Simple Steps to Optimal Oral Systemic Patient Management Hint: It’s all about your Hygiene Team

Today’s presentation is entitled:

Simple Steps to Optimal Oral Systemic Patient Management.
It’s All About Hygiene!

and was delivered by Patti DeMatteis, ASDH, RDH and Lora Boukheir, BSDH, RDH, EFDA.

Both are founding members of The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health and Preceptors of the Bale/Doneen Method, for heart attack and stroke prevention.

In this most enlightening presentation, Patti and Lora introduced the DHE Method. The instructors introduce the 14 steps to Effective Patient Management.

As leading hygienists and managing partners, along with Drs. Barb McClatchie, DDS and Eric Goulder, MD, of the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio, they demonstrated how to integrate the oral systemic practice model into clinical practice.

Patti and Lora discussed the important role of the hygienist, and how creating consistent treatment protocols delivers outstanding patient outcomes.

This program demonstrates how practicing the DHE Method decreases no shows and cancellations, increases periodontal services and sells more dentistry!

Questions answered during the presentation included:

1. How do you ensure morning huddles do not devolve into “Breakfast Clubs?”
2. Do you present therapy before the salivary test results come back?
3. Do you think it is common knowledge that heart attack and stroke are preventable? I think a lot of people don’t know this, and assume it is synonymous with ‘dying from natural causes.’
4. What is a reasonable time frame for the hygiene team to embrace this new paradigm?
5. When do you recommend antibiotics?
6. Aa, Fn, Td a ‘facilitator’ how does that relate to causation, co-morbidity, etc.?
7. How are we paid for these tests? Gratis, FFS, 3rd Party?
8. What is cost of tests? are they covered?
9. Are there reimbursements on the medical side we can access for our clients?
10. What do you charge for the Oral DNA saliva test?
11. Do you recommend nutritional supplements?
12. Do you recommend specific home care products and tools?
13. How do you help ensure the Team masters the tools to effectively and consistently communicate with patients?