As dental professionals, we’re all too familiar with the phrase, “I’ll think about it.” While patients must make informed decisions about their oral health, this response can often be a sign of hesitation or uncertainty. That’s why we developed a powerful tool to help guide patients toward confident decisions: the Healthy Mouth Baseline (HMB). But how can you leverage the HMB to increase your case acceptance rate and ensure your patients receive the care they need? We’ve developed a simple six-step process to help you do just that.
Understanding the Healthy Mouth Baseline
The Healthy Mouth Baseline is a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s oral health. It provides a clear, objective standard for what constitutes a healthy mouth, covering various aspects such as gum health, tooth integrity, and overall oral hygiene. By establishing a baseline, you create a reference point for both you and your patients, making it easier to identify issues and track decline or improvements over time.
Step 1: Educate Your Team
Before implementing the HMB, ensure your entire dental team is well-versed in its purpose and application. Training sessions should cover how to conduct the baseline assessment, interpret results, and communicate findings to patients effectively. When your team is confident and knowledgeable, they can better support patients throughout their treatment journey. (Need help with team training? Check out our quick and easy training video HERE)
Step 2: Integrate the HMB into Your Initial Consultations
Incorporate the Healthy Mouth Baseline assessment into your initial consultations with new patients. This should include a thorough examination and documentation of their current oral and related physical health status. Use visual aids and clear language to explain each aspect of the baseline, helping patients understand the significance of their results.
Step 3: Communicate Clearly and Compassionately
Effective communication is key to improving case acceptance rates. When discussing the HMB results with patients, focus on clarity and empathy. Highlight areas of concern and explain the potential consequences of leaving these issues untreated. However, be sure to balance this with positive reinforcement, acknowledging aspects of their oral health that are in good condition.
Step 4: Present Personalized Treatment Plans
Using the HMB as a foundation, develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. Clearly outline the recommended procedures, expected outcomes, and benefits. Present these plans in a way that emphasizes the improvement of their overall health and quality of life, rather than just fixing isolated problems.
Step 5: Address Financial Concerns Transparently
Cost can be a significant barrier to case acceptance. Be proactive in discussing financial options with patients. Provide detailed information about payment plans, insurance coverage, and financing options. By being transparent and offering solutions, you can help alleviate financial anxieties and make the path to a healthier mouth more accessible. You may even want to designate a specific team member as the financial coordinator to keep the doctors and hygienists separate from money conversations.
Step 6: Follow-Up and Show Progress
Regular follow-ups are essential to maintaining patient engagement and trust. Use follow-up appointments to reassess their Healthy Mouth Baseline, showing tangible improvements and addressing any new concerns. Celebrating their progress not only reinforces the value of the treatments but also strengthens their commitment to ongoing care.
Building Trust, Commitment, and a Strong Case Acceptance Rate
The Healthy Mouth Baseline is more than just an assessment tool; it’s a powerful way to build trust and commitment with your patients. By providing a clear, objective understanding of their oral health and guiding them through personalized treatment plans, you can transform “I’ll think about it” into “Let’s get started.”
By integrating the HMB into your practice, you’re not only improving your case acceptance rates but also fostering long-term relationships built on trust and positive health outcomes.
How Else Can NextLevel Practice Boost Your Practice?
Start incorporating the Healthy Mouth Baseline in your practice today. Train your team, educate your patients, and watch as your case acceptance rates soar and your patients’ oral health thrives.
When you’re ready to find more ways to increase your case acceptance rate, improve your profitability, and supercharge your practice, give us a call. The dental practice management consultants at NextLevel Practice are standing by to help set your practice up for success.
