Dental Hygiene Patient Exam | Dental Practice Solutions

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

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The Keys to a Successful Hygiene Patient Appointment: A Team Approach

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

October 9, 2023

A successful dental hygiene appointment is more than just a routine check-up; it’s the result of a well-coordinated effort that includes the patient, the dental hygienist, the dentist, and the entire team.

Each clinician plays a unique role, in ensuring that oral health concerns, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, etc, are effectively addressed.

This blog delves into the distinct contributions of each dental professional in your dental office, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration in fostering patient acceptance of care and maintaining optimal oral health.

Let’s make dental hygiene appointments patient-centered, enjoyable for the patients and the entire team.

Read on!

The Role of the Dental Hygienist:

The dental hygienist, often the first point of contact for patients, holds a crucial role in setting the tone for the hygiene appointment. We must begin by creating a comfortable environment, easing patient anxieties, and taking various oral and systemic health assessments. Initial rapport, at the beginning of dental appointments helps build trust between the patient and the dental team.

During the hygiene appointment, dental hygienists’ complete various assessments to identify the patient’s total health, identify areas of concern and any abnormalities.

Dental hygienists are preventive care specialists and not just a tooth cleaner! The main goal during dental hygiene appointments is to assess oral conditions and educate patients about the risks for oral inflammation. Our goal is to halt oral inflammation.

Our overarching message to patients should be, “Optimal oral health is key to helping you live a longer, healthier life.”

Dental hygienists must strive to provide a partnership with their patients. When we collaborate with patients rather than tell them what we find, we are more likely to have patients who “Take ownership of their disease” and “want what they need.”

Collaboration is key to case acceptance.

The Dentist’s Role:

Dentists play a pivotal role in the success of the hygiene patient appointment. During the hygiene patient exam, dental hygienists have a perfect opportunity to bring the doctor into the loop on exactly what has been discussed and what they have identified with the patient up to this point.

It’s helpful to provide positive feedback to the dentist during the hygiene exam; not always talking about “what’s wrong with the patient’s oral condition.” Remember to compliment patients when they have improved their oral health, positive outcomes, great oral health, etc.

When hygienists become a partner with the dentist during the hygiene patient exam, it’s much easier for the patient to accept all necessary dental care. The partnership between hygienist and dentist combined with patient collaboration, will create a higher level of case acceptance.

Since the hygienist has been looking around the patient’s mouth for the past thirty plus minutes, they have a great opportunity to support the patient in making the best decisions after dentist has made a diagnosis.

When the dentist arrives to complete the hygiene patient exam it is beneficial to have x-rays and intra-oral images available for the doctor to quickly review and confirm any diagnosis.

During the treatment planning phase of the hygiene appointment (See above image), hygienists must take time to review with their patient what they see happening in the patient’s oral cavity. This is where the patient and hygienist collaboration begin. This makes case acceptance much easier for the patient.

“Seeing is believing!”

This treatment planning phase is vital for creating a positive response for patients to accept proper care. Refer to the above diagram for timing of the various phases during the hygiene preventive care appointment.

Dental Assistants Role:

Dental Assistants play an important role in supporting the hygiene appointment. Imagine the dental assistants as the air-traffic controllers in a dental office.

There is no need for a dentist to wait until the end of a hygiene appointment to complete the hygiene patient exam. About half-way through a dental hygiene appointment, the hygienist should have completed the assessments and taken time to discuss treatment with the patient.

The dental assistants must be aware of which hygiene patients need an exam. While the dental assistants are with the dentist, and when they know the dentist can take a break from working on their patient, the dental assistant will request the dentist goes to the hygiene room and complete the hygiene patient exam.

*See the above Time Management image to support this process during hygiene preventive care appointments.

Examples of opportunities for doctor to complete a hygiene patient exam:

Waiting for local anesthesia
Waiting for an impression
Dental Assistants can scan the patient while doctor completes the hygiene patient exam
What else can you add to this list?

Since the hygienist has taken time to review any abnormal oral conditions (gingivitis, periodontitis, cracked or worn out fillings, crowns, abfractions, occlusal wear, etc, etc) and/or discussed unscheduled restorative care, the hygiene patient exam should not take longer than seven minutes.

Waiting until the end of a hygiene appointment can mean waiting for the dentist to take time away from their patient to complete the hygiene patient exam. Waiting for the doctor leaves the hygiene patient waiting and hygienists will run behind for their next patient.

Collaboration is key during the hygiene patient exam and therefore, hygienists play a valuable role in sharing with their doctor what has been discussed with the patient during the hygiene appointment.

Effective Communication:

During the hygiene patient exam, the hygienist will report on the following:

Personal updates, rapport
Medical history update
Oral abnormality (Soft and hard tissue screening)
Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (Annual). 1
TMD: Occlusal wear, abractions, etc.
Sleep Apena (report on tonsils, tongue, lack of sleep, snoring, etc)
Restorative Unscheduled and any new cracks, leaky fillings, crowns and/or open margins
Gingival health, BOP, gingivitis, periodontitis, localized inflammation, etc.
What you have completed today: preventive care, polish, gingivitis, gross debridement, LBR (soft-tissue laser), fluoride treatment, etc.
When will the patient return? Example: 4-6 weeks re-evaluation for gingivitis or starting gum treatment ASAP, etc.

Every clinician must use the same words and phrases when speaking with the patient. Break down the words and phrases into words the patient can easily understand.

Use words that are descriptive such as: bleeding, infection, inflammation, hole in the tooth or discoloration, etc. Stop telling patients they will have their teeth cleaned. Dental hygiene appointments are about the prevention of disease not about cleaning teeth. 2

Collaboration Between Clinicians:

The synergy between the dental hygienist, the assistants, and the dentist, are vital in providing the patient with a well-rounded and effective treatment plan. Their collaboration allows for a thorough assessment and diagnosis, ensuring that no oral health issues are overlooked.

This teamwork fosters trust and confidence in the patient, knowing that their dental care is in capable hands. When the dental assistants guide the dentist through their day, it makes the day run more smoothly.

Consider a ten-minute team huddle before your day begins so all the clinicians know where they must be and when they must be there. The front office team should also know this information to prevent bottlenecks at the front office as well as who will need to make payment and other valuable information for a successful day.

The front office is also part of this collaboration.

Once the patient has completed their hygiene appointment it’s imperative for the patient to be personally walked up to the front desk.

If there is a hygiene assistant they can schedule the patients next hygiene appointment and walk them to the front desk where the hygiene assistant will share the important information about what occured during the patients appointment, if they have a next hygiene appointment and what they must be scheduled for if there is restorative treatment needed.

When there is a financial arrangement to be made the front office must have a private area to discuss flexible financial options, personal information.

Case Acceptance:

Clinicians must present a united front when discussing treatment and future appointments. Enthusiasm and expressing urgency when there is necessary care are very important pieces to case acceptance. When patients understand how well the team works together for their well-being, and how much their healthcare providers care about their total health, patients are more likely to comply with recommended treatment and maintain consistent preventive care.

Hygienists should know what type of care the dentist will most likely recommend for the patient and be able to discuss the various types of treatment; risks and benefits. If hygienists are not able to properly speak with patients about the type of treatment doctor completes such as implants, veneers, etc., it’s time to schedule an in-service with doctor and the hygienist(s) so everyone is on the same page.

You may want to consider bringing in an expert to help train the hygienists and the doctor so everyone can speak about optimal oral care options with patients. It is imperative that the entire team understands how to effectively communicate the types of dental services available.

There are experts who can guide doctors, hygienists, and the entire team so your dental practice achieves 75% or higher case acceptance each month.

Conclusion:

During a successful hygiene patient appointment, each clinician’s role is distinct and equally crucial. The dental hygienist’s skill treating disease, utilizing preventive care modalities and technology, communicating restorative and cosmetic care options, educating patients about optimal oral health benefits, coupled with the dentist’s expertise in diagnosis and treatment planning, creates a harmonious hygiene team.

This collaboration promotes higher case acceptance and contributes to maintaining the patient’s oral health. Optimal oral health will lead to a longer, healthier life.

By understanding the unique contributions of each clinician and working together as a cohesive unit, dental professionals can ensure that patients receive the highest level of care and support. This approach not only addresses immediate oral health concerns but also promotes a lifelong commitment to prevention of disease and overall well-being.

Do you want to learn about the un-tapped potential in your dental hygiene department?

I have a few open spots for a quick overview of your hygiene department.

Book your complimentary hygiene productivity call here.

References.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation. https://tinyurl.com/23atrxm2 Accessed October 1, 2023.
Motivational Interviewing. https://tinyurl.com/yappeexh Accessed October 9, 2023.

Unlock the Secrets to Higher Case Acceptance

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

September 12, 2023

As a dentist, your primary goal is to provide exceptional oral health to your patients.

Even the most skilled and compassionate dental professionals may encounter challenges when it comes to getting their patients to accept recommended treatment plans.

Dental patient case acceptance is a critical aspect of your dental practice’s success, as it not only ensures your patients receive the care they need but also contributes to the financial health of your dental clinic.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of case acceptance and reveal the one thing that has proven to increase it.

Why is Dental Patient Case Acceptance Crucial?

Dental treatment plans often involve a range of dental procedures, from routine preventive care and fillings to more complex treatments like full mouth rehabilitation, Invisalign, veneers, and implants. Achieving case acceptance means patients are not only willing to schedule the recommended treatment but also follow through by paying and then keep their scheduled appointments.

Answers to The Above Question:

Improved Oral Health: Accepting and completing recommended treatment leads to better oral health outcomes for patients. Untreated dental issues potentially resulting in more extensive and expensive procedures down the road. Oral inflammation will lead to systemic inflammation.
- This cascading inflammatory response contributes to other systemic diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, and even Alzheimers Disease.
Practice Growth: A high case acceptance rate is essential for the financial viability of your dental practice.
- Your case acceptance rate should exceed 60%.
- This ensures a steady flow of revenue and enables you to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, continuing education, and providing the best possible care to your patients.
Patient Satisfaction: Patients who receive the care they want and need are more likely to be raving fans. Raving fans refer friends and family, contributing to the growth of your patient base.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Patients who pay a “reservation fee” at the time they schedule for high end treatment means they are committed to accepting your care.

Think: Less last minute cancellations and less changes in your schedule. Paying a reservation fee means you have a more committed patient!

Dental Case Acceptance Challenges:

Despite the importance of case acceptance, many dental practices do not achieve at least 60% case acceptance.

Common Barriers:

Financial Concerns: Dental treatment can be costly, and some patients may hesitate to proceed with treatment due to financial concerns, even if it’s essential for their oral health.
Fear and Anxiety: Dental anxiety is a common issue that can prevent patients from accepting treatment.
- Patients may delay or avoid necessary procedures due to fear of pain or discomfort.
Lack of Understanding: Patients may not fully comprehend the urgency or importance of recommended treatments, leading to delays or non-acceptance.

The one thing that Increases Case Acceptance year after year is when you understand what your patients want for their smile.

It’s not enough to simply diagnose and recommend treatment; you must also ensure that your patients understand and feel comfortable with the proposed plan. You must have patients “own their disease” and “want what they need.”

How to Initiate Higher Cosmetic Case Acceptance:

Build Trust: Establishing trust is the foundation of effective communication. Patients are more likely to accept treatment recommendations when they trust their dentist.

First ask your patients,”What do you want your smile to look like?” or ask, “What is one thing you would like to change about your smile?”

Switch up your questions about the patients smile desires and make it fun for you and your patients.

Notice how these are not “Yes” or “No” questions. They are open-ended questions that inspire your patients to “think.”

Always be empathetic, listen to the patient concerns, and address all questions and any fears. Learn motivational interviewing skills to more easily show empathy and compassion. *See resources below.

Create Raving Fans: Once you have established trust with your patients and to gain trust, you want to offer something of great value to your patients.

Asking what your patient wants is a great opening to gain patient trust and show that you are doing more than treating a tooth!

The one answer most patients respond with when asked what they want for their smile is, “Whiter teeth.” The 2nd most popular answer is “straight teeth.:”

The list of what patients want for their smile goes on but first learn what your patient wants. As you are seating patients ask what you can do to make the appointment and their smile the very best.

Let’s change the negative connotation around dental appointments into something our patients look forward to!

The Smile Club is a fun way to:

Give patients what they want (Whiter teeth) more easily (Same day)
Give patients what they want, costing them less money and something they want
Increase your cosmetic cases

Educate and Inform: Take the time to educate your patients about their oral health. Use visual aids like X-rays, intra-oral cameras, scanners, and/or dental models to show what’s happening in their mouth. Explain the consequences of not completing necessary treatment.

When patients leave without scheduling appointments always follow-up with a phone call and an email with a video that explains the risks and benefits of the specific treatment.

Offer Options: Whenever possible, provide patients with different treatment options.
- This not only gives them a sense of control over their care but also accommodates their budget and comfort level.
Clear Financial Discussions: Be transparent about the cost of treatment and discuss flexible payment options and/or insurance coverage.
- Patients are more likely to accept treatment when they understand the financial aspect of treating disease and abnormalities.
- Patients respond favorably when they have a plan in place.
Follow-Up: After presenting a treatment plan, follow up with your patients. Address any lingering questions or concerns and remind them of the importance of timely treatment.
- Call patients within 48 hours if they leave the office and don’t schedule for your care.
- Email videos explaining the necessary treatment needed.
  - In the subject line of this video write, [Video] because people are more likely to open and view a video.

Communicate this important message:

“Prevention saves money. Treating disease costs a lot of money.”

In conclusion, dental patient case acceptance is a critical aspect of every successful dental practice. To increase case acceptance, focus on effective communication. Great communication begins with listening and understanding your patients desires.

Building trust through motivational communication, educating patients, offering options, and addressing financial concerns are all part of this process.

Begin by asking how your patient wants their smile to appear. Listen to the answers they provide you.

By listening to understand your patients desires, you ensure that your patients not only receive the care they need but also feel confident and comfortable in their decisions regarding their oral health.

Remember, the one thing that has proven to increase case acceptance is The Smile Club patient loyalty system. The Smile Club begins by understanding what each individual patient wants.

Grab your Free Case Acceptance eBook HERE.

*Resources.

Motivational Interviewing. https://bit.ly/MotivationalInterview12 Accessed September 12, 2023.
Prima Health Credit. https://bit.ly/3RiT2ri
More about The Smile Club: https://bit.ly/PtRewards