Learning Series - Ep 7 - Enhancing Dental Practice Efficiency and Patient Care with Dental Assistants and Hygienists

Dental Whale's Learning Series

Introduction:

• Importance of dental assistants and hygienists in dental practice efficiency and patient care.

Episode Highlights:

• Discussion on the role of dental assistants in patient intake, medical history review, and preparation.
• Benefits of utilizing dental assistants to increase patient flow and improve practice efficiency.
• Example of a dental office that shifted to a focused hygiene approach with full-time hygienists and assistants.
• Importance of adapting to new technologies and software tools for better patient engagement and scheduling.
• The potential for dental hygienists to take on additional responsibilities and contribute to practice analytics.
• Exciting opportunities for dental hygiene in the future, including the integration of AI technology and medical-like practices.
• Importance of dental hygienists taking accountability for their schedules and patient care.
• Encouragement for hygienists to proactively reach out to patients, confirm appointments, and address treatment needs.
• Benefits of utilizing patient engagement tools, such as text messaging, for improved communication and appointment adherence.
• Personal story highlighting the impact of proactive outreach from a hygienist and the value of patient-centered care.
• The shift towards a holistic approach in dental hygiene, focusing on comprehensive patient care and addressing underlying oral health issues.
• Utilizing practice analytics and business software to track patient outcomes, identify scheduling gaps, and optimize appointment utilization.
• The importance of continuous learning and embracing new technologies to enhance dental hygiene practices.

Conclusion:

Overall positive developments in dental hygiene, including increased patient engagement, improved treatment planning, and the integration of AI technology for more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.