Show patients a worn restoration or a crown with exposed margins or pockets with active disease.  Summary of  feedback from several dentists who have found the routine use of I/O cameras increases acceptance and keeps patients on re-care: 1. Have an I/O in every operatory, connected and ready to go otherwise the I/O won’t get used as frequently and time is wasted connecting. 2. Take big screen shots. There isn't anything more motivating than a pre-treatment photo of a calculus bridge on the lower anteriors and the post photo showing them clean. Show lingual on the lower incisors. Show the patient...

A rock star dental assistant’s mission is to assist the dentist in every way possible, enabling him or her to provide efficient, high quality dentistry to patients. This includes striving to maintain excellent patient relations, ensuring the patient is well cared for, happy and satisfied. Twelve Habits of Dental Assistant Rock Stars Dental assistant rock star habit #1: A rock star DA ensure he or she is properly trained and continuously strives to improve his or her skill set.  Dental assistant rock star habit #2: A rock star DA needs to have initiative. For example, if a dental assistant feels there is...

1. Patients' needs are our top priority. You must leave your personal issues and opinions outside of the office. Patients visit our office to improve their health and eliminate pain. An atmosphere of warmth, cheerfulness and caring must be conveyed. Indifference to patients' problems will not contribute to this atmosphere. Remember patients' names and use them often when talking with the patients. Refer to the patient as "Mr.," "Mrs.,” "Miss," or "Ms.," unless the patient invites you to use their first name. Do not give patients nicknames or refer to them as "Hon," "Darlin," or other pet names. 2. Your statements...

Staff non compliance and double work are production killers. Only surround yourself with "A"and "B" type staff and ensure there is accountability. Examples of double work:  Lab case not in the office. Patient arrives for appointment. Incomplete information in patient charts. Incomplete insurance submission. Insurance not verified. Patient leaves the office without an appointment. Phone numbers for patient are not correct.  Appointment not confirmed.  Delivering more dentistry in the back then was scheduled; front desk not notified. Treatment plan sequence not written up. Financial arrangements not made. Incomplete treatment not followed up on. Message taken but not given to the correct...