As dental hygienists, we are positioned to be prevention specialists. Our primary goal is to evaluate and educate our patients on their oral health and offer options to aid in reducing their risk for future complications. In our quest to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care, are we truly offering our patients all available options for improving their oral health?
One option that often remains underutilized in our practice is clear aligner therapy. If you don't currently discuss options for proper tooth alignment, you may not be practicing the best possible dental hygiene.
Here are five considerations to keep in mind for practicing comprehensive care and enhancing the preventive workflow:
1. Discussing clear aligners conforms with standards for practice.
Our commitment to excellence in clinical dental hygiene practice mandates that we outline all potential risk factors associated with our patients' oral health. By neglecting to educate our patients about clear aligners, we are essentially withholding a viable option for addressing malocclusion and its associated oral health risks. Incorporating clear aligners into our recommendations keeps us in compliance with our professional obligation to provide comprehensive care. According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association, we have a duty to collect and analyze oral and systemic data, including occlusion, to accurately identify the patient's oral health needs and develop a dental hygiene diagnosis that supports our treatment recommendations. If we don't assess occlusion or evaluate the cause of periodontal infections, we are not practicing comprehensive dental hygiene.
2. It's taking a proactive approach to treatment.
Prevention is paramount in dentistry. Encouraging patients to consider clear aligners for orthodontic correction embodies a proactive approach to treatment. Properly aligned teeth not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to improved oral health outcomes. By addressing malocclusion early with clear aligners, we can mitigate the need for extensive restorative treatments down the line, ultimately preserving natural dentition and promoting long-term oral health.
3. Patients deserve information on all potential options.
As oral healthcare providers, it is imperative that we consider all facets of our patients' health when assessing and treating oral conditions. Clear aligners offer a non-invasive, patient-friendly solution for correcting malocclusion. By discussing clear aligners alongside traditional orthodontic and restorative methods, we put our patient in the driver's seat and empower them to make informed decisions about their oral health journey.
4. Staging and grading allows us to tell the full story.
The adoption of updated staging and grading systems in dentistry enhances our ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare providers. As recommended by the American Academy of Periodontology, an occlusal assessment should be included when diagnosing periodontal disease. Incorporating clear aligners into treatment recommendations not only addresses malocclusion but also provides an opportunity to educate patients about the impact of their occlusion on periodontal health and overall oral wellness.
5. Oral disease prevention is profitable.
Embracing a proactive approach to treatment may initially seem counterintuitive to profitability in the hygiene department. However, integrating clear aligners into our service mix presents an opportunity for high-ticket restorative treatment that requires minimal chair time. By addressing malocclusion early with clear aligners, we not only enhance patient outcomes but also create a pathway for additional treatment modalities, thereby increasing the profitability of the hygiene department.
In conclusion, as dental hygienists, it is our responsibility to advocate for the best interests of our patients by providing them with comprehensive, evidence-based care. Embracing clear aligners as a proactive treatment option not only harmonizes with our professional standards but also enhances patient outcomes and practice profitability. Let us empower ourselves to empower our patients on their journey to optimal oral health by incorporating clear aligners into our proactive treatment recommendations.
ALICIA MURRIA, RDH, MS
Hygiene Faculty, Align Technology
Lead Productivity Coach, Inspired Hygiene
Founder, Tech Speaking, LLC
www.aliciamurria.com
alicia@aliciamurria.com
Figures and Images
Alicia Murria, RDH, MS
