What Takes the Most Time After Instrumentation During a Hygiene Appointment?

I started polling hygienists about six months ago because I was curious. I wanted to know if they were doing anything differently than I was.

One question I asked was what takes the most time after instrumentation during a typical hygiene appointment.

The answer SHOCKED me:

Eighty percent of hygienists said waiting for—and being present during—the doctor exam.

The exam is important. But it doesn't require the hygienist to be there the entire time.

If a hygienist spends part of every appointment waiting for the doctor, that's time they aren't providing hygiene care.

Maybe the answer isn't another hygienist. Maybe it's making better use of the team you already have.