Managing a dental office can be challenging, especially when faced with last-minute cancellations or openings in the hygiene and doctors schedule.
These unexpected gaps can disrupt workflow and impact productivity. However, with strategic planning and proactive measures, and a system in place, you can minimize these open holes and keep your schedule running smoothly.
Here are 10 effective strategies to help you plug the holes in your schedule and maintain a productive schedule:
Patient Audits: Encourage each team member to review and audit their patient list before the day begins. Identify patients due for hygiene appointments or those who have family members who need restorative or hygiene appointments.
ASAP List: Maintain an “ASAP” list with contact information for patients willing to fill last-minute openings. Utilize text messages for quick communication when a slot becomes available.
Utilize KPI’s: Consider using an app that your team can quickly log-in and view specific metrics. Each team member needs to have specific metrics that have nsights into your practice’s opportunities and scheduling gaps.
Daily Opportunity Sharing: Dedicate 10 minutes each day for the team to share specific opportunities, such as patients who need hygiene appointments or related family appointments, etc, etc.
Health History Updates: Ensure patients update their health histories and understand your appointment change procedures, minimizing last-minute cancellations. Make sure you also ask about the patients SMILE GOALS on your medical history or a separte Smile Evaluation (takes 60 seconds for the patient to complete).
Voicemail Message/Instructions: Update your voicemail message to inform patients about notification for scheduling changes. Your voicemail needs to let them know they must call during business hours to “Change” an appointment. Dedicate a specific number for them to contact the doctor when they must change an appointment last minute. FYI: These voice messages to change or cancel an appointment last minute are usually a “Scape Goat” and if they are told to call doctors mobile number, you will see these cancellation voicemail messages disappear!
Schedule Optimization: It works well to have one team member oversee your schedule. This is your go-to person when the schedule falls apart and they will notify the team in your morning 10-mins opportunity meeting about next hygiene openings, etc.
Recall List Outreach: Automate your outreach to patients with outstanding hygiene appointments.
Offer specials to your patients: During the times of year when you know patients are more likely to cancel, offer for example, an INVISALIGN Day or WHITENING DAY. Let patients know that when they come to your office on these specific days they receve a special discount.
Reward Loyal Patients/The Smile Club: Consider using this Dental Practice Growth System by Dental Practice Solutions. The Smile Club is a proven rewards program used by dental offices around the world.
The Smile Club is a patient loyalty, rewards system and it’s proven to:
Reduce last-minute cancellations
Grow New Patient Numbers
BOOST scheduled cosmetic cases
Increase per-patient hygiene production
Build a 100k profit center without adding to your overhead or patient chair time
By implementing these strategies, you can enhance scheduling efficiency, reduce last-minute cancellations, and maintain a productive workflow in your dental office.
Consistent communication, proactive planning, using a proven strategy and leveraging available resources are key to optimizing your schedule and enhancing patient care.
Navigating the complex landscape of dental healthcare in Arizona demands a strategic approach. Dental Practice Consulting has emerged as a cornerstone for the thriving success of dental practices in Arizona. This blog explores the profound impact of strategic consulting solutions.
Unlocking Efficiency in Dental Hygiene Department Consulting
Efficiency is the heartbeat of any successful dental practice, and Dental Hygiene Department Consulting serves as the key to unlocking it. Consultants specializing in Arizona’s dental landscape offer insights into streamlining hygiene department operations. From patient scheduling to resource allocation, strategic solutions are tailored to enhance efficiency without compromising patient care.
Strategic Resource Allocation for Enhanced Patient Care
The heartbeat of a dental practice is not just its operations, but the quality of patient care it delivers. In the world of Dental Practice Consulting in Arizona, consultants stress the importance of strategic resource allocation. This involves optimizing staffing levels, investing in advanced dental technologies, and ensuring a seamless patient experience within the hygiene department.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Dental Practice Consulting
Arizona’s dental practices face a myriad of regulatory challenges, and consultants provide the guidance needed to navigate this complex terrain. Staying compliant with state and federal regulations is imperative, and strategic consultants offer practical solutions to ensure that dental practices operate within legal frameworks without compromising efficiency.
Patient-Centric Approach to Dental Practice Consulting
The heart of any dental practice is the patients. Strategic solutions in Arizona emphasize a patient-centric approach when hiring a Dental Hygiene Department Consulting. From personalized oral health education; to creating a healthier and longer life for patients as well as creating a welcoming environment, dental consultants guide practices in fostering patient engagement and satisfaction.
Innovative Technologies Transforming Dental Practice Efficiency
The landscape of dental healthcare is evolving, and technology plays a significant part in this transformation. Consultants advocate for the integration of innovative technologies within *Dental Hygiene Departments to elevate efficiency. Digital record-keeping, Teledentistry options, and advanced diagnostic tools such as dental AI, and Guided Biofilm Therapy are crucial components of a modern and streamlined dental practice.
Strategic Planning for Sustainable Dental Practice Growth
Sustainable growth is the goal for any dental practice, and strategic planning is the compass that guides this journey. Dental Practice Consulting in Arizona involves developing comprehensive strategies that align with the needs of each dental clinic. Consultants analyze market trends, assess patient demographics, and identify growth opportunities to ensure a sustainable path to success.
Navigating Arizona’s Dental Landscape with Expert Guidance
The unique characteristics of Arizona’s dental landscape require specialized expertise, and Dental Practice Consulting provides the compass to navigate these nuances. Consultants bring a blend of knowledge and experience, offering actionable insights that empower dental practices to thrive in a competitive environment.
Conclusion: Elevating Arizona’s Dental Practices with Dental Practice Solutions
To conclude, the success of Arizona’s dental practices hinges on strategic consulting solutions, particularly within the domain of Dental Hygiene Department Consulting. The optimization of operations, patient-centric approaches, and the integration of innovative technologies contribute to the thriving dental healthcare landscape in the region.
For dental practitioners in Arizona seeking tailored solutions and expert guidance, Dental Practice Solutions stands as a beacon of support. As a trusted partner in the journey of dental practice optimization, we offer comprehensive solutions that align with the unique needs of Arizona’s dental community.
Embracing the insights shared by industry experts, dental practices in Arizona can navigate the path to sustained growth, improved patient outcomes, and operational excellence. In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of dental healthcare, strategic consulting is an indispensable tool for practitioners committed to delivering exceptional care to their communities.
Do you want to upgrade your current hygiene department and see more comprehensive dental cases?
Check out the Hygiene Department MAX Revenue Course.
Book a call and out how Dental Practice Solutions can BOOST productivity and elevate patientcare. LINK TO USE: https://calendly.com/debbie-111/15minzoommeeting
Cosmetic dentistry has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, empowering dentists to offer patients a dazzling smile transformation. However, even with these advancements, the challenge of case acceptance remains. Effectively conveying the value of cosmetic treatments and addressing patients’ desires requires a strategic approach.
In this blog post, we will delve into two crucial steps that can significantly elevate case acceptance rates: understanding patients’ smile aspirations and providing comprehensive information. Additionally, we’ll explore how offering an eBook on Creating a Celebrity Smile can be a powerful tool for engaging patients.
Step 1: Understand Your Patients’ Smile Aspirations
A cornerstone of successful case acceptance in cosmetic dentistry is understanding the unique desires of each patient. Dental professionals must go beyond the technicalities and tap into patients’ emotional connections to their smiles. Here’s how to effectively achieve this:
Active Listening: During consultations, allocate ample time for patients to express their thoughts and expectations. Dental hygienists and dentists must actively listen and ask open-ended questions to gain insights into what aspects of their smiles bother them and what they envision as their ideal smiles. Ask each patient how they want their smile to look like.
Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids such as smile portfolios, before-and-after photos, and digital smile simulations. These tools help patients visualize the potential outcomes of various treatments and enable them to articulate their preferences more clearly.
Empathy: Show genuine empathy towards patients’ concerns. Recognize the emotional impact their smile issues might be having on their self-esteem and overall confidence. This empathetic approach fosters trust and establishes a stronger dentist-patient rapport.
Step 2: Provide Comprehensive Information
Transparent communication is paramount in fostering patient trust and driving case acceptance. Dentists should ensure that patients are well-informed about the treatment process, benefits, and expected outcomes. Here’s how to achieve this:
Clear Explanation: Break down complex dental terminology into simple language that patients can understand. Clearly explain the recommended procedures, detailing the steps involved, potential discomfort, and recovery periods. Say phrases like, “Gum disease” vs. Periodontal disease, “Bleeding” vs. nothing at all. Say, “Preventive Care Appointment” or “Hygiene Appointment” vs. Cleaning, etc.
Visual Aids (Again): Visual aids aren’t just valuable in understanding patients’ desires; they are equally important in explaining treatment procedures. Presenting treatment plans visually can demystify the process and make patients more comfortable with their decisions.
Case Studies: Share real-life case studies of patients who have undergone similar cosmetic treatments. Highlight the transformations and positive experiences of these patients to demonstrate the tangible benefits of the proposed treatments.
Financial Transparency: Discuss the cost of treatments upfront, including any potential payment plans or financing options. Patients are more likely to commit to a treatment plan when they have a clear understanding of the financial aspects.
Step 3: Understand Your Patient Desires
The 1st step is to understand what your patients smile desires. Ask them open ended questions.
Use a smile evaluation and/or smile simulation which will greatly enhance patient engagement and case acceptance.
I created an eBook titled “Increase Cosmetic Cases and Grow Your Dental Practice” and this can serve as a powerful tool to increase case acceptance. Many dentists come to me asking to increase the number of cosmetic cases. If this sounds like you, I created this eBook and it speaks to this ONE THING which has proven over many years to increase cosmetic cases, grows new patient numbers and keeps patients returning to your dental office.
What you can expect to learn reading this eBook (link to Ebook below):
Informed Decision-Making: This eBook can dives into the world of cosmetic dentistry, explaining different treatment options, potential challenges, and how to more easily get patients to want cosmetic dental services. You will learn how to simplify this process. No need to overthink cosmetic case acceptance. This ONE THING will make it much easier for patients to want a smile upgrade.
Expert Authority: Discover how to build credibility in your community for patient searching for a brighter smile. Get more patients to call your office and when they do meet you, instill confidence in the patients seeking cosmetic treatments.
The Strategy: This ONE THING that will keep patients returning to your dental office. This One Thing will grow New Patient Numbers. This ONE THING will create raving fans and keep patients returning to your office.
Conclusion
Achieving higher case acceptance rates in cosmetic dentistry requires a dual approach: understanding patients’ smile aspirations and providing comprehensive, transparent information. By actively listening to patients’ desires, utilizing visual aids, and empathizing with their concerns, dentists can foster trust and rapport.
Clear, motivational communication, visual aids, smile simulations, showing case studies, and offering financial transparency, all contribute to well-informed decision-making on the patients’ end.
By combining these steps, dentists can navigate the intricate landscape of cosmetic dentistry case acceptance successfully, ultimately helping patients achieve the smiles they’ve always dreamed of.
Grab this eBook and learn this ONE THING that will have more cosmetic cases scheduled. Once you start to read the eBook, over the next 30 days I will be sharing various tools to support your case acceptance and schedule more value per patient appointment. LINK TO EBOOK
The arrival of summer brings with it new hope for sustainability and greener pastures. As more people become aware of the rising threat of global warming, we can see more improvements in the way businesses — large and small — continue operations.
Sustainable practices have been around for quite some time. This movement encourages people to choose less wasteful methods and products for use in their daily lives. And while the biggest target of the sustainability movement is the bigger corporations, dental practices, too, are now using sustainability in business.
Have you implemented green policies in your dental practice? If not, here are seven ideas you can use right now in your business.
Choose to Go Paperless
Going paperless is a great way to optimize your dental practice workflow. It can make setting appointments more convenient for clients. Plus, automated forms are much more reliable than paper, since paperwork can easily be misplaced. There are over a dozen available software for clinics to buy and download.
A few examples are:
Doodle
Calendly
Arrangr
SimplyBook
Appointlet
Woven
CalendarHero
HoneBook
There are many other applications and software you can try besides the ones mentioned on this list. Take the time to look research them online to find the perfect app that fits your needs.
Partner With Sustainable Businesses
Partnering with other sustainable businesses can help bring your sustainability goals to fruition. Green businesses use environmentally friendly production processes in their operations, reducing their environmental impact and improving carbon emissions. By partnering with these companies, you — in turn — reduce your energy consumption and as a result decrease your carbon footprint.
Consider switching to a green bank that uses sustainable practices during transactions. You can also transfer to green utilities and energy providers, like Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Southern Company — among others. Lastly, consider stocking all-natural oral care products from toothpaste to dental floss.
Use Organic or Eco-Friendly Scrubs
Organic or ethical scrubs are now available in most medical practices — including dental practices. Besides reducing your carbon footprint, one of the best things about these products is that they enhance blood circulation and help increase tissue oxygenation. As a result, your body maintains consistent optimal body temperatures, even while you’re hard at work.
There are plenty of brands that now offer ethical scrubs. A few that come highly recommended are Barco One, Bella Organics Medical, Mediclo, Figs and Skechers. Ethical scrubs can cost anywhere between $30 to $70 on up — so they aren’t inexpensive. However, with the right care, they can last you a long time and are incredibly good for the environment and your health.
Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics
The thing that most people don’t know about single-use plastics is that they don’t biodegrade. They just break down into microscopic particles that poison our environment. These microplastics end up in our water sources and food, ultimately entering our bodies later in the process.
Human exposure to microplastics is believed to cause oxidative stress in the body, according to researchers. It can also cause DNA damage and inflammation, among many other health conditions.
For dentists, surface barriers, plastic cups, and patient giveaway bags can all be substituted with more eco-friendly and reusable options.
A few examples include:
Metal or autoclavable plastic
Aluminum foil
Biodegradable bags
Fluoride varnish
Autoclave cassettes in reusable cloth
Reusable fabric bags
Bamboo toothbrushes
Biodegradable floss
Minimize Hazardous and Chemical Wastes
Most dental facilities are already required to use amalgam separators due to the quantity of mercury they contribute to wastewater. Another thing you may do to help is to think about greener alternatives to amalgam restorations. Another technique to make a real impact is to use digital photographs rather than traditional film X-rays.
Order in Bulk
This could be the easiest method for your practice to leave a positive impression on the environment. Bundling orders result in less packaging and lower vehicular emissions.
When you buy in bulk, less vehicles are used to deliver a larger variety of dental office supplies. If you have your supplies delivered in larger quantities, larger packaging allows the delivery truck to be packed more efficiently. By using more efficient transportation, you’re also helping to save the environment by lowering CO2 emissions.
Switch to LED Lighting
LED lamps can last up to 20 times longer than conventional lighting. This not only helps the environment but also saves you money on electricity costs. Some LED bulbs have a lifespan of two to three years — or even decades.
Consider the long-term environmental benefits if everyone made this little change, e.g., less landfill waste, less production of new lights, and reduced shipping and packaging—three major criteria used to evaluate environmental problems.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability is not something that anyone can easily achieve in a year. It will take quite some time before you make any noticeable changes to your dental practice. The important thing is that you start as soon as you can. Your efforts will compound and eventually create a larger impact on the environment. Take time to read through the seven ideas we shared today. Try to apply them to your dental practice and see how far it takes you.
Thank you to our Guest Author Kartreena Sarmiento.
For most dental professionals, it is challenging to see the dental offices as a business entity or a vocation, when in fact it is actually both. Although the entire practice is centered around ensuring optimal patients oral (dental) and total health, a dental practice will not be able to sustain your quality services if you’re not product, if revenue is not where it needs to be or if your equipment is not maintained well.
To make sure you can continue giving quality care, without sacrificing any other professional goal you might have, here are a few strategies for managing your own dental practice.
1. Reassess your working hours
Most dental offices still operate with a conventional schedule that usually starts at 8 AM in the morning and closes at or 5 PM. You might want to realign your clinic hours to better serve your patients, as well as open up your schedule for other opportunities. For example, some dentists who run a group dental practice, often have an alternating schedule. Some employees arrive early in the morning and leave early afternoon, while the employees arrive later in the day and leave later in the evening hours.
Many dental offices also intentionally work different hours, such as starting after lunch and schedule patients into the evening hours. This kind of setup allows patients to work half-day or get their dental work scheduled after their day of work.
2. Invest in your people
Of course, this is particularly important for all dental offices. Investing in your team in your dental practice is “investing in the business”. For starters, the dental office admin team members perform a wide range of activities from scheduling patient appointments, keeping records and the dental assistants complete various tasks that include x-rays, dental technologies like taking x-ray (images)and administer patient care.
By equipping employees with the right certifications and training, they can perform some of the tasks that would otherwise fall on to the dentist themself. This saves up time and allows you to focus on more complex work, or attend to the business side of things.
autoclave sterilizing maintenance.
3. Include regular maintenance on your equipment
Like any other machinery, the pieces of dental equipment you have in your dental office also require a periodic maintenance to ensure it doesn’t break down or malfunction right when you need it. A regular maintenance schedule might sound like an added expense for the business but it pays for itself in the long run, saving you from the hassle of having to stop or reschedule an appointment because something in the clinic doesn’t work as it should.
Of course, it involves x-ray machines, washer-disinfectors, hydraulic patient seats, lights, and more. You’ll also need to regularly check your handpieces to make sure you do your work with no worries.
4. Start automating processes
Rapid advancements in technology have made most of them less expensive and therefore more accessible for everyone. Some clerical tasks in your dental office can use this technology, saving you time and effort, all while minimizing the risks that come with manually performing them. The most common example is appointment setting and scheduling, automated solutions available today let you customize the platform and let the patients handle the rest. They can set their own schedules and the system will notify your team for confirmation.
One example of automation that saves the employees time and keeps patients returning to your office is NexHealth.
You can even automate your HR platform for your team, making sure that everyone’s salary and benefits are automatically taken care of. It can even help you see your upcoming schedule or if someone is planning to take a paid time-off, even when you’re not in the office. Some of these automated platforms are available in web browsers or even in mobile apps, improving mobility and accessibility for you and your patients.
5. Monitor your inventory
Sometimes, it’s the small things that derail the entire operation. To make sure you never run out of the important things you need, make sure to always keep a good handle on your inventory. You must frequently review the pace at which you consume certain materials such as cotton balls, Q-tips, patient toothbrushes, gloves, etc. Keeping yourself updated on the inventory status makes sure that you don’t overstock and more importantly, you don’t run out of the things you need in doing your day-to-day business.
For small dental offices, having tight control over the inventory means you only buy what you need, when you need it. This practice frees up a portion of your finances for other purposes, such as training staff or setting maintenance schedules. Also, you can start setting up an inventory management system and train the rest of the team for increased efficiency.
Conclusion
Effectively managing your dental practice often starts with the small, often-overlooked parts of the job. By making sure you pay enough attention and allot enough resources, you can continuously improve the place you work in and the processes with which you do business. Not only do they create better employee and customer experiences, but they also take off things from your mind–letting you focus on providing the best oral and dental health services.
I retired from private practice four years ago. I had a successful 40+ year run doing general restorative and cosmetic dentistry. The dental practice had dentist-associates, while I worked as a solo practitioner.
In the end, a couple of young entrepreneurs, new grad dentists, bought my dental practice and I worked as an associate for four years before stepping away from the chair.
Retirment, done right.
It is not just the act of stepping away from clinical dentistry. There are many things that need to be considered before leaving your dental practice.
Can I get full value at the sale?
Can I even sell the practice?
Do I have adequate funds to be able to live well for the next 20-30 years?
What will I do in retirement?
Let’s continue this discussion of retirement done right and your retirement plan.
Can I get full value at the time of the sale?
This is also tied to the question, do you have enough saved to retire? I worked with practice management consultants about ten years before I sold to analyze my situation. I discovered I needed to increase the value of the practice by increasing the production and collections in the practice.
Most dental practice sales are based on one of several evaluations, but mostly a three- year average of your collections. What that meant for me was the need to get another practice management consultant to help me improve my systems, train my staff to be more productive, and save a large portion of my increases.
Values and production have changed in the ten years since I did this, but back then the magic number was to get production/collections above one million dollars. I am sure the ideal number is higher than that now. The proposition is that you have to create an asset that someone finds valuable.
To get top dollar, you must create something that is something of value, but also something the buyer sees as having growth potential. This sometimes means improving the physical plant or doing cosmetic things to increase value. The biggest thing you have to do is increase the total collections.
Can I even sell the dental practice?
I bought the records of a practice for $5000 when the aging doctor decided to retire. Unfortunately, he had ridden the practice down to next to nothing. His physical plant was old and the equipment was ancient.
I have seen several doctors just walk away from their dental practice. For that reason, I intentionally positioned myself to sell at the peak of production and I made my office attractive and functional.
Some small rural areas may have the same problem as this dentist I bought out because it is hard to find doctors who want to live in the area. You can discuss what you have with a broker or a consultant that helps with transitions to see if you have a problem practice you want to sell.
Do you have adequate funds to be able to live well for the next 20-30 years?
We are living longer. My financial planner told me we have to plan to survive until age 93. The good news is that we are enjoying a longer life.
The bad news is that we need more money and other assets to support us for more years. This is something I did not have the skill to project, so I found another dental expert to help me plan. Hopefully you will have a paid-for home and other cash producing assets in addition to your retirement funds to help.
You also have to figure what your standard of living is and how much it will cost you to have a lasting income. The answer to this is to start early, defer as much gratification as you possibly can, so that you can survive your extra years in comfort.
My reality was that I did not have enough and I wasn’t on the correct financial trajectory at first, but with planning and execution, I finally made it. At the rate I am going, I should spend my last dollar at age 93.
What will I do when I retire?
Some people are lucky enough to feel good just laying back, resting, playing golf every day and generally just taking it easy.
Unfortunately, I was not wired that way. I wanted to do something that fulfilled my need to create a legacy and create more income to do extra things around the house or for my family.
I work part-time in an FQHC clinic, teach, coach and consult, along with lecturing and writing. I call that being “REPURPOSED”, not retired. That is me.
What about YOU? As long as you have a plan that makes you feel good and cares for whatever your needs are, go for it.
All of us will retire or die first. The sad news is that our bodies cannot continue to do the hard work of dentistry forever.
Dr. Black is currently an associate dental coach and consultant, for Dental Practice Solutions, one of the leading consulting firms for nearly twenty years. As a seasoned dental practitioner, Dr. Black adds to the proven dental hygiene profitability coaching that Dental Practice Solutions is well-known for providing, to dental practices around the world.
Dr. Black’s expertise as an EQ and DISC trainer, makes him the best person to help more patients to say “YES!” to your patient care, as well as to enjoy working together as a team and loving what you do for your patients!
Do you feel like you have too much to do and so little time to do it?
If you said YES, to this question, you are not alone.
I am hearing dental professionals around the world say they feel overwhelmed and they say they can’t complete it all!
I decided to attack this complaint head-on. I am on a mission to help you do more in less time.
Let’s strategize ways to overcoming overwhelm in the dental office.
24 Hours in a Day
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. This is something that we can’t change.
What we can change is how we look at MORE.
There will always be more.
There will be more holes in your schedule.
OUCH!
More holes in your schedule is NOT a good type of more.
There will always be more insurance claims to submit.
There will be more calculus to remove on people’s teeth.
Instead of looking at more as a negative, let’s flip this and look at more as a good thing.
More new patients. That is good; right?!
More calculus to scale?
Another good thing; right?
This means you have a J O B.
How many emails do you have to read each day?
How many voice messages did you listen to today?
How many text messages will you read today?
It feels a bit stressful to look down at your cell phone and see ten text messages and then we have those voice messages! This adds to more time away from doing something else you probably enjoy MORE of.
There is something MORE you would rather do than these type of tasks.
BTW: I decided to not delete my voice messages last week because I felt overwhelmed with all the messages. I thought, if this is an important call, this person can text or email me.
And yes, one person could not leave an important message because my voice mailbox was full. So guess what?!
This person emailed me. Then when I had a few minutes, I emailed them back.
180 Degree Shift
Let’s shift this negativity around MORE into MORE as a good thing.
How about if we now focus on:
More money.
More friends.
More hours of work because this means more production.
More production means a great chance of paying the bills for the dental practice, more money to share with the team, more money to buy new equipment.
The Plan To Overcome Overwhelm
Feel Gratitude
Each day take just three to five minutes and write three things that you are grateful for.
Write down the first three things that come to mind.
After you start to do this daily, your gratitude will come very easily.
I write silly things down that I am grateful for. Things like my electric toothbrush, my sweet dog and loving cat.
When you focus on the positive and especially before you go to bed, there is a shift in your thoughts.
Negative thoughts more easily turn to positive thoughts.
Every 90 Days, Write A List Of What You Have Accomplished
Look back ninety days and think about what you have accomplished since that day ninety days ago.
If you can’t think back that far then get your calendar and go to ninety days from today. Mark today’s date on the calendar ninety days away.
Now when you get to that date on your calendar you can think back to today and know how much you have accomplished.
You have come a long way in ninety days. This is turning LESS into MORE.
There is always MORE to be grateful for.
Volunteer, Give Back
Now this may sound counter-intuitive but when you have the opportunity to help people who don’t have as much as you, there is a natural shift into what you feel grateful for.
If you are able to read this, I know that you are in the top 10% of the population in this world!
I would love to know if this has helped you to overcome the overwhelm.
I get it!
I understand how much we have to do in a dental office and in life, in general.
Let’s create solutions to overcome the overwhelm.
Let me know by commenting below, if this has helped you to overcome the overwhelm.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DEBBIE SEDIEL-BITTKE, RDH, BS
Debbie founded Dental Practice Solutions in 2000. She speaks at dental conferences throughout the world and also coaches and consults with dental practices worldwide.
The team at Dental Practice Solutions takes a holistic approach working with each dental practice. Debbie understands how to quickly tap into productivity of the dental hygiene department to optimize systems with the entire team, showing everyone how to work smarter and not work so hard.
Thinking about taking your dental practice to the next level?
We are looking for a few dental offices to beta-test our Dental Practice University training.
The training has video modules for the doctor, front office, dental hygienists and the entire team. There are scripts, forms and written processes.
You get information about Creating your culture, vision, team huddles that creat big productivity, hygiene video trainings on time management, treating the gingivitis and periodontal patient, CAMBRA, Lasers, phone skills, time management for the front office, handling cancellation calls, reactivating overdue patients, treatment planning, case acceptance, presenting financial arrangements, etc, etc.
There is a lot of training you receive over the next year. There will be hundreds of training video modules. You will also receive 24 AGD CE Credits for participating.
As a beta-tester, you pay nothing. We do ask that you provide feedback and give your opinion and ways to improve the University trainings.
To learn more about the University and to see if your dental team qualifies to be a beta-tester please TEXT: DPU to: 949-351-8741. Please text us: your name, your office name, your best email address and phone number. We will schedule 15 minutes to share more and let you know what we need from you and your team should you be chosen as beta-testers.
Last week I wrote about the “F” word. Yes, I decided to give this word a negative connotation because so many people; dental professionals and the public, are against the use of fluoride.
Who are we to tell our patients they can’t use something that we know may reverse a type of disease they have been diagnosed with.
This week I will talk about fluoride: What to use and when to use it.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE?
So, you may be one of the healthcare professionals who think fluoride is harmful.
I used to drink a lot of milk as a child. It was so much milk that my parents told me they would have to buy a cow. Can I drink milk as an adult? Am I lactose intolerant?
The answer is a bold, YES!
I overdosed on milk and now I am lactose intolerant.
So is it possible fluoride is a poison?
Yes, if too much is ingested on a regular basis. Fluoride can be very toxic if too much is ingested in a small period of time.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in our soil but if not used properly it can cause serious medical problems.
OUR ROLE
I believe that we have a responsibility to treat each patient with a customized, individualized plan of care.
WHEN TO USE
In last week’s blog, I shared the latest CAMERA update and I invite you to refer to this when you have a patient who is at high-risk for caries. When you look at this information you will have a template that outlines “who” is at risk for caries.
WHICH FLUORIDE TO USE
There are many choices of fluoride to use so I will provide a brief overview of the most widely use, as well as, the latest on Silver Diamine Fluoride.
ACIDULATED PHOSPHATE FLUORIDE
This fluoride is also known as APF 1.23% and contains 12,300 ppm fluoride ion and it comes in foam and gel.
Please be aware that in 2013 the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs chairside recommendation’s advise against the use of 1.23% (APF) foam. The reason for this is that the research has not demonstrated its efficacy for caries prevention,
The benefits of using this fluoride are storage, stability, acceptable taste and tissue biocompatibility.
APF needs to remain in contact with the teeth for 4 minutes.
This can make administration more difficult for small children who have trouble sitting still in a dental chair. For this reason, children under 6 years of age should receive a fluoride varnish.
NEUTRAL SODIUM FLUORIDE
This gel was not included in the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs guidelines for caries prevention but it is still available for topically applied fluoride use.
The gel and foam have a ph of 7.o. A 2.0% Sodium Fluoride gel or foam has 9.050 ppm fluoride ion. Very much like APF, neutral sodium fluoride has good bioavailability and people find the taste pleasant.
Fluoride varnish is a highly is a highly concentrated form of sodium fluoride. 5% sodium fluoride varnish contains 22,600 ppm of fluoride ion.
Fluoride varnish was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hypersensitivity but is used off-label for caries prevention.
The Cochrane Review states that patients treated with a fluoride varnish experienced an average reduction of 43% in carious lesions, less missing teeth and tooth restorations.
When looking at the effect on newly erupted or deciduous teeth the Cochrane Review discovered a 37% reduction in decayed, missing and tooth surfaces with restorations.
This is my personal choice when applying fluoride and it is what I recommend our clients use for their patients who are high-risk for caries and for children who qualify for a fluoride treatment.
The delivery of fluoride varnish allows the fluoride to remain in contact with the teeth for an extended amount of time.
Depending upon the patients’ risk for caries, fluoride varnish can be applied 2 to 4 times a year by a dental professional.
There is little evidence of adverse reactions to fluoride varnish placement and patients (especially younger children) are accepting of this preventie service.
From a personal point of communication, I share a story with patients, about living in Oregon and we MUST apply a varnish to our back deck or the wood will rot due to all the rain we receive in Oregon.
Use the example of the wood on a deck rotting when varnish is not applied. Explain that saliva has chemicals and possibly an unbalanced ph that will make the teeth rot. Applying the fluoride varnish will prevent the rot in teeth
Sounds corny? Sounds cheesy? Well, patients get it!
When you talk to patients about application of fluoride and/ or using fluoride at bedtime, talk about the cost benefit.
Explain that to have a fluoride varnish in the office two times a year and buying the take home fluoride gel may cost “X” but if the teeth need restorative services it now costs “x, y and z.”
Show your patients the plaque, the biofilm that is causing the carious lesions. Show your patients where decalcification areas are located and explain the benefits of prevention.
Explain that prevention costs less than treating disease (tooth decay; a cavity). Show your patient areas of root exposure and crown margins which at some point may have a carious lesion (cavity).
Showing patients is very helpful in getting them to make the change needed to prevent decay, use the fluoride, pay for what they want.
As the saying goes, “Seeing is believing!”
Also, check the ADA Codes when submitting for insurance reimbursement of the fluoride varnish.
I see it all the time that offices are using an old CDT code and therefore they don’t receive reimbursement or the highest dollar amount that can be reimbursed.
SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a combination of sodium fluoride and silver nitrate. Silver nitrate has been known for years as an antimicrobial agent. Sodium fluoride is known to reduce caries.
Sodium nitrate has the ability to arrest and prevent caries due to silver nitrate’s potent germicidal effect and fluoride’s ability to reduce decay. SDF is available in liquid concentration of 38.3% or 43.2%.
SDF is also approved for hypersensitivity and is used off label for caries management.
CONCLUSION
As healthcare professionals we have a responsibility to our patients to understand the value of the various types of fluoride. We must also know the indications for when to use each type of fluoride.
The best care we can provide our patients will be individualized and customized for their needs.
If you were asked, “Is this the best service you have to prevent cavities in my teeth?” what will your answer be?
ABOUT DEBBIE SEDIEL-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. Our Dental Practice University will launch for dentists and their team on June 6, 2019.
We are looking for ten offices to test drive (Beta-test) the university. The Dental Practice University has training video modules, forms and scripts for each department in your dental practice.
*For our beta-testers this includes modules for the doctor(s) about creating a culture to have a lot of new patients, keep your dental team the life-time of your dental practice, as well as re-create or create your vision and mission. Doctors receive a 90-Day goal setting journal.
The hygienists have their own training video modules that cover time management, caries risk, treating the gingivitis and periodontal patient.
The front office has video modules on phone calls, new patient calls, we provide job descriptions and a lot of information for hiring and keeping employees long- term.
You receive 24 AGD CE Credits. Once the University is open to all dental practices around the world, it will be FREE for the first 2 weeks and then $97.00 a month indefinitely. It includes AGD CE Credits for up to 2 employees each month. Additional employees can register and get the AGD CE Credits for $20/month.
If you would like to test drive the University over the next year, we do have a few requirements. Please text our office: 949-3551-8741 AND write DPU. You must include: YOUR NAME, YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE NAME, BEST PHONE NUMBER and EMAIL.
Once we receive this we will get back to you to discuss if you qualify for the “test drive” to Beta Test the Dental Practice University.
P.S. If you are chosen to test drive the DPU, two of your team members will receive the 24 AGD CE Credits.*
On Friday April 26, 2019, DentalCast Productions hosted the first ever, Oral Cancer Awareness Socialthon.
The socialthon reached over 100,000 people through social media and 12,000 people viewed the live event hosted on Facebook. The dollar amount of donations is still coming in. Final dollars are not known but it should break $13,000.
Oral Cancer Cause (OCC) was founded in 2013 by Linda Miles and Robin Morrison in memory of Charlotte Estep Linda Miles’ sister-in-law, and Mike Collins, Robin Morrison’s brother. Charlotte and Mike passed away in 2012 after suffering for several years from oral cancer. Both went undiagnosed for an extended amount of time, thereby allowing their disease to progress to an advanced and untreatable stage.
Linda and Robin share a passion for dentistry and saving lives and this is the OCC inspiration. By blending the knowledge of early detection and treatment; comprehensive oral exams along with dedicated dental/medical professionals; sponsoring partners; and dental/medical associations, OCC will make a difference in the lives of many oral cancer patients and their families.
On Friday April 26 the Socialthon brought together 48 dental industry luminaries to discuss prevention of this horrible disease and help put a halt to the amount of undiagnosed cases of oral cancer.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 53,000 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer diagnosed.
In 2016 it was estimated that 370,309 people living with oral cavity and pharynx cancer in the United States.
1. What can we as dental professionals do to put a halt to this life altering and debilitating disease?
The Socialthon was the first ever event that brought together so many dental professionals to change the climate of this disease and spread the work to halt the disease.
2. What can healthcare professionals do to reduce the rate of oral and pharynx cancer diagnosis?
• Education from dental providers to other dental providers is a great place to start.
• Too many clinicians are not taking the time (less than 5 minutes annually) to screen patients.
• All healthcare providers must take an interest to talk with their patients about annual screening.
• The dental professional must learn ways to talk about “prevention” of oral and pharynx cancer as well as explain the value and benefits of oral cancer screening.
• Teens must be educated at the proper time in the proper place about safe sex and how to protect themselves from exposure to HPV which is the #1 cause of pharynx cancer.
To hear from the 48 dental luminaries, the stories and suggestions to prevent oral cancer please click the link to the live event.
Are you doing oral cancer screenings in your office?
What do you tell your patients when you are providing this life-saving exam?
Do you use Fluorescence technology to screen? Fluorescence technology does not detect oral cancer but will detect oral abnormalities. Most patients when diagnosed with oral cancer are diagnosed at stage IV and using the Fluorescence technology, OralIDR
Patients can eliminate life-threatening surgery and treatment for cancer.
Using the OralIDR means you can discover abnormal cells and prevent a grim diagnosis. You will also help save more lives by using the fluorescence technology to detect abnormalities vs. waiting until you can see or feel a lesion.
Be sure to check out the website for OralIDR because they have a lot of resources to help educate your patients about screenings and prevention of oral and pharynx cancer. The website with information can be found here.
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.
Schedule a FREE Profit Boosting Session Here today.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month, and this is a perfect time to think about how you can better serve your patients’ oral healthcare needs. Oral cancer screenings by dental professionals will reduce the incidences of oral cancer diagnosed each year.
The rise in oral cancer is up, higher than every before. There is no decline in this rate in sight, so as dental professionals we have our work cut out for us.
New casesof oral cancer, no matter age, race, and gender; overall is 10.5 adults per 100,000 will develop oral cancer. Oral cancer rates are significantly higher for males than for females.
Oral cancer rates are higher for Hispanic and Black males than for White males.
If dental professionals can participate in early diagnosis for oral cancer, if we can help discover an abnormality sooner, we can increase the changes of improved survival rates. An estimated
Raise oral cancer awareness and make a difference in your community by arranging an office event where people can walk in and get screened during a certain timeframe.
One of the best ways to screen is using fluorescence technology.
OralID’s fluorescence technology uses a blue light (435–460 nm) that provides the clinician an aid in visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities, such as oral cancer and pre-cancer. The other medical applications of fluorescence technology include highlighting abnormalities of the GI tract, cervix, lung, and skin.
You can learn more about the OralID® by visiting the Forward Science website:http://www.oralid.com/
For more information about oral cancer awareness and simplified, cost-effective ways to screen your patients plan to join the Oral Cancer Awareness Socialthon on Friday April 26, 2019. The socialthon will be hosted on Facebook, all day on Friday April 26, 2019.
Feb 27, 2019 – The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma…
Key Statistics for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers
Oral Cancer Incidence (New Cases) by Age, Race, and Gender. … Overall, 10.5 adults per 100,000 will develop oral cancer. Oral cancer rates are significantly higher for males than for females. Oral cancer rates are higher for Hispanic and Black males than for White males.
Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer statistics. … Modeled trend lines were calculated from the underlying rates using the Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software.
DM Laronde; HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity
Adopting a protocol at the office for patient education regarding oral cancer can help with early detection.
2. Help Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment Find Relief
Patients currently undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation often suffer from mouth sores. Because cancer treatments impact the body’s immune system so severely, patients become more prone to mouth sores.
These sores can appear on the lips, tongue or roof and floor of the mouth, causing pain and discomfort while eating, talking and even breathing.
We often hear from our dental pros how much their patients find relief with our Super Relief Dental Gel, powered by healing aloe vera, folic acid, zinc and Oxygene®.
Furthermore, 83% of respondents said they’d like to be screened for oral cancer at every checkup, and 86% would like their dental pro to talk to them about oral cancer.
If there isn’t a regular screening policy in place at your office, now’s a great time to adopt one!
Patients are sure to appreciate this, especially new patients who were used to getting screened at every appointment by their past provider.
4. Help Patients Establish a Oral Routine
Oral Cancer Awareness Month can be another incentive to motivate good oral health routines in your patient’s lives.
Brushing twice a day, flossing and using quality dental products will always be the key to maintaining good oral health.
Oxyfresh Lemon-Mint Power Rinse Mouthwash is our most popular alcohol-free mouthwash for a reason. Besides its unique and refreshing blend of essential oils, it contains aloe vera to moisten the mouth and comfort the gum tissues, plus Oxygene® and zinc for powerful deodorizing action.
Recommend this powerful mouthwash to your dental patients so they can ditch dry mouth and have fresher breath as they work on quitting the habit
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
Debbie founded Dental Practice Solutions in 2000. She speaks at dental conferences throughout the world and also coaches and consults with dental practices worldwide.
The team at Dental Practice Solutions takes a holistic approach working with each dental practice. Debbie understands how to quickly tap into productivity of the dental hygiene department to optimize systems with the entire team, showing everyone how to work smarter and not work so hard.
Check out how the team at Dental Practice Solutions adds to your productivity without working harder or more days. Schedule aFREE 30-minute callnow.
