The interesting thing about the world of dental hygiene treatments is that there is a wide range of different levels of awareness of what the process typically entails. Dentists, as you would naturally expect, understand every step involved, as do their assistants. Patients will have some knowledge if they have had the same type of treatment before. There’s also a third category we need to consider.
Dental practice managers work full-time in the practice but may not necessarily be aware of all the intricacies and nuances. Take a look at our interesting guide and you will be able to bring yourself up to speed without delay.
What happens during treatment?
A hygiene treatment always begins with an in-depth assessment of the patient’s overall oral health. This allows the hygienist and dentist to see the bigger picture and recommend the correct course of action. Without this stage, the dentist may miss something that prevents an optimal patient outcome from being achieved.
How does scaling work?
Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of teeth and will largely focus on areas that cannot be reached by brushing and flossing. It is a specialist treatment that requires the skills of a professional who is equipped with the right equipment and consumables.
What does polishing involve?
A smooth and clean surface can be achieved by applying prophy paste once the scaling procedure is complete. This is a lightly abrasive paste that gently removes stains and other forms of discolouration, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile for the patient.
Airflow cleaning
Airflow systems use compressed air and a high-pressure water stream combined with a fine cleaning powder to reach areas hidden below the gum line. These treatments are particularly important because a patient may have pockets opening up around their teeth that they are unaware of. Pockets can quickly turn into breeding grounds for infection if not properly treated.
Fluoride treatments
The use of a fluoride treatment can help to strengthen tooth enamel and make it significantly less likely that the patient will develop cavities. Having the correct fluoride solution available and having it in ample supply is one of the key roles and responsibilities of a dedicated practice manager. The best approach here is to connect with an established national supplier who will be able to ensure that gaps and shortages are never an issue.
Oral hygiene demonstrations
Another step to be aware of is the educational advice that dentists typically offer their patients at the end of the treatment. Something as simple as carrying out a short 15-second demo on how to brush and floss can make a lifetime of difference for a patient who has previously experienced discomfort and the need for corrective work.
Practice managers who choose to invest in a model set of teeth for demonstration purposes will be making a real difference in the overall level of patient outcomes. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to create a thriving practice where all of you are pulling in the same direction.
Follow-up activities
A hygienist will typically recommend several follow-up actions for the patient to take, one of which may be booking an additional treatment session before they leave. They will also routinely suggest the patient use a particular mouthwash, type of toothbrush, or size of floss. All of this is good news for practice managers who have been tasked with finding new ways to improve revenue and increase patient retention rates.
Something as simple as having everything you need right there at the desk on the way out can make a world of difference to patient outcomes. By having everything there and unlocking the potential to make a sale quickly and easily, a practice manager can play an important part in more ways than one.
The secret to making this new revenue stream work is to make sure that you source all of the consumables from a single specialist supplier. That way, you will be able to ensure that you never run out of stock and force your patients to go somewhere else for the things they need.
What does this mean for your practice?
Aspiring practice managers who want to be able to grow their businesses and ensure timely completion of all patient needs can use this guide to improve their understanding. Knowing precisely what is involved with each treatment allows you to connect with a trusted national supplier, safe in the knowledge that you are acquiring the right consumables and equipment.
