Dental Practice Solutions
Schedule My Opportunity Call Call us now (623) 252-1941 Client login
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Testimonials
    • Videos
  • Services
    • Hire a Dental Hygienist
    • Dental Hygiene MAX Course
    • 6-Month Dental Hygiene Department Optimization
    • 12- Month Dental Hygiene Department Training
    • Dental Hygiene Department / Team Workshop
  • E-Learning
    • Free Resources
      • BOOST CASE ACCEPTANCE eBook
      • Treating the Gingivitis Patient
    • More Courses
      • Oral Inflammation and Systemic Vitality
      • Properly Sequence Hygiene Appointments
      • Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention.
  • Webinar
    • Current Webinar
    • Power Hour March 15 2024
  • Blog
    • Podcasts
  • Contact Us

Effective Strategies for Dental Hygiene Patient Reactivation and Retention

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 31, 2023

Patient appointments. Dental Hygiene Patient Reactivation

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. 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.
  2. 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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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,
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  1. 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!
  2. 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.

  1. 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

Posted in Dental Hygiene Appointment, Dental Hygiene Patients, Dental Hygiene Recare, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Treatment, Dental Marketing, Hygiene Appointment Reactivation

Enhancing Case Acceptance for Improved Cosmetic Dentistry: A Proven Approach

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 28, 2023

 

dental hygienist

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.

Posted in Blog, Business, Business of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Treatment

Maximizing Dental Hygiene Department Production: Key Strategies

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 22, 2023

Dental Hygienist uses the latest technology for a patient exam.

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.

Posted in Business, Business of Dentistry, Case Acceptance, Dental Hygiene Patients, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Treatment

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

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 14, 2023

Hygiene patient Doctor exams

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!

Dental Hygiene Time Management. Explains when to complete important patient assessments.

** Time Management Example

Example of huddle hygienist communication:

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

Posted in Case Acceptance, Dental Hygiene Patients, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Treatment, Time Management

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

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 9, 2023

Digital Smile Simulation - Empowering Patients to Visualize Their Desired Smile"

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!”

Celebrity Smiles Club Professional Whitening

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

Posted in Business, Business of Dentistry, Case Acceptance, Dental Hygiene Appointment, Dental Hygiene Patient Exams, Dental Hygiene Recare, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Training, Dental Hygiene Treatment

Improving Dental Hygiene Patient Compliance: Strategies and Benefits

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

August 2, 2023

Dental Hygienist working on a patient in the dental office.

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.

  1. 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.

Dental Hygiene Time Management. Explains when to complete important patient assessments.

 

  1. 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!”

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Prevention costs a little but treating disease costs a lot.

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

Posted in Business of Dentistry, Continuing Care, Dental Hygiene Appointment, Dental Hygiene Department, Dental Hygiene Department Services, Dental Hygiene Recare, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Treatment, Time Management

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

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

July 25, 2023

teeth Whitening Shade Guide

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.

  1. * Photobiomodulation. Accessed July 1, 2023 here.
  2. ** Teeth Whitening projected to reach 11.6 Billion Dollars by 2030. Accessed on July 1, 2023 here.
  3.  Adjunctive Therapy with Blue LED Lights. Accessed July 1, 2023 here.
Posted in Business of Dentistry, Case Acceptance, Dental Consulting, Dental Hygiene Appointment, Dental Hygiene Coaching, Dental Hygiene Department, Dental Hygiene Department Services, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Services, Dental Hygiene Treatment, Dental Implants, Dental Marketing, Dental Patient, DENTAL PATIENT CASE ACCEPTANCE, Hygiene Appointment Reactivation, Marketing, New Patients, Teeth Whitening

Optimize Your Dental Hygiene Patient Care

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 22, 2023

Is your dental hygiene department productive?

How many dental hygiene patients are currently overdue for a hygiene appointment?

Do you know if these patients have outstanding treatment?

What percentage of your adult patients have been treated for gum disease using one of the ADA CDT 4000 codes?

These are questions you need to ask yourself if you are a dentist and wish to see the highest productivity this year.

 

The Facts

Approximately 50% of American adults 30 years of age and older have some level of periodontal disease. In a recent study, 77% of adults reported they would see their dentist, but only 37% reported seeing their dentist.

The dental offices who work with us usually have a perio percentage of no more than 20% of their adult patients for periodontal disease. The problem lies in the discomfort and lack of knowledge to share with their patient what they see happening in their mouth.

This statistic means that dental hygienists are “Cleaning Teeth” and not sharing an important, life-altering disease with their patients. As the founder of Dental Practice Solutions and a dental hygiene clinician, it is my passion to share this important message that a healthy mouth leads to a longer, healthier life!

 

Solution To the Problem We Face

It’s essential to have a productive dental hygiene department that provides preventive care to patients and supports their overall well-being. It’s also important to track and monitor overdue hygiene patients to ensure they continue preventative care appointments versus treat disease.

The 21-Day Hygiene Dept Challenge will provide everything you need to share this important message, increase your perio patient percentage, and create a system/process to keep patients returning to your dental office. You now have a system and the tools to enroll more patients into gingivitis and perio treatment. This is a win for everyone!

STOP running on the dental treadmill and love more of what you do!

Register here for the 21-Day Hygiene Department Challenge.

Resources

  1. CDC information: https://bit.ly/CDCPerio2023
  2. Who will see their dentist: https://bit.ly/FewseeDDS
Posted in Dental Hygiene Services

6 Signs You May Need Dental Implants

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

November 19, 2021

Do you feel shy smiling or speaking in public because of your missing teeth? Are you tired of wearing those uncomfortable dentures? Whether you have recently had a tooth extraction or you’re looking for a better tooth replacement option, dental implants are by far the most durable, convenient, and esthetically pleasing option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. 

If you are not sure whether dental implants are the right choice for you, this article will help you. In this article, we explain 6 signs which indicate that you may need dental implants. So, read on to find out more. 

  1. You have Missing or Chipped Teeth 

Dental implants look, function, and feel just like natural teeth. That is why they are the best option for tooth replacement, whether you have single or multiple missing teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), dental implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth due to their durability, safety, and esthetics. The ACP estimated that over 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are fabricated each year in the US. 

  1. You are Not Satisfied with your Removable Dentures

Denture wearers often complain that their dentures are not stable and keep slipping while speaking or eating. As a result, many denture wearers have to use denture adhesives to keep them in place. Besides, removable dentures are made from brittle materials; as a result, they crack or fracture easily if they are dropped – a common problem in old age – and therefore, require frequent repairs or replacement. Therefore If you are fed up using the denture adhesive, maybe it’s time you switched to dental implants. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can last a lifetime provided they are looked after properly. 

  1. You Have One or More Teeth that Cannot be Restored 

Thanks to modern dentistry, every effort is made by dentists to preserve even the most badly damaged teeth – using non-invasive therapeutic options, including fluoride therapy for preventing and arresting tooth decay. However, there are still certain cases – where a tooth is grossly decayed, or repeated root canal treatment procedures have not been able to remove the underlying infection – where tooth extraction becomes necessary. Another scenario is when a tooth gets cracked in such a way that the crack line extends into the root. In these cases, your dentist will prepare a customized treatment plan for replacing the teeth as soon as they are extracted. 

In most cases dentists prefer dental implants for replacing these missing teeth. Hence, if you have a tooth that gets infected frequently or requires frequent restoration, your dentist may consider getting it extracted and replacing it with a dental implant-supported prosthesis. 

  1. Jaw Bone Deterioration 

Once a tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone starts to degrade at a faster rate. Over time, the jawbone becomes thin and brittle and more prone to spontaneous fractures. Jawbone degradation also results in significant facial changes, causing facial creases and wrinkles and making one look older. That is why dentists recommend replacing your missing teeth as soon as they are lost. So, if you have one or more missing teeth for a long time, you should get them replaced immediately with dental implants to avoid further complications. According to the American Dental Association, one of the benefits of dental implants is that they don’t cause bone shrinkage, unlike conventional dentures. 

  1. You Cannot Enjoy Your Favorite Foods 

While removable dentures may replace your teeth, they do not provide sufficient chewing efficiency to allow you to eat hard and sticky foods. In addition, denture wearers often have to constantly use their tongues to keep their dentures from slipping while eating. Hence, you can only eat soft foods with your removable dentures. However, if you have been wearing removable dentures for many years and have been longing to eat steaks or nuts, you should consider saying goodbye to your dentures – and switch to implant-supported teeth. Dental implants remain firmly anchored within the bone. Hence, they firmly support any prosthesis attached to it and offer optimal chewing and speech efficiency. 

  1. You are Not Happy with the Esthetics of your Removable Dentures 

Another problem associated with conventional dentures is that they get stained very quickly, especially in regions with higher chances of food impaction. So, naturally, if you are not happy with your stained dentures, you can get a naturally beautiful smile with dental implants. An implant is inserted into the jawbone, just like natural teeth. That is why, besides offering excellent chewing and speech efficiency, dental implants allow for the placement of esthetically pleasing zirconia crowns and bridges for tooth replacement. These zirconia-based prostheses possess exceptional durability, are safe for use in the oral cavity, and their shade can be matched precisely with the neighboring teeth. Once placed in the mouth, implant-supported prostheses blend in perfectly and become virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth. 

Every tooth replacement option has its own merits and demerits. However, if you are looking for a hassle-free, reliable, comfortable, and esthetically pleasing tooth replacement option, dental implants should be your first choice. Whether you are currently wearing dentures or a tooth bridge, you can still get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants to enjoy a beautiful, healthy and lasting smile. In addition, research has shown that dental implants have a 10-year survival rate of more than 90% – which is the highest among all tooth replacement options. So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss the possibility of getting implants. 

Posted in Blog

Your View From the Top. New You as a Dental Practice Owner

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

November 5, 2020

Soon it will be a new year and we are currently in deep contemplation. A lot going on in our world today!

Now is your time to consider what you will do differently next year and how you will accomplish your goals.

A new year, 2021, will be a breath of fresh air for many of us. What a year it’s been!

2021, is most likely going to be a year to reset. It will be a chance to accomplish things you were not able to do in 2020. Life got a little messy for all of us during 2020!

Let’s talk about where you may be today and then determine where you can be when 2021 arrives.

  • Do you feel like you are at a crossroads today?
  • Do you feel like the future is unknown?
  • Which side of the fence do you see yourself?
  • Right side or left side?
  • Are you focused on this past year or the great year ahead?

While you may not know what lies ahead in 2021, what you do have control over are the decisions you make today.

This is what you have control over today.

You get to choose which direction you wish your dental practice to go when 2021 arrives.

What plans are you creating right to have your best year in 2021?

Now is the time to create your success plan and your hygiene department is your biggest asset.

Once you decide to focus on your hygiene department, take a look at your number of hygiene patients who need to be reactivated. Doctor, do you think your team is reactivating all the overdue hygiene patients? I challenge you to take a look at how many patients are (or are not) being reactivated each day this week.

  • Do you know how many of your adult patients have been treated for gingivitis and periodontitis?
  • Do you understand that half-of our adult Americans (35 yrs of age and above) have some level of gum disease?

Most dental offices have less than 35% of their adult patients treated for gum disease. Lots of room for growth here!

The other area you must look at is, how many hygiene patients leave their appointment with a restorative diagnosis and actually schedule for treatment with doctor at the end of their hygiene appointment?

This is another HUGE opportunity to grow your dental practice productivity. You will never know what this real $ number is unless you look with an expert, who truly understands how to read these numbers and how you can tap into the opportunity to get them on your schedule ASAP.

If you have Dentrix, Eaglesoft or Open Dental, I can easily show you numerous, -thousands-of-dollars, in patient opportunities, that are waiting for you to tap into each daily in your schedule.

I can still show you these numbers (KPIs and opportunities for your future success) if you have a different practice management software (PMS) but need you to “pull” some numbers from your PMS. I am open to showing the opportunities no matter what PMS you have.

Our 21 Day Hygiene Department Challenge begins now and includes a customized strategy session to see where your untapped potential lies.

Once you have established your goals to achieve during the next 21 days, you and your team will view the daily challenge videos, implementation guides and receive 6 CE Credits once you review the training videos.

The winners of our challenge receive weekly prizes and a grand prize valued over $2,7000.

You will be challenged over 21 days to increase productivity in these three areas:

  1. Increase the number of hygiene patients reactivated
  2. Increase the number of adult patients who complete perio therapy (including gingivitis) 
  3. Increase the number of hygiene patients with a restorative diagnosis who schedule their restorative care at the end of their hygiene appointment

Register today for the 21 Day Hygiene Department Challenge. 

Click this link and register.

LINK TO EMBED: https://dentalpracticesolutions.com/rdhchallenge/

Take control of 2021 now.

See you on the other side of the fence.

Posted in CE course, Dental Hygiene Services

Post navigation

  • ← Older posts
  • Newer posts →

Return to Your Training Vault

Contact Info

  • 15508 W. Bell Road Suite 101 PMB 431, Surprise, AZ 85374
  • (623) 252-1941
  • admin@dentalpracticesolutions.com

Office Hours

  • Mon-Thu 8:00am - 5:00pm PST
  • Friday 8:00am - 2:00pm PST

Useful Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Recent PR

  • PrestoSmile® and Dental Practice
  • Dental Practice Solutions - Debbie Bittke
  • Dental Practice Solutions - Debbie Bittke
  • Dentistry Leaders
Copyright 2026 Dental Practice Solutions

    Input this code: captcha

    captcha

    • Home
    • About
      ▲
      • About Us
      • Testimonials
      • Videos
    • Services
      ▲
      • Hire a Dental Hygienist
      • Dental Hygiene MAX Course
      • 6-Month Dental Hygiene Department Optimization
      • 12- Month Dental Hygiene Department Training
      • Dental Hygiene Department / Team Workshop
    • E-Learning
      ▲
      • Free Resources
        ▲
        • BOOST CASE ACCEPTANCE eBook
        • Treating the Gingivitis Patient
      • More Courses
        ▲
        • Oral Inflammation and Systemic Vitality
        • Properly Sequence Hygiene Appointments
        • Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention.
    • Webinar
      ▲
      • Current Webinar
      • Power Hour March 15 2024
    • Blog
      ▲
      • Podcasts
    • Contact Us

    Schedule your free coaching call here client login

    (888) 816-1511

    Introduction to Orientation Video Part 1