Enhancing Patient Care: A Comprehensive Method for Developing an Effective Hygiene Protocol

Establishing a unified approach beyond teaching periodontal therapy or hygiene is essential in providing exceptional patient care. The goal is to organize and establish uniformity in treatment protocols, address varying perspectives from different doctors, and integrate diverse philosophies. This comprehensive approach seeks to unify hygienists trained in various methods, clarify confusion, and ultimately enhance patient care.

This article explores the various aspects of the unified approach to comprehensive treatment. It covers the purpose behind this approach, the components of a thorough periodontal examination, the distinction between active therapy and periodontal maintenance, the importance of implementing a treatment protocol, and the significance of patient education and empowerment.

Purpose

The primary purpose of adopting a unified approach is to assist the team in providing thorough treatment for established patients while ensuring consistent care throughout the practice. By optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction, enhancing treatment planning and execution, and reducing potential legal implications, this approach aims to positively impact both patients and you as a dental professional.

Unified Patient Care Philosophy

At the core of this unified approach is the development of a shared philosophy for comprehensive treatment. It emphasizes a patient-centered mindset that prioritizes the individual’s well-being. Interdisciplinary collaboration among dental professionals is fostered, and evidence-based practices are incorporated. Furthermore, the approach seeks to harmonize treatment protocols and methodologies to streamline patient care.

What is a Comprehensive Periodontal Exam? 

A comprehensive periodontal examination forms a crucial part of this unified approach. It involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical and dental history, evaluation of extra-oral and intraoral structures, examination of teeth and replacements, radiographs to aid in diagnosis, and detailed periodontal charting. This examination provides a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s oral health by considering various factors, such as mucogingival relationships, furcation involvement, and microbial assessment.

What is the Difference between Active Periodontal Therapy and Periodontal maintenance? 

Active periodontal therapy and periodontal maintenance are two distinct phases of treatment in this unified approach.

1. Active periodontal therapy involves the removal of supra- and sub-gingival plaque and calculus through scaling and root planing. It may also include antimicrobials and, if necessary, referral to specialists. Education is vital in empowering patients to actively participate in their treatment.
2. Periodontal maintenance focuses on regularly removing plaque and calculus to maintain oral health. It includes behavior modification, oral hygiene re-instruction, and the use of antimicrobials when needed. You can ensure effective long-term maintenance by monitoring patients’ compliance with a 3-month recall and assessing any signs of recurrence or progression.

What is needed for a complete diagnosis? 

Radiographs provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Periodontal charting goes beyond probing depths and is significant in accurately depicting the patient’s periodontal status. It will paint a picture for your patient. It includes parameters such as bleeding on probing, suppuration, gingival margin/recession, clinical attachment level, and mobility. By incorporating these components, you can better track the patient’s progress and identify missing information.

Implementation Strategies

Comprehensive training sessions for your dental team are essential to successfully implementing this unified approach. Sharing best practices and evidence-based guidelines, fostering open communication and collaboration among team members, and developing standardized treatment protocols are crucial steps. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the implementation progress ensure continuous improvement.

Who Benefits from this Unified Approach?

The adoption of a unified approach brings several benefits. It establishes consistent and standardized treatment protocols, improving patient experience and outcomes. This approach minimizes errors and potential legal issues by efficiently utilizing resources and enhancing communication and teamwork.

Let’s Keep it Going!!!!!

To ensure the long-term success of this unified approach, ongoing education and professional development for the entire team are crucial. Encouraging a culture of accountability and quality assurance, regularly assessing patient feedback and satisfaction, and adapting and refining the approach based on evolving best practices is vital for continuous improvement.

Patient Education: Empowering the Patients’ Journey to Wellness

Patient education is a critical aspect of the treatment journey. By informing patients about their diagnosis and treatment, enhancing their understanding of the disease process, clarifying the intended treatment outcome, establishing the necessary maintenance interval, and enabling active patient participation, dental professionals empower patients to take control of their oral health.

A unified approach to patient care goes beyond teaching specific therapies or hygiene practices. You must combine different perspectives, clarify confusion, and integrate diverse philosophies to optimize your patients’ outcomes and satisfaction while enhancing your dental practice’s efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, patient education fosters trust, improves treatment compliance, and promotes lifelong oral health. With a commitment to this comprehensive approach, you will provide exceptional care and ensure the well-being of your patients.

About the Author

Meet Jonny, a dedicated professional with over 40 years of experience in the dental field, wearing many hats throughout her illustrious career. Her journey began as a dental assistant, where she served with the US Army in both domestic and international settings, tending to the oral health needs of service members in large dental clinics.

Driven by a desire for new challenges, Jonny changed her career trajectory and joined the US Navy, where she achieved excellence and graduated as the top-ranking student in her class as an Advanced Electronic Warfare Technician (EW). After her honorable service in the Navy, Jonny returned to the dental profession, embarking on a successful tenure of over 20 years. During this time, she has overseen specialty, large group, and general dental practices, leaving a trail of accomplishments in her wake.

Jonny’s outstanding achievements include earning a prestigious Fellowship from the American Academy of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) and receiving recognition as one of the top ten Office Managers of the Year in 2016. As a testament to her leadership abilities, she also served as the former President of the SWFL AADOM Chapter. Her expertise in dental office management led to a feature in Dental Products Report Magazine (Nov 2019), where she shared insights on enhancing claim adjudication and office efficiency through Vyne NEA electronic submissions.

Beyond her management roles, Jonny remains actively engaged in the dental community as a valued member of SCN, ADMC, APDP, and AADOM. In these professional organizations, she actively contributes and participates, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among peers.

Jonny’s commitment to staying up-to-date in the ever-evolving dental arena is unwavering. She derives pleasure from sharing her knowledge of EagleSoft, Oryx, and leveraging technology to enhance team efficiency. With her exceptional leadership skills, she actively collaborates with teams to improve patient experiences and cultivate cohesive work environments through effective communication.

Her passion for coaching and inspiring dental professionals takes her across the United States, delivering impactful speeches and training sessions that leave a lasting impression. Jonny’s wealth of clinical experience, combined with her comprehensive mindset, makes her an invaluable asset in team training and development.

In summary, Jonny’s journey in the dental profession is one of dedication, excellence, and continuous growth. Her wealth of experience, leadership prowess, and passion for uplifting others make her a true inspiration in the dental community.