Building a Profitable Hygiene Department – Part 1: Systems, Mindset, and Daily Execution

Course Objectives

1. Shift the Hygiene Department Mindset Toward Growth and Ownership
   Learners will explore how embracing change, overcoming time limitations, and adopting a growth-focused mindset fuel long-term hygiene department success.
   
   
2. Understand the Core Metrics for Hygiene Profitability
   Learners will learn how to track production-to-pay ratios, daily production targets, and adjunctive service goals to build a profitable and sustainable hygiene model.
   
   
3. Master the Importance of Morning Prep and Intentional Planning
   Learners will implement structured pre-day chart reviews, treatment plan preparations, and insurance verification checks to maximize patient opportunities and reduce missed care.
   
   
4. Design Operatories and Workflows for Maximum Efficiency
   Learners will set up treatment rooms with everything needed within arm’s reach, reducing downtime and making adjunctive services easy to deliver during the appointment.
   
   
5. Implement a 20-Minute Comprehensive Patient Assessment Protocol
   Learners will execute a systematic 20-minute patient evaluation covering soft tissue, hard tissue, occlusion, smile improvements, chief complaints, and periodontal health.
   
   
6. Integrate Same-Day Services to Maximize Patient Care and Production
   Learners will confidently introduce same-day scaling and root planing (SRP), fluoride treatments, laser bacterial reductions, and adjunctive x-rays based on patient assessments.
   
   
7. Collaborate Effectively With Front Office and Clinical Teams
   Learners will align with front office teams for insurance breakdowns, quick treatment plan preparation, and efficient communication to support same-day case acceptance.
   
   
8. Use Exam Sheets to Enhance Doctor-Hygienist Collaboration
   Learners will utilize laminated exam cards and systematic handoffs to streamline exams, reinforce recommendations, and reduce patient confusion or missed communication.
   
   
9. Deliver Clear, Patient-Friendly Communication to Boost Treatment Acceptance
   Learners will practice verbiage strategies that prepare patients for findings during probing and exams, making them active participants in their own care decisions.
   
   
10. Create and Follow Periodontal Treatment Protocols Across the Practice
    Learners will establish standardized perio protocols collaboratively between hygienists and doctors, ensuring consistency and confidence in diagnosing and presenting care.