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    1. Dental Hygiene

    Incorporating risk analysis in periodontal assessment: Florida Probe VoiceWorks

    March 7, 2016
    As an active educator and influencer in my dental community, I continue to encounter periodontal charts older than three years old in private practice. The “completed periodontal chart” is less than comprehensive, lacking recession, bleeding and inaccurate probe depths as if someone were rushing.

    By Amber Auger, RDH, MPH

    As trained dental hygienists, we understand the link between systemic health and oral health. We take medical histories into account when we access our patients, evaluating their medications, medical conditions, and habits such as smoking. The utilization of risk analysis enables the clinician to properly educate their patients on the systemic risks that are inhibiting healthy gums.

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    The lack of proper periodontal charting

    As an active educator and influencer in my dental community, I continue to encounter periodontal charts older than three years old in private practice. The “completed periodontal chart” is less than comprehensive, lacking recession, bleeding and inaccurate probe depths as if someone were rushing. Truly, hygienists are forced to rush because hourly appointments have dwindled to 45 pressed minutes, which end up with about 35 minutes of patient contact time after doctor checks and patient bathroom breaks.

    We dread periodontal charting because of the limitations we face. Limitations ranging from assistant eye rolling to sticky barrier attacks lead us to dreading our periodontal assessment, pushing it to next visit or rushing through it. We need to rise above our obstacles and overcome them. VoiceWorks by Florida Probe has the solution to our charting struggle.

    Voice recognition to obtain proper charting

    VoiceWorks is a lightweight headset that uses the clinician's own voice, which is recognized by creating a voice file with a Florida Probe specialist.1 Voice files are extremely simple to create and completed in five minutes.

    The hygienist uses his/her existing probe and verbally transcribes the pocket depths, recession, bleeding, mobility and large restorations such as implants, crowns and bridges. The comprehensive examination is completed in under six minutes without cross-contamination or disrupting other team member’s tasks. This allows the clinician to focus on patient education and keeps the patient actively engaged throughout the examination. Additionally, cross-contamination is eliminated as the hygienist does not need to touch the keyboard or mouse to activate the technology.

    Risk analysis

    Focusing on the systemic health of the patient is critical in the diagnosis of periodontal disease. Reinforcing the link of systemic and oral health will aid patients into achieving meticulous home care.

    The Florida Probe offers a risk analysis that is custom to the patient's medical history.1 The clinician inputs the patient's medical history, history of smoking, medications, behavioral habits and family history in a simplified format conducive to an efficient appointment. The patient is then provided with a comprehensive overview of how their medical history is impacting their oral health.

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    Investing in the VoiceWorks headset

    It is simple. Patients want to be a part of a progressive office. When clinicians are using the latest technologies, patients feel valued. Once patients feel valued, they are more likely to value themselves and invest in their oral health. Keeping the patient engaged during the periodontal examination allows the patient to become actively involved in their own oral health. A motivated patient means a compliant patient, leading to more case acceptance.

    For more information on the Florida Probe and to schedule your free demo please visit: http://floridaprobe.com/.

    Auger
    Amber Auger, RDH, MPH, is a hygienist with over six years of experience in multiple clinical settings, including facilities abroad. This experience has allowed her to educate dental hygiene students and coach dental teams on periodontal systems to optimize practice growth. She holds a full-time position at an elite dental office in Boston, and owns her own dental consulting company. Amber obtained master’s in public health from the University of New England and her bachelor’s of dental hygiene from the University of New Haven. Amber specializes in pediatric education, periodontal education, and continues to create progressive systems. She is a key opinion leader for several elite dental companies and a published author. She can be contacted at [email protected].

    References

    1. Florida Probe. Leading the Perio Revolution. Available at:http://floridaprobe.com/. Accessed February 11, 2016.