{"id":5966,"date":"2019-10-25T12:00:49","date_gmt":"2019-10-25T17:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oraldna.com\/trends-in-salivary-testing\/?p=5966"},"modified":"2021-05-20T14:25:13","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T19:25:13","slug":"the-doctor-hygienist-hand-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oraldna.com\/trends-in-salivary-testing\/index.php\/2019\/10\/25\/the-doctor-hygienist-hand-off\/","title":{"rendered":"The Doctor-Hygienist Hand-Off"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As a formerly practicing hygienist and now a dentist, I am respectfully sensitive to the time constraints and importance of the information exchange during a periodic exam in the hygienist\u2019s treatment room. My team and I developed, practice, and teach this exchange for thoroughness, patient benefit, and emphasis of our professionalism.<\/p>\n

When the doctor enters the hygienist\u2019s treatment room, the hygienist is to highlight and summarize her findings in the most efficient and effective verbiage. For example, \u201cDr. Kern, Mrs. Jones is doing well. We reviewed her medical history and her diabetes is under control with a new medication, “x,” she continues to take \u201cy\u201d for her hypertension (BP), \u201cz\u201d for her allergies, and \u201cv\u201d for whatever systemic disease. She has just returned from a trip to see her family in Iowa, as her mother is ill,\u201d or \u201cher son is getting married in a few months.\u201d In just a sentence or two, the hygienist has informed the doctor and confirms to the patient that the hygienist is aware of their medical condition(s) and stress level.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe oral cancer screening was within normal limits except for an aphthous ulcer adjacent to #3 in the vestibule, could you please confirm that, Doctor?\u00a0 On the restorative exam, I noticed the old mercury filling on #30 is chipping at the margins,\u201d or \u201cI felt a \u2018soft spot\u2019 around the margin of #3,\u201d or \u201cthere are a couple of areas on the radiographs.\u00a0 I’d like you to check between #3 and #4\u2014Doctor, could you please check that during your exam?\u201d If the doctor has recommended treatment at a previous appointment, the hygienist would also share that information aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Jones says she is using a Sonicare\u2122 brush as well as a Waterpik\u2122 daily and she’s doing a good job reaching most areas.\u201d Alternatively, you might review that \u201cwhen she was on vacation, she was a bit lax with her homecare so there is room for improvement, and I will be reviewing technique with her today.\u201d These comments about the patient\u2019s oral hygiene homecare should be honest and factual, not condescending.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring my periodontal assessment, I noted bleeding with probing\/sweeping and pocket readings of generalized 4-5mm. I am concerned about a possible infection around #30 and #31 where there are pocket depths of 6mm with heavy bleeding.\u201d This information is invaluable to the doctor. With active signs of disease, a recommendation for OralDNA\u00ae saliva testing is made.\u00a0 The hygienist might conclude by stating, \u201cI’m recommending 4 appointments of therapy to treat the infection in x areas, with an OralDNA\u00ae specimen collected first, to better understand the cause of the possible infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

We call this exchange of information the Hand-Off. In just a few sentences, the patient’s condition is summarized in front of them, in non-dental terminology, thus positioning the doctor to quickly direct his or her attention to the areas of most concern.<\/p>\n

The Hand-Off can increase your time efficiency and includes:<\/p>\n