1. Design your dream dental business office space and equipment you would like to use. There will be two assistants and dentists working in this office at all times. How many treatment rooms would you like, and why? How can you design your office to reflect an open and welcoming atmosphere, and how can your office be accommodating to persons with disabilities? Is there anything in particular you can do to make it more comfortable for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (elaborate)?
2. Using online purchases or local office supply stores, estimate the cost of furnishing this dental business office you have designed with moderately priced equipment. This should include all major items such as the computer, intercom system, printer, and fax machine. You may do a single-line item to include supplies and disposables.
3. Take time to search for an effective inventory system for the dental office. Consider the systems recommended in the textbook or search the Internet. Once you have determined an effective system, determine how this could be integrated into a dental office. Can you determine the cost effectiveness of such a system? List the pros and cons to the systems you have chosen. Describe how each member of the dental team should be responsible for inventory management.
4. Consider all the treatment that is offered in the dental office and, using the various types of appointments typically scheduled in an office, integrate a plan for scheduling treatment for you as a dental hygienist. Determine if any expanded duties are allowed in your state (including dental assistants or hygienists which can be found on ADHA’s website), and then integrate this type of treatment into an appointment scheduling system for yourself.
5. The dentist is new to the practice and has asked your input on designing a section in the office procedural manual on practice goals and objectives. She has suggested two of you might work together but asks if you would create an outline with some suggested objectives and policies that might be included. She has stated that her basic philosophy is “to provide quality patient care in an environment that is comfortable for patients, as well as stress free for the dental staff.” In addition, she has indicated that she wants to create an atmosphere that promotes teamwork among the staff so that there is no friction among the employees. With this philosophy in mind, what are some objectives and policies that might be included in an outline to promote this practice success?
6. What is your plan for patient retention and appointment reminders?
