have her see you for a comprehensive exam in six months. I think that everything else looks great!”

Doctor can now look at the patient and respond accordingly.

Do you see how this communication can be completed while the doctor is visually looking around the patient’s mouth?
The hygienist made this super simple for the doctor to sit down, look in the patient’s mouth, have a quick, run conversation about Mrs. Jones’ trip to Europe and then the doctor is gone!

No one is waiting for the hygiene patient exam to be completed. The doctor left in five minutes to return and complete that prep patient in their other room and the hygienist finished up the patient on time.

**See above image which shows an example of how the hygienist can facilitate ease of the doctor- hygiene patient exam to increase case acceptance.

Conclusion:

Effectively completing the hygiene patient-doctor exam requires a seamless transition from the dental hygienist’s initial assessment to the treatment discussion.

By following these five steps—pre-planning patient care at the beginning of each day (the team huddle), simple discovery sessions between the hygienist and patient, treatment planning using visual aids prior to the hygiene patient–doctor exam, breaking down the words into what the patient understands and then using those same words during the doctor-patient exam, means you will more efficiently and effectively engage your patients to ensure they receive the highest level of care.

Remember, this approach enhances patient satisfaction and contributes to a thriving dental practice built on trust. This will allow patients to be in charge of their care.

This is one important method to get patients to “want what they need.”

Breaking down the words you use when communicating with patients and having everyone on the team use the same words will build trust, and help patients understand the value for completing necessary care- even preventive care.

The bottom line is happy patients, a boost in case acceptance and patient retention in your dental practice.

If you would like to learn more about integrating this process or other systems to optimize your hygiene department schedule a complimentary discovery call here.

Elevate Dental Practice Success: Unleash the Power of a Smile Evaluation

By: Debbie Seidel

August 9, 2023

In the fast-evolving world of dentistry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for maintaining a successful dental practice. One area that holds immense potential for boosting production and patient satisfaction is smile evaluations. By incorporating a smile evaluation for every dental patient you actively engage patients to understand their desired smile.

This increases the dentist’s opportunity to transform more patient smiles by doing veneers, implants, crowns, bridges, and even replacing old composites. It may be as simple as your patient asking to have whiter brighter teeth.

Today’s blog will share tips about understanding your patient’s desires for their smile and how to more easily move patients from routine services into high-end cosmetic care.

You will also discover how to enhance patient loyalty and increase the overall value of each patient long term.

The Power of a Smile Evaluation

A smile evaluation is more than just a clinical assessment; it’s a personalized journey that allows dentists to understand their patients’ unique desires and goals. The process involves a comprehensive analysis of a patient’s dental structure, facial features, and aesthetic preferences.

Your smile evaluation can be as simple as a brief questionnaire that asks patients to answer simple questions and tell you how they feel about their smile. You can also complete a smile evaluation by asking every patient as you are seating them in the treatment room,

“What is one thing we can do today that will leave you feeling better than ever about your smile?”

Notice this is an open ended question and not a yes or no answer from your patient.

If you have the technology available cutting-edge technology like digital imaging and 3D modeling, allow hygienists to use this and during the doctor-hygiene exam the dentist can visually demonstrate the potential outcomes of various treatments, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.

Engage Patients During The Smile Transformation

One of the keys to increase your value per patients is to engage your patient in their dental experience. Asking patients what they want their smile to look like not only fosters a sense of partnership but also allows dentists to tailor treatment plans to meet their patients’ specific aesthetic preferences. This collaborative approach enhances patient satisfaction, as individuals feel heard and valued throughout their dental journey.

Actively involving patients in the decision-making process leads to greater acceptance of comprehensive treatment plans. Patients who have a clear vision of their desired smile are more likely to commit to multiple procedures, contributing to increased production for the dental office.

Understanding Patient Dynamics

It’s important to acknowledge that the landscape of dental patient loyalty is changing. Current data reveals that patients typically don’t remain with a dental office for more than 10 years. This dynamic highlights the importance of consistently delivering exceptional patient experiences and demonstrating the value of long-term care.

While a patient’s tenure may be limited, the potential value they bring to a dental practice over a decade is substantial. With an average expenditure of $10,000 over 10 years, each patient represents a significant revenue stream. This is why maximizing the value of each patient is crucial for long-term practice success.

Increasing the Value of Production Per Patient

Now, let’s address the pivotal question: How can a dental office increase the value of production for each patient?

- Personalized Treatment Plans: Taylor treatment plans to address patients’ specific needs and desires not only improves patient satisfaction but also encourages them to pursue comprehensive procedures that lead to higher production value.

Communication and Education: Effective communication is the cornerstone of patient engagement. Explaining treatment options, procedures, and potential outcomes in clear, jargon-free language helps patients make informed decisions, fostering trust and loyalty.
Break it down into words your patient easily understands.

Use words and phrases such as: infection, inflammation, bleeding, hole, pus, etc, etc.

- Technology Integration: Embrace technology like digital smile simulations and intraoral cameras empowers patients to visualize their potential transformations. This interactive experience creates excitement and encourages patients to explore a range of treatments.
- Long-Term Relationship Building: While dental patients may not remain in the same dental office for decades, building strong relationships during their time with your dental practice can lead to referrals and positive online reviews. These factors contribute to new patient acquisition and increased production.
- Membership Plans and Preventive Care: Offering membership plans that include preventive care services can incentivize patients to stay committed to their dental health. The Smile Club can be included as an add-on or upgrade to your current patient membership plans.
- These plans can result in consistent revenue streams while reducing the need for reactive, costly dental care.

Patient Education Materials: Providing patients with educational materials, both in-person and digitally, ensures they have the information needed to maintain their oral health between visits. Empowered patients are more likely to invest in their dental well-being.
Continuing Education for the Dental Team: Equip the dental team with the latest knowledge and communication skills to ensure a consistent and exceptional patient experience. Well-informed team members can effectively explain specific dental treatment and the value of ongoing care.

Make sure every team member can speak easily about the benefits of prevention and how this does cost a little money but treating disease is very expensive. Today’s dental profession is all about creating optimal oral health. Optimal oral health leads to a longer, healthier life.

Every team member must be able to share this important message. This message leaves patients with a feeling of kindness and caring about them as a human not pursestrings!

In conclusion, integrating smile evaluations and actively involving patients in their smile transformations can significantly enhance production and patient loyalty.

By adapting to changing patient dynamics, providing personalized experiences, and leveraging technology, dental practices can increase the value of each patient over the long term. Remember, a patient’s smile journey is not just about dental procedures—it’s about creating a positive impact that resonates for years to come.

Dental Practice Solutions has a dental patient reward loyalty system that uses teeth whitening as a “carrot.” Patients are screened with a smile evaluation and given an opportunity to express what they want their smile to look like. 70% of your adult patients, when asked what they want their smile to look like, will respond they want “Whiter teeth!”

You now enroll your patients into The Smile Club which has a nominal fee. Once enrolled, patients understand they must pre-schedule all routine hygiene appointments and call at least 48 hours in advance when they need to change an appointment. When patients are enrolled in the Smile Club and follow the guidelines, at their routine hygiene appointments, they receive one complimentary whitening pen.

At the initial enrollment they leave with a teeth whitening kit. This is an LED blue and red light Cool Light technology mouthpiece with shade guide and a whitening pen. You buy dental grade professional whitening products at wholesale. These products were created by Dental Practice Solutions founder, Debbie Seidel-Bittke. You save an pass along the savings to your patients.

*Teeth whitening is a 6 BILLION Dollar industry but most people are buying their teeth whitening online or in a retail store. Why not ride the wave and tap into this huge profit center in your dental practice?

Ask me how to create a 100k annual net profit center around teeth whitening plust the turn-key system will grow your new patient numbers, increase cosmetic dental services and reduces those last minute cancellations.

Currently, the web portal of information about implementing this patient loyalty-rewards system is no-cost when you click the link here.

Reference.

* Teeth Whitening Market Outlook: https://bit.ly/10BILby2026

Improving Dental Hygiene Patient Compliance: Strategies and Benefits

By: Debbie Seidel

August 2, 2023

As dental professionals, we understand the significance of maintaining optimal oral health. A well-maintained dental hygiene department not only ensures patient satisfaction but also contributes to the overall success of a dental practice. One crucial aspect that directly impacts patient outcomes is patient compliance with oral hygiene and treatment recommendations.

In this blog, we will delve into effective strategies to improve dental hygiene patient compliance, leading to enhanced productivity and patient loyalty. By implementing these techniques, you can create a thriving dental hygiene department in your practice and, ultimately, ensure the best possible oral health for your patients.

The Importance of Patient Compliance

Patient compliance refers to the extent where patients adhere to prescribed oral care routines and follow recommended dental hygiene practices. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of dental professionals, many patients struggle with maintaining consistent oral hygiene habits. What we say goes in one ear and out the other.

This lack of compliance can lead to various oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and numerous systemic conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimers, etc, etc. As a dental professional, addressing and improving patient compliance is a pivotal step in promoting preventive dentistry and long-term overall health.

Effective Communication

Clear and concise communication with patients plays a crucial role in improving compliance. Dentists and dental hygienists must take the time to educate patients about the importance of good oral hygiene and how it directly affects their total health. Utilizing visual aids such as charts, diagrams, and videos can enhance patient understanding and make oral health recommendations more relatable.

Encourage patients to ask questions and address any concerns they might have regarding their oral care routine. Use motivational interviewing which is an effective way to talk with patients. This is an evidence-based approach to help your patients accept the care they need. *See the reference below in references for more information about Motivational Interviewing.

Personalized Care Plans

Every patient’s dental needs are unique. Tailoring dental hygiene plans to each individual patient can greatly enhance patient compliance. Conduct thorough assessments of their oral health, including systemic risk factors and previous dental history, to create personalized treatment plans. Engaging patients in the process and discussing their specific needs fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their oral health, increasing the likelihood of compliance.

Let patients know what exams and assessments you are completing. Always make them a part of your assessments. Collaboration is key if you want your patients to “own their disease.”

**See above image for time management strategies to help the dental hygienist “Complete it all!”

Establishing Realistic Goals

Setting achievable oral health goals is vital in maintaining patient motivation and compliance. Collaborate with patients to set specific, measurable, and realistic objectives that align with their oral health needs. Understand where they are in their world and help them determine what they will commit to implementing outside your treatment room. Break down the goals into smaller milestones and celebrate their achievements, reinforcing positive behavior and commitment to their dental hygiene routine.

Utilizing Technology

Incorporating technology into your daily schedule can significantly improve patient compliance. Implement reminder systems through emails, text messages, or automated calls to prompt patients about upcoming appointments, follow-ups, and oral care routines. Discover fun ways to track your patients oral hygiene progress, and make this interactive for your patients.

It’s important to monitor your patients oral and total health. Show patients their progress. Congratulate them. Find ways to make oral hygiene changes feel good for your patient and create positive experiences.

Talking about technology, does your dental practice offer patients full-mouth scans, soft-tissue diode lasers and guided biofilm therapy options?

These are leading-edge technologies that will greatly benefit your patients oral health, reducing inflammation and will become great practice builders. Stay on top of the latest technologies that can assist in creating total wellness for your patients.

Emphasize Preventive Dentistry

Promoting preventive dentistry is key to reducing oral inflammation. Oral inflammation triggers numerous systemic diseases.

Encourage routine dental hygiene appointments, as preventive care allows for early detection of disease and timely intervention. Educate patients about the long-term cost-saving benefits of preventive measures compared to extensive treatments for neglected oral health issues.

Enhancing patient compliance offers numerous benefits, not only for the patients but also for your dental practice:

Better Oral Health Outcomes: Improved compliance leads to better oral health, reducing the risk of dental problems and enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Optimal oral health supports total health.
Enhanced Patient Loyalty: Patients who feel cared for and supported in their oral health journey are more likely to remain loyal to your practice. They will become your raving fans!
Increased Productivity: A proactive dental hygiene department that prioritizes patient compliance can lead to increased productivity, improved patient flow, and higher revenue.
Positive Word-of-Mouth: Satisfied patients are more likely to refer friends and family to your practice, further boosting your reputation and patient base. Every team member needs to ask for positive patient reviews!
Professional Fulfillment: Witnessing the positive impact of improved patient compliance can provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation for the entire dental team. Share the success of patient outcomes and always remember to celebrate your successes.

Conclusion

Improving dental hygiene patient compliance is a pivotal step to enhancing productivity and success within your dental hygiene department. When you adopt effective communication strategies, personalized care plans, and emphasize preventive dentistry, you can foster patient compliance and achieve total health outcomes.

Remember, patient compliance is a collaborative effort, and by supporting your patients in their total health journey, you can cultivate loyal and satisfied patients who are more likely to refer others to your practice. So, let’s work together to build a thriving dental hygiene department and ensure the best possible health for all our patients.

Consider updating and optimizing your hygiene department with a complimentary discovery call.
Schedule here . You can also send us a message here.

Reference.

* Motivational Interviewing. Read More Here

Build A Thriving Cosmetic Dental Practice: Understanding Your Patient’s Desires

By: Debbie Seidel

July 25, 2023

A successful cosmetic dental practice goes beyond providing excellent services; it requires understanding what patients truly desire. People are more likely to invest in what they want rather than what they are told they need. By implementing a smile evaluation and asking open-ended questions, dental practices can discover what patients truly want, leading to increased patient satisfaction and the opportunity to grow the practice further.

Read this blog, and explore the importance of understanding patient desires. Learn how enrolling patients into a patient membership/loyalty program such as the Celebrity Smiles Club will significantly contribute to the success of a cosmetic dental practice.

Understand What Your Patient Desires

As cosmetic dentists, our primary goal is to enhance smiles and boost self-confidence in our patients. However, it is crucial to remember that each individual has unique desires and expectations. Using a smile evaluation and asking open-ended questions can help us uncover those desires effectively.

A smile evaluation is a comprehensive process that involves a thorough examination of a patient’s oral health, cosmetic concerns, and overall smile goals. Ask questions to understand what your patient wants. Make it fun when you’re asking your patient what they want their smile to look like.

One fun example. Background: We just had a multi-million dollar lottery.

Scenario: As you are seating your patient, while establishing rapport, getting caught up, with a smile on your face ask:

“Mr. Smith, when you win the lottery this week, what do you want your smile to look like?” Wink.

You are certain to get a smile from your patient when you make the questions fun.

By asking open-ended questions and actively listening to patients, we can delve deeper into their preferences and aspirations.

The Power of Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions invite patients to express themselves freely, giving us valuable insights into their desires. Instead of asking yes or no questions, we can inquire about their dream smile, the aspects they wish to improve, or the emotions they associate with their current dental condition.

This approach not only strengthens the dentist-patient relationship but also enables us to tailor personalized treatment plans that align with their wishes.

“People buy what they want, not what they need.”

Introducing the Patient Membership/Loyalty Plan: The Smile Club

One way to offer patients exactly what they desire is by introducing them to The Smile Club. This exclusive club offers cutting-edge teeth whitening solutions, ensuring patients achieve the radiant smile they’ve always dreamed of. Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures, and by incorporating this into your services, you tap into a significant market demand.

Teeth whitening is exploding since 2020! Never in our history have so many people sought-out whiter teeth. Unfortunately, patients are not buying their whitening products from their dentist. Let’s create a paradigm shift and tap into this simple, easy profit center.

A turn-key system is included when you use Celebrity Smiles Club whitening products. The system will grow your dental practice with more new patients and more patients will schedule cosmetic cases. The turn-key systems included with The Smile Club, when implemented, sustains high productivity in your dental practice for years to come.

No need to see more patients or increase your overhead when you implement The Smile Club web-portal of resources.

Benefits of Your Smile Club Patient Membership

Patient Loyalty!
- - Patients join The Smile Club and pay a nominal fee for a take home whitening kit.
  - No impressions, no trays to fabricate, no added patient chair time.
  - Patients agree to your “change of appointment procedure.” Last minute cancellations and no-shows become a distant memory.
  - Patients agree to pre-schedule and show up for their routine preventive care, dental hygiene appointments.
  - Patients buy more whitening products from your office at a reduced fee. buy and save.
  - You buy your teeth whitening products at wholesale and now you can afford to give away a whitening pen as a reward for pre-scheduling and keeping their appointments.
  - Patients buy and save. You passed along the savings and created more profitability with less overhead!
Quick and Effective Results: The Celebrity Smiles Club patient membership/loyalty plan, uses advanced teeth whitening techniques, delivering fast and impressive results.
Patient Reward
- Free whitening pens at routine hygiene appointments are the carrot used to grow your dental practice new patients, enroll more cosmetic cases and a lot more.
- The Smile Club keep patients returning to your dental office.
- You buy whitening products wholesale and pass the savings on to your patients. You give them a toothbrush and floss and what they really want are whiter teeth! Consider this a win-win.
Fast, effective, no-sensitivity
- Dental grade, no-sensitivity teeth whitening, is highly appealing to patients seeking immediate smile enhancements.
- Ten minutes to a whiter-brighter smile.
- Celebrity Smiles Club uses Carbamide Peroxide + Potassium Nitrate ingredients combined with Cool Light Technology Blue and Red LED Lights mouthpiece.
- * Red LED lights have evidence-based science stating they soothe, comfort and heal mouth sores, canker sores, etc. Great for post-op care! *
  - Think: Photobiomodulation.

** Teeth Whitening is projected to reach 11.6 Billion Dollars by 2030. **

Most people buy teeth whitening online or in a drugstore. What’s wrong with this picture?!

Let’s change this statistic and have our patients get their teeth whitening from their dental office. It’s easy money. No added time to your schedule or more patients in the chair.

Enroll for free and receive access to the resources, the system, included with The Smile Club. Discover how to create a $70,000+ net production profit center in your dental practice annually, and without more patient time or increased overhead when you tap into the sizzle of teeth whitening in North America!

Click the link at the end of this blog and implement the free resources.

Think: No impressions, no pouring models, no need to make whitening trays. No need for patients to return and pick up their whitening trays.

Increase This Simple Service & Profit Center: By offering a very popular and super simple service like teeth whitening using Celebrity Smiles Club whitening products, you will motivate and inspire more patients to consider cosmetic dentistry. Using the Smile evaluation opens the door to additional cosmetic services that both you and your patient may have initially overlooked.

Think: Teeth whitening simplified. More cosmetic cases: more veneers, Invisalign, implants, and crowns, etc.

Grow New Patient Numbers: Members of your patient rewards program, The Smile Club, are more likely to share their positive experiences with family and friends. This is a great way to attract new patients to your dental practice which will increase your reach within the community.
Market the Smile Club benefits everywhere possible: on your website, social media, and your monthly newsletter, etc.
- Use The Smile Club marketing images around your dental office and on your website.
Enhanced Patient Retention: Enrolling patients into the Smile Club establishes a long-term relationship with your patients. Patients are motivated to return for routine preventive care dental hygiene appointments because of The Smile Club benefits.
- When patients enroll they agree, they understand your procedure to change appointments.
- Patients prioritize their dental appointments.
Brand Loyalty: The Smile Club becomes synonymous with quality cosmetic dental care, fostering strong brand loyalty among your patients who enjoy its benefits.

Conclusion

Understanding what your patients truly want is at the heart of building a successful cosmetic dental practice. By completing smile evaluations and utilizing open-ended questions, you uncover your patients desires and craft personalized treatment plans to fulfill them.

The Celebrity Smiles Club plays a crucial role in achieving long-term dental practice success. This loyalty plan offers patients the opportunity to achieve a bright, white smile quickly and effectively. Enrolling patients into The Smile Club, will not only enhance the success of your cosmetic dental practice but also fosters patient loyalty. This is a system that will boost new patient numbers, creating a thriving and satisfying dental environment for everyone involved.

The Smile Club, when all its systems are thoroughly implemented, will not only grow your new patient numbers, but it will increase case acceptance for cosmetic cases and last-minute cancellations become a distant memory.

Enroll today to learn more about the Celebrity Smiles Club system. Start today and all the benefits created for your dental practice here.

There is no cost when you enroll today!

References.

* Photobiomodulation. Accessed July 1, 2023 here.
** Teeth Whitening projected to reach 11.6 Billion Dollars by 2030. Accessed on July 1, 2023 here.
Adjunctive Therapy with Blue LED Lights. Accessed July 1, 2023 here.

What is a Dental Hygienist to Do with The New AAP Classifications?!

By: admin

January 30, 2020

The American Academy of Periodontology has not updated their guidelines for categorizing periodontitis since 1999.

This should be a big deal; right?!

Most clinicians: dentists, dental hygienists and even periodontists tell me they are confused with the new staging and grading for categorizing periodontitis.

What is a dental hygienist to do with the new AAP classifications?

Are you using the new AAP classifications?

Most clinicians I speak to are not using the new classifications.

We are currently working with our client hygienists to embrace this. We show them how to laminate the forms and refer to these when making patient clinical notes.

Let me shed some light on the topic here.

If the AAP has not re-classified periodontitis since 1999, there is a good chance it will be at least ten or twenty years before we have new guidelines.

Let’s embrace the “change!”

The American Academy of Periodontology Classifications are created to help dental hygienists diagnose and treat periodontitis. Follow these guidelines so consistent diagnosis can occur.

The first step is to assess your hygiene patients and of course, every new dental patient must have a comprehensive periodontal exam.

Steps to Use the American Academy of Periodontology Staging and Grading

Step 1: Assessment

Up-to-date full mouth radiographs
Up-to-date comprehensive periodontal exam (CPE)
Chart missing teeth

Step 2: Establish the Stage

As you know cancer is categorized by stages. Think stages of cancer only this is oral inflammation causing destruction of the supporting bone that results in tooth loss.

When you are assessing the stage of periodontitis, explain to your patient and show them what you “see.” Refer to the mouth/body connection as you explain inflammation in your patients mouth.

Now is your opportunity to speak with your patient about the connection between inflammation in your patients mouth and inflammation in the body.

Inflammation in the body year after year contributes to other inflammatory disease such as (and not limited to) heart attack, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Crones, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, etc.

Confirm clinical attachment loss (CAL)
Rule-out non-periodontitis causes of CAL (cervical restorations, caries of root fractures)
Determine CAL or radiographic bone loss (RBL)
Confirm RBL patterns (Ex: Vertical or horizontal RBL)

For moderate to severe periodontitis (think Stage III or Stage IV):

Determine CAL or RBL
Confirm RBL patterns
Assess tooth loss due to periodontitis
Evaluate complexity factors (Ex: severe CAL frequency, surgical challenges)

Based on your findings from step 2, determination of mild-moderate periodontitis can be made, and this is considered Stage I or Stage II. Severe or very severe periodontitis is considered Stage III or Stage IV.

Step 3: Establish the Grade

What I like best about this new system to categorize periodontitis is we now bring into the picture: inflammatory diseases, systemic considerations and outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

What’s a Dental Hygienist to Do with the New Classifications?

So glad you asked!

Your first step is to print out this article including the staging and grading charts.
Take the staging and grading charts, add them to a plastic sleeve or laminate them. Keep these in your operatory.
When you evaluate your patients, refer to your staging chart.
1. In your clinical notes write, “Stage I, II, III or IV”.
2. Write as indicated
When a patient has 15%-30% RBL definitely consider writing clinical notes a category for the stage and refer to your Grading chart printed and on the flip side of your staging chart.
If a patient has <15% CAL but smokes 10 or more cigarettes, you will write in your clinical notes: Stage I, < 15% localized horizontal BL (Ex: @ #19 & 30), Grade C (Pt smokes 10+ cigarettes daily).
1. That is all. If you have a positive outlook on this, it won’t be difficult to write these chart notes
2. If you have templates add staging, horizontal, vertical < or >, etc.
3. Now using your template mark or indicate the correct description
4. Use the staging and grading charts to add these notes in your practice management templates
For patients who have diabetes and/or a tobacco user with RBL you will grade them B or C and this is your time to talk about their “potential” for tooth loss if things do not improve.

Conclusion

Many clinicians I meet are fearful about scaring patients ‘if” and “when” they do tell patients “the facts.”

Imagine this, if you have a colonoscopy or mammogram and the doctor finds a suspicious lesion, will the doctor not tell their patient about this for fear of the patient never returning?

Does a physician feel concerned that their patient’s insurance may not pay for removal of an abnormality?

I have never heard of a physician not telling a patient they have an abnormality because of the above mentioned.

Why do us dental professionals fear telling patients what is truly happening in their mouth?

We have a legal and ethical responsibility to tell our patients what we “see” happening in their mouth and body.

In 2020, dental hygienists are doing more than cleaning teeth.

Dental professionals are in the business of helping people live a longer and healthier life.

Will you join me and help conquer the disease process?

This…….is our JOB!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

is founder and CEO of Dental Practice Solutions. Debbie is also a former dental hygiene program director. Her expertise is optimizing the hygiene department by taking a total team approach; including the doctor as the leader.

Check out this FREE RESOURCE to treat the gingivitis patient which also includes a new patient appointment sequence of treatment here.