Tuesday, June 4, 2024
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to what percentage of a dental practice's revenue should come from its hygiene department. That’s because it can vary based on a variety of factors such as the practice size, location, patient demographics, and the range of services offered.
Nonetheless, the hygiene department is an important profit center in any practice because hygiene services are essential for maintaining its patients' oral health and preventing dental issues.
Therefore, it's crucial for a dental practice to prioritize the productivity of its hygiene department. On average, hygiene services typically contribute a significant portion of a dental practice's revenue, often ranging from 20% to 35% or more. If your practice needs to increase its hygiene department revenue, the answer may be as simple as reaching for an intraoral camera.
When used on every patient, during every hygiene appointment, affordable, high-quality intraoral cameras, such as those from industry leader MouthWatch can greatly enhance a visual examination by enabling hygienists to detect oral health issues early, communicate with the dentists accurately, educate patients effectively, and enhance overall dental care for every patient.
Here are six reasons why every dental hygienist should have an intraoral camera within their reach:
1. Enhanced Patient Communication
By displaying real-time images of the inside of the patient's mouth on a screen, hygienists can visually illustrate oral health conditions, such as plaque buildup, gingivitis, or cavities.
The visual aid that intraoral photos provide helps patients better understand their oral health status, leading to increased treatment acceptance and compliance.
When patients comprehend the urgency of recommended treatments, they are more likely to schedule follow-up appointments for necessary procedures, thereby increasing hygiene production.
2. Augmented Visual Screenings:
Intraoral cameras may help hygienists conduct thorough screenings more efficiently. Instead of relying solely on the naked eye, intraoral cameras provide a more detailed and illuminated view of every tooth and gum surface.
This comprehensive assessment facilitates accurate identification of dental issues, enabling hygienists to provide their dentists with reliable visual data so they in turn can promptly devise personalized treatment plans.
3. Improved Oral Care Education
Intraoral cameras serve as invaluable educational tools during dental cleanings and hygiene appointments. By projecting live or recorded images of plaque deposits, tartar buildup, or areas of poor oral hygiene, hygienists can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques effectively.
4. Increased Patient Engagement
Intraoral photos help patients become active stakeholders in their oral health and preventive dental care. This leads to improved hygiene habits and reduced risk of future dental problems.
5. Better Clinical Collaboration
Intraoral cameras facilitate collaborative treatment planning between hygienists and dentists. By sharing detailed images of oral conditions and treatment recommendations, hygienists can communicate effectively with dentists to coordinate comprehensive care for optimal patient outcomes.
This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of oral health are addressed efficiently, from routine cleanings to more complex procedures.
By streamlining communication and decision-making processes, intraoral cameras contribute to a more cohesive and productive dental team, ultimately enhancing both hygiene production and clinical procedures.
6. Greater Patient Retention and Loyalty
Incorporating intraoral cameras into hygiene appointments can also lead to increased patient satisfaction and loyalty. Patients appreciate the transparency and personalized attention provided when their oral health is visually presented and explained.
What’s more a dental practice’s use of advanced technology such as intraoral cameras demonstrates a commitment to delivering high-quality care and staying abreast of modern dental advancements on behalf of its patients. Satisfied patients are more likely to refer friends and family to the practice, thereby expanding the patient base and contributing to long-term practice growth.
Conclusion
Intraoral cameras offer numerous benefits for boosting hygiene production in a dental office. From improving patient communication and education to ensuring more accurate exams and facilitating collaborative treatment planning, these devices play a pivotal role in optimizing hygiene appointments.
By reaching for an intraoral camera for every patient exam, hygienists can not only boost hygiene department productivity, they can also ultimately help achieve better oral health outcomes for their patients.
About the Author:
Jamie Collins, RDH-EA, BS, is a dedicated hygienist licensed in Idaho and Washington, with over two decades of experience in patient care. Passionate about serving those with heightened risk factors, Jamie shares invaluable insights and techniques with fellow dental professionals worldwide. With over 80 published articles and recognition including the ADHA Trailblazer Award in 2021 and 2022, as well as the distinction of being the first recipient of the ADHA Standout Seven Corporate Hygienist award in 2022, Jamie is a leader in her field. Currently serving as the Director of Sales and Virtual Care Solutions at MouthWatch and Dentistry.One, Jamie can be contacted at [email protected].