6 Proven Techniques to Make Your Orthodontic Summer the Most Productive Yet

Summer is often the most productive time for dental practices with young patients. Use these six proven techniques from POS instructors to make your orthodontic summer the most productive yet.

1. Assistants should spend more chairside time with ortho patients than you

In most states, assistants (or hygienists) can do much of the orthodontic work. You should not waste your doctor time changing elastic colors on patients. The most efficient teams have assistants or hygienists taking records, importing records into a software, tracing cephs, helping to prime or close sales, tying ligature wires in, sterilizing instruments, helping with functional appliances, assisting with headgear and retainers, and more.

Get your assistants trained in our Assistant and Team Training Course, or request an in-office consultant to come to you!

2. Your manager should file insurance properly

Understanding insurance can be complicated, says instructor Dr. Richard Richter and his office manager and wife Lorraine Richter. They say that once your manager understands how to bill insurance and how to use the correct wording or questions when following up, you will see a much faster processing time and greater reimbursements.

POS Instructor Dr. Joe Viviano tells us a good tip that you may be able to get orthodontic insurance income with TMD codes, if you contact the insurance company properly and submit the right, documented case.

3. See (and mimic) how an expert does it

One of the quickest ways to become successful in anything is to mimic those whom are successful. Your team can save a lot of time by mimicking those whom have mastered their orthodontics roles.

Listen to those with greater ortho experience than you, so you don't have to go through the same learning curve. It's even better if you can observe or work with an expert to see first-hand how they work. Your team can hire an in-office consultant through POS, or connect with other GPs doing orthodontics on SmileStream.

4. Offer ortho to every patient

Increase your orthodontic efficiency by having a higher volume of orthodontic patients and economies of scale. There are many ways you can develop your orthodontic demand in a highly profitable way. POS Instructor Dr. Suzie Bergman suggests that you or a team member (pre-)consult with each patient who has orthodontic needs. She simply asks all new patients, “Have you ever thought about straightening your teeth?” Some other easy demand boosting strategies are discussed in this webinar video.

5. Ramp up your marketing 

Make sure your patients know about your orthodontic services. Announce it on social media, add it to your answering/on-hold message, and place brochures around your office. Refer your patients to our website individualortho.com, which has lots of useful information for anyone considering ortho treatment. Don't forget to tell your team so they too can promote it! You or your manager can also watch a 30 minute webinar to help you to optimize your orthodontic demand. 

6. Schedule for high productivity

Arrange your patients strategically so that doctor time and overall chair time is kept to a minimum. Your team should set up scheduling protocols. For example, Dr. Bergman has her team coordinate scheduling so that patients with a headgear check get their prophy done at the same appointment.

Do you have any tips for increasing efficiency in your practice? Share them in the comments below!