A preliminary treatment plan should definitely be formulated and it is also prudent to use an organized form on which to place these clinical recommendations. Although it may be revised considerably, different alternatives should be considered before the second appointment. A quadrant-by-quadrant outline of functional necessities with a separate list of esthetic options will suffice.
The diagnosis and treatment planning phase for the treatment of esthetic dental problems can occupy a considerable amount of time. However, the presentation of the findings can often be better handled by a treatment coordinator skilled in the art of patient communication than by the dentist.
THE ROLE OF THE TREATMENT COORDINATOR
The ideal dental treatment coordinator is skilled in all the phases of dental practice including insurance, patient accounts, and has a good rapport with people. The treatment coordinator’s job begins either when the patient telephones for information as a new patient or upon the patient’s initial meeting with the dentist. During examination and initial diagnosis, the treatment coordinator records the findings. The treatment coordinator needs a full and clear understanding of all phases of treatment to enable him or her to present the treatment plan to the patient in an easy-to-understand format. After the treatment coordinator has presented a plan that is mutually acceptable to the doctor and the patient, he or she then proceeds to schedule the treatment and make the financial arrangements.
With the increasing use of auxiliary personnel, a dental treatment coordinator can be the backbone of the treatment team’s communication process, providing support to the dentist, dental assistants, hygienist, receptionist, bookkeeper, and office manager alike. Your dental treatment coordinator should spend about half of the average workday dealing with treatment planning. Another third of the day will be devoted to necessary paperwork including insurance and accident cases. That leaves the balance of the day for patient problems—fees, miscommunications, and explanations of complicated dental procedures that the patient may not completely understand.
The dental treatment coordinator is responsible for office public relations as well as problem solving. All lines of professional communication help to provide a smooth and effective treatment process for the patient. The treatment coordinator should maintain the credibility of the dentist and staff and reinforce the entire staff’s dedication to ensuring the patient’s faith in treatment already begun. It involves organizing and streamlining all aspects associated with patient treatment. This also requires checking the insurance and personal information that the patient provides.
Although payment for esthetic dentistry is always arranged in advance, if the treatment plan extends over considerable time a payment plan may need to be developed and explained fully to the patient. Some dentists do not want to talk about money with patients while others are perfectly comfortable doing so. If you are uncomfortable discussing fees with patients, you may too often end up giving away a good portion of your time, or working for a lower fee than you would normally charge. Therefore, for the financial health of your practice, make sure the treatment coordinator discusses fees and methods of payment with the patient.
In many instances, one appointment is all that is needed to diagnose, image, plan treatment, and make financial arrangements with your patient. However, more complex patient problems will usually require a second appointment.
THE SECOND APPOINTMENT
A completed Smile Analysis form should be discussed after the patient has reviewed the radiographs with the dentist and understands the preferred course of treatment. With a thorough analysis, useful conclusions can be made about the patient’s attitude toward his or her esthetic problems.
The Smile Analysis provides information essential to the thorough knowledge and understanding of the patients’ attitudes, which should never be ignored. Patients may ask the impossible or make statements that point to more profound wishes and attitudes. Hear not only what a patient says but also what he or she means. If the planned esthetic treatment is simple, present the final treatment plan soon after the Smile Analysis has been discussed. For the patient with a difficult tooth problem (repositioning or periodontal involvement), consultation with a specialist should be arranged.
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