These Five Questions Reveal the Answer. 

Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you may benefit from adding dental treatment coordinators to your practice.

1) DO I HAVE OFFICE TECHNOLOGY THAT IS UNUSED, OR NOT BEING UTILIZED TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL?

From using intraoral cameras to harnessing the power of computer software and multimedia patient education programs, a treatment coordinator can develop important skills and help optimize practice efficiency and organization.

2) AM I TOO OVERWHELMED TO ADEQUATELY FOLLOW-UP ON OUTSTANDING DENTISTRY?

A dental treatment coordinator will keep in touch with patients, and will provide reminders, as well as encouragement, to pursue recom- mended dentistry. Overall, you will improve your case acceptance ratio.

3) DO I HAVE DENTAL ASSISTANTS WHO ARE BRIGHT, TALENTED AND WANT MORE?

A treatment coordinator position affords an opportunity for talented members of your team to grow personally and professionally. If you have staff members who demonstrate leadership, a caring, professional demeanor with patients, as well as strong organizational skills and a desire to excel, you likely have ideal candidates for the dental treatment coordinator position. Help develop their interpersonal and communication skills, as well as their diagnostic case presentation skills.

4) AM I PERFORMING TASKS THAT COULD BE ASSIGNED TO EMPLOYEES?

Delegating responsibilities for patient follow-up and patient education to a dental treatment coordinator can free up valuable time.

5) IS MY FRONT DESK STAFF BOGGED DOWN AND OVERWHELMED?

Dental treatment coordinators can help lighten the administrative load, thereby eliminating the perceived need for another administrator.

Treatment coordinators handle traditional dental assisting duties in addition to responsibilities in several areas including chart review, meeting preparation,  treatment plan presentation,  new patient appointments, systematic follow-up and tracking monthly goals.  The benefits to your practice and your bottom line are often much greater than the investment in professional training and implementation of this new, supportive role.

As a professional educator, I provide comprehensive training for dental assistants to become Dental Treatment Coordinators. If you’re interested in learning more about this dynamic role that develops talented team members and helps your practice accomplish more, please contact Catherine Etters.