Put Patients First
Dentistry is scary to so many people, so I like to meet them where they are on the day of each visit. Every patient is different, so the decision to use a hand or power scaler – or a combination of both – is based on the patient’s needs and comfort level. Some patients have a hard time tolerating the water spray or are too sensitive to tolerate a power scaler.
Take Advantage of Ergonomics
The recent increase in hand scaler handle diameters has been an improvement, along with the addition of knurling, decreased weight, and steel tips that stay sharper for longer periods. These are all innovations designed to decrease operator injury and increase patient comfort. I prefer a large diameter handle that is lightweight with ridges to improve grip but still allows for tactile sensitivity. I also want a blade made with steel that has some type of “stay-sharp” technology.
Embrace Innovation
While ultrasonic tips with larger, cushioned grips offer improved ergonomics for clinicians, they don’t always allow the best access in small mouths. A handle that swivels can reduce operator fatigue and improve efficiency. Additionally, it’s important to have a “rainbow” of inserts, because there isn’t one instrument that’s going to be good for every single area. A cordless foot pedal is also one of the most useful innovations for practices, especially those that have small operatories already crowded with cords and hoses.
How Prophy Drives Practice Growth
Beyond producing better clinical outcomes, investing in prophylaxis can be a powerful strategy for business growth. Here are three ways routine cleanings can help a practice thrive:
1. Consistent Revenue & Retention
The regular touchpoint of the prophy appointment is a great way to keep patients connected to your practice and invested in their oral health journeys. Building a strong hygiene recall system helps ensure predictable revenue streams along with high patient retention rates – two keys to a healthy practice.
2. New Treatment Opportunities
Routine prophy appointments also serve as opportunities for your team to discover and address additional treatment needs. These can range from preventive and restorative treatments that save patients (and the practice) time, money, and stress down the line, to orthodontic, cosmetic, or even medical therapies that patients might not otherwise consider.
3. More Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Exceptional care experiences create enthusiastic patient advocates. When patients consistently receive hygiene treatment that meets or exceeds their expectations, they’re naturally inclined to share their satisfaction with friends and family, helping your practice grow through word-of-mouth referrals.
You can learn more at the original article here.
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