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The Hygienist as a Restorative Partner
Sheri Kay
Lead Practice Coach
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One of the most important aspects of hygiene services revolves around the hygienist’s role in helping patients obtain optimal oral health. One of the greatest myths in oral hygiene is that this role begins and ends with “periodontal health.”
Ask most patients what their hygienist does and you will hear them say she “cleans my teeth.” Although it might be true, it is our goal to expand that understanding so that doctors, patients, and hygienists alike see that the “cleaning” is only a small part of what this professional plays in the world of dentistry.
Your hygienist is the primary facilitator of restorative services in your practice. We know that 80% of the restorative dentistry completed in the Dr.’s chair is typically a direct result of findings and conversations that have occurred between the patient and hygienist.
As your practice chooses to provide a more comprehensive approach to dentistry, it is imperative that your hygienist fully understands and supports the type of dentistry that you envision yourself doing. The empowerment of your hygienist in helping patients to make healthy choices can be one of the most important concepts for you to embrace.
Your hygienist has one of the best opportunities to develop authentic relationship. She can help each patient explore and embrace their own long term oral health goals. She can also be a pivotal piece toward each patient understanding what their restorative choices might be. As your patients become ready to delve into their possibilities even further, your hygienist can support their next steps toward discovery with the dentist.
Consider your hygienist an advocate for both the patient and your practice, allowing each to better see what the other can bring to the relationship over time. She is so much more than a just a “cleaning lady!”
Sheri Kay RDH, BS
Lead Practice Coach
ACT Dental Practice Coaching
Office 440.985.1588
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Sheri Kay has worked in the field of dentistry since 1980. Before pursuing her dream of becoming a hygienist, she served as a dental assistant and office manager, acquiring direct knowledge of the elements necessary to cultivate a successful practice. She brings passion and joyful energy to her work every day. She is dedicated to building a strong sense of community within each dental practice and takes pride in having the ability to help each person maximize their contribution to the team. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her dedication to the success of others is remarkable. Having worked for many years as a hygienist and practice facilitator, Sheri lives and breathes the philosophy of integrating healthy relationships with exquisite restorative dentistry. Her mission is to partner with other practices that also desire a high level of effectiveness within their teams. “Becoming a Practice Coach with ACT gives me an opportunity to be a part of a great team," Sheri says. “I love being able to primarily focus on excellence, raising the bar on what is possible in dentistry.” Sheri earned her Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University. She is proud to hold a certificate in Organizational Development from the internationally-renowned Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. She also enjoys teaching in the dental hygiene program at Lorain County Community College in Ohio. Her e-mail address is sheri@actdental.com.
We welcome your questions and feedback!
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