Patient Advocacy in the Hygiene Appointment
Advocate effectively for patients by communicating needs to the team, documenting concerns, and following through.
Advocacy as a Core Duty
Advocacy is not an extra; it is a core duty of the hygienist. You often spend the most time with a patient and are best positioned to identify and communicate their needs to the broader team.
Practical Advocacy
- Communicate clinical concerns to the dentist clearly and promptly.
- Document patient-reported issues and your observations.
- Follow up to ensure identified needs are addressed.
Coordinating Care
Advocacy extends to referrals and coordination. Ensure patients understand why a referral is recommended and that the handoff is documented and tracked.
Practical Takeaway
Treat advocacy as a core duty: communicate concerns to the team, document patient-reported issues, and follow up to confirm identified needs are addressed.
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