Clackamas Dental Consultant | 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.

Change the Low Insurance Reimbursement and High Overhead Dilemma!

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

March 27, 2024

In the realm of dentistry, dental practice owners grapple with insurance reimbursement and high overhead costs. These hurdles can impede practice growth, hinder patient retention, and limit opportunities for expanding a dental business.

However, amidst these obstacles, a transformative solution emerges. It’s called The Smile Club. This innovative approach not only addresses these issues but also enhances patient loyalty, boosts cosmetic case acceptance, and fosters a thriving practice environment.

The Predicament: Low Insurance Reimbursement and High Overhead

Dental professionals frequently find themselves at the mercy of insurance companies, grappling with insufficient reimbursement rates for their services. Coupled with the ever-mounting overhead costs of running a practice—ranging from equipment maintenance to administrative expenses—dentists often face financial strain. These factors can jeopardize the sustainability of their practices and compromise the quality of care they provide.

The Smile Club: A Game-Changer

The Smile Club is a paradigm shift in how we deliver dental care. We should no longer rely on traditional insurance models, The Smile Club offers patients a membership-based approach to accept dental care. By enrolling patients into The Smile Club, patients gain access to a range of benefits tailored to their oral health needs, including discounted services, priority scheduling, and exclusive perks.

Empowering New Patient Appointments

One of the most significant advantages of The Smile Club is its ability to attract new patients to your dental practice. By offering a transparent and cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance, The Smile Club appeals to patients seeking comprehensive dental care without the constraints of insurance limitations.

The allure of priority scheduling incentivizes prospective patients to schedule appointments, keep their scheduled appointments and boost practice growth.

Enhance Patient Retention

Beyond attracting new patients, The Smile Club also plays a pivotal role in retaining existing patients. The Smile Club has an emphasis on personalized care and member benefits that helps patients feel valued and invested in their total health. The membership-loyalty program o ensures that patients receive timely and convenient appointments, fostering a sense of loyalty to the practice.

Boost Cosmetic Case Acceptance

Cosmetic dentistry represents a lucrative avenue for dental practices, yet many patients hesitate to pursue such treatments due to cost concerns. The Smile Club eliminates this barrier by offering discounted cosmetic services as part of its membership benefits. This not only encourages patients to explore cosmetic treatments but also enhances case acceptance rates, thereby augmenting practice revenue.

The Smile Club is a turn-key system for practice growth with personalized on-boarding for the dental practice to jump start their growth boosting cosmetic cases, growing new patient numbers and putting a halt to numerous open holes in the appointment schedule.

Imagine the cost to hire a consultant to help your practice grow. The Smile Club offers personalized implementation for each dental practice and includes a web portal of marketing, learning videos (think about training for your team about case acceptance and enhancing hygiene patient care) and implementation guides, scripts, etc, at your fingertips.

When you use The Smile Club you have a consultant at your service without the cost of more than your Smile Club purchase. A low-cost investment that will yield over 100k annually.

That is no exaggeration!

Foster Patient Loyalty

The Smile Club is more than just a membership program—it’s a catalyst that builds lasting patient relationships. By prioritizing patient needs and offering tangible benefits, dental practices cultivate a loyal patient base invested in their long-term oral health.

This type of patient loyalty extends beyond a financial transaction by fostering a sense of trust and partnership between patients and dental clinicians.

Conclusion: The Smile Club—Empowers the dental team, it changes the anxiety and bad connotation around dental appointments into a situation where patients enjoy seeing their dentist and the dental team!. The Smile Enriches the Lives of Your Patients creating a WIN-WIN for all! The Smile Club BOOSTS Patient-Centered Care. It’s the next level of patient care like your patients have never experienced!

“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PATIENT!”

In the face of low insurance reimbursement and soaring overhead costs, dental professionals are embracing innovative solutions to thrive in an evolving landscape. The Smile Club represents a beacon of hope—a holistic approach to dental care that transcends conventional insurance models.

The Smile Club will attract new patients and retain your existing patients; insurance PPO or not! The Smile Club will boost cosmetic case acceptance, and foster patient loyalty, The Smile Club heralds a new era of dental excellence. As dental practices across the globe embrace this transformative model, they not only secure their financial viability but also enrich the lives of those they serve, one smile at a time.

The Smile Club means less insurance dependence!

The Smile Club cultivates the next level of patient-centered care.

When you ask your patients what they want for their smile, you notice that your case acceptance improves dramatically. Understand what your patients want their smile to look like and you will have more patients say “yes!” to your care!

Join our Monthly Power Hour and learn more about this innovative approach to grow your dental practice NOW!

And/Or schedule a demo Today and learn more about using The Smile Club for your dental practice growth!

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

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.

A Dental Hygienists Guide to Treating Oral Inflammation

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

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.

Unleash the Dental Code Breakers: Elevate Dental Hygiene Care Using the ADA Codes

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

June 30, 2023

As dental professionals, staying up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry is essential to provide optimal care for our patients. One significant aspect of every successful dental practice involves effectively utilizing the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) with codes established by the American Dental Association (ADA).

In this blog, we will explore the various ADA codes used during dental hygiene appointments, including gross debridement, gingivitis, SRP, soft tissue diode laser, fluoride varnish, oral hygiene instructions, oral cancer screening, and other new and not so new ADA codes that enhance patient care and streamline documentation.

At this time, get a pen and paper and take notes because you are about to read valuable information that you will want to implement after you read this blog.

Gross Debridement (Code: D4355): Gross debridement is a critical procedure used to remove heavy plaque and calculus deposits from the teeth, particularly in patients who haven’t received dental care for many years. The CDT code D4355 allows dental professionals to accurately document and bill for this essential service, ensuring proper reimbursement and improved patient outcomes.

This code is not to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive exam. At the time of the 1^st quadrant when the patient returns for gum treatment the hygienist will complete a comprehensive periodontal exam (CPE) and you will bill insurance for the CPE. The CPE is now paid at the same rate as a comprehensive exam.

Comprehensive Periodontal Exam (Code D180): This code is used to evaluate gingival health. Annually, every adult (or when a patient has a full dentition of permanent teeth) should have a comprehensive (CPE) exam completed and documented annually.

When you make the determination that your patient has a specific level of gum disease this exam information and the documentation is now used for your patient to receive insurance reimbursement for the specific service they will need to treat their gum disease.

Practice Management Tip:

The CPE is completed not only annually but after gingivitis has been completed, at the 2–6-week re-evaluation (most likely this next appointment will be a prophylaxis but there may be circumstances where you will retreat for gingivitis. Not the norm but it is possible. That is another blog, another day) At the appointment 2-6 weeks after the initial treatment of gingivitis you will complete the CPE to determine if there is a halt of the oral inflammation, the generalized moderate to severe gingivitis.

When a patient needs scaling and root planing most insurance companies request the CPE be documented and submitted on the time the first quadrant or 1-3 teeth are scaled.

At the 1^st Periodontal Maintenance appointment, the 6-week re-evaluation, the CPE is again completed.

After your patient has completed gum treatment, annually complete and bill their insurance for the CPE. Many insurances will pay for this service annually once your patient has completed gum treatment. If you never bill for this service you will never receive reimbursement. One day dental insurance will cover this procedure and if you are not billing, then your patient misses out on the potential reimbursement.

The more offices that submit a specific CDT code for reimbursement, the more likely in the future, insurance companies will pay for that service.

We experienced this when the fluoride varnish CDT code became available and now most insurance companies cover for this. It’s the same story for coverage of the Oral Cancer screening as mentioned below.

Completing the CPE after gingivitis and any type of gum treatment provides critical knowledge for the dental hygienist and dentist to determine the end phase of the gum treatment.

Without a final CPE we will never know if the patient’s oral inflammation has resolved.

Determining the End-Point of gum disease is an important factor when determining the patients preventive care (Recare) or periodontal maintenance interval.

Gingivitis Treatment (Code: D4366): Gingivitis, characterized by generalized moderate to severe inflammation which may include bleeding on probing, requires diligent treatment to prevent gum disease progression into more severe periodontal (gum) disease.

In 2018 the ADA established this valuable CDT code which helps the dentist and dental hygienist identify generalized moderate to severe inflammation without radiographic bone loss.

This allows dental hygienists to jump off the prophy treadmill and spend more time explaining the importance of optimal oral health that supports a longer-healthier life. Dental hygienists no longer “Just Clean teeth” but they also educate and inform patients about how to have a healthy mouth (“optimal oral health”) which supports a longer, healthier life.

Practice Management Tip:

Once gingivitis has been diagnosed, after the dental hygienist has had time to discuss the mouth-body connection and educate the patient on prevention of oral inflammation means less chance of other systemic disease over the course of their life, if your state allows the dental hygienist to use a diode laser this is how you will begin the gingivitis service.

Begin with laser bacterial reduction (Use a soft tissue diode laser on a specific setting) to reduce inflammatory markers. The diode laser reduces inflammation in the mouth and it also affects the cells in our body at a mitochondrial level.

Next ultrasonics are used, then scale, and polish, if time permits (Polishing can be completed at the re-evaluation appointment in 2-6 weeks). Complete oral hygiene instructions, provide post-op instructions, and schedule the patient to return in 2-6 weeks to re-evaluate (Comprehensive periodontal evaluation at the next appointment. CPE).

At the 2–6-week re-evaluation, when the CPE is completed and if the patient’s oral condition has improved, only localized inflammation, a prophylaxis is completed. Plan to use LBR (Diode laser) around each tooth at the 2^nd appointment after gingivitis treatment.

The re-evaluation appointment is also a time to once again reinforce the mouth-body connection, provide additional home care instructions and/or update homecare and establish a Recare interval of six months (Not always is six months appropriate but this interval must be determined at this 2^nd appointment) hygiene appointment.

Scaling and Root Planing (ADA codes D4341 scaling and root planing for four or more teeth and D4342 scaling and root planing for one to three teeth) These codes are therapeutic procedures and indicated for patients who require gum treatment due to radiographic bone loss with subsequent loss of attachment. Instrumentation of the exposed root surface to remove deposits is an integral part of this procedure. Soft tissue diode laser is an important adjunct you want to add to this procedure. The laser is set to a laser periodontal therapy setting and it is used full mouth even if you are scaling one quadrant. The LPT setting is used on the quadrant scaled and the other areas can be treated with the LBR setting.

Laser is used full mouth at each periodontal (gum) treatment appointment, as well as the 4–6-week re-evaluation (the 1^st periodontal maintenance appointment) and then at all future periodontal (gum)maintenance appoitments you will use the laser.

Soft Tissue Diode Laser (Code: D9997): Utilizing a soft tissue diode laser in dental hygiene appointments can provide several benefits, including improved healing, reduction in bleeding, and enhanced patient comfort. The ADA code D9997 enables dental professionals to accurately code and bill for soft tissue diode laser procedures, promoting transparency in treatment records and insurance claims.

Soft tissue diode lasers will affect and stimulate at the cell mitochondria level. For patients who are diagnosed with systemic inflammatory diseases such as, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, Chron’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and most recently, we know patients with oral inflammation have a high risk for Alzheimer’s as they are.

Soft tissue diode laser is a valuable adjunctive service for not only gingivitis and gum treatment but for all future dental hygiene appointments laser bacterial reduction (LBR) should be included in the hygiene appointment if the patient has completed gum treatment or has systemic inflammatory diseases.

Fluoride Varnish Application (Code: D1206): Fluoride varnish is a preventive treatment that helps strengthen tooth enamel, protecting against tooth decay. The ADA code D1206 allows dental hygienists to properly document and bill for fluoride varnish applications, ensuring patients receive the benefits of this valuable preventive measure.

Applying fluoride varnish means you can arrest and reverse the process of cavity formation.

Practice BOOST Tip: Look at the current number of patients who receive this preventive service.

Practice Management Tip: If at least 30% Of your current hygiene patients leave without a fluoride varnish educate yourself and the entire team about the benefits of this simple and inexpensive preventive service.

Read more about this here: https://bit.ly/F2VarnishBenefits

And read: https://bit.ly/CAMBRAADA411

Oral Hygiene Instructions (Code: D1330): Patient education is a crucial aspect of dental hygiene appointments. The ADA code D1330 allows dental professionals to record and bill for the time spent on providing oral hygiene instructions, including proper brushing, and flossing techniques, the importance of regular dental visits, and the benefits of maintaining optimal oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening (Code: D0431, D0432): Regular oral cancer screenings are essential for the early detection of potentially malignant lesions. The ADA codes D0431 (screening) and D0432 (diagnostic) help dental professionals accurately document and report oral cancer screenings, enabling prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral if necessary.

No longer do we wait until we visually see an oral abnormality to refer out for a biopsy, etc. We can now use fluorescence lights to detect abnormal cells before they are visible to the naked eye or felt upon palpation.

Practice Management Tip:

More and more dental insurances do reimburse for this important and life-altering service.

If you are not completing an abnormality screening using fluorescence technology take time to read about this and educate the team how to have conversation with patients to prevent life altering oral cancer.

If you do not use this technology or understand it’s importance in saving lives be sure you read this evidence-based article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8729265/

ADA Codes: The ADA continually updates and introduces new codes to meet the evolving needs of the dental profession. It’s essential to stay informed about these updates and incorporate the relevant codes into dental hygiene appointments. Dentists and dental hygienists should regularly review the ADA’s updates to ensure accurate coding and billing practices while delivering the highest standard of care.

Conclusion:

The use of ADA codes in dental hygiene appointments plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care, facilitating accurate documentation, and streamlining billing processes. By correctly documenting procedures such as gross debridement, gingivitis treatment, scaling and root planing, soft tissue diode laser usage, fluoride varnish application, oral hygiene instructions, and oral cancer screenings, dental professionals can provide comprehensive care while ensuring proper insurance reimbursement.

Additionally, staying updated on new ADA codes allows dental teams to remain at the forefront of dental practice management and advancing patient care.

As always, please reach out if I can be of service to your hygiene department. Do you believe your hygiene department is running like a well-oiled machine?

Do you know that your hygiene department production should be approximately 30% of your total dental office production?

This dental industry KPI is for a general dental office and if you are a prosthodontist of doing high-end cosmetic dental cases it’s possible that your hygiene department is about 20% of your total production.

One more key metric to analyze is the percentage of adult patients aged 18 and above have some level of gum disease. When you look at the percentage of adult patients who have received a 4366, 4341, 4342 or 4910 in the past 12 months. If this percentage is not at 30% it’s time to consider looking at why this number is so low when in fact, a large majority of adults do have some level of gum disease. If this percentage is less than 30, I recommend you schedule a quick coffee chat so we can discover what’s truly happening.

Remember, “Prevention costs less money than treating disease” and “We are in the business of helping our patients live a longer, healthier life because of optimal oral health.”

Click this LINK and Schedule Your Coffee Chat to learn how to optimize these areas of your dental hygiene department.

Reference.

47% Of Adults have gum disease. https://bit.ly/47AdultGumDiseaseLinked accessed June 16, 2023

The Dynamic Partnership: Dentist and Dental Hygienist in a Dental Office

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

May 30, 2023

In our world of dentistry, the harmonious collaboration between a dentist and dental hygienist is crucial for providing exceptional oral healthcare services. Together dental hygienists and dentists form a dynamic partnership that ensures comprehensive patient care, effective case acceptance, optimal oral health which can lead to improved health, and a positive experience for the dental patient.

This blog post explores the roles and responsibilities of dentists and dental hygienists, highlighting the importance of their working relationship in a dental office.

The Role of a Dentist

Dentists are highly skilled professionals who play a central role in dental offices. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating various oral health issues, developing treatment plans, and performing complex dental procedures. Dentists are trained extensively in areas such as oral pathology, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery.

They must be a leader for the dental team, oversee patient care, make crucial decisions, and ensure high standards for their dental practice. Dentists also support the patient’s proper oral hygiene practices and preventive measures to maintain optimal oral health.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are valuable members of the dental team, working closely with dentists to provide preventive dental care. They perform tasks such as dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, soft-tissue diode laser therapy and various oral health assessments. Dental hygienists are experts in educating patients about oral hygiene practices, including brushing techniques, the importance of flossing and the role of inflammation in prevention of systemic diseases.

They also play a pivotal role in detecting early signs of gum disease and dental decay, thus aiding in the prevention and early intervention of oral health issues. Dental hygienists in today’s world do more than clean teeth. They are a patient advocate to prevent oral disease which will help their patients live a longer, healthier life!

The dental hygienist should be like a mini associate to the dentist. Think of them as like a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective collaboration and communication between dentists and dental hygienists are key to ensuring the smooth operation of a dental office. Regular communication allows them to discuss patient cases, exchange information, and coordinate treatment plans.

Dentists rely on dental hygienists to provide thorough patient assessments, report any concerns, and communicate patient needs accurately. In turn, dental hygienists depend on dentists to provide guidance, clinical expertise, and oversight. This symbiotic relationship fosters a cohesive work environment, promotes better patient outcomes, and enhances the overall quality of care.

The hygiene patient, doctor exam is a critical system that must be effective for patients to receive the highest level of care. This collaboration produces optimal patient care and in return a higher ROI for your dental practice.

Teamwork and Patient Care

The dental office functions as a team, and the collaborative efforts between dentists and dental hygienists are essential for comprehensive patient care. Dentists and dental hygienists must work together effectively to assess patients’ oral health, develop personalized treatment plans, and ensure optimal oral hygiene practices.

Dental hygienists often spend more time with patients during routine preventive care appointments and they can easily build trust and rapport. Their close interaction allows them to identify potential problems, educate patients on preventive measures, and address any concerns.

Dentists rely on the valuable insights and observations of dental hygienists to make informed treatment decisions and provide the best care possible. When you have streamlined your hygiene patient-doctor exams, your case acceptance will be much higher, patients will want and pay for what they need more easily.

Conclusion

In a dental office, the partnership between a dentist and a dental hygienist forms the foundation of excellent oral healthcare. Their collaboration, effective communication, and shared responsibility for patient care are vital in promoting dental health and the patient’s overall well-being.

This working partnership exemplifies the synergy that leads to a successful, profitable dental practice with raving patients and happy employees.

Is your doctor, hygiene patient exam system supporting case acceptance where at least 70% of your patients accept diagnosed treatment?
Is your hygiene department optimized with systems that support productivity and a high level of profitability?
Do you enjoy your career as a dental professional?

Check out our 21 Day Hygiene Department Challenge to update and/or optimize your hygiene department. Click for More Info & Registration

Many of our clients start with this training to update their systems or optimize their hygiene department with a team approach.

3 Ways Your Oral Health Affects Your Total Health

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

July 11, 2022

Oral Health is Associated with Our Total Health — Gum Disease Affects Your Total Health

Guest Author: Jennifer Roy

“Health is Wealth.”

In many ways, this saying is true as good health allows us to function well and enjoy life’s greatest pleasures. This includes being able to perform tasks that are essential to our quality of life, which will also bring us overall happiness. It’s also something that no amount of money can bring us if our health is in disarray.

This is why we want to help our dental patients create their best health at all costs.

This is where the following health guidelines become very important to know only us but our dental patients who we care for.

Everyone is responsible for their own health. Many people have health conditions they may not even be aware exist. This is common because most of us live hectic lives.

Many people don’t realize that oral health is an essential factor that affects their total health. “How can this be”, you may ask? This is precisely what we will answer as you continue reading.

Let’s dive in.

1. Excessive Bacteria in the Mouth can Lead to Various Health Conditions

The mouth is an entry point to the body, meaning various bacteria and germs can enter through it. This includes the bacteria that currently exist in the oral cavity.

Typically, bacteria are in insignificant proportions, which means they are harmless. Oral bacteria is kept in control by flossing and brushing teeth routinely. It includes routine preventive care appointments with the hygienist and exams but the dentist. Even properly washing our hands and drying them effectively with something like a blade hand dryer are essential to our total health.

However, if optimal oral health is not present, the bacteria in our mouth can lead to gum infections, tooth decay and tooth loss, which lead to other health concerns.

Bacteria in the oral cavity enter our body through the blood stream and attach themselves to vital organs like the heart and lungs. This can lead to conditions like endocarditis and pneumonia, which become serious health conditions.

Therefore, our message to dental patients is the mouth is a gateway to our body and contributes to our total health.

Keep reading below to learn more about the research regarding oral health and its association between gum disease other other systemic diseases.

2. Periodontal (gum) Disease can lead to Pre-Diabetes and Diabetic Conditions

Research has established that there is a strong link between poor gum health and diabetes.¹

Uncontrolled glucose (sugar levels) plays a key role in poor gum health.

Periodontal disease is the sixth complication of diabetes. Prevalence of severe periodontitis in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics has been found to be 59.6%:39%. The majority of well-controlled studies show a higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in diabetics than in non-diabetics with similar local irritation including greater loss of attachment, greater alveolar bone loss, increased bleeding on probing, and increased tooth mobility resulting in tooth loss.²

Therefore, if blood levels are higher than usual, consider this sign patient must take their oral health seriously. This is an important role for us as dental health and preventive specialists to understand our patients value points and speak to the benefits that support their total health.

This includes treating gum disease, routine preventive maintenance that support total health and gums. Optimal oral health supports improved glucose levels for patients with diabetes.

3. Periodontal (gum) Disease can lead to Alzheimer’s and Dementia

There is a strong link between periodontal disease and chronic Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a severe condition that typically affects aging adults. It results in a specific type of dementia, declining brain and other systemic functions, as well as memory loss. Alzheimers is more commonly seen in adults above the age of 65.²

The important message we must share with our dental patients is that oral health is essential to our total health. Optimal oral health helps but a halt to bacteria that travels through the blood stream which causes various systemic diseases.

Our message to patients must include optimal oral health. This means that dental professionals reinforce the mouth- body connection at each dental appointment.

Health is a blessing that allows us to live life to the fullest. It enables us to pursue our goals which require full physical and mental capacity.

Not many people realize that caring for their total well-being, also includes caring for their oral health.

As we have read in this research, there are many ways that oral health can affect our total health.

Harmful bacteria in the mouth can lead to various conditions linked to the heart, lungs, diabetes and also Alzheimers, just to name a few.

We hope this information proves helpful and inspires you to share the important message with your dental patients that oral health affects our total health. When we have optimal oral health we have a much better chance to live a happy and healthy life.

Yes, Health is our Wealth!

Optimal health is how we achieve wealth!

Optimal oral health is the most important message to patients in our dental office. This is one reason dental patients will return for their routine appointments.

This why your patients will pay for your services. Sharing this message of health with your patients makes them feel like you really care for them. It’s why they will become your raving fans and refer all their friends and family members to your office.

“Dental Professionals are in the business of helping their patients live a longer and healthier life!”
Debbie Seidel Bittke, RDH, BS

References Accessed July 2022.

Your COVID-19 Recovery Plan: It Takes a Team Approach

By: admin

May 1, 2020

your-covid-19-recovery-plan-it-takes-a-team-approach

The world was hit hard with a global pandemic called Corona Virus aka COVID-19.

Dental offices around the world have been ordered to close except for emergency care.

How Can We Recover After COVID-19?

Two important words that come to mind are:

Communication and
Collaboration

Communicate with your team, with your patients and your community.

Your COVID-19 recovery plan takes a team approach. What has been your norm for communication with your team and your patients during the COVID-19 pandemic?

“No communication?!”

Yes, I hear this answer from most dental hygienists.

Dental hygienists and most of us, feel stressed during this season of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication and collaboration are usually led by the team leader: AKA: The dentist however, most dentists did not go to dental school to be a business owner.

Similar to the economic decline back in 2007, dentists usually don’t grab the bull by the horns, no, they feel “stuck” and many dentists during the economic decline said the phrase, “I feel frozen.”

How do the team members respond to no communication?

How does anyone respond to “frozen?” And how does this serve our purpose to create success in 2020?

Team Members, Dental Hygienists Unite

During difficult and challenging times, when there is no communication, many people feel stressed and fear the worst.

It’s human nature. It’s the way we are wired. Us humans, we like to know what is ahead. We want to look into a crystal ball and see what the end looks like.

Hygienists are my colleagues because I am a dental hygienist, not only a dental hygiene productivity coach.

What I hear from dental hygienists is that their dentist has not contacted them. They are fearful for their future.

They have been furloughed and yet, knowing dental offices are about to open for routine patient care, my dental hygienist colleagues, don’t know what to expect.

Some dental hygienists don’t know what to expect when they do return to routine patient care in their dental “home” or what once felt like “home.”

Your Plan of Action

Step 1. “We are all in this together.”

It may seem like your dentist, practice owner is MIA, however, let’s choose to take the lead.

Since we do more than “clean teeth” and, if we believe that our role as a dental hygienist is extremely valuable and, if we are considered to be like a mini-associate, let’s reach out to the doctor-dental practice owner.

Step 2. Take the lead.

Lead with the end in mind.

We spend more time with our dental team than we do with our actual family members so reach out to your doctor and your other teammates if, you have not done that by now.

Reach out to your doctor/practice owner, with compassion, empathy and an understanding.

Imagine what it feels like to have an elephant on your shoulder. Yes, most dentists have an overhead that runs (for many dentists) 60-70% of their total production.

Imagine how it feels to have bills that equal tens-of-thousands-of dollars, more than you have come into your bank account, month after month.

Yes, some of us have a mortgage and other bills, and yes, many dentists qualified for PPP loans, but that money was not there for a business owner with the snap of a finger.

We are all going through our own stress so let’s have understanding, compassion and empathy for what each one of us may be going through.

If you plan to return to your dental office once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, plan now to reach out to your doctor, your teammates and reach out to your patients.

You will most likely not be paid to reach out to your patients you have been seeing for years; but they miss you! These patients you may not have been in contact with for the past six-weeks, are beginning to wonder about you and the dental practice.

These patients, who you consider your friends, are wondering what you will do differently in your office after COVID-19.

Since they have not heard from your dental office it is very possible they are seeing marketing from another dental office in the community sharing what they are doing differently.

Many offices are spending time and money to revamp their office with special evacuation systems and Hep Filters that run throughout the office.

How do you know they will not choose another dentist during this time because they saw or read about the changes with the patient care at this other office?

If you are not in communication with your patients, another dental office IS sharing their message about what they will do differently after COVID-19.

Communication with your patients is a key factor if you plan to have a schedule with paying patients anytime soon.

Reach out to not only your doctor and patients but your other teammates.

Conclusion

There must be a recovery plan in place.

It may not be the doctor who takes the lead to plan for recovery.

Your recovery plan begins today; actually, it began yesterday.

Call, text, and send newsletters to your patients.

Your patients are people you care about. You have a relationship with them.

Dentistry is not a commodity, it’s a business that thrives on relationships. Relationships with humans who have feelings, emotions and have a positive response to kindness and caring.

Now is the time to let your patients know how much you care about them.

Now is the time to communicate and plan with your team.

Communication with your patients means understanding how your patients like to communicate.

This communication does not have to be a phone call however, that is a great start to connecting with the people you care about.

Your communication can be a text message and even a text message or email with a video message about how much you miss them and can’t wait to see them. Tell your patients what you are going to do differently to keep them safe.

When you use newsletters and/or email, patients love and feel emotions when you include pictures and video messages. Imagine how much a simple 30-60 second video message from a team member will mean to your patient.

And imagine the impact of a video message from the dentist- owner of your dental practice.

I am positive that no other dental office in your community has sent patients a video message that appears authentically kind and caring.

When a doctor is able to send a video message to their patients it will make a huge impact.

Your video message can be a generic message and it will still pertain to every patient. This will be one general message but delivered to all patients.

Your message is to let patients know you miss them; you hope to see them soon and let them know to check your website for all the PPE and office changes you have made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When anyone goes to your website you must let everyone know what you are doing differently after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Include your pre-assessment and all office forms on your website so patients can easily complete these. When the patients complete their forms they should be able to easily return to your office and the information is synced with your practice management software.

Use pre-assessments before patients enter into your front door after COVID-19.

Implementing one or all of these suggestions will set you apart from other dental offices in your community.

Why Should a Team Member/Employee Take the Lead?

Your recovery plan may become for the dentist because dentists did not go to dental school to be a business owner.

Now is the time to take the lead and plan to recover.

You can’t wait another day to connect and communicate with your patients.

You may also plan to join one of the hundreds of webinars-trainings as a team and this can help turbo-charge your plan to recover after COVID-19.

This is not a time to wave your white flag and surrender.

Now is the time to get your head out of the sand and create your success plan for 2020!

Without a plan, you will plan to fail.

Let’s do this.

We are all in this together and you got this!

Let me know if you need more information about sending video text messages to your patients and I will share a special eBook with you that outlines how to do this now and then after the pandemic.

Video texting and emails are the way to get your patients attention. Video messaging is the most popular communication method in today’s world.

Email me at debbie@dentalpracticesolutions.com

What does your office have a plan to schedule the backlog of patients you had to reschedule during COVID-19?

Plan to join our training? We have for the doctor and the entire team.

Join us and start to create your recovery plan after COVID-19.

Registration and more information are found here.

This is a webinar-based training. Your tuition includes a ZOOM log in for each paid registrant, handouts, eBooks and other bonuses.

After the webinar series is complete you have access to a website with all of your training information at your fingertips.

Tuition also includes 6 Live CE Credits.

See you there!

Schedule a FREE Profit Boosting Session Here today or call our office to schedule: 949-351-8741

ABOUT DEBBIE SEIDEL-BITTKE, RDH, BS

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS is founder and CEO of Dental Practice Solutions. Debbie is also a former dental hygiene program director. Her expertise is optimizing the hygiene department by taking a total team approach; including the doctor as the leader.

Please check out the FREE RESOURCE on treating the gingivitis patient which also leads to a CE Course on Gingivitis (2 CE Credits). Grab a FREE RESOURCE here today because when you do, you will be one of the first to know about our FREE Training RE: Treating the Gingivitis Patient.

COVID-19 Your Dental Hygiene Department Is your Winning Ticket

By: admin

April 18, 2020

As of March 23, 2020, the ADA Reported that 76% of Dental Offices Closed Due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

This has caused millions of dental professionals around the world serious sleepless nights!

Here’s the thing…….

When you applied to dental school, you were not thinking about being a business owner. You wanted to be a clinician.

You never intended to deal with a pandemic and the ADA telling you to NOT to care for your routine patients; who you consider friends and family.

What will you do to get these patients back on your schedule?

You don’t have to have a hemorrhage in your schedule AFTER COVID-19!

Check out this plan created for you IF….. you want to achieve and exceed your 2020 Goals.

SUCCESS ROADMAP w/ BLUEPRINT:

BOOST Your Hygiene Department After COVID-19

April 21-23, 2020 8-10AM PDT

6 CE Credits (PACE Approved)

Can you recover quickly after COVID-19?

Absolutely!

Who will join this training support?

Doctor and hygienists PLUS the entire team.

You walk away with a roadmap, a success plan to implement. You will have a plan to triage and schedule the back-log of patients who you rescheduled during COVID-19.

With all the COVID-19 PPE changes you will learn time management during the hygiene appointment to stay on time.
You walk away will a team approach to BOOST your hygiene department productivity and achieve/exceed your 2020 goals.
Learn what is included in treating the gingivitis patient: adjunctive services, appointment sequence(s), determine your fee and how to be reimbursed.
Learn how to get your patients to own their disease and want what they need.
Learn a team approach to reactive, retain and bring in more new patients after COVID-19.
You leave with the exact information to use and implement after COVID-19.

Register Today Here

An integrated, team-approach, is your best way to BOOST your hygiene department production.

ABOUT DEBBIE SEIDEL-BITTKE, RDH, BS