Ways to Support RDHs in a time of Change featuring Colgate Professional Direct
So, here we are, months into a global pandemic with changes in PPE, how we practice, how we talk to patients, how we update their health histories, how we think about dental treatment, and more. Who would’ve thought just a few months could disrupt the way we’ve been working for years? But, one of the biggest things I’ve learned throughout the last few months is how important it is to support one another as dental hygienists and dental offices and support our patients. It may take a bit of creativity to show our support now since hugs, handshakes, and meeting up is off the table, but there are lots of ways we can support and show how much we care.
Show patients you care by following up with their home care and your recommendations by using Colgate Professional Direct. This is an amazing resource for dental professionals to be able to recommend products straight to a patient’s phone, and then have an easy way to order them to help improve their overall and oral health. Plus, you as a recommending clinician can receive 10% of the sales that your patient purchases, or you can donate that percentage to Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which helps kids receive needed dental care. Donating is just another way to support our communities and patients.
Support your local ADHA component. This is a weird time for all, especially being able to connect with other dental hygienists. Reach out to your local component to see if you can help with their social media or website to help build a community right around you. You could take on a simple project of making videos for other RDHs to share on their social media accounts.
Support your dental office by keeping an open mind. I’m not going to lie-working right now is tough! But, being positive can hopefully keep spirits up as you work throughout the day. Bring in donuts one day, offer to help with sterilization or cleaning other ops, whatever you think you office would love.
And don’t forget about supporting one of the most important people- YOU! Take time to rest and recharge, especially when we don’t have a lot of time during our clinical day. Do something you love just because you deserve it!
So, how are you supporting others, and yourself, at this crazy time?
A huge thank you to Colgate for supporting us at Hygiene Edge! You’ll definitely want to sign up for the Colgate Professional Direct website to start recommending specific products to your patients. After registering, you can easily pick products for a patient, then email or text them your recommendations. Then, the patient can purchase whatever you’ve recommended right from the site, and have it mailed straight to them, making a trip to the drug store after their appointment a thing of the past. You can also follow up with patients after the 1st recommendation, and see who has purchased products and who hasn’t. Let us know when you register! We’d love to know your experience!