Tips to increase practice productivity

A strong work flow encourages efficiency in a dental office. To ensure that the frustration levels remain low, the front desk and the operations wings should work in tandem. Research and development today offer custom solutions to smooth out operational problems in a dental office.

Clara Carol, DDS.

Dentists should implement systems that maximize mobility between different operations. Day-to-day maintenance decisions should be made well beforehand. And the staff should be trained and ready to handle different roles in times of a crisis.

By keeping abreast of the latest equipment available on the market, dentists will build good reputations for themselves and save time in different procedures. Let's take a look at some tips that can help dentists increase their productivity.

Be mobile
Mobile carts can be used to move chair side systems between different sections of a clinic. It is a sound investment with long term gains. The level of features and integration can be custom designed with a focus on maximum efficiency and gains. The pain point can be completely eliminated by proper transition of technology.

Inventory maintenance issues
Smart dentists clearly outline items that need to be purchased fresh and others that can be disposed. The most common example of a disposable item is a diamond or a bur. The ick factor and stage at which a bur needs to be replaced is a personal decision by the dentist. Most choose to replace a bur when it becomes dull or loses its surface texture. A better choice is to buy single-use burs and diamonds. Single use does not necessarily mean that it cannot be used again; it might be useful in one or two preps. Research on the manufacturer will reveal useful information about the quality of burs and diamonds.

Color-coded system for organizing instruments and materials
A system needs to be in place for the many instruments and materials used in treatments. A successful method of increasing the clinic's output is by implementing a color-coding system for instruments. Staff can instantly recognize the instrument by its code, which will save time spent in looking for items. A color can be assigned to each process and a unique ID allotted to it. The instruments can now be placed in their independent trays or bur holders. Some planning and staff training are necessary.

Digital radiography
The most up-to-date technique is to capture radiography images digitally. Digital radiography enables the dentist to see an image immediately and reach a diagnosis more quickly.

Automated recall system
Calling a patient to remind them of an appointment takes time and a dedicated staff member. Many vendors today have packages that make connecting to patients much simpler and more efficient, including texting and email options. A personal touch can be the third line of contact.

Clara Carol, DDS, is a practicing dentist in Brooklyn, NY. She has written articles on practice management, dental hygiene, and overall health for various health blogs and e-magazines.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.