Posted 03-09-15

The Role of Today's Hygienist
by Wendy Briggs, RDH

Hygiene is changing rapidly right now! Hygienists used to be defined as the ones who kept teeth clean so they could be restored. Now, we bring so much more to the table, it is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I have defined 3 roles that a hygienist must utilize to maximize their impact in a practice.

The 3 Key Roles of the Modern Day Hygienist are:

Preventive Therapist: As the "preventive therapist" the hygienist becomes the source of information regarding the menu of preventive services. When we use the full menu of preventative services (regardless of age and insurance) we are in fact providing a much higher level of patient care, and a level of care that our patients want and need.

Periodontal Therapist: It's not just about saving teeth anymore, it's now about saving lives. Patients are at much greater risk of other serious medical disorders if we don't address their periodontal health – and this starts while in the hygiene chair.

Patient Treatment Advocate: We are the ones patients look to when considering treatment options. The doctor leaves the room, and they turn to us. They often ask things like, "What do you think, do I really need to do this?" This is why, I define ‘Patient Treatment Advocate' as a key role. This key role is responsible for helping our patients accept restorative dentistry. When we focus in on our role, and teach valuable skills in this area, we see case acceptance sky rocket.

Most hygienists (and many doctors for that matter) aren't aware of the impact that they play in the profitability of their dental practice. Hygienists are the front-line for every practice. They not only see patients first they spend the most amount of time with the patient. It shouldn't be a surprise that patients are looking to their hygienists for direction in regards to their dental health.

I like to start by looking at the menu of preventative services. This is the first place that we can make a HUGE impact.

Here are three tips for hygienists to increase efficiency, provide a higher level of patient care and increase the profitability of the practice:

  1. Achieve 80% Acceptance on Adult Fluoride Varnish. Many patients of today are high risk for decay. I start with a Caries Risk Assessment, once this is completed; the conversation about fluoride becomes more powerful!

    When we have a risk assessment conversation with patients it's like putting prevention on steroids. Most patients don't SEE a need for the preventative services, and it's our job to SHOW them the need.

  2. Focus in on Same Day bonded procedures. Helping patients accept sealants, or bonded Desensitizing/protective services helps protect the patient and increases production. Just 4 services a day means an increase of more than $35,000 per year.

  3. Achieve 30% acceptance on advanced Oral Cancer screenings. I just read a story about a 15 year old boy that was diagnosed with Oral cancer. Traditional risk factors aren't enough in todays world. HPV and other risks are real, and we should utilize technology to our patients advantage. We have specific systems and verbal skills that help hygienists to actually utilize these resources.

These 3 examples are just of so many options that we have as hygienists to provide our patients with world-class care and increase the profitability of the practice.

In my newest book "The Ultimate Guide To Doubling & Tripling Your Dental Practice Production … How to Build and Unstoppable Dental Practice WITH The Freedom To Enjoy It" I go into further detail about how you can maximize the 3 roles of hygiene and why they are only the first step to doubling your production! Click Here to download your complimentary copy.

Wendy Briggs is a registered Dental Hygienist with more than 25 years of experience. For the last 15 years she has taken her unique skills in doubling hygiene production directly to the practices, as the founder of The Team Training Institute. She has consulted with more than 3,718 dental practices in 12 countries. Hygiene is her passion ... and exploding hygiene productivity, case acceptance, and profits are her areas of expertise.