Your patients need to understand, for real, what can happen if they do not follow through with your recommended treatment. If you accomplish that, then you have done your job educating the patient. From that point forward, it’s on the patient and the front desk. The following education techniques will help you get there:   TRIGGER WORDS & “YET”   Trigger words initiate a process or course of action. The term “trigger word” derives from the use of an explosive gun in days gone by to start a race. “Yet” is a trigger word. Patients may not notice gum disease yet. The patient hasn’t...

In the realm of hiring a dental hygienist, the journey from thought to action holds immense power. It's a journey that begins with a simple question: What kind of dental hygienist do I envision for my practice? The answer to this question sets the stage for the hiring process and ultimately determines the success of your team. While it's essential to hold firm to your standards and envision your ideal candidate, it's also crucial to recognize the challenges and realities of today's dental industry. As one client candidly shared, the landscape has changed significantly, with a staggering 76% of dental offices...

Base pay plus commission seems to be the best and most popular system. This protects the hygienist if the front desk drops the ball on the schedule, but also gives the hygienist a reason to go the extra mile. Always use adjusted production or actual collections when calculating a hygienist’s bonus because this is the amount that can actually be collected. The general rule of thumb is that any commission kicks in when production (or collection) exceeds three times the hygienist’s base pay. Also, if the day does fall apart or there's an open hour, the hygienist on base pay can...

Hiring a dental hygienist can be challenging, especially with the current shortage of dental hygienists. As the demand for dental care continues to grow, finding qualified candidates to fill the role of dental hygienist is becoming increasingly difficult. In this article, we will provide tips for effective dental practice management in hiring a qualified dental hygienist, so you can keep your practice running smoothly. 7  Essential Hiring Tips for Dental Practice Management 1. Define Your Practice's NeedsThe first step in hiring a dental hygienist is to determine what your practice needs in terms of skills, experience, and personality. Consider the size...