At Dentistry on the Square (DOTS) we believe prevention is universally better than cure. It is the ethos that underpins every part of our care. Each patient has a tailor-made preventive programme focusing on specific requirements and helping the patient fit the routine into their busy daily lives. Happy patients are compliant patients and, whether it be flossing around an implant-retained bridge or using an orthodontic head on an electric brush, we like to spend time with our patients, making sure they can cope with every part of their home care.
We have a patient information pack that discusses the links between poor periodontal health and poor general health. Regular dietary advice for good dental health is also applicable to good general health.
Inhalation sedation (IHS) is also a really useful tool to have in your arsenal when treating patients with dental anxiety. In combination with acclimatisation and desensitisation it is a fantastic method of helping your patient relax and have a positive treatment experience.
Behaviour change is the single biggest challenge that we face as dental professionals. I find the most effective way is through dialogue with the patient, ascertaining their motivational requirements and acting on them. Demonstrations are a useful method and the Oral-B demonstration unit is a really effective in-surgery aid for explaining toothbrushing technique.
Idiot’s guide
I advocate evidence-based dentistry at DOTS and therefore recommend oscillating-rotating power toothbrushes such as the Oral-B Professional Triumph 5000. Both our staff and patients love this brush as it gives them an ‘idiot’s guide to cleaning their teeth’ plus I think we all secretly love the little happy face at the end of two minutes.
Patient welcome/booking
Ideally, you should answer the phone within two rings and get/confirm patient details and contact address and numbers. For new patients, ask how they heard about the practice, if referral from existing patient, log the patient’s name. You must ask if there is anything specific the patient is looking for and put on pop-up note so that dentist knows what patient’s requirements are. When booking appointments, advise patients who they will see at their first/recall appointment, and for all new patients, ask them to attend 10 minutes early as relevant paperwork has to be completed before going into appointment. Explain to patients reminders of appointments will be sent by text two days before the appointment and email reminder will also be sent. Finally always smile.
Treatment room
If the patient is not seen within five minutes of the appointment, the dentist should apologise to waiting patient for the delay. If, on the other hand they are running late with the previous patient, the reception should be kept updated of progress to inform the patient. The dentist must collect the patient from the waiting area and introduce themselves with handshake before ushering them to the treatment room to introduce to the nurse. Discuss medical history and what is going to happen at appointment with the aid of examining X-rays, treatment plan (do all of this with the patient sitting upright in chair). Carry outpatient exam/X-rays and afterwards, sit patient back up in chair and discuss a treatment plan with options and investment (not costs). Ask the patient if they have any questions and if they understand what’s been discussed and print two treatment plans/estimates. Update patient notes with clinical findings, what was discussed and options given and if the patient fully understood all options and investment (costs).
Surgery to reception handover
Finally escort the patient to the desk and reintroduce them to receptionist and advise receptionist a treatment plan has been printed. A handover like this ensures that the patient is never left on their own or feels unsure about where they should be going and what they should be doing. The receptionist writes the details of the above down so that if interrupted they have all the details and do not need to refer to the dentist again. The reception staff are to drive and control the appointment book.
Here are five top tips I would recommend for young hygienists.
1. Practice what you preach: If you are passionate about what you do, your patients will pick up on this; in turn, making them care more about their oral health. Don’t forget that you are the standard so maintaining your own mouth is incredibly important. Be a role model for your patients and don’t breathe coffee breath on them.
2. Posture: Taking the time to make sure you are comfortable and sitting upright is essential for the longevity of your career. Stretching between patients helps with joint suppleness as do regular yoga/pilates classes. Using magnification (loupes) helps greatly so be sure to get measured up for a pair.
3. Listen: Take the time to listen to patients, peers and colleagues. The feedback you get from these sources allows you to hone and shape your working practice. Even negative feedback can provide you with a springboard for further personal or educational development, so use everything positively.
4. Never stop learning: Jump on any opportunity to learn, whether it be a new skill or gleaning a more in-depth knowledge of a subject you are passionate about. New skills and knowledge can add a freshness to your clinical practice so embrace every learning opportunity that you can.
5. Be the team: Your nurse is worth their weight in gold, this is the person who helps you cope when the pressure is on. Show your appreciation for their skills and reward them for a job well done.