Message Boards
Today's Active Topics Today's Active Cases Browse Forum Categories My Recent Activity My Messages Private Groups My Marked Threads My Subscriptions
Today's Active Images Today's Active Polls Most Active Topics Global Townie Map Advanced Message Board Search Message Board Terms of Use

From Trisha's Desk Trisha E. O'Hehir, RDH, BS Editorial Director, Hygienetown Magazine

More by this author (282)
The I Method

Trisha E. O'Hehir, RDH, BS
Editorial Director,
Hygienetown Magazine 		No matter what the economy, hygienists are in a unique position to increase production in the office and to invite new patients to the practice, all while improving oral health. In business, the "I Method" is used to increase production and decrease overhead. Team members are encouraged to ask themselves: "What can 'I' do to increase production and decrease expense?" Here are four easy ways that I, as a hygienist, have used to improve oral health that also increase production.

1. Answer questions and recommend treatment. Hygienists answer the many questions patients raise, after the dentist has left the room. "If it were your mouth, would you do what Dr. Getheatlhy just recommended?" "Absolutely," should be the answer followed by an offer to answer any other questions about the treatment. If the hygienist and dentist are on the same page, it's very easy to support and encourage the established dental treatment plan and vice-versa, for the dentist to support the dental hygiene treatment plan.

2. Business cards. I'm sure you are often asked where you work or what you do. Always have your business cards ready to share and invite people to visit your practice for excellent care. When you meet people at the store, bank or restaurant who could use your expertise and that of your employer, it's a perfect time to leave your business card. A toothbrush with your practice name and number is a business card that will be used and remembered. Restaurant wait-staff leave you a candy with the bill – why not leave them a toothbrush with your office number.

3. Add new services and products. It's time to turn bloody prophies into periodontal therapy, add caries risk assessment and remineralization therapy, and if you have the space, stock and sell products you recommend. Patients are happy to buy the products you recommend rather than searching for them later in the drug store and not finding them.

4. Ask for referrals. When patients tell you how happy they are with your treatment, simply say: "Thank you. If your friends or family are looking for a good dental office, we are always happy to have more patients just like you."
Inside This Section Cover model: Linda Douglas, RDH, graduated in 1982 from the Royal Dental Hospital School of Dental Hygiene, in London, England, and has worked in Toronto since 1990. She is married with one daughter. She is also a regular contributor to the Hygienetown message board forums, and has recently written an article on Xerostomia management for a British Dental Journal publication.
Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
Dentaltown Magazine September 2025 Read Current Issue Read Archived Issues
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
Site Menu
Message Boards Magazine Continuing Education Podcasts Blogs Classifieds Dental News Events Townie® Poll Ebooks Townie Choice Awards
Company Info
Contact Us Advertise With Us Howard Farran DDS, MBA Policies and Agreements
Site Help
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450