The Smile Check for hygienists
I’ve been advocating the use of a dental “smile check” as part of every patient’s first visit and also (when you have your new Welcome pack in place) as part of every existing patient’s next routine examination.
It has been no surprise that many clients have returned after the workshop at which this concept is introduced and told us that:
a. The Smile Check has been well received once the team have established the correct way to deliver it as part of the Patient Journey and
b. They have been surprised by the patient’s who have requested further information – often people who the dentist thought would never ask!
A common question from clients is “when we have used the Smile Check for one complete recall cycle, what next? We don’t want to appear pushy or repetitive.”
Good point – I think if I were a patient and was handed the Smile Check for 2 consecutive appointments, I might be confused and/or uncomfortable.
So here’s an idea.
Why not, after a complete recall cycle, introduce a new version of the Smile Check – this time focusing on the patient’s relationship with your hygienist/therapist?
Here are some suggested questions to ask:
□ Do you worry that you may have bad breath?
□ Do your gums bleed when you brush?
□ Do you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth?
□ Is your tongue discoloured or “ furry”
□ Do any of your teeth feel looser than they used to?
□ Are you aware of your teeth having changed position?
□ Would you like a whiter brighter smile?
□ Are your teeth sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods?
□ Have you found it uncomfortable to have your teeth scaled previously? If so, we now have a variety of ways to make your time spent here more comfortable.
Try this and tell me what happens, what works and what doesn’t – and we can develop this together.
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