The During Experience: Where trust is built

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As dental hygienists, once a patient walks through your door and settles into your chair, something powerful begins to unfold. The During Experience is where trust is built—or quietly broken.

The before experience: Setting the stage for patient trust

Female patient signing documents at the reception desk of modern dental clinic

On Track with KathleenYour monthly reset button for professional growth and personal well-being As dental hygienists, we often think of the appointment as starting when our patient sits in the chair. But from your patient’s perspective, their journey begins much earlier. The before experience—everything that happens leading up to the appointment—sets the tone for how … Read more

Smiles and patient surveys speak volumes

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Patient surveys are key to improving oral health experiences, driving satisfaction and loyalty with measurable ROI. Effective surveys should be simple, concise, aligned with patient preferences, and integrated into broader marketing strategies to highlight strengths and address areas for improvement.

Strengthening patient engagement to keep dental care connected and effective

A male dentist of Indian descent wearing green medical scrubs sits on a stool and talks with a Black senior woman in a modern and bright dental examination room.

Staying connected with patients is essential for providing high quality oral healthcare. Dental practices thrive when communication is clear, relationships are strong, and patients feel informed about their treatment plans. Engagement supports better outcomes by helping individuals understand their oral health needs and feel confident about reaching out when concerns arise. Communication that builds trust … Read more

The $20,000 phone call most dentists never hear

How one simple phone call can quietly drain tens of thousands from your practice without you even knowing it.

before you invest in another scanner, marketing campaign, or consultant promising new patients, start with your front desk. Because if your phone calls fail, your marketing dollars and your new technology cannot save you.

The solution to this common dental practice struggle | Weekly Wisdom

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This is where most dental clinics are struggling…the patient handover. Dr. Sanya Arora, dentist at Arora Dental & practice management consultant, describes a common mistake being made that is leading to patients not returning. Let this be a reminder to always walk your patients back to reception and make sure they are booked back. Subscribe … Read more

How being an empath can help as a dentist | Weekly Wisdom 

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Which of your personality traits has helped you the most as a dentist? For Dr. Jeffrey Gurian, being an empath helped him be a better dentist by pushing him to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for his patients. He helped form “better patients” that were less afraid during their appointments. Subscribe to Oral Health’s … Read more

The question you need to be asking your dental patients | Weekly Wisdom

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Do you make sure to ask your patients, “Are there any further questions?” before ending their appointment? Dr. Sanya Arora, dentist at Arora Dental & practice management consultant, describes why asking this question is so important for building patient relationships. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox … Read more

How to make your dental patients feel comfortable | Weekly Wisdom

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How do you make sure your patients feel comfortable? Dentist and comedian Dr. Jeffrey Gurian shares a few tips on how he makes his more anxious patients feel at ease at his practice. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox every week!

Are patients still afraid of going to the dentist?

Scared patient showing stop gesture with hands sitting on dentist chair refusing dental treatment while dentist holding drill approaching her

Fear of the dentist, or “dentophobia,” has been widely discussed within both the dental profession and general society, with extensive research conducted on the topic. In our recent survey of Canadian dental patients, 73% of respondents did not consider themselves to have a dental phobia. While this is an encouraging result, dental professionals must still … Read more

Owning my journey in community dentistry

A latin boy and a dental assistant giving high five and smiling at each other.

Building a legacy with purpose When I think about dentistry, I don’t think about teeth first. I think about people. I think about stories. Every patient who walks through the door carries a life in progress, shaped by resilience, uncertainty, and hope. Some smiles arrive easily. Others are hard-won. Each one holds meaning. I entered … Read more

Soft skills: The secret weapon of top dentists | Weekly Wisdom 

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Do you know the secret weapon to becoming a top dentist? While clinical skills are important, your soft skills will make you a successful dentist long term. Dr. Aisling Whitaker, CEO of Dental Hive, shares why good communication skills allow you to better connect with your patients and help them understand treatment plans. Subscribe to … Read more

A simple trick to improve patient experience | Weekly Wisdom 

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Do you sit down or stand up during a hygiene check? Dr. Sanya Arora, Dentist at Arora dental & Practice management consultant, shares one her best tips for improving patient experience and all you have to do is take a seat. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your … Read more

The generational divide

Five people at different ages standing against a wall separately.

Don’t just fit your patient into an appointment; adjust the appointment for your patient. This sentiment is relevant not just for the clinical aspects of an appointment but also the administration side. Most dental offices have a patient base that varies demographically, and often the different generations have different preferences. When we asked patients how … Read more

Managing your time for productivity, success, and happiness | Weekly Wisdom

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Have you engineered your schedule to maximize productivity? Peter Barry, a practice success coach, shares a few tips for managing your time at the office for a productive and successful day for you and your team. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox every week!