Here is a quick formula I use in my dental consulting to determine how efficient your hygienists are:

1. Take active patients and multiply by two (go back 1.5 to 2 years for active patient count). 

Example: 2000 active patients x 2 = 4000 possible hygiene visits.

2. Run the code in the software for number of cleanings done in the last year. 

Example Result: 2000

3. Run a report on the code for comprehensive exams in the last 12 months.

This gives a true number of new dental patients as it eliminates limited exams that are emergency exams. 

Example: 200

2000 cleanings done minus cleanings from 200 NPs  = 1800 recalls that were done.

4000 possible minus 1800 recalls = 2200 recalls not done which equals 45% efficiency in hygiene.

2200 recalls X average exam, X-ray and cleaning at a cost of say $130.00 X 2200 = $286,000 in potential income.

Kevin Tighe, Cambridge Dental Consultants, Senior Consultant, got bitten hard by the business and marketing bug during long summer days working at his dad's Madison Avenue ad agency. After joining Cambridge as a speaker in the mid-1990s, Kevin went on to become Cambridge’s senior consultant and eventually CEO. Cambridge Dental Consultants is a full-service dental practice management company offering customized dental office manuals. Frustrated? High overhead? Schedule a chat with Kevin at