dental hygiene case presentation

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The blueprint for a successful case presentation

Gregory a. winteregg, dds.

Over the past 25 years , I’ve lectured to thousands of dentists about how to improve treatment acceptance, and I can tell you categorically that as a profession, this is our weak spot. For the average dentist, it’s the area of practice that underperforms the most.

But conversely, when fixed, it’s also the area that offers the quickest route to practice improvement. Specifically, improved treatment acceptance translates into

1. higher professional satisfaction, because the doctor is doing more of the dentistry he or she enjoys doing,

2. better production, collections, and profitability, and less open time in the schedule, and

3. most importantly, patients accepting the dentistry that they need.

Healthier patients are what all of this is about in the end anyway, isn’t it?

Higher treatment acceptance is truly a win-win-win scenario for you, your practice, and your patients.

And while it’s not hard to improve on this subject, there is potentially a lot to learn—communication skills, case presentation structure, and how to address objections, just to name a few things. In an effort to make the subject less daunting, I thought it would be productive to center this article around a few simple actions that you could easily put into practice and which could start you on the right road.

Now, all these actions assume you’ve completed a comprehensive examination, created the resultant treatment plan, and are ready to present. With that in mind, let’s have a look at three things that can help ensure your treatment plan has the best chance of acceptance.

Enough time

I have a rule—don’t start a treatment plan presentation unless you (and your patient) have adequate time to complete it. That means enough time to answer your patient’s questions and concerns, address objections, and so on.

How does this normally go wrong? The doctor walks into the hygiene room for a new-patient examination. On average, the doctor has 20 minutes set aside for this. After a 15-minute comprehensive examination, the doctor finds that the patient needs four root canals, six crowns, and a few composites. Depending on fee structure, we’re looking at an $11,000 case. The doctor then spends the last five minutes of the appointment (there’s another patient who’s been seated and is waiting now) telling this new patient that he or she needs all this treatment, and then sends the patient up front to work out finances.

And, surprise, at the end of the day, when the doctor asks what happened to these patients, the front desk says they “are going to think about it.” Or they only want to do the one root canal and crown that the insurance will cover and wait on the rest.

And it’s no wonder: the doctor spent all of five minutes explaining an $11,000 case. When was the last time you decided to spend over $11,000 in five minutes? Maybe you have—but I can assure you it’s not the norm.

Whether you’re dealing with a new patient or even a patient of record, you need adequate time to present . So, what should you do if you or your patient doesn’t have adequate time?

Schedule a consultation. Historically we’ve reserved consultations for “big” cases. But they don’t have to be. You might need 20 minutes to discuss a couple of crowns with a patient to ensure he or she fully understands why they are needed and answer any questions.

A couple of hints here: don’t push the consultation off too far (e.g., three weeks from now). Get them in right away. Don’t let their enthusiasm wane. And second, the larger the case is, the more time it will normally take to discuss it with your patient. Schedule accordingly.

You can also apply this concept to patients of record. Rather than try to jam the treatment discussion during a five-minute hygiene exam, you’re better served bringing patients back for a consultation.

That little bit of extra time discussing treatment can pay off in a busier, more productive schedule and healthier patients. It’s worth carving out the time in your schedule because it results in more production long term.

Don’t use big words

Have you ever witnessed that “glossed over” look a patient gets when you use an unfamiliar dental term? You mention a “periapical radiolucency” and you see that glazed stare (it could be for less than a second). So, you ask, “Do you have any questions?” And the patient says . . . “No, not at all.” You know the patient didn’t get it, but what are you going to do, challenge him or her on it? Of course not.

I’ve heard the concept that “using big words makes you sound more ‘doctor-ly’ or professional.” I thoroughly disagree. The most important thing in a treatment presentation is that patients understand what you are trying to explain . If that’s the case, why use words that they don’t understand? Your patients are accountants, mechanics, car salespeople, etc. They are not dentists. Act accordingly. Use nontechnical terms, or if you do use technical terms, make sure you explain them.

Discuss the fee

Here’s the big one. As the doctor, the idea of discussing fees with patients may prompt any number of reactions. You might worry that patients will think you are “unprofessional” or “just after their money” (they won’t). You may have a difficult time even contemplating the idea of doing it. But let’s be real here. Why do most of us not want to discuss fees? I can tell you why I didn’t: fear. People can get emotional when you discuss money. So, we avoid discussing the fee and send them to Susie at the front desk to do it.

Years back, one of the consultants I worked with (prior to working with and becoming a partner at MGE) told me that I should never discuss fees, and that I would “mess everything up” that he had put in place if I did so. I asked him, “What should I tell a patient if they ask me how much something costs?” He told me: “You tell them you don’t know.” I found this ridiculous and couldn’t do it. If patients asked, I reluctantly told them, but often I didn’t have to because they discussed it with my financial coordinator. After I became an MGE client, I began discussing fees with patients. This, coupled with better communication skills, was instrumental in moving case acceptance to an entirely new level.

It may seem trivial, telling a patient how much their treatment will cost. But it’s not. And why does it help? Well, survey your staff. Ask them, “Who in the office is a patient most likely to listen to?” Uniformly, you’ll hear “the doctor.” When you tell a patient something, it carries more weight.

And much of the time, if patients have a concern or objection about the treatment, they won’t bring it up until it comes time to talk finances. If you’re no longer in the room at this point, you can’t address those concerns with them.

I’m not asking you to have them hand you their credit card or fill out a financial company application for them. Just find out, prior to presenting, how much the treatment is and tell them. They won’t bite. They may have questions, concerns, and so on, and you can discuss these with them. Then turn them over to your financial coordinator to wrap things up.

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Three Essentials to Maximize Case Presentation

Carrie Webber

While many aspects of dentistry change and evolve over time, finding ways to increase patient treatment acceptance remains a challenge. Effective case presentation boils down to six general steps: building relationship with patients, establishing the need for the proposed dentistry, educating and motivating patients, asking them for a commitment, having the tools and skills to facilitate beneficial financial arrangements, and, finally, scheduling the appointment for the treatment accepted.

As dental practices work to become proficient in these steps, three "game changers" are needed to help educate, motivate, and ultimately activate patients into the necessary or desired treatment.

1. Mastery of Verbal Skills

Meaningful conversation is the cornerstone of a successful patient-practice partnership, in which the practice works with its patients to identify and clarify their oral care goals and involves them throughout the discovery process, thus building a sense of trust, need, urgency, and value for the care being recommended.

This begins by asking patients the right questions and intently listening to their responses. Their verbal and nonverbal replies can reveal their care goals while also illuminating any obstacles the dentist may need to overcome when presenting recommended treatment.

This requires effective communication. To improve this skill set, presenters can role-play as a team, practicing the scenarios and verbal skills with each other again and again. Then, when they are face to face with a patient, the conversation will likely be more comfortable and natural, and "the kernels of truth" that may reveal what the patient wants most in their dental care will come to light. As it's been said, "It's not what you know; it's what you ask."

2. Patient Financing

Even with great communication skills and going above and beyond in case presentation, if the dental practice cannot help its patients find a way to finance the treatment, it is all for nothing.

According to a recent study by Synchrony Financial and CareCredit, approximately half of consumers under the age of 55 want their healthcare providers to share financing options for how to pay for their care. In fact, the same study revealed that 45% of all patients and 69% of younger patients have already used a payment plan to pay for care over time. 1 A practice's mastery of its financial systems plays a crucial role in its patients' ability to move forward with treatment.

Having a treatment coordinator on the team responsible for the financial aspect of treatment is vital in this regard. Patients should be offered a variety of payment options. The more competent and confident the practice is in the presentation of the treatment and available finance options, the better.

3. Visual Aids

Psychological studies over the years have indicated that people tend to learn primarily through three methods: visual learning (what they see), auditory learning (what they hear), and kinesthetic learning (what they touch), with most people considering themselves visual learners. This supports the power of intraoral and digital photography, "before and after" case examples, and overall visual aids in patient education and case presentation.

Not enough can be said about how formidable intraoral cameras are post-presentation. When patients with diagnosed but untreated dentistry return for their regular hygiene visits, hygienists should be able to utilize this visual tool to revisit areas of concern in the patient's mouth, show and support the benefits of proceeding with treatment as well as the risks of not proceeding, and provide the doctor the opportunity to re-examine the diagnosed treatment. This approach can lead to perhaps as much as 60% percent of a practice's restorative work originating from its hygiene department. The use of intraoral cameras can greatly expand the hygienist's role in case acceptance.

By marrying the consistent, effective use photography with strengthened verbal skills, the dental team can better enable patients to both see and hear their need for treatment and make the best decisions for their care. It takes time to become proficient in both preparing for and making a presentation, so time must be allotted to working at it.

In the end, the dental team should be building foundational pillars of relationship and understanding with its patients. The team should continuously work on verbal skills; maximize the financial options available to patients, especially patient financing; and consistently use photography to show patients their oral status. Together, the use of these tools and skills can help patients understand their need and ultimately receive the necessary care.

About the Author

Carrie Webber Co-Owner, The Jameson Group (jmsn.com), a dental management, marketing, and hygiene coaching firm

1. CareCredit, CWH Advisors Patient Pay Survey Finds Majority of Patients Would Consider Financing Options to Pay Healthcare Costs. March 24, 2021. https://www.synchrony.com/carecredit-cwh-advisors-patient-pay-survey.html. Accessed April 3, 2021.

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A guide to a successful patient case presentation

The information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 14/11/2018

A big tip to any dental student is to select your case presentation patient early and NOT in your final year. This gives you a great advantage of having enough time to formulate and develop a treatment plan that you can complete well before the exam. Think about how long you will be spending providing treatment. Some cases take longer than others. Be aware that in most students experience, lab work always takes longer than you think.

Patient selection can prove difficult. Start by choosing a motivated, regular attender who will be reliable. The last thing you want to worry about is their non-attendance on the day! Your case doesn't have to be overly complicated. It does have to demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach involving elements of periodontal care, simple conditions and possibly more advanced restorations, endodontics or removable prostheses. Ultimately, the case presentation is designed to show tutors that you are maintaining your duty of care to patients by offering a suitable and justified treatment plan that has resulted in effective management and an improvement to the patients' dental status.

Patient assessment and examination is essential and key to your presentation. You should include and expand upon the following areas:

• Patient's presenting complaint

State it simply and in the patient's own words. Relate it to your treatment plan.

• Medical history - previous and current

Medical history forms must be completed and updated. If they are on medications, always ask what for and how long have they been on them.

Be able to relate a patient's medical history to the treatment you are offering.

For example, patients with diabetes who are undergoing periodontal treatment - start off with the basics  - SHOWING THAT YOU'RE SAFE! Explain what diabetes is and what problems could arise in a medical emergency, such a hypoglycemia. Discuss how you could reduce this risk by providing patients with appointments after meal times. Then progress on to more advanced topics such as the poor ability for wound healing and the effects that diabetes has in relation to periodontal disease.

• Dental history

This includes previous dental history and current factors such as diet and dental hygiene. Ask about toothbrushing: do they use a manual or an electric toothbrush? What toothpaste do they use (does it contain adequate fluoride)? How often do they brush? Do they use floss or use TePe brushes? Do they use mouthwash?

When discussing diet it is relevant to identify frequency of intake, type of sugar, provide a diet diary and how you helped them to improve including substitutes for snacks.

• Social history

Identify whether they currently smoke or chew tobacco, or have smoked in the past. Note the number of cigarettes smoked a day. It is a good idea to include that you have offered the patient smoking cessation advice and also informed them of the increased risk of oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Record their alcohol intake (units per week). Highlight its relevance to erosion and don't forget the relationship of liver cirrhosis to surgical complications.

Note their occupation and how this may influence stress levels, motivation and attendance.

• Family history

This can be related to medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Also ask about history of periodontal disease in the family. For bonus points, include aspects relating to oral medicine such as ulcers, to show you're thinking about all aspects that could present on the initial and subsequent visits.

• Extra oral information

It is important to state, even if there are no abnormalities detected. For cases involving trauma: note scars, asymmetry or irregularities that can be observed.

• Intra-oral observation

This should include you're usual charting and BPE record. In addition, for cases with missing dentition discuss ridge status, dimensions of the spaces, alignment of the dentition. Look for and record recession, mobility and plaque scores.

• Special tests and Investigations

These should be discussed and justified. Emphasise the justification aspect. Radiographs need to support a provisional clinical diagnosis.

When taking radiographs, quality assure them and, using current guidelines, select an appropriate review date. For example, it is suggested that for patients with a high caries risk status, Bitewings are taken every six or twelve months.

This will most likely include more than one diagnosis. And yes missing teeth is a diagnosis. Ensure that the diagnosis is related to the initial assessment. If appropriate show that you have used a differential diagnosis and how you went through a process of elimination to come to your definitive diagnosis.

State how motivated the patient is and the likelihood that the treatment you provide will be successful. Individual tooth prognoses are good to include and will support your treatment decisions. These will also help you identify contingency requirements.

• Treatment plan

This is an itemised list of treatment that you plan to provide with the patient's prior consent. Tick the items off as you go along. Document that you have discussed all treatment options available, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.

• Review date and continuing care plans for when you have graduated.

Remember that you are responsible for your patient's aftercare and that you need to make the appropriate arrangements for them after you have *fingers crossed* graduated.

Study models and photographs before and after are good records for you to reflect upon and demonstrate to the tutors that you have used methods available to you to monitor your patient's dental health. It's also good backup in case your patient leaves you high and dry on the day. Don't panic if you haven't got them or you come to find they are not the best of quality, because complete and up-to-date records should be fine.

Alternative treatments are a hot topic in case presentations. The tutors are very keen to identify that students are aware of options available and be able to support their decisions for opting to choose one treatment over another. This could include discussing why you chose to replace missing teeth with an acrylic denture, instead of a fixed prosthesis or a cobalt/chrome denture. Carefully go through the advantages and disadvantages of each option and be prepared to highlight the disadvantages in order to justify your treatment choice. Always include that no treatment is a viable option and most importantly, relate it to your patient's initial presenting complaint.

As a dental care professional, you must be able to demonstrate a good ability to work as part of a team and delegate tasks. Where appropriate, use members of your team such as the Hygiene and Therapy department to reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene and provide smoking cessation advice, periodontal treatment and simple conditions.

In the weeks running up to your case presentation make sure you have reviewed your patient and they have put the date of your exam in their diary. Give your patient a clinic appointment the week before the presentation and don't just do what everybody does: a scale and polish. Look beyond shining your restorations and removing last week's dinner. Do a thorough assessment, as if you were seeing the patient for the first time so you can't be caught out on any areas that you might have missed. One unfortunate final year had the bad luck to have a visible draining sinus "appear" on the day of the presentation. Don't let that be you!

It is highly recommended to prepare cue cards. Many people don't realise that you CAN bring cue cards into the presentations. Write them out and practice with them in front of friends, family and anyone else who's willing to listen. The more feedback you can obtain the better. Be confident. Be prepared. Think of questions that you might be asked and devise answers for these. One area that I strongly recommend spending time on is devising contingency plans should your treatment fail in the future. This will show the examiners that you are aware of and can manage all possible outcomes.

In the presentation, make sure you speak clearly and slowly. Introduce your patient and state their age. Don't rush through things. The tutors will be spending a lot of time looking at your patient and checking basic areas, such as periodontal health, restoration margins and any lesions that you may have missed. Whilst you are presenting your case, don't be put off if they interrupt you and don't be afraid to pause for a moment to develop an answer in the best way possible. If you say something that is wrong, don't try to wing it. Stop. Point out that you've said something incorrect and if possible offer the correct answer.

All in all, tutors are looking for safe and sensible students who have demonstrated a logical (and defendable) approach, providing good quality care to patients from the first visit to the final presentation and for continuing care in the capable hands of another dental student.

Emilie Abraham Emilie Abraham qualified with BDS Honours from The University of Sheffield in 2012. She is currently employed as a Core Trainee in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at York Teaching Hospital.

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III: Case Studies

Case studies, introduction.

The cases presented in this section are designed to stimulate discussion of the various dental materials that are used to restore or replace teeth. The questions involve not only dental materials but clinical dental hygiene as well. Maintenance of restorations, prostheses, and oral tissues should also be considered.

The patient is a 63-year-old woman with a maxillary denture, and the appliance is presented in Figure CS1.1 . She lives on a very limited income but visits the dental office yearly for a thorough dental examination and oral prophylaxis. At this visit, she presents with little plaque and stain but with a small amount of calculus on the supragingival, lingual surface of the remaining natural teeth.

FIGURE CS1.1. A. Patient wearing dental appliance. B. Patient without appliance. C. Appliance.

Question 1 .  The remaining natural teeth on the mandible include:

a.   Teeth #18, #22, #27, and #28

b.   Teeth #19, #21, #25, and #26

c.   Teeth #19, #22, #27, and #28

d.   Teeth #18, #21, #26, and #27

Question 2 .  The replacement prosthesis is correctly termed:

a.   A removable bridge

b.   A removable partial denture

c.   A partial

d.   A fixed partial denture

Question 3 .  The clasps of the prosthesis encircle which of the following teeth?

a.   Teeth #19, #22, and #27

b.   Teeth #18, #21, and #26

c.   Teeth #18, #22, and #28

d.   Teeth #19, #22, and #28

Question 4 .  The composition of the prosthesis may include as many as ______ dental materials.

a.   2

b.   3

c.   4

d.   5

Question 5 .  The polishing agent of choice for the patient’s natural teeth should be:

a.   A pumice slurry

b.   A coarse prophylaxis paste

c.   A fine prophylaxis paste for all teeth

d.   Selectively polish the stained teeth

Question 6 .  After scaling and polishing the natural teeth, cleaning the dental prosthesis, and providing thorough patient education about calculus formation and removal, an appropriate recall recommendation would be:

a.   To continue the yearly recall date

b.   To change to a 6-month recall because of the calculus formation

c.   To keep the yearly recall but note in her record to closely assess the calculus formation and, if necessary, change the recall date accordingly

d.   To encourage the patient to accept a 4-month recall so that calculus formation can be closely monitored

The photographs ( Fig. CS2.1 ) show a 25-year-old man having three restorations placed during his appointment. His gums bleed easily, and the probing depths for this quadrant are noted on the charting in Figure CS2.2 . His oral hygiene home care consists of brushing two or three times a week and swishing with Scope mouthwash on the days he does not brush. Flossing is not a part of his oral hygiene regimen.

FIGURE CS2.1. A. Preoperative radiograph. B. Rubber dam isolation, ready to restore with amalgam. C. Amalgam restorations. D. Postoperative radiograph (Courtesy of Dr. Henry Miller, Martinsburg, WV).

FIGURE CS2.2. Periodontal measurements of the teeth shown above.

Question 1 .  The teeth being restored in the photographs below are:

a.   #2 and #3

b.   #14 and #15

c.   #13 and #14

d.   #1 and #2

Question 2 .  In Figure CS2.1A , the “white” material on the floor of the preparation of the second tooth from the left is considered to be a _______________, and its purpose is __________________.

a.   Liner; to provide strength and thermal insulation

b.   Base; to provide strength and thermal insulation

c.   Liner; to protect the pulp from chemical irritation

d.   Base; to protect the pulp from chemical irritation

Question 3 .  From the most distal surface of the last tooth and moving mesially, the amalgam restorations would be named:

a.   Disto-occlusal (DO), mesio-occlusal (MO), and disto-occluso-lingual (DOL)

b.   Occlusal (O), MO, and DO

c.   O, MO, and DOL

d.   MO, DO, and DOL

Question 4 .  What two conditions also exist in this patient?

a.   Pulpal involvement and periodontal disease

b.   Premolar occlusal stain and gingivitis

c.   Root calculus and gingivitis

d.   Root calculus and periodontal disease

Question 5 .  In between the patient’s restorative appointments, he has an appointment with you for the necessary dental hygiene care. Assuming that the dental and dental hygiene assessments and diagnoses have been made, implementation of the dental hygiene care would include:

a.   Scaling and polishing

b.   Scaling, root debridement, and polishing

c.   Radiographs, root debridement, and polishing

d.   Scaling, root debridement, polishing, and evaluation

Question 6 .  The new amalgams could best be finished and polished with:

a.   Slurries of pumice and tin oxide

b.   A slurry of tin oxide

c.   Finishing burs and then slurries of pumice and whiting

d.   Coarse and then fine prophylaxis pastes

Question 7 .  Which of the following teeth should be closely “periodontally monitored”?

a.   #2

b.   #2 and #3

c.   #2, #3 and #4

d.   All teeth in the case presentation should be monitored in the same way.

The patient is a 31-year-old woman who is very self-conscious of a malformed tooth that everyone can see. She has yearly dental exams and also sees the hygienist during the same appointment. Her oral home care is excellent. She is most interested in having this tooth “look a lot better than it does.” The procedure to restore this tooth is illustrated in Figure CS3.1 .

FIGURE CS3.1. A. Presentation of patient. B. Crown preparation. C. Temporary crown. D. Casts with ceramic crown. E. Permanent crown placed (facial). F. Permanent crown placed (lingual).

Question 1 .  Tooth #10 in Figure CS3.1A is commonly called:

a.   Fusion

b.   Traumatic injury

c.   Peg lateral

d.   Erosion

Question 2 .  The final restoration is said to be a ________ restoration, and the restorative procedure used to fabricate this particular restoration is called a(n) _____________ technique.

a.   Removable; direct

b.   Fixed; indirect

c.   Removable; indirect

d.   Fixed; direct

Question 3 .  After the crown preparation is made, the patient leaves with a restoration as the one shown in Figure CS3.1C . This is known as a ____________ restoration.

a.   Interim

b.   Provisional

c.   Permanent

d.   Substitute

Question 4 .  We can assume that the crown shown in Figure CS3.1E and F contains no metallic materials. Therefore, the dental material usually used in this technique is a:

a.   Cold-curing resin

b.   Special restorative cement

c.   Composite material

d.   Ceramic material

Question 5 .  The “polishing agent of choice” for the dental material selected in question 4 is:

a.   Toothpaste only

b.   A “mild” Prophy Paste

c.   A slurry of whiting

d.   Any typical Prophy Paste

Question 6 .  The most desirable characteristic of the dental material selected in question 4 is:

a.   Translucency

b.   Abrasion resistance (hardness)

c.   Fracture toughness

d.   Availability of many shades

Question 7 .  If the patient in this case had discolored teeth and wanted to have them whitened besides having the new restoration fabricated, when should the whitening take place?

a.   Before the restoration is fabricated

b.   After the restoration is fabricated

c.   Between the fabrication appointments

d.   Whitening is contraindicated in this case

Wesley Mullins, D.D.S.

This patient is a 43-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history. The patient reports that she brushes and flosses two times each day. She says that her gums bleed sometimes and that she really wants to “get my teeth in good shape and keep them that way.”

FIGURE CS4.1. Occlusal photographs of maxillary and mandibular arches. (Courtesy of Dr. Wes Mullins, Knoxville, TN.)

FIGURE CS4.2. Lateral and frontal photographs. (Courtesy of Dr. Wes Mullins, Knoxville, TN.)

FIGURE CS4.3. Two appointments of dental and periodontal charting.

FIGURE CS4.4. Full mouth radiographs.

Question 1 .  Periodontally, the patient’s gingival health has ___________________________ compared to the original baseline probing.

a.   Greatly improved

b.   Slightly improved

c.   Not changed

d.   Slightly deteriorated

e.   Greatly deteriorated

Question 2 .  Fractures are evident on which of the following teeth?

a.   Tooth #19

b.   Teeth #19 and #31

c.   Teeth #13 and #19

d.   Teeth #19 and #30

e.   Teeth #13, #19, and #31

Question 3 .  Radiographically, tooth #30 has _______________ roots and ____________ canals.

a.   2; 2

b.   3; 2

c.   3; 3

d.   2; 3

Question 4 .  Multiple restorations can be placed on one tooth. From this patient’s records, examples are present on teeth #2, #14, and #15.

a.   The first statement is true; the second statement is false.

b.   The first statement is false; the second statement is true.

c.   Both statements are true.

d.   Both statements are false.

Question 5 .  What can be said about tooth #30 distal and tooth #31 mesial amalgam margins?

a.   Tooth #30 is open; tooth #31 is overextended.

b.   Tooth #30 is overextended; tooth #31 is open.

c.   Both margins are overextended.

d.   Both margins are open.

Question 6 .  The canals in tooth #30 are filled with ___________________________ material(s).

a.   The same

b.   Two

c.   Three

d.   Temporary

Question 7 .  Supereruption is apparent on what tooth?

b.   Tooth #21

c.   Tooth #30

d.   Tooth #31

Question 8 .  According to the periodontal chart, the recession on tooth #31 has at least ____________ mm of gingival recession.

This patient is a 73-year-old woman with controlled hypertension without dry mouth who takes medication for osteoporosis. She mentions that she smokes four or five cigarettes a week because of anxiety. Her oral home care consists of brushing and flossing two times each day. She says her gums rarely bleed, she has no sensitivity, and she really wants to “keep my teeth in the best shape as possible.” She is happy with her smile.

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Dental Presentation Templates

Showcase your dental expertise with our dental powerpoint templates and google slides themes. covering dental treatments, oral health, and more, they're your toolkit for impactful presentations. 100% customizable and available for free download, they let you personalize to perfection. download today for engaging, professional dental presentations..

• Why We Need Dental Education: Just like any other field, dentistry needs ongoing learning and sharing. This is where presentations come in, helping train new dentists, updating patients on treatments, and spreading the word on good oral health.
• All About Kids' Dental Health: Dentistry for kids isn’t just fixing teeth; it's teaching them. Good presentations can show kids why they should care about their teeth, making them more open to regular dentist visits.
• The Business Part of Dentistry: Starting a clinic or launching a dental product? You need clear communication. A sharp dental business plan or an engaging brochure can do wonders. Plus, for those launching oral care products, a well-made presentation can showcase all the benefits.
• Celebrating National Dentists Day: This special day needs special content. Themed presentations can honor dental pros and remind everyone of the importance of regular check-ups and dental care.
• Lots of Choices: We offer a wide range of dental slides. Whether you're talking about basic oral care or deep-diving into complex surgeries, we've got you covered.
• Tailored to You: Whether you're building a clinic presentation, a dental treatment plan , or a dental flyer, we've got the right look for you.
• Looks Great, Teaches Well: Our dental PPT templates, with their stunning dental-themed backgrounds and clear infographics, make sharing info both pretty and simple.

We're here to help you!

What are dental presentation templates.

The dental presentation template is an excellent presentation slide with high-quality dental themes, designs, backgrounds, icons, and visuals. It is the perfect template for dental representations.

Where can we use these Dental Presentation Slides?

Dental Presentation slides are an ideal tool to be used at hospitals, medical centers, health care centers, dental colleges, and universities. These dental slides are an excellent presentation layout with stunning visual cues to engage the audience.

How can I make Dental Slides in a presentation?

Whoever is the greatest at making PowerPoint templates will find it easy. If you are new to PowerPoint and a beginner, creating a new slide could take some time. Choose any pre-made or ready-to-use templates instead. You may also go to our website for PowerPoint hints and techniques to create a new template.

Who can use Dental Templates?

Dental doctors can use dental templates to briefly present information about dental problems through eye-catchy images and icons. Also, these templates are convenient to use and customize. So, it will help you create a presentation in a minute.

Why do we need to use Dental Presentation Slides?

Dental presentation slides are the perfect templates for PowerPoint presentations. Since it is ready to use template, it will help you prepare a quick presentation in no time. Also, the template is designed with the best dental themes, visuals, and designs to enhance the presentation. It will be the perfect choice if you want to prepare a quick presentation in no time.

Where can I find free PPT Templates?

You can obtain free PowerPoint templates from several sources. But it takes a lot of work to get the ideal presentation template. Therefore, it's essential to use a reliable website like Slide Egg.

Case presentation discusses diagnosis and treatment plans that a patient can understand

Case Presentation in Dentistry

     Case presentation is the communication of both the diagnosis and treatment plans in a manner a patient can understand so that they are able to personally chose what is best for them. The patient’s choice is usually determined by budget, time available for treatment, esthetic concerns, functional demands and overall tolerance of dental procedures.

     The dental student must be able to verbally and/or graphically explain different treatment plans to a patient in a manner easily understood by the patient. The choice of words used in conversation, including dental terminology, and graphics may need to vary tremendously from patient to patient. Keep your explanations short and sweet. Be empathetic and confident during the discussion.

      If you are explaining whether a patient should extract a tooth or have root canal therapy and a crown they will probably want to know for each procedure: how long will it take, what will it feel like during the procedure and afterwards, how much will it cost and how will chewing be affected. They do not want to learn the differences between files and reamers versus 150 and 151 forceps. Focus on the differences in the benefits of the procedures not the technicalities.

Treatment of the Dental Patient

     The focus of this text is not how to specifically treat patients. Instead we are focusing on the peripheral issues which are actually the major determinants of whether a patient will actually ever let you begin treatment.

     It is strongly suggested that you always endeavor to do your best work possible. It may sound corny but it is true especially after years in private practice when the idealism of dental school may be just a distant memory. As we age, and tire more easily, it may also become more difficult to always attempt to offer each patient one’s best work. In my own private practice I have continually added specialists and generalists as I find my interest in given procedures begin to wane. I feel that my patient’s deserve that; they recognize the efforts I undertake to see that the care they receive is always in their best interest. Yes, there is a significant extra cost associated with all the other dentists around but I believe that the patient’s appreciation of the extra effort goes a long way towards building and maintaining a reputation during a lifetime of private practice.

Reevaluation of the Dental Patient

     Reevaluation as described here refers to a recall visit where the main intent is to see the extent to which you have satisfied the patient’s chief complaint. If you have not, then you must discover what must be done to make the patient happy. If the patient is pleased that their chief complaint is satisfied, then it may be time to begin a comprehensive oral exam with the associated necessary records. This may also be initially accomplished during a prophy. The point of the reevaluation is therefore twofold: confirm satisfaction of the chief complaint and then begin more comprehensive care. The reevaluation visit itself, without making any records, should be a free visit.

     It is not unusual for a patient to want to take a break from dentistry at this point and want some quiet time away from the dental drill. This is completely understandable. If this is the patient’s wish then make sure you know when their last prophy date was and ask if they would like to be reminded by you to come in at the six month cycle for a cleaning. You want to get a patient cognizant of being part of some recall cycle and even ask for their input. Avoid being pushy. Be informative and inquisitive about their individual desires.

When Clean Teeth Are a Matter of Life or Death

Course Description

A dental hygienist who is fluent in dental oncology and stem cell transplant treatment protocols can expedite many of the oral health needs of a prospective and post-treatment transplant patient. This course introduces the dental hygienist as a part of the cancer care team, which includes the patient’s primary medical oncologist and primary care physician, nursing staff, dietitian, speech therapist, psychologists and other supporting members. The dental hygienist can be the patient’s liaison and contact for oral health care triage and maintenance. 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the mechanism of hematopoietic stem cell transplant therapy (HSCT) and associated oral manifestations related to immunosuppression.
• Discuss the gravity and importance of the preventative oral hygiene protocol for patients undergoing HSCT.
• Describe the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the oral tissues.
• Construct a dental hygiene care plan for patients who will undergo organ or tissue donation.

1.0 live CE credits

Consists of a 1 hour live Zoom case study discussion.

Date: Thursday, October 17 th , 6:30-7:30 

Course fee: $19

• For group registration guidance, please email Toni De Pena at  [email protected] .

REGISTER NOW

If a course was registered in error, a refund may be granted. The refund request must be made within 24 hours of registration and emailed to Toni DePena at [email protected]. Any requests for refunds beyond that point will not be granted.  Refunds are not given for courses not attended but may be applied to another course of equal or lesser value. If any courses are canceled by NYU, a full refund will be given; in that case, students will not need to request a refund.

Meet the Instructors

Shirley S. Birenz, RDH, MS, FAADH is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at New York University College of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Programs. In her 45 years as a dental hygienist, Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings, such as public health, industry, dental and pharmaceutical research, product development, regulatory affairs, and private practice. Shirley’s goal is to generate enthusiasm for the wide range of opportunities the profession has to offer and always be available as a resource, guide, and mentor. Shirley was a co-investigator in research to promote dental hygienists as primary oral-systemic care managers and is a co-author of several publications related to this topic.

NYU Dentistry - Dental Hygiene Programs is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHNYU (January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

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Case Study: A 58-year-old male presented to a dental office

Case Study: A 58-year-old male presented to a dental office for a routine checkup. Examination revealed a nonhealing ulceration of the lower lip.

Joen Iannucci Haring, DDS, MS

When questioned about the area, the patient claimed the ulcer had been present for at least six months, maybe longer. No pain or discomfort was noted by the patient. When questioned about excessive sun exposure, the patient stated that he spends many hours outdoors and does not use sunblock. The patient denied a history of smoking and alcohol use. No history of trauma to the area was noted.

The patient had a previous history of regular and routine dental care. At the time of the dental appointment, the patient was not taking medications of any kind. No significant problems were noted during the health history.

Examinations

Physical examination of the head and neck region revealed no abnormal findings. The patient`s vital signs were all found to be within normal limits. No palpable lymph nodes were detected. No other abnormal extraoral findings were noted. Oral examination revealed an ulcerative lesion of the vermilion of the lower lip, measuring one centimeter in diameter (see photo). When palpated, the periphery of the lesion felt indurated.

Clinical diagnosis

Based on the clinical information presented, which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

* erosive lichen planus

* actinic cheilitis

* squamous cell carcinoma

* traumatic ulcer

* recurrent herpes labialis

squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is derived from the squamous epithelial cells, which are the flat and scaly cells found on the surface of the oral mucosa. When these squamous cells become cancerous, the cancer is referred to as a carcinoma, which is defined as a malignancy of epithelial origin. SCC is found both on the lips and inside the oral cavity. An estimated 90-95 percent of all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. SCC behaves differently depending upon its location; therefore, a separate discussion of SCC of the lip and intraoral SCC is warranted.

The major causative factor for SCC of the lip is prolonged sun exposure. In addition, certain forms of tobacco use play a contributing role - pipe and cigar smoking are often linked to SCC of the lip.

Clinical features

Although SCC of the lip may occur at any age, this lesion most often occurs in adults between the ages of 50 and 70; men are twice as likely to be affected as women. The lower lip is affected by SCC far more frequently than the upper lip.

SCC of the lip has a variety of clinical appearances. The usual presentation is that of a nonhealing ulceration and crust. Raised and indurated borders may be present. The size is variable; a larger lesion may appear as a crater-like defect. SCC of the lip is typically not painful and very slow to metastasize (spread) to the regional lymph nodes or other organs.

If a lip lesion is suspected to represent SCC, the patient must be promptly referred to an oral surgeon for biopsy. A biopsy and histologic examination is necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis of SCC.

Staging is the process of determining if and how far a cancer has spread. Both treatment and prognosis are dependent upon the stage of a cancer. Staging information is obtained from the physical exam, endoscopy, and imaging studies (CT scan, MRI, chest X-ray, or nuclear medicine scans).

The most common system used to stage oral SCC is termed the TNM System. This system describes three pieces of information: T refers to the size of the primary tumor, N describes the extent of spread to regional lymph nodes, and M indicates whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other organs.

Once a diagnosis and staging has been determined, treatment can be rendered. Treatment options for SCC of the lip include surgical excision and radiation therapy. Smaller lesions may be surgically removed or irradiated, while larger lesions may require a combination of both surgery and radiation.

Moh`s micrographic surgery may be used to remove some lip lesions. This method removes the tumor in thin slices. Each slice is then immediately examined under the microscope to look for cancer cells. The surgeon continues to remove slices until the cancer is completely removed. This method minimizes the amount of normal tissue that is removed along with the tumor.

Treatment success is based on the size of the lesion and metastasis. SCC of the lip is slow to metastasize to regional lymph nodes and other organs. Consequently, the overall prognosis for SCC of the lip without such metastasis is favorable, with an 85 percent five-year survival rate.

Upon completion of treatment, a patient with SCC of the lip should receive frequent follow-up physical and oral examinations; approximately 80-90 percent of recurrent lesions appear within the first two post-treatment years. Patients are usually examined every other month during the first year, four times during the second year, and then once a year thereafter.

Oral cancer and the dental professional

Both the dentist and the dental hygienist can play an important role in the detection of oral cancer by performing a cancer screening examination. It is important to remember that early detection is critical; the earlier a lesion is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.

The cancer-screening examination

A cancer-screening examination is a standardized exam for the detection of oral cancer that is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

A color poster illustrating each step of this cancer screening is available (at no charge) from the NIH. Detecting Oral Cancer: A Guide for Health Care Professionals can be obtained by contacting the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse, 1 NOHIC Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3500.

Additional resources

For additional information concerning oral cancer, the following resources are recommended:

Y American Cancer Society, (800) ACS-2345, www.

Y National Cancer Institute, (800) 4-CANCER, www.

nci.nih.gov

Y National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse,

(301) 402-7364, www.aerie.com/nohicweb

Cancer-screening steps

A thorough cancer screening must include the following steps:

> A review of the medical history. Question the patient concerning any changes in overall health since the last dental visit.

> An examination of extraoral structures. Examine and palpate the head and neck region for any enlarged and nontender lymph nodes.

> An examination of oral soft tissues. Examine all intraoral tissues at every visit with special emphasis on the three most common locations for oral cancer: lower lip, tongue, and floor of the mouth. If any suspicious lesion is noted, proceed with the following steps ...

> Careful questioning of the patient. Question the patient concerning the lesion: duration; changes in size, color, texture, or consistency; signs; symptoms; and history of injury to the area.

> Identification of risk factors. Question the patient to determine if there is a history of tobacco use, alcohol use, or excessive sun exposure (lip lesions).

> Identification of sources of irritation. Examine the adjacent areas for potential sources of irritation. Eliminate any sources of irritation (repair any chipped teeth or broken dentures).

> A follow-up evaluation of the lesion. If the patient is uncertain about how long the lesion has been present, instruct the patient to return for follow-up evaluation of the lesion in 10-14 days.

> Careful documentation of findings. Make certain to document the following: (l) any changes in medical history; (2) appearance, location and size of lesion; (3) duration of lesion; (4) any history of changes associated with the lesion; (5) any history of injury, signs, or symptoms associated with the lesion; (6) any risk factors or sources of irritation; and (7) any instructions to the patient concerning re-evaluation of the lesion.

> Recognition of the need for a biopsy. Recognize the need for further evaluation of any lesion that lasts longer than 14 days. The biopsy of a persistent lesion can be ordered by a dentist or a physician. If the result of the biopsy is negative and a strong clinical suspicion for oral cancer exists, the lesion should be re-biopsied.

Joen Iannucci Haring, DDS, MS, is an associate professor of clinical dentistry, Section of Primary Care, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

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Oral Hygiene Tips

What is good oral hygiene.

• When to See the Dentist

Frequently Asked Questions

Ensuring healthy teeth through good oral hygiene yields overall health benefits. Dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease not only lead to tooth loss, but are associated with serious, chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and diabetes.

Along with proper toothbrushing twice a day and daily flossing , maintaining a healthy smile can also mean making dietary adjustments, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, and ensuring you’re keeping up with regular dental appointments. Here’s a quick overview of what you should keep in mind to protect your teeth.  

Jessie Casson / Getty Images

Good oral hygiene, simply put, is a set of practices and habits that promote and protect your teeth and gums. But how can we tell our care is healthy? What defines good oral health? Current consensus is that good oral hygiene is the ability to speak, chew, and make facial expressions without pain, discomfort, or loss of confidence. It’s, therefore, an essential aspect of mental and physical health.

Fundamentally, the aim of a good oral hygiene routine is to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Related and equally important, it’s working to stop the progression of or deter gum disease and gingivitis (or periodontitis , a severe form that arises in the absence of treatment).

How Poor Oral Hygiene Can Affect You

How can poor oral hygiene impact your health? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Cavities , gum disease, and other issues can lead to tooth loss, which can impact your bite and ability to chew and eat.
• Untreated gum disease is associated with chronic health conditions, including heart disease , stroke , and diabetes .
• Poor dental health and appearance of the teeth can significantly impact mental health, raising self-consciousness and lowering self-esteem.
• Not getting timely dental care and cleanings reduces the chances of diagnosing and treating oral cancer .

How to Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Ultimately, good oral hygiene is more of a journey than a destination. Not only does it require adopting and adhering to positive habits, it means being ready to learn ways to get even better at caring for your teeth and gums. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

Brush Thoroughly Twice a Day

It’s common knowledge that regular and thorough toothbrushing twice a day is a cornerstone of dental hygiene. Every morning and every night, spend about two minutes brushing your teeth, with 30 seconds for each side (lower front, lower back, upper front, and upper back).

Keep in mind that you should replace toothbrushes regularly (every three to four months or if the head is worn out and loose).

Use Dental Products That Contain Fluoride  

The mineral fluoride can also help strengthen teeth. Choose toothpaste that contains fluoride, such as those approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Don’t Neglect Flossing

Along with brushing, flossing between the teeth daily is critical to protecting dental health. In addition to standard floss, other means can make this even easier, including using pre-threaded flossers or water flossing devices.

By removing food trapped between the teeth and along the gumline, flossing gets at food particles that brushing isn’t able to access.

Practice Brushing Techniques

Regular brushing is important, but it’s also crucial to employ the correct technique. According to the ADA, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• The right size : Make sure the toothbrush you use is appropriately sized, allowing you to access every dental surface in your mouth.
• Appropriate angle : Generally, keep your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.  
• Get all the sides : Make sure you are brushing the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Short strokes : Employ gentle, brief strokes, moving back and forth as you brush. Brush inner surfaces of front teeth with vertical (up and down) strokes.  
• Tongue care : Since the tongue can also be a repository for plaque-causing bacteria, make sure you brush it as well.

Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

What you eat and drink can also impact your dental health. Generally, it’s a good idea to stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet. This means emphasizing the following:

• Fiber-rich foods , such as beans, greens, apples, whole grains, and broccoli
• Dairy products, such as yogurt and milk
• Green and black tea, which contain polyphenols that can combat bacteria formation in the mouth
• Chewing sugarless gum, which can produce saliva in the mouth, protecting teeth
• Water and foods with fluoride

In addition, some foods and drinks need to be avoided, including:

• Sticky or gummy candies
• Hard candies
• Starchy foods, such as soft bread, chips, or pastries
• Soft drinks and sodas, especially those with sugar, as well as phosphoric and citric acids

Avoiding Dry Mouth

An unintended side effect of some medications is dry mouth, which can impact dental health. Talk to your dentist about your options if you know or suspect the drugs you’re taking are leading to this condition.

Limit Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Among the many negative health effects of drinking alcohol are significant impacts on dental health. Alcohol is a noted risk factor for oral cancer, and consumption has been associated with developing periodontitis.

In addition, smoking or using smokeless tobacco is closely associated with gum disease. These habits weaken the immune system, making it easier for gingivitis and periodontitis to develop.

Use Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing are the best practices for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Some people also choose to use mouthwash . Not all products are the same, and some—cosmetic mouthwashes—don’t really go after the bacteria that cause gingivitis and bad breath.

Generally, you’re best served using therapeutic mouthwashes. Look for the following active ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription mouthwash:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride
• Chlorhexidine
• Essential oils

As with toothpastes, it’s a good idea to choose a mouthwash that is approved by the ADA.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits prevent plaque and tartar buildup and ensure that there are no signs of other dental issues or cancer. As with many aspects of health, the sooner problems are caught—and the more proactive treatment is—the better off the outcomes.

How often you should visit the dentist depends on your specific case, but if you have no problems, schedule at least one appointment a year for cleaning and evaluation. However, if you have gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues, you may require additional work.  

The best strategies for protecting your dental health include brushing properly twice a day, daily flossing, limiting or stopping alcohol and/or tobacco use, avoiding sugary foods and sodas, and getting regular dental care.

When to See the Dentist 

Another important aspect of good oral health is knowing when it’s time to see a dentist. As noted above, the sooner you get help, the better off you’ll be. Signs it’s time to make an appointment or seek emergency care include:

• Tooth pain or loss
• Bleeding gums
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Constant/consistent dry mouth
• Jaw pain (especially when opening/closing the mouth)
• Spots and sores on the tongue, gums, or inside of the mouth
• Feelings of self-conscious about your teeth

Some conditions and treatments can contribute to dental problems. Make an appoint with your dentist if you are experiencing or undergoing any of the following:

• Chronic health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, or human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV )
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Ensuring good oral health is important not only to help with self-esteem, but for overall wellness and health. Dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease can cause chewing problems and discomfort. Good dental hygiene practices include brushing properly twice a day, flossing once a day, steering clear of tobacco, alcohol, and sugar foods and drinks, and getting regular care from your dentist.  

A Word From Verywell 

It can be easy to overlook dental care. All too often, the health of your teeth takes a back seat to other issues. But it’s never a good idea to put off oral care. Beyond ensuring a healthy, bright smile, keeping up with good oral health yields numerous benefits and should be considered part of an overall health and wellness plan.

Critical in all of this is that you are mindful of how your teeth and mouth are feeling. If something seems awry, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. The sooner you get the care you need, the better off you’ll be.  

Keys to maintaining oral hygiene include:

• Brushing properly twice a day
• Flossing between teeth once a day
• Ensuring you are drinking enough water
• Avoiding sugary foods and/or sodas
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking and using smokeless tobacco
• Seeing your dentist regularly (at minimum once a year for a cleaning and checkup)

Discoloration and staining of the teeth can be difficult to take on, and sometimes brushing alone won’t be able to correct the issue. Current whitening and brightening approaches include:

• In-office treatments : Dental hygienists or dentists employ a range of substances and tools to help improve the appearance of your teeth. Abrasives, colorants, peroxides, and other agents may be used to restore white color to the enamel.
• At-home remedies : Though care needs to be taken, whitening strips, gargling with hydrogen peroxide, and oil pulling are all methods that may be attempted at home. These may be effective—especially along with a good oral hygiene routine—but in-office work tends to yield better results.      
• Prevention : Limiting sugary foods and tobacco use and keeping up with regular schedules of cleaning, brushing, and flossing are all effective ways to prevent teeth from yellowing in the first place.

There are several ways that poor oral hygiene can impact you:

• Tooth decay and cavities can cause pain, discomfort, and lead to tooth loss.
• Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
• Tooth loss can affect your ability to bite and chew, which can impact diet.
• Dental issues can have a severe impact on your self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.
• Missing dental appointments increases your chances of missing signs of oral cancer.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basics of oral health. Oral Health. Updated January 4, 2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral health tips: what can adults do to maintain good oral health . Updated November 9, 2021.

Glick M, Williams D, Kleinman D, Vujicic M, Watt R, Weyant R. A new definition for oral health developed by the FDI World Dental Federation opens the door to a universal definition of oral health . J Am Dent Assoc . 2016;147(12):915-917. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2016.10.001

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Oral health . Healthypeople.gov. Updated October 27, 2021.

American Dental Association. Brushing your teeth . Mouthhealthy.org.

University of Rochester Medical Center. The best and worst foods for your teeth . Health Encyclopedia.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking, gum disease, and tooth loss . Updated February 15, 2021.

Department of Scientific Information, ADA Science Institute. Mouthwash (mouthrinse) . American Dental Association. Updated August 29, 2019.

National Institutes of Health. Taking care of your teeth and mouth . National Institute on Aging. Updated March 13, 2020.

American Dental Association. Top reasons to see a dentist . Mouthhealthy.org.

Epple M, Meyer F, Enax J. A critical review of modern concepts for teeth whitening . Dent J (Basel) . 2019;7(3):79. Published 2019 Aug 1. doi:10.3390/dj7030079

By Mark Gurarie Gurarie is a freelance writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.  

Case Presentation and Hygiene

Hygienist Support for Dental Case Presentation

Only you, the dentist, can recommend treatment, but in cases that aren’t immediately accepted by patients, members of your team can have significant influence over dental case presentation. This is especially true for the hygienist.

A Unique Combination of the Professional and the Personal

Patients know that hygienists have received special clinical training—second only to dentists—in oral health care. For this reason, when they express their point of view regarding clinical matters, it carries a lot of weight. This credibility, along with the fact that they are very familiar with the condition of patients’ teeth and gums, means that hygienists can exercise considerable influence over decisions patients make.

Hygienists can play an equally important role in forming and maintaining practice-patient relationships. They typically spend more time with patients than anyone else in a dental office. Although they must perform many tasks during a hygiene appointment, they also have the opportunity to converse with patients—not only educating them about oral health and home care but also person-to-person. With the assistance of scripts and training, hygienists can learn about patients’ lives and interests, making the kind of personal connections that strengthen confidence and loyalty.

How Your Hygienist Can Motivate Case Acceptance

When your patients readily accept the treatment you present, there’s nothing for the hygienist to do except congratulate them on making the right decision and praise you as an excellent dentist totally committed to patient well-being.

On the other hand, if patients don’t agree by the end of your initial presentation, your hygienist can play a greater role in winning eventual consent. To make the most of this opportunity, follow these steps:

1. Familiarize your hygienist with what you’ve presented and why, as well as patients’ reactions and comments. Only if your hygienist understands the situation will she be able to endorse your recommendation when she has an opportunity to do so.

2. The next time patients with pending treatment visit the practice, alert the hygienist at that day’s morning meeting. Your hygienist (not to mention other team members who will interact with these patients) needs to be aware that she may be able to help patients reach the right decision that day.

3. Your hygienist should watch for an opportunity to bring up the subject with patients. While working chairside, she should find a way to discuss your recommendation. She should use her judgment about how to do so. It may take the form of a simple question (“Have you had a chance to think more about the treatment Dr. Smith recommended?”) or a more substantive conversation about the dental condition, why the treatment makes sense, what the procedure would be like, etc. Your hygienist’s personal knowledge of the patient will guide her as to how to broach the subject.

4. Your hygienist should report to you regarding her interaction with the patient. Take a moment before coming into the treatment area to find out what transpired and decide what you should say to the patients regarding your recommendation.

Your hygienist may not be able to recommend treatment, but she can certainly influence acceptance if you and she approach it the right way.

This resource was provided by Levin Group , a leading dental consulting firm that provides dentists innovative management and marketing systems that result in increased patient referrals, production and profitability, while lowering stress. Since 1985, dentists have relied on Levin Group dental consulting to increase production.