Clackamas Dental Consultant | Dental Practice Solutions

Enhancing Dental Patient Loyalty for Dental Practice Success

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

May 22, 2024

Maintaining a dental practice that nurtures patient loyalty entails not only attracting new patients but also implementing strategies to ensure their continued engagement with your services and remain a patient for many years.

Build Patient Loyalty through Exceptional Care

1. Routine Hygiene Appointments: Loyal patients commit to routine preventive care hygiene appointments. They are less likely to call last-minute and cancel their dental appointments. These are patients committed to their total health.

In return, you will experience consistent revenue for your dental practice.

2. Communication: Open lines of communication ensures that new patients can easily find your website, call and/or swiftly schedule their appointment.

Create methods for auto-scheduling, text messages, etc.

3. Less No-Shows: Long-term patients who feel valued are less likely to cancel appointments. These patients rarely fail to show for pre-scheduled hygiene appointments they made many months ago.

Create patients who feel like a VIP.

Patient-centered care, knowing what your patient values and asking them about their smile goals, helps create “long-time patients”and raving fans.

Key Strategies to Enhance Patient Loyalty

To foster patient loyalty effectively, your dental practice must prioritize building strong relationships based on trust and mutual benefit. By providing top-notch customer service, respecting your patients’ time, and delivering exceptional care- patient-centered care, you will earn long-term patients.

Make patients feel like they are a VIP at each dental appointment, make them feel like they are the only patient in the office when they are present for their appointments., Create more raving fans.

Raving fan patients will continue returning to your dental office for a very long time. They rarely miss a scheduled dental appointment.

Raving fans share how great your dental office is with their family, friends and colleagues. In return, this helps build your new patient numbers.

What have you done today to make your patients feel enthusiastic about being a patient in your dental practice?

Visualize Patient Loyalty in Action

Imagine, one year ago you diagnosed necessary treatment to your patient and this patient left their dental appointment saying, “Let me think about it.”

Today, your patients bright smile and the resounding “YES, I want to pay and schedule.” reflects your hygienists’ motivational communication skills and also your dental practice’s exceptional patient-centered care with a VIP appointment process.

How different do you feel knowing more patients keep their dental appointments and they accept your care more easily?

When patients actually enjoy their dental appointments and feel valued, your dental practice experiences consistent revenue growth and a 5-start reputation.

What can you do differently to receive more “YES’s!” from those patients who have outstanding treatment plans.

How can you have more patients look forward to their dental appointments?

Let’s flip the dread and anxiety of dental appointments into excitement for a great experience in your dental office.

Yes, this can be how your patients view dental appointments in your office!

*Keep reading for the answer below.

The Business Aspect of Patient Loyalty

While patient satisfaction is paramount, it also impacts your dental practice’s financial health. Investing heavily in acquiring new patients becomes counterproductive if a significant percentage of patients never return.

What is the lifetime value of a patient in your dental practice?

Imagine how much time and money you invest to have a new patient schedule their 1st appointment.

What can you do to keep patients returning to your dental practice for many years?

There is a proven strategy.

The Answer. The Proven Strategy: Patient Loyalty

Enhancing patient loyalty directly translates to improved retention rates and an increase in the lifetime value for each patient. Prioritize patient satisfaction and engagement and watch your revenue grow consistently.

Motivate patients to consistently return to your dental office for their preventive care and any dental needs.

Let’s get patients excited about returning to preventive care appointments.

There is a way to do this!

Creating Patient Loyalty Will:

New patient numbers grow
Reduce cancellations
Increase payment for scheduled cosmetic cases
Increase per-patient production (Imagine $100-$500 more net hygiene patient production)
And more

Conclusion

Focus on patient loyalty through exceptional, individualized, patient-centered care, motivational communication, a great patient experience, and watch your dental practice grow for many years to come.

Embrace solutions like the Celebrity Smiles Club to enhance the patient experience, creating raving fans, which results in a thriving dental practice for many years.

*Curious about how the Celebrity Smiles Club Growth Strategy will build patient loyalty and more?

BOOK a quick call and find out how this patient rewards – loyalty system will:

grow new patient numbers,
boost cosmetic cases,
increase per-patient hygiene appointment production,
reduce cancellations,
and much more.

Oral Inflammation: A Journey Treating Disease to Total Health

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 11, 2024

In the realm of healthcare, the mouth often serves as a gateway to understanding the broader state of one’s overall health. The journey from oral inflammation to total health is not merely about treating dental diseases; it’s about recognizing the interconnectedness between oral health and systemic well-being. In recent years, the scientific community has unearthed compelling evidence linking oral inflammation to a myriad of systemic conditions, underscoring the importance of holistic approaches in healthcare.

Oral inflammation, often manifested as gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), can be insidious. It begins as a seemingly innocuous condition characterized by swollen, bleeding gums but can escalate into a serious health threat if left unchecked. What many fail to realize is that oral inflammation is not confined to the mouth; it can serve as a precursor to more severe systemic diseases.

Research has demonstrated a clear association between oral inflammation and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are complex but primarily revolve around the inflammatory nature of gum disease. Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity can trigger systemic inflammation, setting the stage for the development or exacerbation of various health issues.

Addressing oral inflammation entails more than routine dental care; it requires a paradigm shift towards a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Dentists are increasingly adopting a holistic mindset, recognizing the interconnectedness between oral health and overall well-being. This shift is reflected in the emergence of integrative dental practices that prioritize preventive care, patient education, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

At the forefront of this movement is the recognition that oral health is not an isolated concern but an integral component of systemic health. Dental professionals are now delving deeper into the root causes of oral inflammation, exploring factors such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, and systemic health conditions. By understanding the underlying drivers of inflammation, clinicians can tailor treatment plans that address the root cause rather than merely managing symptoms.

Central to the journey from treating disease to achieving total health is the concept of personalized medicine. No two individuals are alike, and as such, their healthcare needs vary. Personalized oral health care involves a thorough assessment of each patient’s unique risk factors, health goals, and genetic predispositions. Leveraging advances in technology and diagnostics, allows clinicians to develop targeted interventions that optimize oral and systemic health outcomes.

Prevention lies at the heart of holistic oral healthcare. Empowering patients with knowledge and tools to maintain optimal oral hygiene and make informed lifestyle choices is paramount. From proper brushing and flossing techniques to mindful nutrition and stress management, patients play a proactive role in preserving their oral and systemic health.

In the pursuit of total health, collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential. Dentists, physicians, nutritionists, and other specialists must work together to address the multifaceted nature of health and disease. Integrated care models facilitate seamless communication and coordination, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based care that addresses their unique needs.

Beyond the confines of traditional healthcare settings, community engagement and education are instrumental in promoting oral health equity. Access to dental care remains a significant challenge for many underserved populations, exacerbating oral health disparities. By advocating for policies that prioritize preventive care and expand access to dental services, we can strive towards a future where oral health is a fundamental right for all.

In conclusion, the journey from treating oral inflammation to achieving total health is a multifaceted endeavor that transcends the boundaries of traditional healthcare. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of inflammation, prioritizes prevention, embraces personalized medicine, and fosters collaboration, we can pave the way towards a healthier future for individuals and communities alike. Through collective effort and unwavering commitment, we can harness the transformative power of oral health to enrich lives and elevate overall well-being.

As we embark on this journey, let us not forget that oral health is not merely the absence of disease but a cornerstone of vitality and vitality and total health.

Check out our 7-Day Hygiene Department training which includes a webinar about Biologic Dentistry.

LEARN MORE HERE.

The Mouth-Body Connection: Gum Disease, and Overall Health

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

December 11, 2023

When you think about overall health, high blood pressure, heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, etc, many patients consider that gum disease is worlds apart from these other systemic diseases.

How many patients sit in your dental chair each day, week or month, and have underlying health conditions that may be associated with gum disease?

Dental hygienists do not “clean teeth”, we identify abnormalities and put a halt to the disease process. Our professional goal should be to provide patients with optimal oral health. Dental hygienists have a perfect opportunity to empower patients with information that will positively impact their overall health.

Today, let’s explore the intricate relationship between high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, etc, etc, which are associated with gum disease, while shedding light on the journey towards a longer-healthier life.

Connecting the Dots. Inflammatory Markers:

As we dive into this topic, let’s start with the basics. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, isn’t just a local issue affecting the teeth and gums, it’s a dynamic process involving inflammation that extends beyond the oral cavity. It will impact the entire body if there is no end to the inflammation.

Research has uncovered a strong link between gum disease and systemic conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, crohn’s disease, Parkinsons and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Inflammatory markers, substances that increase during inflammation, play a crucial role in systemic disease. When a patient has gum disease, these inflammatory markers enter the bloodstream through the mouth, triggering a cascade of reactions throughout the body. High blood pressure is only one of the systemic consequences, highlighting the importance of addressing oral health as an integral part of overall wellness.

Understanding the Domino Effect:

Imagine your body as a finely tuned instrument, with each note influencing the others. When gum disease enters the picture, it’s like a rogue element disrupting what once was a harmonious environment.

Inflammatory markers contribute to the development of arterial plaque, narrowing blood vessels and making your heart work harder to pump blood. This increased strain can elevate your blood pressure, setting the stage for cardiovascular problems and other systemic issues. This is only one example of what happens with inflammatory markers invade our body.

Now, the question arises: How can addressing gum disease impact this domino effect and potentially improve your overall health?

The Empowering Journey: Treatment and Prevention:

Here’s the good news: As dental hygienists, and dental professionals, we have the power to interrupt this cascade of events. Treating gum disease involves a multi-faceted approach that not only revitalizes your oral health but also contributes to a healthier you.

Professional Dental Hygiene Appointments. Guided biofilm therapy, scaling, root planing, soft-tissue diode laser, etc:

The foundation for treatment of gum disease lies in removing the source of inflammation – the plaque and tartar/calculus buildup on the teeth. A professional hygienist delivered -preventive care appointment can target these inflammatory markers, providing a chance for the inflamed gingiva to heal.

Home Care:

Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is our superpower in the fight against gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic (non-alcohol) mouthwash support the frontline defense against plaque, and bacteria, preventing its return between dental visits.

This superpower also requires routine preventive care by a dental hygienist.

Lifestyle Changes:

The overall health journey isn’t just confined to the dental chair. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle – incorporating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management – complements the efforts we make in the dental office.

Dental hygienists must know the basics to support proper nutrition and supplementation with their patients.

Inspiring a Desire for Wellness:

Now that we’ve unraveled the connection between high blood pressure, various systemic diseases, gum disease, and outlined the path to recovery, let’s shift our focus to why we want to have our patients “want” what they need when there is an unhealthy oral condition such as gingival inflammation: gingivitis or periodontitis.

Consider this: by motivating our patients to take charge of their oral health, we are not just helping them prevent tooth loss or malodor but we are actively contributing to our patients overall well-being, reducing the risk of systemic diseases, and helping them to live a longer and healthier life.

The journey towards creating healthier patients (and populations around the world) is not just a necessity; it’s an opportunity for dental hygienists to empower their patients and level-up their patients’ self-care routine.

Conclusion:

In the chair of each dental hygienist lies a unique space where oral health and overall wellness intersect. Understanding the connection between high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimers, gum disease, and inflammatory markers equips patients with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their total health.

As we embark on this journey to empower our patients to make the best decisions, let’s remember that treating gum disease isn’t just about preserving our patients smile; it’s about safeguarding the heart, blood vessels, and our patients overall vitality.

Let’s embrace the journey, let’s work together as a team of dental professionals to help conquer this disease process.

Let’s create healthier and happier patients. Dental hygienists no longer CLEAN teeth! We are in the business and profession of creating healthier, longer lives.

Do you wish your entire team knew how to educate your patients about total health?
Do you wish your dental hygiene department was more profitable?
Does your team know how to effectively communicate this message about optimal health and living a longer, healthier life?

If you want to level-up your hygiene department, book a quick hygiene department discovery call. Debbie will share with you where you have the “Low-Hanging” fruit– the easiest way to tap into more productivity. On the call Debbie will share the hygiene department training if you are interested in group hygiene department coaching.

The next cohort begins February 6 and ends May 5, 2024. If you join in December 2023, or January 2024, you begin 1:1 with Debbie and your team asap. The tuition will be the same as it is for the 3-month program. You receive a huge bonus when you raise your hand to be a part of this training now.

There will only be 10 offices accepted in this next cohort so don’t delay applying today!

BOOK YOUR HYGIENE CALL HERE.

Your Voice, Your Future: Revolutionize the Future of the Industry with TempMee’s New Survey for Registered Dental Hygienists

By: Cary Gahm and Edward Thomas Founders of TempMee

October 2, 2023

As flexible scheduling and increased autonomy become the standard for a post-pandemic workforce, the dental industry must adopt a fresh perspective to an age-old question: how do we adapt strategically and successfully?

The first step to meaningful change is knowing it is needed. But the next step – understanding how to change – requires insight from those most invested in the dental industry’s evolution.

TempMee’s new survey will give voice to registered dental hygienists (RDH) who need change in their work environment.

A SURVEY TO MOTIVATE CHANGE.

We know growth isn’t linear. In this fast-paced and ever-changing landscape, there’s always room for improvement. Our goal for this new TempMee survey is to collect important data straight from RDHs to see how we can better address issues in the field, expand employment opportunities, and allow hard-working professionals the opportunity to create schedules that best fit their lifestyles.

Your input will play a pivotal role in driving positive changes within the dental field, helping to transform the way dedicated professionals work and live. Open to all active RDHs through Oct. 15, the survey will gather insights on satisfaction, temporary staffing participation and pay. This valuable data will identify areas that need improvement while helping dental professionals make informed decisions.

Just think: your observations could aid the industry in recognizing, presenting, and expanding professional opportunities – not only for individuals who already possess professional dental skills, but also for a wider and increasingly diverse community that deserves greater exposure to careers, economic empowerment, and a brighter future within the industry.

To ensure your privacy and comfort, this survey will remain completely anonymous and
will not be used in any capacity outside of providing industry insight.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE #1 DENTAL DISRUPTORS.

Launched in 2019 as a response to the dental industry’s antiquated approach to staffing, TempMee was built on the premise that every problem provides the opportunity to develop creative solutions. Our answer to the dental industry’s old-school staffing system was to create an efficient skill-sharing marketplace.

From new hygienists to seasoned dental professionals TempMee offers independence to those seeking a flexible schedule and extra income. It’s a safe and adaptable solution to the dental staffing shortage, and our meteoric growth demonstrates that change is needed.

And this survey is just the beginning of our quest to revolutionize the way our industry approaches staffing.
To revolutionize the future of the industry in a way that truly works, we need YOU – the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly on the frontlines. We want to be an advocate for your wants and needs. Without doing so, no real progress can be made.

Join TempMee in creating a better future for the dental industry, and have your voice be
heard.

Participate in the survey today by visiting https://lp.tempmee.com/hygsurvey.

Enhancing Case Acceptance for Improved Cosmetic Dentistry: A Proven Approach

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

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-Bittke, RDH, BS

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.

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

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

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

10 Tips to Improve Your Dental Practice

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 22, 2022

Dental Office Treatment Room with new technology — Dental Office Treatment Room with Updated Technology.

It’s not easy to run a dental practice. The dental profession has never been more demanding or stressful than it is now, and dental practice owners bear a significant portion of this strain or weight. Patients have never had more dental treatment alternatives. They can conduct a short internet search or create a quick social media post asking their friends for advice.

This means that mastering the art of running a successful dental office boils down to focusing on a few essential aspects of the entire patient’s experience. As a result, you can provide the best treatment to your patients while assisting your team and avoid unnecessary effort.

10 Helpful Tips To Improve Your Dental Practice.

Here are some simple yet effective techniques to improve the efficiency in your dental office right away:

1. Expand Your Services

Consider strategies to increase your offering to improve value, boost your competitive position, and stimulate the curiosity of potential patients when it’s time to expand your patient base. For example, perhaps the size of your current dental practice limits your production potential, and you’re considering enlarging or hiring more staff.

Just keep a few things in mind to get the proper balance. You never want to overwork your team or make adjustments that negatively impact the patient experience. Hence, you can carefully analyze the resource allocations required to make this adjustment vital.

2. Provide Flexible Financial Options

Patients like to pay using different payment options. By providing multiple choices, patients would love to get treatments and return for ongoing dental care.

Aside from insurance coverage, accessible financial options include debit, credit, personal check, and cash. As a dentist, you can provide specific financing to ensure that personal financial situations do not influence dental health care selections.

3. Embrace Clinic Culture

Creating a positive and healthy workplace culture positively impacts the patient experience. Some of the most successful dental clinics have figured out fostering a positive work environment. Your clinic decoration and physical environment influence your clinic culture. Your distinctive method of doing things, when fine-tuned, can increase productivity, attract top talent, and keep patients coming back for more.

Gather all of your team members and have an in-depth talk about your dental clinic’s day-to-today operations. Also, discuss its long-term goals to establish and strengthen your clinic culture. Employees will be happier and more caring if they all work towards the same goal, and your dental clinic will grow.

4. Automate Your Billing Desk

Manual billing takes time and exposes you to the risk of human error. For example, tracking down patients to collect co-pays and processing insurance claims may be time-consuming and costly for all parties involved. Automated billing can help you get paid faster, offer your team more time to focus on other aspects of the business, and give you more peace of mind.

To get the work done right the first time, you should invest in top-rated billing software. If you have the resources to invest in automation, it is easier. When your staff spends less time preparing paper claims, you might be astonished at how much money you can save.

5. Train Your Dental Team/Hold Meetings Regularly.

Continuous dental team training is significant for keeping personnel happy, productive, and effective. Investing in training demonstrates that you care about their careers and can help to foster a positive work atmosphere that fosters success.

Every morning, meet with your personnel to go over the needs of patients who have appointments that day. During subsequent sessions, bring up any patient difficulties and brainstorm ways to avoid them from happening again. These meetings don’t have to belong; simply a quick huddle will do, but they can help enhance productivity significantly.

6. Improve Patient Experience by Empowering Your Patients.

Patients are swiftly adapting to the rise of digital communication tools, and they are better at ease knowing that they have fewer options for communicating with the clinic. Allow your patients to communicate in various ways, including over the phone, through text, via email, and snail-mail.

Allowing your patient to visualize exactly what they can expect during surgery requires crisp and straightforward communication. When it comes to dental work, patients have a lot of financial and medical worries. Take the time to determine the patient’s competitive advantages or seek guidance from an expert solution provider.

7. Delegate Tasks

Delegating duties and responsibilities enhances productivity, efficiency, and time management while also allowing you to focus on higher-level tasks. For example, consider delegating administrative work to team members or hiring a scribe. A group of highly qualified employees who are good at getting the work done right also helps reduce turnover rates and supply practices.

You’ll find more freedom in your day-to-today work as you delegate. Always have backups and plan ahead of time to handle typical workplace workloads and anticipate unexpected events. Delegating duties and empowering employees are both crucial aspects of gaining employer trust. Simplify your team’s schedules, offer some buffer time in their shifts, and allow them to work in the most meaningful way possible.

8. Improve Patient Referrals

Building a successful dental office requires positive evaluations and recommendations. People are more likely to trust a personal recommendation or a review provided by a real consumer than an advertisement. In addition, patient referrals are a terrific strategy to acquire additional patients into your clinic, even if you’re starting.

You can try a variety of dental referral program concepts. For example, encourage patients to suggest friends by providing a referral bonus scheme, such as free teeth cleaning or a special discount. For the same, you have to hand out a simple referral card that describes the deal at the end of the appointment.

WIIFM. One system that has worked well to increase new patient appointments and keep patients returning is Lifetime Whitening.

When patients come to your office they enroll in this program for a small fee and receive free teeth whitening as long as they return for routine appointments without breaking appointments last minute.

9. Upgrade Your Scheduling System

An excellent dental scheduling system does more than make it possible to schedule appointments. It improves patient flow, increases productivity, reduces stress for both patients and employees, and, as a result, adds to the high-quality service that your patients expect. In addition, you can provide outstanding customer service even while your clinic is closed by allowing patients to arrange appointments at any time.

Almost every dental practice management software provides a patient’s booking feature that you can integrate into your business’s website. Patients can make an appointment with only a few clicks, which your staff can confirm as needed.

10. Make Team Management Your Top Priority

Streamlining as much as possible is the best strategy to increase efficiency. But unfortunately, many employers and managers are unaware of the numerous ways they waste time and money. It’s not because of a massive leak that may sink the Titanic, but rather because of a series of minor leaks that go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Always plan ahead of time and think about what your employees require. Allow them to prioritize various aspects of their lives. When dealing with new guidelines, assist them in their essential work. Finally, use technology to set automated reminders for your personnel and your patients.

Conclusion

We hope you have understood the essential tips to improve your dental practice. By applying these tips, you can stand out in front of your competitors and take your dental practice to the next level.

If you want to improve dental practice quickly, the most essential thing is to build a website. With the website, you can improve your internal operations and provide a better dental experience to the users.

To create a website, approach a company that offers dental website design services. They have experience building such kinds of websites. Hence, they can understand your requirements and provide you with a solution that takes your dental practice to new heights.

Thank you to our guest author WebyKing.

Creating a Culture of Payment

By: admin

December 4, 2018

I recently had a chance to sit down with the A/R Ninja, Andy Grover Cleveland.

During this short conversation we not only talked about how to create a culture of payment, but we talk about how important it is to bill your patients and call them regularly when they owe you money.

Andy will share why it is important to use a 3rd party to bill and he will let you know when it is best to get a 3rd party involved in collecting money in your dental practice.

Stick to the basic principles:

Outsourcing your dental insurance.

In today’s world dental professionals have a lot more responsibility and therefore outsourcing your dental insurance is very helpful for efficiency.

Empower your team to use their judgement when doing their job.

“Mr. Patient, it will be $599 today, how would you like to take care of that today?” Now the PAY-tient says, “My brother-in-law plays golf with doctor, so I will talk to the doctor about this.”
You must have parameters and stick with the plan.
Payment options must be clear.
Know what the rules are and empower your team to live by the rules.
Doctor, you can’t change the rules and make exceptions.

Pay-tients must pay at the time of service.

Billing and Calling Pay-tients regularly

Communicate routinely when your Pay-tients owe you money.

You can do collections but maybe.
Checkout the Tennessee Backwoods Dentist on youtube to see, are you equipped to do some of these important tasks yourself?

Where do you spend your time daily in the dental office?

There are too many things “to-do” in a given day in the dental office and outsourcing collections, etc., can be very efficient for running a dental practice.

Question: What is the average for accounts receivable (A/R)?

Answer: Debbie and Dental Practice Solutions recommends 98% collections.

Andy mentions that for a start-up, you don’t want a high overhead.

If you have a mature practice, now you can do in-office financing and you may not need to have the high monthly collections.

If your personal finances can weather a higher A/R to allow more patients to make payments (in-house) on high-end services, then a higher A/R may work for your dental practice.

Andy states: “Every time you send a statement to a Pay-tient you are sending a message that you have made a mistake.”

What is the best way to contact a patient who owes you money?

Andy says that it depends upon the individual person. Keep the end in mind and try not to send statements. Try using all the avenues for sending statements; email, paper statement mailed and/or a text message with a link to pay.

Andy also says,
Dentistry is non-recourse.

Recap of the Podcast:

All patients are asked to pay at the time of service.
If patients do not pay at time of service, they will leave with a statement
Work A/R weekly.
Call outstanding A/R Pay-tients to ask, “how is (state the last service, area in their mouth treated), feeling?
If it doesn’t get done, it won’t get done without someone doing it. Hire a service that will get it done.
Focus on your “core competency…for doctor that is clinical dentistry.”

Debbie says:

Understand, has your engine light come on? Is it blinking? If you said Yes, you need to outsource this area.

Be sure you don’t miss another info-packed FB live. Come over to our Facebook Business page for daily tips, inspiration and our weekly Facebook Lives:

Do you wish you had more Pay-tients say “YES” to your care?

Check-out our Case Acceptance/Treatment Planing Mastermind.

The next session begins the week of January 7, 2019.

How do I know if this mastermind is right for my dental practice?

The Mastermind is great for dental practices who:

Want more hygiene patients to accept high-end services

-More implants, more crown/bridge, Invisalign, etc.

If your case acceptance is less than 90%

If you have one hole in your schedule each day

If you want your production to be higher

If you want more patients to pay at the time, they schedule for your care

Contact our office for the application.

Registration is limited to ONLY 10 offices.

When you contact our office, we will provide the mastermind details.

The 30-Day Mastermind is $795 and has a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

Email us: admin@dentalpracticesolutions.com

Or Call for application: 949-351-8741.

Systems Patients Can Expect During Their Dental Hygiene Appointment

By: admin

October 24, 2018

Why did you purchase the car you are driving?

Why do you shop at the grocery store you frequent and why do you stay at a specific hotel when on vacation?

The answer to these questions should be the reason why your patients come to their hygiene appointment routinely.

What can your patients expect during their routine hygiene appointment?

There are a few systems patients can expect during their dental hygiene appointment when you have systems I place.

This is about consistency. It’s about efficiency and making people feel like they are Number 1!

Does each hygienist in your dental practice know what services they will complete on each patient, at specific hygiene appointments?

Each one of your team members should also know about these systems.

There are many services that hygienists provide patients during a hygiene appointment.

Having written systems for hygiene appointments will make life easier for employees, your team members as well as, keep your patients returning because they feel valued. Your systems provide the best care for patients and your patients feel it.

It is very important for hygienists audit the patient record before they begin their day. This morning or day before seeing patients, is the first system and a good place to begin when implementing systems. The patient- record – audit – information, is used during your morning team huddle.

Here is a list of the services your patients should expect to receive during routine dental hygiene appointments. Your system will include all of these and maybe more:

Build rapport

This is probably the most important part of your appointment. Take note how many of your patients are seated without a bib being placed on them right away?

Just sit and catch-up or if this is the first time you are meeting, take time to ask about them. Find out something unique, interesting and something fun to remember.

You will be amazed how great it makes your patient feel to just sit a few minutes and chat rather than sit with a bib on their chest immediately.

Update medical history

This is where you need to be the detective. Ask more than “Any changes in your health?” It is very important to ask questions like, “What medications do you take?” Medications can affect their oral health, cause xerostomia, etc. Ask, “Do you take herbs?” Some herbs can cause excessive bleeding.

Ask, “Any surgeries?” Be sure to ask, “Do you take blood thinners, do you have any teeth that concern you?”

The next step is to inform your patient about what services you will provide for them. Consider this as “consent to treat your patient,” even if you believe they know why they are there.

Once you have informed your patient and they have informed you about their health and any chief complaints, you must know what interval your dental practice will take BWXs, FMXs and PA’s.

Does your office use the latest ¹fluorescence technology? Our hygiene team recommends that dental hygienists complete this type of screening once a year. HPV is on the rise causing oral and pharyngeal cancers.

We are in the business of saving lives!

Once you have competed these screenings it is time to check the health of your patients’ gums.

How often does your dental practice recommend a comprehensive periodontal exam (CPE)? See the recommendations from the ²AAP to know if you are providing the standard of care.

If your patient is not due for an annual CPE, what is your protocol to spot probe to be sure your patient does not have any new areas of inflammation or infection?

Which teeth do you spot check? And why these specific teeth do you spot check?

More systems:

Treatment planning /Coordinating the treatment plan with your patient.
Doctor/Hygiene Exam. When does doctor know to arrive in the hygiene room to complete the hygiene patient exam?
Scheduling the next appointment. When patients need to return for a routine hygiene appointment, we recommend the hygienist schedule this appointment when the patient is finished with their hygiene appointment and before they are escorted to the front desk.

The hygienist has spent in most offices we work with, fifty minutes looking in the patient’s mouth, and they are the best person to know exactly when the patient needs to return and why it is important for them to return at this specific time.

What written systems does your hygiene department have?

Conclusion

When systems are in place, people will know what is expected. When everyone on your team knows what is expected your dental practice will run efficiently. Your systems need to have information that will allow your team to have the information they need to provide the best patient care.

When you provide the best patient care, you will have patients who feel well-cared for and these are the patients who continue to return to your office indefinitely.

References from the blog:

Does your hygiene department have a system in place to support each of the identified services in a routine hygiene appointment? If you don’t have all systems in place or you want to “Up Your Game,” let’s schedule a time to chat! Call our office to schedule a time: 949-351-8741. You can email to schedule: admin@dentalpracticesolutions.com or Schedule directly from our calendar here.

About the Author

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS, CEO Dental Practice Solutions

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS is founder and CEO of Dental Practice Solutions. She 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.

Dental Practice Solutions is able to support your dental practice with supporting your front office admin skills, insurance billing, reimbursement as well as credentialing and increasing your PPO fees.

Schedule your no-cost Profit Boosting Session Here Today. You can also call our office to schedule: 949-35-8741 or email us.