As dental professionals we sometimes feel like we are changing our dance steps too quickly and without preparation. These past 2 months we have been talking about adding to your hygiene profitability. We told you about 10 assessments you need to implement on a daily basis with each of your recare clients. We are not asking for you to add all 10 assessments but to take it a step at a time. We want you to choose one or two assessments which you may not be providing your recare patients and begin this month with just one or two from the list. If we learn all the steps at the same time we may begin to feel frustrated and quit very easily. When you teach your patients a new home care technique you may tell them to “Be patient.” “This is a process of time.” We are going to tell you the same thing. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with each member of your team. This is a process of time. Pick two assessments from our list below or maybe one. Make it a point to begin implementing one or two of these tomorrow.
You may ask “How can I do this when I only have one hour with each patient?” We hope you are spending the first 10 minutes each morning with you team to plan your day. (The team huddle) If you need to complete a full mouth perio assessment today then please ask another member of the team to come and assist with this. With help and assistance it takes 10 mins max and not 20 minutes. If you need to implement the new CAMBRA protocols have the front desk give the patient a risk assessment form when the patient checks in at the front desk. When we work as a team we can dance to the tune and stay in harmony. When we fail to plan we can end with a migraine. How do you plan your day? Dancing with the stars or ending with a migraine? This what a difference the team huddle can make!
Our hope is that each patient is already receiving the majority of the assessments on the list below. CAMBA (Caries management by risk assessment) is very new. We have many of the assessment forms on our website under the membership area.(www.https://dentalpracticesolutions.com) Smile analysis is another assessment which can be completed at the front desk upon check in. Choose one or two today. Next week we will share about the non-surgical periodontal treatment and how you may be missing six figures to your revenue in 2010.
At first, it may feel awkward to add one or two of these missing steps. (assessments) It will begin to feel easier and more comfortable as you practice the new “dance steps”. Before you know it, you’re an expert at completing all the steps on the list. Your patients will feel wowed, your profits and value will increase right alongside as this dance takes place. Take the time to learn how you can put these assessments together one by one- step by step. You will feel ready to dance and enjoy your day with the team and patients who value your services.
Below is a list of 10 to do’s with your recare patients.
10 (Assessments) Profit Centers in the Dental Hygiene Department
- Perform oral health care assessments that include the review of patients’ health history, oral cancer exam, biofilm assessment, salivary pH test.
- Expose and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays); co-diagnose
- Non- Surgical Periodontal Treatment, FM periodontal screening exam, scaling and root planing, antimicrobial agents, laser therapy, etc
- CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment)
- Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides varnish and sealants to the teeth
- Administer local anesthetic and / or nitrous oxide analgesia
- Home care products
- Discuss whitening treatment and take impressions when applicable
- Administer smoking cessation programs
- Smile Analysis