There still seems to be a lot of chatter about lack of hygienists.
Is this true?
What are your thoughts about this chatter?
At Dental Practice Solutions we are very supportive of dentists who need to hire a dental hygienist. We also add support to the dental hygienists who are looking for a great career as a clinical dental hygienist.
All of our clients over the past four years have been able to successfully hire great hygienists.
How were they able to do this?
Our clients, dentists and their team, implemented several additional strategies that I’ll detail in this blog.
Once we were able to identify their ideal candidates, the entire team knew exactly what steps to take. Every client at Dental Practice Solutions receives training to hire the best employees and what to look for in a great candidate.
We enjoy coming alongside our clients to support not only their practice growth but we want to provide reassurance that they can hire employees who are a perfect fit for their dental practice philosophy and are able to support the vision for their dental office.
Our clients and their team have access to online training which supports the new employee, setting up expectations with a direct path to their future success.
Keep reading and learn the top strategies to hire your next dental hygienist.
What are some of these extra measures that will help solve your search for a hygienist?
Let’s dive in:
1. Craft your job advertisement with your ideal dental hygienist in mind, not just yourself.
In a competitive job market, many dental hygienists who are looking for work may already be employed elsewhere. Your ad should be concise and focused on what the hygienist stands to gain from working with you, rather than solely listing your needs.
2. Follow up on every application.
Avoid dismissing candidates over minor issues like typos in resumes. Conduct interviews to get a real sense of each candidate’s suitability. If you find a strong match, don’t hesitate to make an offer promptly.
3. Consider removing unnecessary filters from your online job postings.
This can expand your candidate pool by ensuring your ad reaches more potential applicants who might not fit standard filters.
4. Reach out beyond traditional hiring platforms.
Explore partnerships with hygiene schools, online communities, and professional associations to widen your search.
5. Extend your search geographically if necessary.
Advertising in other parts of your state and offering relocation assistance can attract candidates who are willing to move for the right opportunity.
6. Implement a referral program among your current employees.
Incentivize your employees who refer qualified candidates. This will often yield excellent hires who fit well within your team.
For more insights on effective hiring practices, we have a wealth of information and we’re just a phone call away. We encourage you to explore our website and book a quick call so we can direct you down your path to success and your next amazing dental hygienist!
Dental hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and preventing various dental diseases. Dentists understand the importance of a well-functioning dental hygiene department, as it serves as the foundation for delivering quality dental care to patients.
However, amidst the daily demands of running a dental practice, dentists face a significant challenge in optimizing the efficiency and productivity of their dental hygiene department.
In this blog, we will explore this challenge and discuss potential solutions to overcome it.
The Challenge:
One of the major challenges that dentists encounter in managing their dental hygiene department is maintaining a balance between patient care and operational efficiency. Dental hygienists are responsible for performing a range of preventive and therapeutic procedures, including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education.
However, the time-consuming nature of these procedures can lead to scheduling conflicts, prolonged patient wait times, and decreased overall productivity.
Furthermore, dentists often find it challenging to align the workload of their dental hygienists with the number of patients needing dental hygiene services.
*If you are up-to-date with treating oral inflammation, you will need to expand your number of appointments for hygiene patients. How can you fit in more appointments in a day? Hygienists are not plentiful these days and efficiency becomes imperative to meet the needs of treating the high number of gingivitis and perio patients.
Variations in patient flow, cancellations, and no-shows can disrupt the workflow and result in underutilization or overburdening of hygienists’ schedules. This can hinder optimal patient care and compromise the financial stability of your dental practice.
Solutions:
To address the challenges faced by dentists in their dental hygiene department, several strategies can be implemented:
Efficient Appointment Scheduling: Implementing an efficient appointment scheduling system can help optimize the utilization of dental hygienists’ time. By analyzing patient data and historical patterns, dentists can better anticipate demand and allocate appropriate time slots for dental hygiene procedures. Implementing electronic reminders and confirmations can also reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
Ask us how to simplify analyzing important data and how your team can have an important role in driving the productivity of your dental practice.
What you measure, matters, and what matters creates your future success.
Your team should look at the numbers just like they view the dashboard in their car before they arrive at the office each day!
The Celebrity Smiles Club, a patient rewards, loyalty program will reduce those costly last-minute cancellations. Ask us more about this in the link below or schedule a coffee chat below.
Delegating Tasks: Dentists can delegate certain tasks to dental assistants, allowing dental hygienists to focus on their core responsibilities.
For example: a dental hygiene assistant can seat patients, perform preliminary patient screenings, take radiographs, set up and breakdown treatment rooms, sterilize instruments and set-up the hygiene trays with instruments, etc.
By delegating these tasks, dental hygienists can maximize their time spent on direct patient care.
Technology Integration: The integration of advanced technologies within the dental hygiene department can significantly enhance efficiency.
For example: Empower hygienists to use various digital imaging systems; digital scanners, to streamline the process of capturing and introducing abnormalities, potential treatment plans and diagnoses that will be made during the hygiene-patient- doctor exam.
Help patients see what is happening in the mouth. Bring them into a partnership early in the hygiene appointment.
Help the doctor with educating the patient and helping them own their disease before the doctor exam begins.
The hygienist has the ability to take annual digital scans and/or an intra-oral video of the patients mouth. Hygienists’ will give the patient a tour of their mouth and show them what is happening in their mouth.
All data collection and patient communication about potential oral abnormalities should be introduced to each patient by the dental hygienist, and always prior to the hygiene-patient-doctor exam. This saves time with the doctor exam and builds trust with the patient.
The hygienist has a great opportunity to help patients “own their disease.” Patients who see what is happening in their mouth vs. being “told” what they need are 75% more likely to schedule and pay for your care.
“People buy what they want, not what they need.”
Continuing Education and Training: Encourage ongoing professional development and training for dental hygienists. This is vital to stay updated on the latest advancements in dental hygiene techniques.
Note: There are a lot of new advancements and technologies which will enhance patient care and dental hygiene appointment efficiency. Dentists must support their hygienists to attend workshops, conferences, and online courses so they stay at the forefront of their field.
Performance Monitoring and Feedback: Regular 360 performance evaluations and feedback sessions can help identify areas for improvement within the dental hygiene department. Dentists should provide constructive feedback, recognize achievements, and set realistic goals to motivate their hygienists and enhance their performance.
Allow the employees to offer their feedback and suggestions for improvement. 360 degree employee evaluations allow employees to be heard. Empower each employee to become a leader in a specific area of the dental practice.
Conclusion:
The dental hygiene department is a critical component of a dental practice. Optimizing the hygiene department efficiency and productivity is an ongoing challenge for dentists.
By implementing efficient appointment scheduling, delegating tasks, integrating technology, investing in continuing education, and providing performance feedback, dentists can overcome many of their challenges and ensure the highest quality of patient care while maintaining a thriving practice.
Dentists do not need to manage but when they delegate they now inspect, what they expect of their employees. Many employees report that they don’t understand what the dentist expects from them.
Finding the right balance between patient care and operational efficiency in the dental hygiene department is an ongoing journey, but one that is essential for the long-term success and growth of a dental practice.
Dentists and dental hygienists should not feel as if they live on an island. Dental Practice Solutions has varioussolutionsto optimize your hygiene department, streamline systems and grow your dental practice.
Consider a quick coffee chat and discover how you can quickly achieve your next level of success.
When we think about the role of a dental hygienist, we think about a person who cleans teeth. However, the role of a dental hygienist goes far beyond just cleaning teeth. Dental hygienists in today’s world play a crucial role in promoting oral health and overall well-being by identifying oral inflammation. The dental hygienist and the entire dental team has an important role to share with their patients that what happens in the mouth can travel through the blood stream and cause other systemic diseases.
Our overarching message needs to be, “Optimal oral health leads to a longer, healthier life!”
In this blog post, we will explore the significance of the dental hygienist’s expanded role and how it positively impacts patients’ total health.
Beyond Teeth: A Holistic Approach
Traditionally, dental professionals focused solely on oral health, a single tooth treating dental issues, and maintaining clean teeth and gums. A growing body of evidence has revealed that oral health is intimately linked to our overall health and well-being. Dental hygienists, as primary oral health care providers, have embraced a more holistic approach, understanding that oral health is a vital component of a person’s total health.
Oral-Systemic Link
Research has established a strong connection between poor oral health, gum disease and various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s, low-birth weight babies, etc. During the dental hygiene appointment and the data collection phase, dental hygienists must identify oral inflammation, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis, which will lead to timely intervention and improved patient systemic health..
Preventive Care and Education
Dental hygienists are at the forefront of preventive care, advocating for proper oral hygiene practices and educating patients on the significance of maintaining good oral health. Beyond brushing and flossing techniques, they educate patients about the importance of a well-balanced diet, tobacco cessation, excessive alcohol consumption, and the impact of systemic factors on oral health.
By fostering a strong patient-provider relationship, dental hygienists empower patients to take charge of their oral health, leading to a positive ripple effect on their overall well-being, living a longer, healthier life.
The dental hygienist must understand how to empower their patients and effectively communicate so patients will want to “own their disease” and they want what they need.
Detection and Early Intervention
Routine hygiene preventive care appointments provide an opportunity to detect oral inflammation and other oral conditions sooner than later. Dental hygienists visually examine their patient’s mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other abnormalities.
By identifying these problems in their infancy, hygienists can take intra-oral pictures and show patients what they see. When dentists complete the hygiene-patient exam, dental hygienists have a great opportunity to communicate with the doctor in front of the patient what they and the patient have been looking at and discussing for the patient’s best care. It is a huge benefit for hygienist’s to be the advocate to their patient while they and the patient are looking together, at the patient’s mouth.
When doctor enters to complete the patient exam he or she is brought into the conversation the hygienist and patient have been having. This saves time during the exam when the hygienist has collaborated with the patient as their advocate for their best dental care options.
One message to the patient: “Prevention costs a little money but treating disease can cost a lot of money.”
To the patient who does not want to spend money at a dental office, here’s an example conversation: “Over time, not treating this gum disease can cause a lot more than loss of money on gum treatment and possibly surgery. It can cause loss of teeth and/or various systemic diseases. Optimal oral health will lead to a longer, healthier life, saving money in the dental office and other medical procedures and medications.”
Collaboration with the Healthcare Team
Recognizing the interplay between oral health and the patient’s overall well-being, dental hygienists and the dentists’ conversation with the patient and must effectively communicate in a way that ensures comprehensive patient care.
It’s important to understand the patients value and then use words and phrases that at attached to what the patient values.
Use words like gum disease, infection and bleeding gums vs. periodontal disease, cleaning, and deep cleaning. If your patient has money as a value and when they have gum disease speak about prevention costing less money than disease. Explain that waiting to treat or not treating disease will eventually cost a lot more money on expensive treatment of the disease, tooth loss, other systemic diseases which take a toll on their life.
This collaborative approach between hygienist, doctor and patient fosters a more comprehensive understanding on the patient’s behalf, allowing patients to take ownership of their disease.
Conclusion
The role of a dental hygienist has evolved significantly, emphasizing the importance of treating a patient’s total health rather than merely focusing on cleaning their teeth. By embracing a holistic approach, dental hygienists contribute to early detection of inflammation and prevention of systemic diseases, they promote preventive care, and empower patients to take control of their health.
Through collaboration with the dentist and dental team, dental hygienists enhance the overall well-being of patients, recognizing and promoting the vital connection between oral health and systemic health. Dental hygienists are no longer just cleaning teeth but playing a pivotal role in promoting total health of the patient.
In recent years, the dental hygiene department has experienced a significant surge in growth and recognition within the field of dentistry. This expansion can be attributed to several key factors, including increased awareness of oral health, advancements in technology, and evolving patient preferences.
In this blog post, we will delve into the various aspects that have contributed to the remarkable growth of the dental hygiene department and explore the exciting opportunities it presents for both dental professionals and patients alike.
Rising Oral Health Awareness: One of the primary drivers behind the growth of the dental hygiene department is the heightened awareness of oral health in society. People are now more educated about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and its impact on overall well-being. This increased awareness has led to a greater demand for preventive dental care, putting dental hygienists in the spotlight as experts in this field.
The role of dental hygienists goes beyond “cleaning teeth.” We are not treating a single tooth or mouth, dentistry in our world today has moved towards the patient’s total health.
“A healthy mouth leads to a longer, healthier life!”
Expansion of Scope and Responsibilities: Over the years, the scope and responsibilities of dental hygienists have significantly expanded. Once primarily focused on routine cleanings and patient education, dental hygienists now play a more integral role in oral healthcare. Dental hygienists perform advanced procedures such as periodontal (“gum”) therapy, administer local anesthesia, take dental X-rays, use soft-tissue diode lasers to assist in reduction of inflammation. In some regions around the world people have direct access to dental hygienists.
This expanded scope of practice has not only enhanced the role of dental hygienists but has also contributed to the overall growth of the department.
Technological Advancements: The dental industry has witnessed rapid technological advancements, and dental hygiene is no exception. Modern tools and technologies have revolutionized the way dental hygienists work, making dental care more efficient and patient-friendly. Innovations like digital radiography, intraoral cameras, laser therapy, and ultrasonic scalers have improved diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes. These advancements have attracted attention to the dental hygiene department and further fueled its growth.
Focus on Preventive Care: As the saying goes, “prevention costs less than treating disease.” This adage has gained significant traction in dentistry, with a growing emphasis on preventive care. Dental hygienists are at the forefront of preventive dental practices, educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits that can help maintain optimal oral health.
The shift towards preventive care has not only reduced the incidence of dental disease but has also elevated the role of dental hygienists as key contributors to overall patient wellness.
Increased Patient Demand: Patients are increasingly seeking comprehensive and personalized dental care, and the dental hygiene department is well-positioned to meet these demands. Dental hygienists are skilled in building relationships with patients, addressing their concerns, and providing individualized care.
Patients value the expertise and guidance of dental hygienists, and their growing demand has significantly contributed to the expansion of the department.
Think of a dental hygienist as an associate to the dentist. The dental hygienist spends a lot of time each year with patients before the doctor completes the visual exam. This provides a perfect opportunity for the dental hygienist to “show” patients what is happening in their oral cavity.
It also provides an opportunity for the dental hygienist to learn what the patient wants to accomplish for the oral health and other adjunctive services such as Invisalign, teeth whitening, etc.
Conclusion: The growth of the dental hygiene department is a testament to the evolving landscape of oral healthcare. With heightened awareness of oral health, expanding scopes of practice, technological advancements, a focus on preventive care, and increased patient demand, the dental hygiene department has emerged as a vital pillar of dental care.
As we move forward, it is essential to continue nurturing this growth, recognizing the pivotal role dental hygienists play in promoting oral health, and exploring new avenues for innovation and collaboration within the dental profession.
Written by: JoAnn Leon, Front Office, Insurance Credential / Reimbursement Coach
We hear this question all the time, “Can you help me get more new patients to my office?
The answer is, “Doctor, do you realize that you have 1,560 patients and 300 of these patients have not returned to your office in the last eighteen months?”
How to keep the back door closed when new dental patients come to your office.
The most effective plan you can have in place is to reactivate your over-due hygiene patients. If you have a program such as SolutionReach, you can very easily reactivate these 300 over-due hygiene patients.
STEPS TO KEEP THE BACK DOOR CLOSED
Step 1. Know Your Numbers.
The team at Dental Practice Solutions, recommends that you run a hygiene report, so you know how needs to return for a hygiene appointment in the last eighteen months.
Step 2. Send a Special “We Miss You Letter.”
Send this e-newsletter to over-due hygiene patients. SolutionReach has great template to send patients an eye-grabbing e-newsletter.
Step 3. Offer an Incentive to patients who receive your e-Newsletter.
We have created a system around reactivation of your overdue hygiene patients. Without a doubt it works well to offer patients a gift for returning. This is the WIIFM syndrome. You know what I mean by WIIFM? I mean the “What’s in it for me” syndrome.
What has worked well for numerous years is offering your patients free tooth whitening when they do complete their hygiene appointment, pay for the prophy or necessary treatment, along with appropriate x-rays (BWX, FMX, etc.) and doctor exam. At the end of the hygiene appointment the hygienist or a clinician will take impressions and the patient returns in a day or two to pick. Up their whitening trays and two syringes of gel.
You can also have your whitening gel syringes customized here.
Step 4. Call Your Overdue Hygiene Patients.
Each day someone in your office should be working on calling overdue hygiene patients. Not too many people actually answer their phone these days so if you don’t get ahold of your patient, your next step is to text your patient.
Step 5. Texting Overdue Hygiene Patients.
What do you text a patient, so they want to call your office and schedule their hygiene appointment?
First of all, let me say that it is important that you have two-way texting set up if you do have the ability to text your patients. In today’s fast-paced and technologically oriented world, it is important that you can text two-ways with patients of record.
Your text should only say this: Please give our office a call about your appointment.
“They don’t have an appointment,” you say!
That is correct, the don’t have an appointment and you do want them to call about an appointment………one they need to schedule.
This one sentence works in a phone message or text and…. btw, it works very well when you are calling to collect money. That is
another blog, another day.
Step 6. What You Must Say When You Do Talk to the Patient?
Before you pick up the phone to call a patient and even if a patient calls about an appointment, it is important to look at the patients record, if you have electronic patient charts.
You need to look at the patient’s ledger to see if they owe money, etc. Very important is to look at the patient’s clinical notes and read about the reason WHY they need to return.
Ask yourself before you call the patient:
When was the last time there were in our office?
What do they need to return for?
Is it only (Not just lol) a hygiene appointment?
Do they have outstanding/unscheduled treatment?
What do you know if valuable to the patient?
For example, is money a possible concern and maybe a reason they have not returned?
Be prepared to overcome money objections by offering solutions and changing the loss of money into this appointment will help them save money
For example: Patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure, this is the perfect opportunity to talk about the mouth-body connection. Let them know that a healthy mouth means less money on medications and doctor/hospital visits
Step 7. Try Something Different Than You Have Been Doing.
You know what they say about insanity?
Doing the same thing over and over does not typically yield a good outcome. Take one or all of these steps and begin today implementing one. Just try one of these.
Go to your calendar and on today’s date write “Begin Reactivation.” Write down how many overdue patients you have on this day. Next turn to your calendar six months out and write a reminder to check the number of overdue hygiene patients.
The goal is for this number to be less than it is today.
And do remember to be patient with yourself (And the team) as you implement these new steps.
Each month you must run a hygiene report and reach out to your overdue hygiene patients. It still surprises me, the number of offices we work with. When we investigate a new clients reactivation process, it happens too often, that there is no reactivation system hence, hundreds, thousands of overdue hygiene patients.
Do you have an over-abundance of overdue hygiene patients? Does reactivating them seem like a daunting task? Reach out to use. Let’s create your strategy and close the back door for new patients as well as your current patients of record. Schedule a no-cost Profit Boosting SessionHere.
You can also email us or call: 949-351-8741 to get this scheduled now.
ABOUT JOANN LEON
For many decades, Joann Leon, has worked alongside various doctors from international backgrounds she has obtained extensive knowledge in management, insurance contracting and clinical aspects of various types of dental practices. Joann is able to provide unbiased, objective advice on selecting the right insurance plans, maximizing fee schedules, and streamlining accounts receivable collections.
– Certified Procedural Quality Assurance Consultant Eagle Soft Setup
– Insurance Credentialing & Contracting Dentrix Software Setup
– Human Resources/Legal Compliance Easy Dental Software Setup
– Filing Grievances Insurance/Patient New Practice Startup/Established Practice Analysis
– Fee Schedule Analysis Loss Prevention/Staff Accountability
– Digital/Hard Copy Filing Front Desk Employee Training
– Purchase/Sale of Practice Audit Preparation of Charts
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her sons and grandchildren; serving her spiritual community as a lector and Eucharistic minister. She enjoys spiritual retreats at least twice a year, the beach, dancing, and going out on scenic drives.
Do you feel like your dental practice runs your life? Do you wish that you did not have to concern yourself with running the business of dentistry? Do you want to not worry about the marketing, deal with payroll, worry about open holes in your schedule and a bank account that does not grow?
I feel your pain and I have created an all-day live CE Event in Portland, Oregon. Plan to join Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS, CEO of Dental Practice Solutions, along with Doug Fettig of Aldrich Advisors.
We have planned a life-changing event so you don’t need to worry about your dental business but you can focus on your clinical dentistry.
Plan to bring your team so they can learn and begin implementing what they learn. This will leave you feeling like you have a new lease on life!
You get 6 AGD Credits, breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, soft-drinks plus we will give away prizes all throughout the day: valued at $50-$1,500. You will walk away with your customized blueprint.
More information and Register Now. Early-bird Pricing Expires August 21, 2018.
Every success schedule in the dental office begins with a strategy. Without a strategic plan, you are not able to meet the financial goals to keep your dental practice surviving.
The best plan is to not survive, but thrive.
What is the dental hygienist’s role in keeping doctor’s schedule full?
1st Step to Doctor’s Success Schedule
The first step for hygienists to help keep doctors schedule full is to have a mindset that they are like an associate to doctor; helping the practice to grow.
2nd Step to Successful Scheduling
The next step is actually two-pronged. The hygienist needs to audit all patient records before their day at the office begins. This audit serves many purposes but for this blog we will stick to the topic of what a hygienist’s role is for successful scheduling and helping doctor’s schedule stay full all day.
When auditing the patient’s records look to see what outstanding treatment is necessary. Why does the patient need to schedule this? What is the urgency the hygienist and all the clinicians will speak to this patient about?
For example: Does the patient have a dark spot on their bite-wing x-ray and when you audit the patients record you feel concerned they may very soon have a toothache.
Why did this patient not want to schedule this appointment? It is important to understand the patient’s objection so that when the hygienist has the patient in their chair they can immediately address the patient’s previous objection.
Example: Without even saying; “I know money is a concern,” what you can say is (Have the patient seated upright in the chair with x-rays, and/or intra-oral photos there in front of the patient), “Mrs. Jones, doctor and I are both concerned about this black spot on your x-ray. Let me show you this area. Do you see this black spot? Here is the nerve of your tooth and as you can see this black spot is very close to the nerve which means that once it reaches the nerve it will cause a toothache and also means we probably need to do a root canal and a tooth with a root canal needs a tooth. This means spending a lot more money to keep this tooth.”
Notice how the hygienist in this example address the patients concern before they could even give their objection which they stated at their last appointment and this is the reason the treatment is unscheduled.
It is also very important that hygienists not only think about the gum health of their patients but provide a visual exam.
After the hygienist completes all of their screenings, it is a great time to sit the patient upright in the chair and show them what you see. Look together with the patient. Make the patient part of this process. This means that you look together and ask the patient if they see what you see.
Use words that the patient understands. Saying words like “periodontal disease,” and “tooth decay” probably don’t mean as much to your patient as if the words: gum infection, inflammation, active disease, cavity, black soft spot, etc.”
When you see holes in doctor’s schedule it’s time to take a look at the hygiene patient exam process. It’s a great time to look at patient records who have not scheduled their appointment and discuss as a team what you can do differently so these patients will schedule and pay.
The best way to get patients scheduled and paying for the care you offer is to communicate (your words and actions) in a way that helps the patient to feel and believe they want what they need.
Many of your patients have left your office without committing to schedule and pay for your care. Many of these patients also took very nice vacations this summer, they already plan to buy that new iPhone X, some have spent a lot of money on a really nice car and many have spent thousands of dollars on a sleeve of body of tattoo’s.
Our job? We have a responsibility to help our patients want what they need. Don’t most people want to live a longer and healthier life? This is our overarching message, “Optimal oral health will help you live a longer and healthier life!”
Still have holes in your schedule? Please feel free to reach out to an expert. This is one area that we have created a success strategy around. Our client offices have many patients who now schedule and pay for treatment AND many of their patients pay before their treatment is complete.
Our client offices have a system in place for big cases where patients are currently paying in advance for doctor and hygienist’s services.
Most of the medical cosmetic offices have patients pay in advance and why can’t your patients feel urgency to pay for keeping a healthy mouth?!
It’s all in how you are delivering your message to the patient in your chair.
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS is a dental consultant, coach, speaker and author. She is also CEO of Dental Hygiene Solutions, powered by Dental Practice Solutions. Debbie is a world-class leader in creating profitable hygiene departments. She is well-known as a former clinical assistant professor at USC in Los Angeles and a former hygiene department program director. Dentistry Today recognizes Debbie as a Leader in Dental Consulting.
DENTISTRY TODAY considers her a top dental consultant for the past 16 yrs.
The focus of Dental Practice Solutions is to create healthier, longer lives for your patients while supporting the practice to optimize their hygiene department. The team at Dental Practice Solutions, takes an integrative approach with your team to create an increase in your production and collections without working harder. When you continue to use the systems implemented, you will benefit from production that creates dividends year after year, for the life of your dental practice.
Debbie is also a former Hygiene Program Director and clinical assistant professor for the dental hygiene program at USC in Los Angeles.
Debbie is passionate about supporting dental teams to provide a profitable, patient-centered dental practice through improving systems and efficiencies in the dental hygiene department.
During this month of September, I want to dedicate my blogs to my mother Pauline Seidel. In 2002, my mother came in for her hygiene appointment after having her mitral valve replaced.
During my periodontal evaluation I discovered a perio/endo abscess and she later had the tooth extracted and a bridge placed. She soon after completing the dental procedure had a stroke and died from endocarditis.
I really do not know for sure if when she had the extraction, that she took her pre-med. I don’t know if the dental office asked the important questions such as:
Do you have any heart conditions?
Did you take your pre-med today?
I know that we, as clinicians, and our patients, are in a hurry most days. That’s how life is in todays face-paced world!
Updating Your Medical History Process
The medical history is something I am very passionate about because I have reason to believe that my mother may have not taken her pre-medication which is imperative when you have your mitral-valve replaced. What I observe in offices is patients are seated and the assistants go to bring in doctor. Hygienist’s feel like there is not enough time to do it all so the review of medical history and even taking patients’ blood pressure are forgotten.
Do you have a system in place about reviewing the patient medical history?
How often to do you and your team members seat a patient in the chair and ask about the patients’ medical history?
Do you ask more questions after the patient tells you, “No changes.” ?
What is your office protocol for reviewing and updating the medical dental history?
Save a Life
Besides asking, “Do you have any changes in your medical history?” – Let’s create other questions to ask our patients. We are in the business of creating longer and healthier lives; right?!
Questions to Ask
The medical history you have may not be able to answer all the important questions you need to know for example:
Do you have any heart problems?
Do you take any blood thinners?
Even patients who do have heart problems, in my experience, have forgotten (I know…!) to write this in the medical history and they have even forgotten to let the clinician know about the change(s). Take a step forward in saving a life and ask more questions beyond what your patient has written on their medical history.
Some Examples of Questions You Must Ask (Even if the patient didn’t check these in their medical history):
Have you had any recent surgeries?
Again, I have had a patient forget to update their medical change and the man forgot, probably didn’t want me to know, he just had throat surgery (Hard to believe I know; but it’s a true story!)
Do you have a dry mouth?
Good to know when your patient takes a lot of medications.
It’s the number one side-effect with medications
Xylitol or Fluoride Varnish and 5% Fluoride Gel can prevent decay
Do you drive and text?
Oh! You haven’t heard about this question? Refer to the above section “Save a Life” because this is our business
Today’s medical history forms can provide great information such as should you text, call or email your patient?
You can discover some great information that can help keep the perfect connection going beyond the patient in your dental chair.
Seating Your Patient
We recommend that you seat your patient and then just sit with your patient for few minutes to “connect.” Sit knee-to-knee and eye-to-eye with no patient bib. Use the next 2 minutes to connect, find something outside of dentistry to talk about. Create a human experience, not a dental experience at this point.
After you connect with that person in your chair, now ask the important questions and begin the review of their medical history.
This connection is a key secret to our clients who are highly profitable. Find out something personal or something that will make them light up and feel comfortable in the dental office (You do know most patients don’t want to be at the dentist. sad but it’s true.) Let your patients feel how much you care for them. They are more than a patient in your chair.
Conclusion
As fast as dentistry changes; so must your medical history.
Think about having online forms and accessible on a tablet or desktop in your front office. For new patients it can be an efficient and time-saving process to have your office forms online and accessible through a link you email or a place on your website.
When was the last time your updated your actual form to capture patient’s medical history?
How often does your office want a new medical history form completed?
These are important questions your entire team must know the answers to.
Make sure you have every person who seats the patient take a moment to “connect” with that person in the chair and then never forget to review the medical history before any dental treatment begins. And if you can implement a blood pressure screening annually, you will definitely hear from your patients that you have saved a life (or many for that matter!).
Together, as a team of healthcare professionals we can save many lives. That is what we are all about isn’t it?!
“Help Patients Keep teeth and Save Lives.”
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
ABOUT DEBBIE SEIDEL-BITTKE, RDH, BS
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS founded Dental Practice Solutions in 2000. She is considered a Leader in Dentistry by Dentistry Today. Debbie shares how to optimize your hygiene department with offices globally. The approach to optimize your dental hygiene department is an integrative approach as the entire team learns how to drive efficiencies and profitability in the practice. Teams that have worked with the team at Dental Practice Solutions have now doubled their practice production without working harder.
For optimizing your hygiene department grab our no-cost hygiene department video training series which includes a gingivitis webinar and a gingivitis patient treatment flow chart: enter your name and email here to receive this
During the month of September you can schedule a no-cost Strategic Planning Session to optimize your profit potential in 2018. This is a value of $500. Call or email Kate to get this scheduled today: 949-351-8741 or mail.admin@dentalpracticesolutions.com
Episode 37: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, Founder of Dental Practice Solutions, discusses with GrowingDentist the importance of the doctor’s leadership role; taking charge and identifying team players.
Getting to know the person in the chair, spreading positivity, follow-through . . . in this episode of GrowingDentist, Debbie Seidel-Bittke talks about a team approach to connecting with patients.
The success of a dental practice depends upon doctor “OWNING” their business, taking the lead, building up their team and then implementing all the systems, info, etc., provided to them by the dental practice management consultant.
Dental Practice Solutions can only deliver the ingredients for your dental practice to use. It is up to you to implement and use the knowledge we provide. This is how it all comes together to create HUGE SUCCESS!
I am “Over the Moon” excited to receive this message when I awoke this morning.
This is the message I received from our client:
“Looks like we will do over $45k this week.
We have smashed target for the month of May, thanks to the hygienist packages.”
~Dr. Rachel Hall, Evolve Dental Healing
Secret Ingredients to Your Dental Practice Success:
“Hygienist Packages” refers to our proprietary system for dental hygienists (also the doctor, treatment and financial coordinator) to present patients to increase case acceptance and payment of hygiene services.
If you would like to see how this can work for your dental practice please contact our strategy coach Vanessa Garman for a complimentary strategy session. Vanessa can put together a plan and discuss how this will work for you:
Call her to schedule this time: 949-351-8741 or Email to Schedule: vanessa@dentalpracticesolutions.com
Dental Implants are an expensive alternative to tooth replacement and they must last a lifetime. This is our ultimate goal when placing implants.
If our desire is to keep implants for a lifetime of the patient, as it has been made evident by the publications from LA Dental Town, it is important for the dental hygienist to understand the morphology of the peri-implant mucosa, the attachment between the mucosa and the titanium implant. This area comprises the junctional epithelium, about 2 mm high, and the connective tissue zone of greater than or equal to 1 mm in height. This is the zone that protects the osseointegrated surface from environmental factors, such as plaque in the oral cavity.
It is this zone where the health and longevity of a dental implant is imperative and it is a major role for dental hygienists is to maintain dental implants.
An important role of the hygienist is to assess if their patient as a potential implant candidate. Many people know about dental implants but choose not to inquire about them and they choose not to consider them for tooth replacement.
It is the open-ended questions, a smile evaluation and communication with a potential implant patient will begin a foundation for case acceptance of dental implants. When you allow the patient to complete a smile evaluation, you allow the patient to be the one asking about the area where a tooth is missing.
Allowing your patient to be the one inquiring about treatment will put them in the drivers seat and you are only there to offer answers to the area the patient has checked off in their smile evaluation that the are not 100% satisfied with.
You can now lead this conversation into a discussion about the consequences of not having an implant. You now have an opportunity to discuss why implant therapy a good option for a particular patient.
Continuing with your conversation you may talk about adjunctive or alternative forms of therapy/treatment that can be utilized.
It is very important for all the auxiliaries to understand why implants work, how well they work, and everyone on the dental team must understand all aspects of implant care so communications and explanations to the patient, that based on the doctor’s diagnosis, is a seamless process. This means that you have had role-play sessions as a team about “what to say,” “Who are the patients that doctor considers a good implant candidate, etc.”
When your patient accepts treatment, it’s the hygienist who will be responsible for educating the patient about oral care during the surgical and prosthetic phases of treatment. It is important for all the clinicians to understand the surgical treatment your patient will undergo and the types of restorations that will be placed. It is imperative that you recommend the appropriate oral hygiene techniques during healing phases.
Clinical hygiene and routine home-care procedures need to be effective but non-invasive so the healing tissues are not disturbed. It is also important for the patient to be aware that gentle debridement will only be effective while tissues are healing. Once healing and restoration are complete, a new hygiene routine will need to be established, learned, and complied with.
It crucial for the hygienist to educate their patients about the need for routine, maintenance. This is not an option if the patient has a desire to keep their implants for the rest of their life. Explain to your patient what can happen when their implants are not properly cared for at home and maintained by their dental hygienist.
Save a Life
An important role of the hygienist is to assess if their patient as a potential implant candidate. Many people know about dental implants but choose not to inquire about them and they choose not to consider them for tooth replacement.