Practice Management Toolkit: The Path to a Preventive Practice

Continued Training

• Training is critical
• Establish a recall mechanism
• Create better patient experiences

In order to accomplish this the team is going to need a certain level of training. Front desk people are going to need to understand exactly what’s necessary from a recall standpoint with the patient coming every six months. My suggestion would be that you re-appoint them six months in advance with a series of reminders, such as a postcard or letter, and a phone call to remind the patient to come in. Along with that, the hygienist and assistants are going to need to work with the patient so that they understand that regular visits to the practice will prevent dental problems, be over time a much better process for dental health and create a much better dental experience for both adults, as parents, and their children. So this is a real change that we’re beginning to see in how we can help patients better in terms of oral health, but at the same time have a better attitude about dentistry and prevention and taking care of themselves.