Streamlining New Patient Care: Consultant Insights

Managing new patients effectively is crucial, and top dental consultants emphasize that surveys show most expect a cleaning at their first visit. These strategies ensure a smooth process.

1. Unless the new patient is an emergency, has a broken tooth, or a toothache, assume a prophy is planned, though top dental consultants advise against guaranteeing it during scheduling.

2. The doctor always conducts an exam first, but many prefer not to do a comprehensive exam on uncleaned patients due to missed caries from buildup, a concern dental consultants address. Thus, many practices route patients through hygiene, with the doctor still examining, as recommended by dental consultants.

3. When scheduling via hygiene, the hygienist greets and seats the patient. The doctor, after reviewing health history for contraindications, greets them, addresses the chief complaint, and approves x-rays and a prophy if needed, followed by a comprehensive exam, a process top dental consultants endorse.

4. If buildup is excessive, focus on probing and a perio evaluation, scheduling SRP soon, as dental consultants suggest. A single SRP quad, often quicker than a prophy, is an option. For disappointed patients, offer a coronal polish and debridement (no prophy charge), a tip from top dental consultants.

5. If probing is inaccurate, conduct an FMD and reschedule for a comprehensive exam, probing, and prophy, a strategy dental consultants recommend. New patient hygiene visits should cap at 90 minutes, allowing time for deeper discussions based on medical history or complexity, as advised by dental consultants.

6. Never rush exams, as top dental consultants warn this risks missing opportunities, especially for perio, equating to “stepping over dollars to pick up pennies.”

7. For patients with extensive prior work or neglect, many doctors opt for FMX and pano, and dental consultants note that if insurance doesn’t cover it, charge only the covered amount since assistant time is minimal. Combining pano and BW may reduce reimbursement by mapping to FMX, so delay pano if warranted. Many use four BWs and three anterior PAs, adding PAs for severe perio or symptomatic teeth.

8. Emergencies, broken teeth, and toothaches go to the doctor. Ask, “Focus on this issue or review everything?”—a question top dental consultants support. Cash patients may face a full exam fee, removing cost barriers, and post-op checks a week later may encourage further steps, as dental consultants suggest.

9. For same-day dentistry, if a cleaning reveals needed fillings, avoid saying, “Schedule later.” Instead, ask, “We might save you a visit—can we fit this in today if time and finances allow?”—a tactic top dental consultants recommend.

10. Coordinate with the front desk: a) Call out treatment for entry, b) Bring in the financial arranger, c) Explain treatment with them present, d) Prioritize multi-visit work, e) Let the arranger input the plan while the doctor elaborates, f) Return in 5-10 minutes with the plan, g) Confirm, “Your portion is XYZ—start today?” h) Ensure signed plans and co-pays, with FFS payment due at service, steps dental consultants endorse.

11. Avoid financial discussions at the front desk where others might overhear, a major error top dental consultants highlight due to potential HIPAA violations and patient discomfort.