Dental Hygiene Services | Dental Practice Solutions

A Dental Hygienists Guide to Treating Oral Inflammation

By: Debbie Seidel

September 26, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Diagnosis of Gingivitis and Periodontitis:

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

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

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

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

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

Periodontal Disease Etiology:

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

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

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

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

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

During the InitialAppointment, the Dental Hygienist Will:

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

The Role of Soft Tissue Diode Laser

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

Soft Tissue Diode Laser Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soft Tissue Diode Laser Therapy Advantages:

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

Re-Evaluation, Periodontal Maintenance, and End-Point

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dental Hygienist Will:

1. Complete the CPE

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Do you have questions about this?

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

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

BOOK HERE

Resources.

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

Updates For Treating Oral Inflammation

By: Debbie Seidel

September 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Periodontal Disease:

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

The two primary forms are:

Gingivitis:

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

Periodontitis:

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

Latest Research on Periodontal Disease:

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

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

Treatment Options for Oral Inflammation:

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

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

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

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

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

1.Diode Laser:

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

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

3. End-Point Therapy/Re-Evaluation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Innovative Treatment Approaches:

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT):

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

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

BioGaia ProBiotics:

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

Effective Prevention Strategies:

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

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

Conclusion:

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

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

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

References.

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

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

Click here to book your coaching session.

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

By: Debbie Seidel

August 9, 2023

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

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

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

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

The Power of a Smile Evaluation

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

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

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

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

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

Engage Patients During The Smile Transformation

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

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

Understanding Patient Dynamics

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

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

Increasing the Value of Production Per Patient

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference.

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

Improving Dental Hygiene Patient Compliance: Strategies and Benefits

By: Debbie Seidel

August 2, 2023

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

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

The Importance of Patient Compliance

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

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

Effective Communication

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

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

Personalized Care Plans

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

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

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

Establishing Realistic Goals

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

Utilizing Technology

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

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

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

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

Emphasize Preventive Dentistry

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Reference.

* Motivational Interviewing. Read More Here

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

By: Debbie Seidel

July 25, 2023

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

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

Understand What Your Patient Desires

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Power of Open-Ended Questions

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

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

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

Introducing the Patient Membership/Loyalty Plan: The Smile Club

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Your Smile Club Patient Membership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

There is no cost when you enroll today!

References.

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

The Big Challenge Dentists Face with their Dental Hygiene Department

By: Debbie Seidel

July 19, 2023

Dental hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and preventing various dental diseases. Dentists understand the importance of a well-functioning dental hygiene department, as it serves as the foundation for delivering quality dental care to patients.

However, amidst the daily demands of running a dental practice, dentists face a significant challenge in optimizing the efficiency and productivity of their dental hygiene department.

In this blog, we will explore this challenge and discuss potential solutions to overcome it.

The Challenge:

One of the major challenges that dentists encounter in managing their dental hygiene department is maintaining a balance between patient care and operational efficiency. Dental hygienists are responsible for performing a range of preventive and therapeutic procedures, including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education.

However, the time-consuming nature of these procedures can lead to scheduling conflicts, prolonged patient wait times, and decreased overall productivity.

Furthermore, dentists often find it challenging to align the workload of their dental hygienists with the number of patients needing dental hygiene services.

*If you are up-to-date with treating oral inflammation, you will need to expand your number of appointments for hygiene patients. How can you fit in more appointments in a day? Hygienists are not plentiful these days and efficiency becomes imperative to meet the needs of treating the high number of gingivitis and perio patients.

Variations in patient flow, cancellations, and no-shows can disrupt the workflow and result in underutilization or overburdening of hygienists’ schedules. This can hinder optimal patient care and compromise the financial stability of your dental practice.

Solutions:

To address the challenges faced by dentists in their dental hygiene department, several strategies can be implemented:

Efficient Appointment Scheduling: Implementing an efficient appointment scheduling system can help optimize the utilization of dental hygienists’ time. By analyzing patient data and historical patterns, dentists can better anticipate demand and allocate appropriate time slots for dental hygiene procedures. Implementing electronic reminders and confirmations can also reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
- Ask us how to simplify analyzing important data and how your team can have an important role in driving the productivity of your dental practice.
- What you measure, matters, and what matters creates your future success.
- Your team should look at the numbers just like they view the dashboard in their car before they arrive at the office each day!
The Celebrity Smiles Club, a patient rewards, loyalty program will reduce those costly last-minute cancellations. Ask us more about this in the link below or schedule a coffee chat below.
Delegating Tasks: Dentists can delegate certain tasks to dental assistants, allowing dental hygienists to focus on their core responsibilities.

For example: a dental hygiene assistant can seat patients, perform preliminary patient screenings, take radiographs, set up and breakdown treatment rooms, sterilize instruments and set-up the hygiene trays with instruments, etc.

By delegating these tasks, dental hygienists can maximize their time spent on direct patient care.

Technology Integration: The integration of advanced technologies within the dental hygiene department can significantly enhance efficiency.
- For example: Empower hygienists to use various digital imaging systems; digital scanners, to streamline the process of capturing and introducing abnormalities, potential treatment plans and diagnoses that will be made during the hygiene-patient- doctor exam.
  - Help patients see what is happening in the mouth. Bring them into a partnership early in the hygiene appointment.
  - Help the doctor with educating the patient and helping them own their disease before the doctor exam begins.

The hygienist has the ability to take annual digital scans and/or an intra-oral video of the patients mouth. Hygienists’ will give the patient a tour of their mouth and show them what is happening in their mouth.

All data collection and patient communication about potential oral abnormalities should be introduced to each patient by the dental hygienist, and always prior to the hygiene-patient-doctor exam. This saves time with the doctor exam and builds trust with the patient.

The hygienist has a great opportunity to help patients “own their disease.” Patients who see what is happening in their mouth vs. being “told” what they need are 75% more likely to schedule and pay for your care.

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

Continuing Education and Training: Encourage ongoing professional development and training for dental hygienists. This is vital to stay updated on the latest advancements in dental hygiene techniques.

Note: There are a lot of new advancements and technologies which will enhance patient care and dental hygiene appointment efficiency. Dentists must support their hygienists to attend workshops, conferences, and online courses so they stay at the forefront of their field.

Performance Monitoring and Feedback: Regular 360 performance evaluations and feedback sessions can help identify areas for improvement within the dental hygiene department. Dentists should provide constructive feedback, recognize achievements, and set realistic goals to motivate their hygienists and enhance their performance.

Allow the employees to offer their feedback and suggestions for improvement. 360 degree employee evaluations allow employees to be heard. Empower each employee to become a leader in a specific area of the dental practice.

Conclusion:

The dental hygiene department is a critical component of a dental practice. Optimizing the hygiene department efficiency and productivity is an ongoing challenge for dentists.

By implementing efficient appointment scheduling, delegating tasks, integrating technology, investing in continuing education, and providing performance feedback, dentists can overcome many of their challenges and ensure the highest quality of patient care while maintaining a thriving practice.

Dentists do not need to manage but when they delegate they now inspect, what they expect of their employees. Many employees report that they don’t understand what the dentist expects from them.

Finding the right balance between patient care and operational efficiency in the dental hygiene department is an ongoing journey, but one that is essential for the long-term success and growth of a dental practice.

Dentists and dental hygienists should not feel as if they live on an island. Dental Practice Solutions has various solutions to optimize your hygiene department, streamline systems and grow your dental practice.

Consider a quick coffee chat and discover how you can quickly achieve your next level of success.

Click and schedule here.

Or feel free to contact us here and discover how to upgrade your hygiene department and empower your team.

* Reference. Percent of Adults with Oral Inflammation: https://bit.ly/47percentgumdisease Accessed July 19, 2023.

Treating Inflammation: The Key Role of Hygienists in Addressing Gum Disease and Gingivitis

By: Debbie Seidel

June 28, 2023

Maintaining oral health goes beyond just having clean teeth. One crucial aspect is the treatment of inflammation, specifically gingivitis and gum disease. While routine preventive care dental hygiene appointments are vital, it is the expertise of dental hygienists that plays a pivotal role in effectively addressing oral inflammatory conditions that will ultimately help patients live a longer, healthier life.

In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of hygienists in treating inflammation and how their specialized skills contribute to the patient’s overall wellbeing.

Understanding Gum Disease and Gingivitis: Gum disease and gingivitis are common oral health issues that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions involve inflammation of the gums, often caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria. If left untreated, they can lead to severe consequences, including tooth loss and potential systemic health problems. While preventive care, routine dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, treating inflammation requires a more targeted approach.
The Role of Dental Hygienists: Dental hygienists play a critical role in addressing gingivitis and gum disease. Their expertise extends beyond cleaning teeth to specialized adjunctive services and preventive measures. Dental hygienists also provide valuable education on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing techniques, and various homecare products, to manage and prevent inflammation.
The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention: One of the key benefits of hygienists’ is early detection and intervention of oral inflammation, gum disease and other oral abnormalities. Early intervention in 2023 includes adjunctive services, such as antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotics, soft-tissue diode laser to halt infection and reduce inflammation, as well as fluoride varnish treatments.

It’s important that hygienists guide patients on lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation and dietary changes, proper nutrition, use of probiotics to support gut health to further support healing and prevention of systemic diseases.

Dental hygienists can inform patients that, “Prevention will save money, treating disease can cost a lot of money.”

Collaboration with Dentists and the Dental Hygienist: To ensure comprehensive care its imperative that Dental hygienists work closely with the dentist and are easily able to collaborate and provide the very best patient care. During the hygiene appointment the hygienist completes the initial patient assessments, discovering oral inflammation, abnormalities and initiates a treatment plan for gum disease and gingivitis. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive coordinated care tailored to their specific needs.

The exam process is not only the doctor visually looking at the patient’s oral condition but the hygienist has a great opportunity to support the potential diagnosis before the doctor exam begins. This helps the patient take ownership of their oral condition and saves time when the hygienist sets up a preliminary treatment plan.

Hygienists provide vital support by monitoring and tracking the progress of the patients care, recommending further interventions as necessary, and educating patients on maintaining optimal oral health.

It’s important that hygienists can effectively communicate with patients about the mouth body connection.

Dentistry today is no longer about treating a tooth or cleaning teeth. We are in the business of helping our patients live a longer and healthier life by putting a halt to oral inflammation.

“A healthy mouth leads to a longer, healthier life!”

Through the teamwork of doctor and hygienist the dental patients benefit from a holistic approach to addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of inflammation.

Conclusion

The importance of dental hygienists in treating gum disease and gingivitis cannot be overstated. Their specialized knowledge and skills enable them to effectively address inflammation, prevent complications, and promote long-term oral health.

By prioritizing the role of hygienists, we can ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care needed to preserve their smiles and overall well-being.

Dental hygiene schools lack training in these essential skills for promoting longer, healthier lives. If you’re a hygienist or a dentist whose hygienist doesn’t grasp the value of collaboration and effective communication, schedule a discovery call to learn how this information can transform patient care and health outcomes. When patients realize you can help them lead longer, healthier lives, they become attentive. By effectively communicating and demonstrating the impact on their oral and overall health, patients are more likely to take responsibility for their well-being.

If you want to optimize your hygiene department schedule a quick discovery call here.

Treating Inflammation: The Key Role of Hygienists in Addressing Gum Disease and Gingivitis

By: Debbie Seidel

In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of hygienists in treating inflammation and how their specialized skills contribute to the patient’s overall wellbeing.

Understanding Gum Disease and Gingivitis: Gum disease and gingivitis are common oral health issues that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions involve inflammation of the gums, often caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria. If left untreated, they can lead to severe consequences, including tooth loss and potential systemic health problems. While preventive care, routine dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, treating inflammation requires a more targeted approach.
The Role of Dental Hygienists: Dental hygienists play a critical role in addressing gingivitis and gum disease. Their expertise extends beyond cleaning teeth to specialized adjunctive services and preventive measures. Dental hygienists also provide valuable education on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing techniques, and various homecare products, to manage and prevent inflammation.
The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention: One of the key benefits of hygienists’ is early detection and intervention of oral inflammation, gum disease and other oral abnormalities. Early intervention in 2023 includes adjunctive services, such as antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotics, soft-tissue diode laser to halt infection and reduce inflammation, as well as fluoride varnish treatments.

Dental hygienists can inform patients that, “Prevention will save money, treating disease can cost a lot of money.”

Collaboration with Dentists and the Dental Hygienist: To ensure comprehensive care its imperative that Dental hygienists work closely with the dentist and are easily able to collaborate and provide the very best patient care. During the hygiene appointment the hygienist completes the initial patient assessments, discovering oral inflammation, abnormalities and initiates a treatment plan for gum disease and gingivitis. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive coordinated care tailored to their specific needs.

It’s important that hygienists can effectively communicate with patients about the mouth body connection.

Dentistry today is no longer about treating a tooth or cleaning teeth. We are in the business of helping our patients live a longer and healthier life by putting a halt to oral inflammation.

“A healthy mouth leads to a longer, healthier life!”

Through the teamwork of doctor and hygienist the dental patients benefit from a holistic approach to addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of inflammation.

Conclusion

By prioritizing the role of hygienists, we can ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care needed to preserve their smiles and overall well-being.

If you want to optimize your hygiene department schedule a quick discovery call here.