A free trip to RDH UOR

Sept. 26, 2008
Coast Dental hygienists participate in an award program that results in a free trip to RDH Under One Roof. Here's how to set up an awards program to motivate your hygienists.

The RDH Under One Roof conference is long (two whole months) gone! Where does the time fly? Seems like we were all at UOR just yesterday. I know my team and I are still talking about it, and implementing what we learned. So, in that way, UOR lives on for us.

Each year we bring a team of eight incredible, passionate hygienists to UOR. Our company, Coast Dental, is a large group practice of over 100 dental offices in the southeast, employing more than 140 hygienists. Every year, we create performance criteria for eligibility to attend, and each year we send our top selections. The "winners" get an all expense paid trip by Coast to UOR. At Coast Dental, we recognize the significant contribution that our hygienists make to the public and our company by selecting these outstanding dental hygienists to join us at the RDH Under One Roof conference.

As with every dental office, Coast dental hygienists experience obstacles every day that challenge their ability to provide stellar patient care and productivity. Overcoming these obstacles on a daily basis is precisely what our winning hygienists do so well that makes them our Coast peak performers.

At Coast Dental, we have created criteria designed to challenge our hygienists to stretch themselves to be the best professionals possible, which awards them internally and, due to this program, externally too.

This can work for you too! Whether you work for a group practice or a private practice, you can create your own UOR rewards program. Here is how we do it. Feel free to borrow our criteria.

The criteria are guidelines for treating every patient with the highest standard of care that provides subsequent financial success. The calculated criteria are based on an average of six months. We address values such as:

• Low adult prophy % (based on ADA statement that 75% of American adults have periodontal disease)

• Healthy daily production

• Healthy antibiotic periodontal support

• 100% Attendance to regional hygiene meetings

• Letter of professional recommendation from supervisor

Look at your own private office or group practice clinical and business values. Examine your clinical practice protocols. Then, create your own criteria based on goals that S-T-R-E-T-C-H your hygiene department. This is how you grow and continually improve.

The UOR convention allows our Coast "winners" to network with other hygienists, gain valuable knowledge, explore additional opportunities to provide excellent care, and have a great time celebrating their chosen profession and getting re-energized!

"As a dental hygienist I focus my responsibility on treating every patient every time that involves every level of health. Winston Churchill said, 'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.' As a dental hygienist, I am able to do both. I have embarked on a journey — one rich with challenge, human diversity, and opportunity for great reward."
Lacey Satterfield, RDH

"There are four words that can summarize why I was among the chosen few to participate in Chicago's RDH Under One Roof, 'a little bit more'! I have the opportunity to grow with a great company that supports and loves the same thing I do, our patients. Working with Coast Dental you become a part of a family that strives for the very best. I am successful because I am surrounded by great mentors who always drive to do just 'A little bit more'!"
Christy Duncan, RDH

"First off, I was very touched to have been one of the chosen to go to Chicago's RDH Under One Roof. It was a blessing to meet and spend time with other experienced, as well as dedicated, dental hygienists, and to learn from highly educated speakers. The new information, which I have learned, will be definitely beneficial in my future career to better treat my patients. In my opinion the conference was very well organized and presented in a friendly and high standard for educational purposes. I look forward to demonstrating what I have learned to better benefit my patients, co workers and other dental hygienists." Anna Fisher RDH

"I was able to attend RDH Under One Roof because I am committed to give all my patients the highest standard of care!"
Marcelo E. Gallardo, RDH

By Rafael Rondon, RDH
Coast Corporate Hygiene Administrator

and

Janet Hagerman, RDH, BS
Coast Director Hygiene