Where Do Most New Patient Exams Occur?

THE WPS REPORT
Written By Courtney Wager
Editorial infographic showing that 72% of dental hygienists report new patient comprehensive exams begin in the hygiene operatory, compared with 26% in the doctor's operatory and 2% using another workflow.

When a new patient is scheduled for both a comprehensive hygiene visit and a doctor's exam, where does that exam actually occur?

I asked dental hygienists across the country, and 72% reported that comprehensive exams begin in the hygiene operatory.

Unlike a periodic exam, a comprehensive exam often occupies the hygiene operatory for a significant length of time. During that time, the hygienist isn't treating another patient, and a dental assistant—who routinely assists the doctor with comprehensive exams for restorative patients—may not be utilized in the same way.

Every practice is different, but the findings raise an important question: Is this workflow intentional, or is it simply the way it's always been done?

Courtney Wager
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