Dental Hygiene Appointment | Dental Practice Solutions

Optimal Oral Health and Its Role in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

December 9, 2024

In recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted a surprising connection between oral health and brain health. As dental professionals, understanding the broader implications of oral hygiene can empower us to provide even greater value to our patients. One of the most concerning areas of the current research is the connection between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

The mouth is often referred to as the gateway to the body, and for good reason. It is home to millions of bacteria, some beneficial and some potentially harmful. Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and preventive care, dental hygiene appointments help maintain a healthy balance of these bacteria. However, poor oral health can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which has been linked to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more recently, Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It affects millions worldwide, posing significant challenges for patients, families, and healthcare systems. Alzheimer’s Disease is an inflammatory disease that occurs from the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, such as amyloid-beta plaques. Amyloid-beta plaque and Tau Tangles are key factors when diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease.

These same inflammatory proteins are also found in the oral cavity of patients who experience gingivitis and periodontitis.

The Link Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s

Emerging research suggests that periodontal disease and poor oral health contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The primary culprit of Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be inflammation. Chronic oral infections can lead to systemic inflammation, and this can accelerate the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary (Tau Tangles) tangles in the brain, a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s Disease.

One bacterium in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly associated with periodontal disease, has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This bacterium can travel from the mouth to the brain, where it can contribute to inflammation which contributes to cognitive decline.

Importance of Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointments

Given this connection, preventive dental hygiene appointments are more crucial than ever. By maintaining optimal oral health, patients reduce inflammation in the mouth and lower the risk of systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease.

Here are some strategies to promote oral health and possibly protect brain health:

Routine Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointments: Encourage patients to schedule routine dental hygiene appointments at least twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations. Regular visits help detect and address oral health issues before they become a chronic disease. Patients who have a history of periodontal disease need to be seen for dental hygiene appointments more frequently. Dental professionals need to understand the benefits of photobiomodulation in prevention of inflammatory diseases. (See resources below #5 listed below to learn more about this.)
Daily Oral Hygiene: Educate patients on the importance of brushing twice a day and using dental floss or an interproximal oral hygiene aid to clean between the teeth every day.

Our message to patients: “Proper oral hygiene removes plaque and reduces the risk of gum disease. A healthy mouth leads to a longer and healthier life!”

3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Advise patients to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and to limit sugar intake. Sugar contributes to inflammation and inflammation contributes the the proteins that cause dementia. Additionally, discourage any type of tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, both which negatively impact oral and overall health. Exercise, aerobic – HIIT training – Level 2 exercise, and lifting weights also show promise to reduce cognitive decline. (See references below. #’s 6 & 7 to learn more about exercise and weight lifting.)

Managing Chronic Conditions: Encourage patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and other chronic systemic conditions, to manage their health proactively, as these conditions can exacerbate periodontal disease and inflammation, all which contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Stay Informed: As dental professionals, staying updated on the latest research linking oral health and systemic diseases is vital. This knowledge enables us to educate patients effectively and advocate for our patients overall well-being.

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease. Current evidence underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy mouth. Dental professionals play a significant role in reducing oral inflammation and promoting overall health which can potentially lower our patients risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.

As we continue to explore the intricate connections between oral and systemic health, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact on our patients’ lives. Encouraging optimal oral health is not just about preserving smiles—it’s about contributing to long-lasting brain health and enhancing quality of our patients’ life for years to come.

Our job as dental professionals is to help patients live a longer and healthier life. This must be our message to patients in our dental world today!

For more information about this topic refer to the references below and plan to attend one of Debbie’s CE Courses during 2025. Email, or call us to book a course for your dental society, association or dental hygiene meeting.

References.

Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Alzheimer’s Disease. P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Science Advances. Stephen S Dominy, et.al. 23 Jan 2019 Vol 5, Issue 1 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau33.

2. How can Periodontitis or Periodontal Bacteria Influence Alzheimer’s Disease Features? A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical Studies. J Alzheimers Disease. 2023 Nov 21;96(3):979–1010. doi 10.3233/JAD-230478.

3. Association between Tooth Loss and Cognitive Function among 3063 Chinese Older Adults: A Community-Based Study. PLOS ONE. 2015 Mar 24;10(3):e0120986. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120986

4. Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases. Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi: 10.1155/2023/9720947.

5. Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation In Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Dec 30;11(Suppl 1):S16–S22. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2020.S3.

6. Cognitive benefits from high intensity interval training may last for years. Medical News Today. Jessica Freeborn on July 23, 2024. Accessed on December 9, 2024.

7. The effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function, amyloidogenesis, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. Caroline Vieira Azevedo, et,al. Front Neurosci. 2023 Mar 2;17:1131214. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1131214.

Reduce Cancellations Using This One Thing

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

September 3, 2024

Nothing is more stressful for a dentist or dental practice owner than discovering an unexpected hole in the schedule. Whether it’s the result of a no-show or a last-minute cancellation, that open hole in your schedule means lost revenue, an employee scrambles to fill the hole, and you have a missed opportunity to treat a patient in need.

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS, founder of Dental Practice Solutions, reminds us, “A no-show isn’t just a break-even situation—it results in a loss.” This is why it’s essential to take proactive steps to prevent these disruptions and protect your practice’s success.

Fortunately, there’s a straightforward strategy you can implement that will make a significant difference.

Reduce Cancellations Using This One Thing:

Think about this, the most significant financial setbacks in your practice often stem from cancellations of high-value appointments such as crown, bridge and implant procedures, etc. Implementing a reward system such as The Smile Club encourages patients to commit to their scheduled dental appointments.

Human nature creates a WIIFM attitude. People want to understand what they get in return for X, Y, or Z. Not many dental patients arrive at a dental office excited to be there so let’s flip this anxiety and the stress around dental appointments into something patients look forward to!

The Smile Club is a patient reward/loyalty system that not only encourages patient commitment to show up for their dental appointments but it also identifies patients who want cosmetic dentistry. If the system is properly implemented it will grow your new patient numbers.

How The Smile Club Works

When patients enroll as a member of The Smile Club they receive their take home whitening kit and in the future get a free whitening pen at future routine dental hygiene appointments. They also receive discounts on teeth whitening products when they buy more in the future.

Patients expect a toothbrush at dental hygiene appointments but what if you could give them a whitening pen and/or that expected toothbrush? Now you have a patient who is more likely to respect and value their dental appointments. Give people what they want!

If you begin asking your patients about their smile goals you will discover most want whiter teeth. The reason why dental offices don’t have more patients buy whitening from their office is the high cost and time in the chair. Many patients also fear tooth sensitivity.

We have you covered on all of these aspects. Why shouldn’t your patients want to buy their teeth whitening from your office?

Teeth Whitening Dental Practice Growth Potential

Teeth whitening is scheduled to be an 11 billion dollar industry by 2030 but it’s not because people are flocking to their dental office to buy their whitening products.1 This huge growth is because of AMAZON and WALMART sales since the pandemic. More people are working at home and they are on ZOOM video meetings. This makes people more focused on their appearance than ever before.

Benefits of The Smile Club

Reduce Cancellations

A huge benefit to this patient reward system benefit is to plug the holes in your schedule.

Less last minute cancellations
Good-bye to voice messages with patients canceling
Less time spend plugging holes
Grow New Patient Numbers

With our website partner, Med Rank Interactive, we work to bring more new patients to your website. We understand that millions of people are searching the internet for whiter teeth so why not get them to your website?

Your website should be optimized to attract these millions of people searching the internet 24/7 for whiter teeth.

More Cosmetic Cases

Dental offices using The Smile Club also understand the value of an annual smile evaluation. This is a simple process that happens in the first 5 minutes of the dental hygiene appointment.

Make it simple to complete a smile evaluation annually and learn about your patients smile goals.

If you never ask, the answer is “No.”

Increase Hygiene Department Per- Patient Production

When your dental hygienist takes a few minutes to complete a smile evaluation, they will learn that most patients want a whiter-brighter smile.

The Smile Club utilizes Celebrity Smiles teeth whitening products. Founder of Dental Practice Solutions, Debbie Seidel Bittke, created this product. Our whitening formula is FDA approved and includes all regulated certifications to provide efficacy and patient safety.

Our proprietary ingredients whiten teeth fast (in the comfort of the patients home), without tooth sensitivity and includes blue/red LED Lights. We’ve included Carbamide Peroxide with Potassium Nitrate which whitens teeth fast and without tooth sensitivity.

We included an option to use red LED Lights for post-op care. These red LED Lights soothe, heal and comfort various mouth sores and the photobiomodulation process supports post-op care after gum treatment and surgical procedures.

The Dental Practice Growth Strategy

For a more comprehensive approach to grow your dental practice without running on a treadmill or increasing your overhead, consider integrating The Smile Club into your dental practice.

This solution, offered by Dental Practice Solutions, is designed to enhance your patients smile with more cosmetic cases scheduled. Utilizing The Smile Club patient reward system dramatically reduces cancellations. This practice growth system will grow new patient numbers.

The Smile Club provides a much easier way to have more patients say “Yes!” to paying for and scheduling more cosmetic cases.

BOOK a quick ZOOM meeting and find out how this will grow your dental practice starting today!

Reference.

Teeth Whitening Market Forecast. https://bit.ly/10BILby2026

Grow Cosmetic Cases in Your Dental Practice

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

June 1, 2024

Boosting Case Acceptance and Per Patient Production

Dental offices that experience high profitability from cosmetic procedures typically have a substantial patient base originating from general practitioner (GP) services. This extensive patient base is crucial for generating cosmetic cases.

The emphasis is on “generating” these cosmetic cases because they won’t be magically scheduled. While cosmetic cases may naturally be scheduled, you miss out on many opportunities when you aren’t proactively discovering that your current patients want a more beautiful and confident smile..

The first priority is to increase general patient volume through hygiene appointments, hygiene patient reactivation, and attracting new patients. This increased volume provides a larger pool to present your cosmetic services. Presenting cosmetic cases to your existing patients is more cost-effective and yields better results than marketing to find more new patients.

This blog will delve into ways to more effectively grow cosmetic cases in your dental practice.

Present Cosmetic Services to Existing Patients

Don’t Assume Patients Know What Services You Offer

Many dentists are surprised to find that loyal, long-term patients often go elsewhere for services like clear aligners or veneers simply because they didn’t know these services were available at their usual practice. It’s ironic to see dentists spend heavily on community advertising while neglecting to inform their own patients about their offerings.

Increase Cosmetic Case Acceptance

Your Hygiene Department is the Mitochondria of Your Dental Practice

Most patients spend more time with their dental hygienist than any other clinician in your dental practice. Make certain your hygiene department is optimized to effectively communicate treatment needs and truly understand what your patients’ smile goals are.

It’s ironic to see dentists spend huge amounts of money on community advertising while neglecting to understand what they current patients’ smile goals are. Did you know?

Teeth whitening is an 11 Billion Dollar industry however, few people search for a dental office to buy teeth whitening.1

Dentists are missing out on easy profit solutions and a way to have more patients accept cosmetic dentistry.

Strategies to Boost Cosmetic Cases to Existing Patients

The Smile Evaluation. Cosmetic Questionnaires

Introduce a smile evaluation – a cosmetic questionnaire for all new patients and annually to every patient.

Learn what your patients’ smile goals are. People are more likely to pay money for what they want so find an easy what to know what your patient wants.

In-Office Promotions

Display promotional materials throughout your office—posters, flyers, videos, and before-and-after photos. Place these in high-visibility areas like the waiting room, in front of dental chairs, at the front desk, in hallways, and even restrooms.

Consider offering patients a patient rewards program like The Smile Club.

Patient Engagement

Encourage your patients of record to follow your practice on social media. Post informative videos, patient testimonials, plus, before-and-after photos. Always include a compelling offer such as The Smile Club where patients receive free whitening pens.

Give patients a reason to keep their dental appointments. Make dental appointments fun, not dreadful.

Team Training

Ensure your employees are well-informed about the cosmetic services you offer so they can educate patients effectively. Consider scheduling “lunch & learns” and implement consistent training with your team. Get everyone on your team, the same page.

It takes a patient 7 times to hear something new like information about ‘Gum disease and gum treatment.” Break down the words you use into words your patients easily understand. Understand your patients values and know how to attach a benefit to their values or objections.

Use words such as gum disease over periodontal disease. Explain they have infection, inflammation, a hole in their tooth or bleeding gums.

Consider scheduling a team training to elevate your cosmetic case acceptance. Your hygiene department is key to successfully getting patients to “YES!” and boost cosmetic cases.

New Patients

While marketing cosmetic services to new patients can be effective, it can also be costly and tricky. Using Google ads, targeted social media ads, implant marketing funnels, and direct mail can be expensive.

There are effective ways to use your website to attract more new patients looking for cosmetic dentistry such as: Teeth whitening, Invisalign, and implants, etc.

Reach out to us and ask for our template to use on your website – proven to attract more new patients.

Keys to Successful Marketing of Cosmetic Services

1. Manage and Track New Patient Leads

How you manage new patient leads is crucial. Make sure your front office employees promptly and repeatedly follow up with online form submissions and phone calls from potential new patients. Train your team to handle these calls effectively, and use call recording systems to monitor and improve performance.

2. Invest in Training

Never cut corners or expenses when building a strong-seamless team. Invest in training your team, consistently optimizing your patient care, services and technology. Ensure the best patient and practice outcomes. Understand your key performance indicators and train your team to drive their specific metrics. Doctor’s job is not to micro-manage but when your team understands what’s expected and how to monitor their expectations everyone stops working so hard!

3. Track and Manage Results Closely

Successful dental practices monitor their progress and growth or lack-of. Track cost per new patient lead, appointment scheduling rates, case acceptance rates, overdue hygiene patients, cancellations, etc, etc.

With our no-cost snapshot we will show you and your team exactly what opportunities lie in from of you and each team member understands their responsibility to drive profitability without working hard.

The doctor and entire team must stay actively involved in your success strategy. Doctor’s role is to inspect what they expect of their employees. We consistently hear that many employees simply do not know what their employer, the dentist, expects of them!

Conclusion

Boost Cosmetic Cases: Focus on reactivating overdue hygiene patients and market your cosmetic services to these existing patients first. When you reactivate many overdue hygiene patients, many will have restorative and cosmetic cases that are unscheduled. Now is your chance to get them scheduled.
Invest Wisely: Be prepared to invest on effective strategies to grow high-value patient services.
Monitor Results: Understand your key performance indicators and Track your progress. Train your team to ensure you have systems in place that will to help you work SMART and stop running on a treadmill.

Implementing these strategies will significantly boost (cosmetic) case acceptance rates, enhance your per patient production, ultimately growing your practice and profitability.

For personalized direction on your practice growth, book a no cost opportunity ZOOM call with us. We’re here for you and want to see you get to your next level of success.

Contact us to grab our Smile Evaluation or Schedule a Team Training so your team knows exactly what’s expected.

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 Smile Club: Enhanced Patient Care and Dental Practice Growth

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

February 27, 2024

Ensuring a healthy, beautiful smile is not just about routine dental hygiene appointments; it’s about fostering lasting relationships between patients and dental care providers. At Dental Practice Solutions, we’re committed to revolutionizing the way patients experience dental care through our innovative Smile Club patient loyalty program.

The Smile Club isn’t just another patient membership program but it’s a gateway to a comprehensive dental experience designed to benefit both patients and dental practices alike. Let’s delve into how The Smile Club can transform your dental practice into a thriving business and elevate your patient care.

Less Last-Minute Cancellations

Last-minute cancellations not only disrupt your schedule but also the efficiency of your dental practices. Implementing The Smile Club, less open holes in your schedule. Members ofThe Smile Club agree to 1. Pre-schedule their future hygiene appointments and, 2. They agree to call during business hours 72 hours in advance when they do need to change an appointment.

In return patients receive one free whitening pen at their routine hygiene appointment and a discount on all other whitening products they may buy.

This proactive approach not only reduces the occurrence of cancellations but also fosters a sense of accountability and mutual respect between patients and dental professionals. Your patients are most likely looking for a way to brighten their smile so why not accommodate this desire by offering teeth whitening products as an incentive.

More Hygiene Appointments Scheduled

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is paramount to preserving the health and appearance of your smile. Patients who become members of The Smile Club are prioritizing preventive care, which minimizes the need for invasive restorative procedures in the future.

Your patients enrolled in The Smile Club feel like a VIP. These are patients who feel loyalty to your dental practice. They are happy to be a part of your dental family. Happy patients remain patients for many years. Happy patients refer their friends and family to your office.

More Cosmetic Cases

Your patients’ smile is their signature, and as a provider of The Smile Club, you have an opportunity to understand your patient’s smile desires. A 1st step to helping your patients enroll in The Smile Club is having every new patient complete a Smile Evaluation. Every adult patient should also complete the Smile Evaluation annually.

Seldom does anyone see their dentist and they are asked, for example: “Mr. Jones, What is one thing you want to change about your smile?” Do you offer a smile evaluation to each patient so you understand their smile desire?

Usually, offices “think” they are too busy to “ask” patients what they would like their smile to look like.

Let’s flip this negative connotation of “My dentist always finds something!” or “It costs a lot of money every time I see my dentist!” into a positive experience where patients enjoy coming to your dental office.

“Let’s make dental appointments a pleasure not a pain!”

In addition to these tangible benefits, when your patients join The Smile Club they become part of a supportive community dedicated to promoting oral health and overall well-being. Your proactive approach gives patients a special feeling like you care about them as a person and not just a tooth or a way to make money! How many times do patients “think” doctor is funding their next vacation home or European vacation?!

Use The Smile Club as a way to help patients take control of their total health and embrace the transformative power of a beautiful smile.

At Dental Practice Solutions, we believe that every smile has the potential to light up the world.

Benefits of The Smile Club:

Grows New Patient Numbers
Builds Loyal Patients
Reduces Last-Minute Cancellations
BOOSTS Cosmetic Cases
Adds a 70k + Net Profit Annually (No additional patients or overhead!)
More Teeth Whitening Services Without the Chair time

*Let us show you how to grow your dental practice at least 70k this year without working more days, see more patients or increase your overhead!

Book a call today or inquire about The Smile Club.

Dental Hygiene Patient Reactivation Simplified

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

February 1, 2024

Reactivating patients is essential for building a thriving patient base and maintaining an effective hygiene program. A significant number of patients will inevitably lapse from their regular appointments, making it imperative to reactivate them for preventive care.

Dental Practice Solutions has worked with dental offices for over 20 years to get patients back on their schedule. The *Smile Club strategy has equipped thousands of dental offices with a cost-effective strategy to acquire new patients and re-engage patients who are overdue for their hygiene appointments or inactive.

Reactivating unscheduled hygiene patients is akin to acquiring new patients, and sometimes even better, given their existing trust in your dental practice.

Reactivation efforts often face hurdles:

Only 10% of emails receive attention.
Postcards often end up discarded.
People tend to ignore calls from unfamiliar numbers.

How can you effectively reconnect with unscheduled patients?

How can you prompt patients to respond to your emails, answer your calls, or engage with text messsage you send?

One Tip:

Utilize text messaging (SMS) automation, also known as “digital reactivation,” to reach hundreds or thousands of patients with the push of a button on your computer patient engagement software.

It’s a fact that over 90% of adults keep their mobile phones nearby at all times, and 98% of text messages reach their intended recipients. Moreover, 90% of these messages are read within three minutes of receipt.

Digital reactivation complements your existing reactivation methods. Integrate text messaging into your patient reactivation strategy.

If you don’t have a reactivation program yet, consider joining one of our monthly Power Hours which you can attend virtually by registering and using a ZOOM link. (see below information to get the registration link). By adopting the reactivation program we created many years ago called *The Smile Club and incorporating digital reactivation tips, you will yield positive outcomes. Less patients go MIA.

Many dental practices leveraging digital reactivation and *The Smile Club system have welcomed back up to 90 patients per month through this proven system. Set a goal to reactivate at least 20 overdue hygiene patients each week.

Simple and effective tips for digital reactivation.

Use HIPAA Compliant Software:

For digital reactivation, opt for a HIPAA compliant software separate from your dental and two-way texting platforms.

Craft Offers and Text Messages:

Experiment with different campaigns and messages to gauge effectiveness. Offer incentives and create urgency to prompt action.
*The Smile Club (patient incentive system) has proven for many years to be beneficial in reactivating overdue hygiene patients.
*Read below to find out more about The Smile Club

Personalize Your Message:

Personalize messages with the patient’s name and include your practice name. Choose a sender (A real person’s name): a team member, hygienist, or the doctor- owner, to enhance engagement and track your responses to messages you send.

Implementation:

Designate someone within your dental practice to oversee hygiene patient reactivation. This means your patients are more likely to be scheduled for future hygiene appointments.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your reactivation process and foster patient retention.

Book a call to learn more about *The Smile Club and patient reactivation. *The Smile Club also grows new patient numbers and grows cosmetic case acceptance.

Call us to learn more: 623-252-1941. Or drop us a quick note.

Explore methods for attracting and retaining high-quality patients. Consider attending one of our Power Hours each month.

Grab a free resource and you will be on our list to be notified when we have our next Power Hour.

Click and Grab a Resource Here.

*The Smile Club. Would you like to learn more about our Patient Rewards, Reactivation System using The Smile Club? Book a quick call and we will show you how it works.

Your Dental Hygiene Department Profit Formula: Six Guiding Principles

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

January 17, 2024

A streamlined dental hygiene department with strategic systems plays a pivotal role in driving practice production; however, many practices fall short of harnessing the full potential of their hygiene department.

In a typical day, a hygienist may treat seven or eight patients, offering essential services like prophylaxis and radiographs. While this is a common practice, it doesn’t fully leverage the hygiene department to deliver comprehensive, and periodontal care, as well as drive patients to schedule for cosmetic dentistry. In today’s economic landscape, optimizing all resources, including the hygiene department, is crucial for a dental practice.

When over 60% of Americans age 35 or older have some level of gum disease it’s imperative to treat this starting with non-surgical periodontal therapy and even use the ADA gingivitis code provided for early intervention of disease.

Continuing reading this to elevate your hygiene department by learning about The Profit Formula and 6 guiding principles.

The Profit Formula

The Profit Formula is an innovative approach created by Dental Practice Solutions and designed to elevate dental hygiene productivity, aiming to unlock the true production potential of hygienists, elevate clinical care, and generate increased production for the hygiene department.1

Implementing The Profit Formula has demonstrated the capability to boost annual hygiene production by over $100,000 per hygienist, a proven success in numerous practices and adaptable to various settings. Explore six key principles of The Profit Formula to revolutionize dental hygiene productivity, enhance overall practice production and elevate patient care.

2. Future Hygiene Appointments

During the initial discovery phase, when working with clients, Dental Practice Solutions usually discovers practices usually have fewer than 80% of active patients scheduled for a next appointment. If patients aren’t scheduled, you can’t provide them optimal oral health care.

Plan a goal of 90% pre-scheduled hygiene appointments. Every patient (Preventive care and restorative) will leave with a next appointment. This means all patients of record (Even edentulous patients. Another topic, another day!) will have a pre-scheduled hygiene appointment.

Most hygiene patients receive basic hygiene care (cleanings/”Preventive Care Appointment”) and are assessed for any obvious dental needs and/or abnormalities. For a dental practice to reach their hygiene profit potential, hygienists need to understand how to deliver treatment needs to patients that puts the patient in the driver’s seat, ultimately allowing the patient to “take ownership of their disease.”

It’s imperative that we never allow insurance benefits (or lack of a benefit) dictate our treatment plan!

The hygiene department should be a major profit center for a dental practice., This can only occur when patients are routinely scheduled for dental hygiene appointments.

3. Promote Comprehensive Dentistry

There are different strategies and systems for the hygiene department to drive comprehensive, periodontal and cosmetic dental services. In most offices, this is not happening. One reason is that the dentist is so busy with restorative patients that the hygiene appointment is more of an interruption than anything else.

Some dentists may not take the time to complete a six month periodic exam and many offices have not learned a way to streamline the hygiene-patient-doctor exam to optimize case acceptance. Many offices think that they only time a patient will receive a comprehensive exam is when they are a new patient.

Not true!

Using The Profit Formula (Taught by Dental Practice Solutions) the dental hygienist will do a complete evaluation (hygienists are not legally allowed to diagnosis in most states) of the patients’ oral condition. Once hygienists become educated to find all potential hygiene need-based and elective (cosmetic and adjunctive) treatment opportunities, the entire outcome of the hygiene – preventive care appointments is elevated and you experience a more productive dental practice. This is how your hygiene department will drive productivity for the entire dental practice.

Using The Profit Formula the dental hygienist will use the oral evaluation to introduce discussions about comprehensive care, cosmetic dentistry and of course non-surgical periodontal care. The dental hygienist will initiate (discuss, introduce) the services while (in most states legally) the dentist will make the final diagnosis.

The hygienist is there as a patient-advocate and mini-associate to the dentist. This supports case acceptance and saves time during the hygiene patient exam.

This outcome is the reason why the hygiene department is very important to the dental practice. It’s the main blood vessel or the mitochondria of the dental practice. The hygiene department should operate like a powerhouse cell!

4. Build Strong Patient Relationships

The Profit Formula has a process that includes learning specific information about each patient, building patient rapport, understanding the patients values and their smile desires. Each hygiene appointment represents an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with the patient. It provides an opportunity to do more than treat a tooth.

Patients enjoy coming to a dental office where they feel valued and appreciated. This is part of the 5-star patient experience and one simple way to organically grow your dental practice.

A strong focus on the smile evaluation can be an effective way to learn what your patient desires for their smile. This takes away the dental clinicians always “finding” something in the patient’s mouth. It puts patients in the driver’s seat where they tell the office and dentist what they want. Provide a simple way for patients to whiten their teeth. The Smile Club is great way to save time and build your cosmetic cases this year.2

5. Enhanced Hygiene-Patient-Doctor-Exams

Dentists need to stop thinking of the hygiene patient exams as an interruption, and stop putting off this important exam. During a 10-minute team huddle the team should learn which hygiene patients need a doctor exam. The dental assistants will make note of this and be aware of a time when the doctor can more easily break-away from their patient to complete the hygiene patient exam.

When utilizing The Profit Formula hygienists will prepare the patient for any potential treatment needs which saves the doctor time during that hygiene patient exam. The hygiene patient exam should not take longer than 5-7 minutes. If the patient needs a comprehensive exam, this must be scheduled in another operatory and for 20 minutes of time with the doctor. The timing and strategy of this comprehensive exam must be completed at the time the patients hygiene appointment is scheduled.

6. Hygiene Department Production

Many hygienists think of hygiene production as “cleaning teeth,” bite-wings, FMX and panoramic radiographs. Today’s dental hygiene appointment includes “preventive care” including various adjunctive services such as laser bacterial reduction (LBR), fluoride varnish, Perio Protect Trays, Arestin, sealants, etc, etc.

A pain-point for many employees is knowing that the doctor-practice owner, has production goals. Let’s flip this negative thought process into a positive one. We must all think of production goals and meeting the practice production goals as “job security.”

When a large majority of Americans age 35 and older have some level of gum disease the hygiene production should not be difficult to reach three times the hygienists salary. The twenty-first century dental hygienist has a lot of exciting adjunctive services to implement that elevate patient care! Patients WILL pay for these adjunctive services when we share about the value and benefits they offer.

Since the 2020 pandemic, dental hygienists demand more money per hour when working as a dental hygienist in the dental office so it becomes imperative that dental hygienists are aware of their productivity and not JUST clean teeth.

Doctors must look at their practice numbers and end-of-day reports. The Profit Formula taught by Dental Practice Solutions, brings profit to the forefront of the dental practice, in a way that makes looking at the practice metrics and daily opportunities fun for all!.

Numbers tell a story and when the team looks at production goals in a positive light, accomplishing the goals as a team can be fun. When we accomplish the practice goals now we can talk about bonuses, salary raises, and fun team events!

Conclusion

The dental hygiene department is one of the best opportunities in a dental practice to increase overall practice production and elevate patient care, especially in today’s economy. The Profit Formula created by Dental Practice Solutions, will immediately set your practice on a growth path as well as, create more value for your patients.

Hygienists following The Profit Formula protocol receive higher patient satisfaction reviews than those who simply see patients for “just a cleaning” and basic preventive care services. Dentistry is constantly changing. Hygiene department adjunctive services are a fun and exciting way to practice dentistry as a dental hygienist in 2024.

These 6 principles discussed serve as guide to reframe your hygiene department and take your practice to the next level.

When you’re ready to optimize your hygiene department, implement The Profit Formula, and elevate your patient care, consider a quick call to learn more about Dental Practice Solutions hygiene department coaching program Hygiene Department MAX Revenue (a hybrid of online and personalized coaching) here.

References.

The Profit Formula. Book a call and ask us about the Profit Formula taught by Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS, Founder of Dental Practice Solutions. *Currently taught in all of our coaching programs.
Ask us about The Smile Club and see your cosmetic cases grow. We will show you how to also have more new patient phone calls and reduce last-minute cancellations. Book a quick time to chat and learn. When you book a call we will mail you a SMILE CLUB whitening kit with the LED Blue and Red Lights (Similar nano watts as the ZOOM in-office light). There is no chair time to use this system. BOOK HERE —https://calendly.com/debbie-111/caseacceptance

The Dental Hygienists Role in Boosting Case Acceptance

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

November 14, 2023

In the world of dentistry, case acceptance is not just about presenting treatment options and persuading patients to say “yes.” It’s a multifaceted process that involves building strong relationships with patients and providing a personalized experience that resonates.

A crucial player in this dynamic is the dental hygienist. What happens during the hygiene appointment sets the stage for patients to accept care and keep returning to their dental office.

In this blog, we’ll explore how hygienists contribute to case acceptance and why building strong patient relationships is pivotal for any dental practice’s success.

Understanding the Dental Hygienist’s Role

Dental hygienists are often the unsung heroes of the dental office. While their primary responsibility is to perform routine preventive care their role extends far beyond that. A skilled and empathetic hygienist can make a world of difference in a patient’s experience, setting the stage for trust, case acceptance, and long-term patient loyalty.

Trust and Comfort: Patients often find dental appointments to be anxiety-inducing. Hygienists have the unique ability to put patients at ease. They can create a comfortable environment by explaining procedures, addressing concerns, and offering reassurance. When patients feel comfortable, they are more likely to trust the entire dental team, including the dentist, and consider recommended treatments.
Educators and Advisors: Hygienists are well-versed in oral health and hygiene. During their appointments, they can educate patients about the importance of proper dental care and hygiene practices. By offering personalized tips and advice, they not only help patients maintain good oral health but also prepare them for necessary oral care needs, making them more receptive to the dentist’s recommendations.
Early Detection and Prevention: Hygienists play a critical role in early detection of oral disease and abnormalities. Through routine visual examinations, they can identify problems in their early stages, such as gum disease or a hole in the patients tooth. When patients understand that their hygienist is actively looking out for their best interest, they are more likely to appreciate the value of preventive care and want to pay for what they need.
Building Relationships: Dental hygienists see patients regularly, which provides ample opportunities to build strong relationships. They can get to know their patients on a personal level, remember their patients preferences, and inquire about their well-being. These small acts of caring create a sense of belonging and trust that extends beyond the dental chair.

Personalized Patient Experience

One of the key elements of consultative selling in dentistry is offering a personalized patient experience. Hygienists excel at this because they (should) have undivided quality time and the patient’s undivided attention during their hygiene appointments.

Listening and Empathy: Hygienists listen to patients’ concerns and fears. They empathize with their patients discomfort and ensure that the treatment experience is as painless and stress-free as possible. When patients feel heard and valued, they are more likely to trust the entire dental team.
Tailored Recommendations: Building relationships allows dental hygienists to understand their patients’ unique needs and concerns. This insight enables them to tailor their treatment recommendations to align with the patient’s goals and preferences. When patients perceive that the treatment plan is designed specifically for them, they are more inclined to accept it.

Benefits of Focusing on Relationships

The benefits of focusing on building relationships through consultative selling are clear:

Increased Case Acceptance: When patients trust the dental team and feel that their needs are understood, they are most likely to accept the recommended and necessary dental care.
Increased Patient Satisfaction: A positive patient experience, characterized by trust, empathy, and personalization, leads to higher patient satisfaction and more referrals to friends and family.
Increased Practice Profitability: As case acceptance rates rise, so does practice profitability. Satisfied patients are more likely to return for their routine preventive care..

Bottom Line

Patients are more likely to trust your expertise when they feel heard, valued, and understood. Dental hygienists are instrumental in creating this environment of trust and empathy, which, in turn, paves the way for increased case acceptance and stronger patient relationships.

By recognizing the vital role dental hygienists play in patient care and fostering these relationships, dental practices will thrive and provide optimal care for their patients.

It’s important for patients to understand that the dental hygienist is doing more than just cleaning your teeth. Dental hygienists are setting the stage for a healthy and enduring patient-dentist relationship. We are in the business of helping our patients live a longer and healthier life!

What is your current percentage of case acceptance?
Does the hygienists set the stage for patients to accept the diagnosed treatment and even ask for cosmetic services outside of what doctor has treatment planned?

If your case acceptance is NOT 80% consider booking a no-cost call with Debbie!

Let’s get your dental practice set up for highest level of success in the next 12 months!

BOOK YOUR CALL HERE.

Holistic Patient Care and Case Acceptance in the Dental Hygiene Department.

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

October 30, 2023

In the ever-evolving realm of dentistry, the dental hygiene department stands as a pivotal force in transforming patient care.

This blog delves into the transformative role of dental hygienists within the dental hygiene department, focusing on their contribution to enhancing case acceptance and overall patient well-being. Continue reading and explore how dental hygienists play a central role in providing holistic care, identifying conditions like sleep apnea, TMD, empowering patients with knowledge about the mouth-body connection, fostering a strong patient-clinician partnership.

Discover how these strategic measures are shaping a new paradigm in dentistry, ultimately driving higher case acceptance rates and improving the quality of patient care.

Our overarching message must be, “Optimal Oral Health Leads to a Longer, Healthier Life.”

From early identification of conditions like sleep apnea to empowering patients with knowledge about oral inflammation and how it plays a key role in their total health, the contributions of the dental hygiene department are shaping a new paradigm shift in our dental profession.

Continue reading about the transformative impact of the dental hygienist department to in enhance patient care, improve patients total health, and boost case acceptance.

Dental hygienists in the twenty first century no longer JUST clean teeth! They are a partner with their patients in the early detection and treatment of oral inflammation, offering patients a holistic approach to oral care. They are like a mini-associate to the dentist helping to increase case acceptance.

First Line of Defense: “Creating a Longer, Healthier Life:”

Dental hygienists often serve as the patients’ initial point of contact during dental appointments. Their unique position allows for close interaction with patients, enabling them to gather vital information and conduct preliminary assessments.

This initial interaction is crucial for identifying potential abnormalities such as sleep apnea, oral inflammation that causes gingivitis, and periodontitis, etc. Dental hygienists are often the 1st person to learn about a patient’s cosmetic dental concerns.

Through meaningful conversations and motivational interviewing 1, dental hygienists can collect valuable information about symptoms like snoring, daytime fatigue, breathing difficulties, bleeding gums, localized mild to generalized severe gingivitis, periodontitis and even soft and hard tissue abnormalities; all of these which affect numerous oral conditions affecting patients overall health.

Visual Examinations:

Dental hygienists possess the ability to conduct visual examinations of patients’ oral health, which is a distinctive advantage for the dentist. In the context of sleep apnea, telltale signs such as a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, etc, can often be observed during these examinations.

Dental hygienists have a legal and ethical responsibility to annually complete a Comprehensive Periodontal Exam (CPE) 2.

Moreover, dental hygienists are skilled at identifying dental issues that could lead to cosmetic concerns, such as malalignment of teeth, stained enamel, or missing teeth. They also detect oral inflammation, which includes, gingivitis and periodontitis. By fostering a patient partnership, they boost case acceptance for necessary and adjunctive treatment.

The dental hygiene department must be the mitochondria that supports patients overall well being and supports adjunctive (restorative and cosmetic) dental care for the dentist’s schedule.

The Dental Professional-Patient Partnership:

Dental hygienists have a unique opportunity to establish a partnership with their patients by involving them in the initial examination process. Utilizing intraoral cameras, cutting-edge scanners like Adite 3 as well as the latest dental AI app (See resources below), PrestoSmile 4, dental hygienists become a partner with their patient to review their oral conditions in real-time.

These technologies help the patient make a wise decision about their oral cavity and total health. Before the doctor completes the hygiene exam, the patients have seen potential smile capabilities they may never have thought possible.

While the dental hygienist has the patient in their chair, as they take a tour of the patient’s mouth. Dental hygienists are in a position to empower patients to own their disease and want specific care and adjunctive cosmetic services.

This active involvement motivates patients to take ownership of their oral health, it leads to increased engagement and patient compliance.The end result is higher case acceptance and patient loyalty to their dental office.

These technological advancements available today make it easier for dental professionals to convey the importance of required treatments.

They seeing is believing and today’s world of dental technology combined with dental AI, will help get more patients to accept our care. This is one easy way to get patients to “yes” more easily to high-end dental care such as veneers, implants, crowns, bridges, etc.

Patient Education:

Dental hygienists, in the initial appointment, diagnose oral inflammation, discuss cosmetic dentistry, and identify sleep apnea and TMD risks. They clarify complex concepts, enhancing patient understanding before the dentist examines them.

Dental hygienists have a responsibility to inform patients about the potential risks of untreated conditions, including active disease such as gingivitis, periodontitis, broken teeth and occlusal wear. They can also discuss the aesthetic and functional benefits of various treatment options, aiding patients to make informed decisions.

This saves time for the dentist completing the hygiene patient exam. Imagine the dental hygienist and entire dental hygiene department as a mini-associate to the dentist. The dental hygiene department is the foundation to get patient to want what they need.

Seamless Transition of Hygiene Patient During Dental Exams:

Before the dentist arrives to complete the hygiene patient examination, dental hygienists have already laid a strong foundation about any oral abnormalities. At this point in the dental hygiene appointment the patient is well-informed about their oral health condition, potential concerns, and available treatment options.

This smooth transition ensures that the patient is prepared for a productive conversation with the doctor.

In this patient-doctor interaction, dental hygienists play a crucial role, providing information about the patient’s oral health, any medical changes, and the completion of oral abnormality screenings. They ensure that the dentist is aware of the patient’s concerns, the need for x-rays, unscheduled treatment, etc.

At this point in the dental hygiene appointment the patient has time to understand their oral condition and any future care needed. This takes away from the dentist spending a lot time during the exam to explain what is needed and how the procedure will be completed, etc.

Elevating Patient Consent and Compliance:

When patients have a clear understanding of their oral health conditions, they are more likely to accept the recommended care. This increased transparency significantly contributes to higher patient compliance rates, as patients recognize the importance of addressing sleep apnea, oral inflammation, and cosmetic dental concerns promptly.

Show patients what you see. Invite patient’s to participate in the discovery process and a plan for their total health.

Patient participation in the assessment and diagnosis process also enhances their commitment to treatment. Case acceptance will improve.

Holistic Patient-Centered Care:

The collaborative efforts of dental hygienists and dentists promote a patient-centered approach to overall wellness. Neglecting optimal oral health will affect a patient’s overall well-being. Addressing oral inflammation, cosmetic issues, airway abnormalities, and TMD enhances a patient’s quality of life and confidence.

The dental hygiene department and team are advancing dentistry through a patient-centered care with a holistic approach, providing comprehensive care beyond JUST cleaning teeth.

References.

Motivational interviewing. https://bit.ly/MotivationalInterviewRDH Accessed October 30. 2023.
Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (CPE). https://bit.ly/CPECkList Accessed October 30. 2023.
Adite Intra Oral Scanner. https://bit.ly/DigitalScannerAdite Accessed October 30. 2023.
PrestoSmile. Dental AI app. https://www.prestosmile.com/sneekpeak Accessed October 30. 2023.

Please note the author of this blog and founder of Dental Practice Solutions, Debbie Seidel Bittke, RDH, BS, is NOT financially affiliated with any of the above links or companies mentioned.

Do you feel like you are drowning in a sea of patients? Do you see too many holes in your schedule? Do you see mostly Prophy patients and/or, do you wish your hygiene department could “Set up” their patients to accept more cosmetic dentistry?

If you said “Yes,” to one or all of the above questions, we have answers to help you optimize your hygiene department without working harder or increasing your overhead.

Consider a No-Cost Discovery Call. BOOK HERE

It’s 30 minutes of time and you will walk away knowing what your true potential is with a roadmap to quickly arrive where your true potential awaits you.

Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month: The Evolution of Dental Hygienists and What Lies Ahead

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

October 23, 2023

National Dental Hygiene Month, celebrated each October, serves as a significant reminder of the crucial role dental hygienists play in maintaining oral health. In recent years, the field of dental hygiene has witnessed a remarkable transformation.

This blog explores the evolution of dental hygienists, highlighting new techniques such as Guided Biofilm Therapy, innovative smile assessment apps, and the groundbreaking approval in Arizona for dental hygienists to administer injectables like BOTOX.

These changes are shaping the dental hygiene landscape and creating fresh opportunities for professionals in the field.

Guided Biofilm Therapy: A Game Changer

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is revolutionizing the world of dental hygiene. Traditionally, dental hygienists primarily focused on plaque and tartar removal. However, GBT goes beyond this by using advanced technology to visualize, and eliminate biofilm—the hidden layer of bacteria causing dental issues.

GBT incorporates specialized technology, piezo devices to remove biofilm. This makes it easier for hygienists to remove biofilm efficiently and it’s more comfortable for patients.

This technology-driven approach enhances patient outcomes, providing a more comprehensive hygiene appointment experience and optimizes patient education by showing patients the type of plaque and biofilm on their teeth. This can be a great motivational tool for patients to improve their home care and oral hygiene routine.

Embracing GBT promises to elevate the role of dental hygienists, making them even more vital in overall dental health.

Innovative Smile Assessment Apps

In today’s digital age, innovative smile assessment apps are transforming the way dental hygienists evaluate oral health. These apps leverage “smile possibilities“ and artificial intelligence to provide a more comprehensive smile analysis.

Using a smartphone or tablet, dental hygienists can capture images of a patient’s teeth and swiftly assess various aspects of their smile, such as alignment, color, and symmetry, etc. These apps enable hygienists to support a more personalized treatment plan and visually demonstrate potential dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, Invisalign, implants, etc. This approach enhances patient engagement and empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding their oral health.

This new technology makes dental hygiene appointments more fun for the patient and clinicians.

Furthermore, these apps offer secure patient record storage, streamlining administrative tasks. This not only saves time but also ensures that patient data is readily accessible and up to date, contributing to improved patient care.

Many dental hygienists are also using digital scanners to show patients a tour of their month. The intra-oral scans and these AI apps are helpful to the dentists’ diagnosis and can save time during the hygiene-patient exam when the hygienist shows the patient what is happening in their mouth.

Dental hygienists have a great opportunity to get patients set up to accept necessary care. This will save time when doctor completes the hygiene-patient exam.

“Save time and everyone runs on time.”

Patients should not be left waiting for the dentist to complete the patient exam! There is an easier way to do life in your day as a dental hygienist and/or dental professional.

*See resources listed below for suggested Dental AI Apps and a new scanner that’s cost-effective for hygienists to use during appointments. Check out these options and plan to utilize this new technology for your hygiene patient exams. There is a much easer way to get patients to accept your care!

Injectable Approval in Arizona: Expanding Dental Hygienists’ Role

One of the most significant recent developments in the dental hygiene field is the approval for dental hygienists in Arizona to administer injectables like BOTOX. While this approval might appear unexpected, it underscores the evolving role of dental hygienists within the healthcare sector.

Check other states who will be approving this service administered by a registered dental hygienist.

Injectables, such as BOTOX, are not solely for cosmetic purposes; they also serve therapeutic needs like treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism. By acquiring this additional skill, dental hygienists can provide a more comprehensive approach to oral health and improve overall wellness.

This expanded scope not only benefits patients by offering additional treatment options but also opens exciting career paths for dental hygienists.

Turning Burnout into Opportunity

The dental profession has historically faced challenges related to burnout, high-stress levels, and limited career growth opportunities. Nevertheless, the exciting changes mentioned above are shifting the narrative around dental burnout. Here’s how:

Enhanced Job Satisfaction: With the integration of Guided Biofilm Therapy and innovative smile assessment apps and scanners, dental hygienists can offer more advanced and personalized care. This leads to greater job satisfaction as dental hygienists witness the direct impact of their work on patient outcomes.
Career Diversification: The approval for dental hygienists to administer injectables like BOTOX opens new career pathways within the dental profession. Hygienists can explore cosmetic dentistry and therapeutic treatments, broadening their horizons and earning potential.
Technological Advancements: Embracing technology not only enhances patient care but also streamlines administrative tasks. Dental hygienists can focus more on patient interactions and less on paperwork, reducing stress and burnout.

Conclusion

As we celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, it’s evident that exciting changes are on the horizon for dental hygienists. Guided Biofilm Therapy, innovative smile assessment apps, scanners, and an expanded scope of practice in states like Arizona are transforming the profession.

These developments are not only improving patient care but also reshaping the landscape of dental hygiene, offering new avenues for career growth and job satisfaction. It’s a thrilling time to be a dental hygienist, and these changes are turning burnout into a golden opportunity to work in the dental profession.

Resources.

Presto Smiles. Dental AI app. https://www.prestosmile.com/
Aidite Technology Cameo Elegant 3 Intraoral scanner. https://bit.ly/3FAVS3z

Are you ready to optimize your hygiene department?

If you never take a look at what “can be”, you’ll never know!

Book Your 30 Minutes Discovery Session with our Founder and CEO, Debbie Seidel Bittke, RDH, BS and discover how our customized coaching-training programs will transform your dental practice, optimize your hygiene department services and enhance patient care.