Thank you to Rose for her article on posture and self-care in dentistry. She highlights how small daily habits can help prevent musculoskeletal issues and protect our long-term wellbeing. Click below to read and put her tips into practice.

A recent audit has shown that team members who have been following BSP (British Society of Periodontology) guidance in their hygiene notes have been more consistent and better at keeping patients motivated. To maintain this high standard across the team, every hygiene appointment should include:

• BS, BPE, PS (omit PS only if clearly <5%).
• Set targets: <5% bleeding, <10% plaque.
• Compare with previous scores to show progress.
• Verbal summary before leaving: recall interval and current OH status.
• Tailored aftercare with product suggestions (e.g., floss, interdental brushes and tongue scrapers).
• Perio patients: full-mouth BS, PS and 6PPC; clone charts in Dentally for review.
• Oral cancer screening: refer for dental exam/oral surgeon if any signs.

This structured approach ensures that patients understand their oral health in measurable terms, take ownership of their progress, and feel engaged in their treatment journey.

Airflow – should be offered to every patient where clinically applicable, unless the patient declines. Inform them of the extra £15 charge.

Aim: 6 out of 7 patients accepting Airflow.

Retail Recommendations

Suggest appropriate home-care products to every patient and note that items are available for purchase at reception.

Doing so:

• Shows patients you care about their at home maintenance.
• Supports the practice in maintaining high-quality equipment and facilities.

An automated email is now sent to patients following their hygiene appointment, covering aftercare advice, product suggestions, and a request for a Google review. All of these points should still be discussed during the appointment—the email is there to reinforce it.

Template - Post dental hygiene care guide

We would appreciate it if you could order for some free toothpaste samples to give to patients. With several children’s oral health sessions coming up, it would be great if you could also request some Colgate children’s samples. Thank you.

We have the toothbrush cover sleeves and disposable heads. Use it to show the patients on how to clean their teeth properly.