Intergrating A Hygiene Protocol

Experience has shown me that implementing a system that included: patient and parent commitment, a standardized hygiene rating tool, and a way for patients to communicate results in between visits helped us reach new levels of success. I’ve also learned that giving my patients the highest quality of care means I have to equip them with the best at-home-care products they need to improve their oral hygiene at home.

TIP #1 - INTEGRATE A HYGIENE SYSTEM INTO YOUR PRACTICE

Here’s a quick overview of how we’ve been successful in achieving better hygiene outcomes in our office. Our first step was implementing the OrthoEssentials Program that has helped set up consistent expectations and accountability for patients. The hygiene team implemented the program and found the protocol gave them a standardized, effective way to help engage and counsel our patients. We saw an immediate improvement in how the office functions and that has translated into better outcomes for everyone.

TIP #2- ENGAGE PARENTS IN THEIR CHILD’S HYGIENE CARE

An important part of elevating hygiene results is engaging parents in their child’s home care with easy-to-use tools. The at-home care kit we provide patients includes an Oral-B GENIUS power brush with the Bluetooth app. This app allows the patient and the parents to connect and track hygiene progress. The Oral-B app was a game changer! Using the app allowed us to:

• Teach and learn proper technique together in the office

• Review brushing time when using the brush at home

• Check for over-aggressive brushing

• Adapt/initiate counselling based on brushing feedback

Having parents on board with fun and easy-to-use tools also provided a way to monitor flossing and rinsing to ensure the whole oral care routine was completed each session.

- Dr. Dana Van Elslande Orthodontist