When the dentist comes into the room to do an exam while the hygienist is cleaning teeth, they should ideally follow a set protocol for their conversation flow. This is to expedite the conversation and the transfer of information. The hygienist should complete the proper set of questions and explore the patient’s goals during the first ten minutes of the cleaning appointment. When the dentist walks into the operatory, in addition to reintroducing the dentist again to the patient, the hygienist needs to lay the foundation and pave the way for the dentist to have an educated, well-prepared patient who has the optimal dental care option explained to them.
Depending upon the type of hygiene visit, following a protocol, would be like ordering off a checklist so you don’t forget anything, plus it allows you to make sure every concern is covered. The Dentist Advantage offers a FREE Hygiene-Doctor conversation Checklist. Click on the CONTACT PAGE link above and ask for your copy. This not only makes the dentist’s job easier, but it also allows them to have a more thorough and comprehensive conversation with the patient.
You don’t want a patient to walk out of the office wondering if the dentist even did an exam! If you are a smaller office and the dentist does the cleanings as well, it’s even MORE critical that they pause and say to the patient that you will do their EXAM first, and then the cleaning. This way, while you are snooping around in their mouth and under their tongue, they will understand that there is a purpose for what you are doing.