Tensions between dentists and hygienists can disrupt efficiency and morale. A dental consultant can guide practices to foster collaboration, reduce friction, and boost success. Here are five strategies, drawn from dentist insights and optimized by dental consultants. 1. Collaboratively Establish Clear Periodontal Protocols Inconsistent periodontal protocols lead to supervised neglect or inadequate treatments. A dental consultant can facilitate hygienist involvement in creating standardized protocols, like scaling and root planing (SRP) for patients with bleeding and 5 mm pockets, with periodontist referrals if no improvement. One dentist noted, "With a dental consultant’s guidance, team-written perio policies foster ownership, reducing conflict." This aligns...

Your patients need to understand, for real, the consequences of skipping recommended treatment, a key focus dental consultants emphasize. Once you educate them effectively, as dental consultants advise, the responsibility shifts to the patient and front desk. These methods will help your practice thrive.     TRIGGER WORDS & “YET”   Trigger words spark action, a tactic dental consultants highlight, drawing from race-starting guns. “Yet” is a strong trigger—patients may not see gum disease yet, haven’t lost teeth yet, and feel no pain like with high blood pressure, as dental consultants observe.   SHOW Patients need a shock to act, and...

Hiring a dental hygienist is challenging due to current shortages and rising demand, a concern dental consultants address. These tips aim to keep your practice running smoothly, guided by expert dental consultant insights. 1. Define Your Practice's Needs The first step, as dental consultants recommend, is determining your unique needs for skills, experience, and personality. Consider your practice size, offered services, and patient base to find the best fit. 2. Utilize Your Network Networking is essential, and dental consultants suggest reaching out to colleagues and posting on professional forums and job boards to connect with qualified candidates. 3. Offer Competitive Compensation...

Hiring a dental hygienist begins with defining your ideal candidate, a process top dental consultants emphasize to shape your team’s success. With 76% of dental offices facing hygienist shortages, adaptability is crucial despite high standards, as dental consultants advise. Factors Influencing Retention Work-life balance, a priority dental consultants highlightPositive workplace culture, as recommended by dental consultantsCompetitive pay, a key focus from dental consultantsGrowth opportunities, endorsed by dental consultantsBenefits (health, disability insurance, free dental, 401(k)), which dental consultants suggestManageable workload, a strategy dental consultants support For example, a dentist retained a part-time hygienist who disliked dentistry to maintain hygiene appointments, a tough...