Ann-Marie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd
THE ROI OF HYGIENE
For many hygienists, getting the most out of digital technology means bridging the gap between quality patient care and effective patient education
What kind of ROI is your hygiene operatory getting? To answer that question, one has to look at how the hygienist’s time is being used, as well as the products and techniques being employed. Most hygiene appointments are booked for an hour, and there’s a lot to cram in—from the oral exam and x-rays to scaling and polishing. Plus, the more time it takes to provide treatment, the less time there is for patient education.
“Educating patients during the hygiene appointment, whether verbally or using multimedia tools, can open the door to treatments that the patient may not have been aware the practice offers,” said Ann-Marie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd, educator and contributing writer for several dental publications. She believes patient education should include dental homecare techniques as well as holistic health advice, such as information on sleep disturbances or headaches caused by TMD issues.
“Hygienists are healthcare educators and providing patients with more than just the brush-and floss lecture demonstrates the importance of oral and systemic health,” DePalma noted. “And by increasing the patient's health, the practice's health can benefit, too.”
Malee Wong, RDH, agreed, adding, “The general population does not speak ‘dental,' so most patients have little understanding of how decay forms and why a tooth could need a root canal or filling.”
Taking the time to learn about patients’ unique challenges and concerns allows hygienists to offer more personalized oral health maintenance programs that address caries risk factors and oral conditions while fitting into patients’ busy lifestyles. But creating opportunities for patient communication may mean finding ways to reduce chair time and accelerate treatment, without sacrificing quality. Don’t worry—this isn’t as tall of an order as it seems.
Tools That Pay for Themselves
To optimize the hygiene appointment, hygienists should evaluate their current armamentarium. Which items have been around for a while? Do multiple instruments need an upgrade? Are there advanced features that can streamline and simplify treatment?
In today’s practice climate, increasing your productivity as a hygienist often means going digital with tools like ultrasonic scalers and caries detection devices. Today's digital technology often focuses on ease of use, with features that speed up treatment, improve access to the oral cavity, and create a more pleasant patient experience.
“Patients expect their healthcare providers to be on the forefront of technology, so by using digital tools, you prove to them that the practice is technology- focused and patient-centered,” explained DePalma. “Using ultrasonic or power scalers, for example, boosts the hygiene visit." This boost, as research shows, is because power scaling used in conjunction with hand scaling improves clinical outcomes and makes the procedure easier for the hygienist.
“Working in tech-savvy offices allows me to be more efficient as a hygienist,” shared Wong, noting that she is now comfortable using a wide array of equipment, tools, and software. Increasing your efficiency and enhancing patients' comfort do not require a technology overhaul—sometimes, it’s just a matter of acquiring one or more high-quality items.
Here are a few ultrasonic scalers and caries detection devices to check out.
Scale Down Decay
Designed to remove hardened calculus and plaque, ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibration and water stream to cleanse gingival tissue and root surfaces.
The latest unit in Dentsply Sirona’s Cavitron line, the Cavitron 300 Series ultrasonic scaling system utilizes less heat and water, ultimately providing better patient comfort. The wireless Cavitron Tap-On Technology foot pedal is designed to reduce leg and ankle discomfort, while user-friendly controls provide an improved scaling experience. The system comes with the Steri-Mate 360 fully rotating detachable and sterilizable handpiece, which allows for the effortless rotation of an ultrasonic insert during the scaling procedure.
Built with smart-circuitry that automatically switches the operating frequency to match the insert in the handpiece, Parkell’s Turbo- SENSOR offers intuitive operation. An expanded low-power debridement mode enhances patient comfort, while a higher maximum power setting provides extreme calculus blasting. For a Turbo power boost, simply increase pressure on the included foot pedal.
Combining a superb piezo ultrasonic scaling solution with heated subgingival irrigation, the Pro-Select Platinum ultrasonic scaler system by DenMat elevates the scaling and root planning therapy experience. Its lightweight, ergonomic handpiece is designed to reduce muscle strain, requiring less pressure to effectively scale. High-frequency linear tip motion, quiet operation, minimal water output, and light, lateral pressure contribute to a more comfortable patient experience.
BioSonic Suvi Premier from COLTENE is used for ultrasonic treatments, including scaling, endodontics, and implant maintenance. It comes with interchangeable and autoclavable silicon grips that reduce the need for numerous handpieces, while its large diameter and soft touch reduce hand fatigue. BioSonic Suvi Premier’s uniquely designed LED lighting provides ideal visibility.
With dual-frequency technology that accepts 25K and 30K inserts, Henry Schein Dental’s Acclean ULTRA features an easily detachable, autoclavable handpiece sheath and user-friendly controls. A hands-free boost feature enables temporary power surges. The scaler’s compact design includes an internal cooling system, which promotes safe, prolonged use, and the handpiece assembly is removable for simple in-office replacement.
Identify Caries Early
Early caries prevention requires the use of a caries detection device that allows you to easily view cracks, lesions, and decay in tooth structure that radiographs and the naked eye may miss.
By using transillumination technology, KaVo Kerr’s DEXIS CariVu makes enamel appear transparent while porous lesions trap and absorb light. A compact, portable caries detection device, it supports the identification of occlusal, interproximal, and recurrent carious lesions and cracks. DEXIS CariVu also serves as an alternative, zero-radiation diagnostic method for patients who may not be able to tolerate traditional x-rays.
Carestream Dental’s Logicon Caries Detector Software version 5.2 works exclusively with RVG intraoral sensors to help dentists visually analyze radiographs and diagnose caries on proximal surfaces. Users can save and display selected results from multiple high-risk surfaces on a single radiograph.
With patented florescence technology, SoproCare from ACTEON offers 3 operating modes in one camera: CARIO mode for the easy identification of caries in bright red and black; PERIO mode for chromatic insight into dental plaque, tartar, and gingival inflammation; and DAYLIGHT mode, where Macrovision provides a magnification up to 110 times to reveal details otherwise not visible to the naked eye or on radiographs.
Delivering vivid, sharp images with one-click autofocus, CamX Triton HD from Air Techniques quickly and easily changes between caries and plaque detection and intraoral imaging through its Intelligent Interchangeable head system. The slim, rounded head provides easy access to even the most challenging posterior areas, and a motion sensor switches the camera on and off, ensuring efficient use.