All Things Hygiene – Part 2: Hygiene, Protocols, Planning & Communication

Course Objectives

1. Emphasize the Importance of Preparation in Patient Care
   Learners will implement proactive hygiene preparation strategies—such as pre-huddle review and checklist development—to reduce reactivity and increase patient impact.
   
   
2. Establish a Team-Wide Culture of Morning Huddles
   Learners will build consistent, productive morning huddles that go beyond repetition, integrating accountability and collaborative problem-solving.
   
   
3. Define and Implement Optimal Hygiene Protocols
   Learners will assess current hygiene systems, standardize probe selection, and ensure clinical protocols align with AAP guidelines and systemic health best practices.
   
   
4. Improve Perio Diagnosis and Communication
   Learners will increase perio treatment rates by using calibrated assessments, defining thresholds for care, and practicing confident, patient-friendly language.
   
   
5. Support Same-Day Treatment Planning and Execution
   Learners will coordinate with TCs and clinical staff to ensure treatment plans are prepared in advance, allowing efficient, impactful care delivery.
   
   
6. Build a Consistent Standard of Care Across Teams
   Learners will create systems that reduce variability between hygienists and doctors, especially in diagnostics, treatment recommendations, and follow-through.
   
   
7. Empower Hygienists with Tools and Verbal Skills
   Learners will equip hygienists with the tools, time, and confidence to present perio and adjunctive treatments, including role-playing and scripting for complex conversations.
   
   
8. Enhance the Doctor-Hygiene Handoff Experience
   Learners will practice effective doctor-hygiene handoffs that reinforce clinical recommendations, improve patient trust, and strengthen the perception of a unified care team.
   
   
9. Design Incentive Models That Drive Healthy Growth
   Learners will evaluate multiple hygiene compensation strategies (individual, pooled, or hybrid) and create rule-based, sustainable incentive systems aligned with patient outcomes.
   
   
10. Lead with Gratitude and Accountability
    Learners will adopt leadership practices that blend appreciation, consistent expectations, and open dialogue to elevate hygiene culture and long-term performance.