hygieneToo much to do and not enough time to get it all done? Screening your patients quickly and prioritizing their needs is the secret to dental hygiene time management. In our new course, The Best Ever Hygiene Exam, Kim Miller, RDH, details the step-by-step protocols for providing an unmatched hygiene exam.

One of the most important steps to understand is the concept of proxemics to ensure a successful dental hygiene appointment. You want to make sure that you are sitting an appropriate distance from the patient, allowing them enough personal space to feel comfortable during the exam.

Another concept that is vital to understand is active listening. This means actually listening to the patient without interjecting. Remaining silent until the patient has finished voicing their concerns will show the patient that you are hearing them and digesting everything they have to say when it comes to the concerns they may have about their oral health.

Finally, this course will address how you can be sure that you are asking your dental hygiene patients the right questions. This critical exam will set the stage for dental hygiene time management while ensuring quality care and appropriate recommendations for additional treatment when necessary.

After viewing this lesson on providing your patient with the best dental hygiene exam, you'll have a better understanding of:



  • The five things you should never leave out of your hygiene exam

  • The value of co-diagnosis

  • How to transition the patient out of one treatment category into another

  • Bringing the patient back without fear


Log on now to begin learning about common patient success. If you're not yet a Spear Digital Suite Premium member, click here to learn more.

Denise Prichard is the Editor for Spear Education.

Be first to post a comment