Dr. Aaron Nicholas here! I recently had a conversation with Dr. Cody Boals of Kissing Camels Dentistry, and we dug into a few topics that have made big impacts in our practices: sedation, case flow efficiency, and best practices that can really dial up patient satisfaction and practice profitability. I wanted to share some key takeaways from our chat that you might find useful, whether you’re looking to streamline your day or considering how sedation could add a little extra calm (and profit) to your practice.
Here’s the Rundown:
1. Sedation as a Patient Pleaser (and Practice Builder)
Cody and I talked about the power of offering sedation for larger or complex cases. He shared how oral conscious sedation has been a game-changer in his practice, especially for wisdom teeth and cases with more anxious patients. If you’re considering sedation, it’s all about creating a smoother patient experience without overwhelming yourself. The good news? In most cases, oral conscious sedation is plenty effective, and it’s usually easier on everyone than IV sedation.
2. Clear Communication: Manage Patient Expectations
One tip that kept coming up was how important it is to set patient expectations early and clearly. When patients know they’re in for a comfortable, minimally invasive experience, it doesn’t just build their trust—it keeps them coming back. Cody uses a blend of straightforward language and patient reassurance to ensure that even parents of young patients feel at ease.
3. State Regulations: Navigating the Red Tape
For anyone looking to add sedation to their services, be sure to check your state’s specific requirements. Some states have tighter regulations on who can administer sedation and what equipment you need to keep on hand. Cody and I agreed: it’s worth the investment in CE and practice setup, but knowing the rules inside-out helps you avoid any headaches down the road.
4. Efficiency Tips: “Your Quality is Your Quality”
My rule of thumb is that “your quality is your quality.” Efficiency doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means finding ways to maintain your quality at a faster pace. Slowing down strategically, like using proper elevation techniques during extractions or an effective instrumentation protocol for endo, often means you’re finished faster and without the stress.
5. The Right Cases for Sedation: Not Every Case is a Fit
Cody has a clear approach: sedation is for patients who are older than 14, at least 100 pounds, and without complex medical issues. This way, he avoids risky scenarios, keeping the procedure—and his team’s workflow—manageable. Identifying the right patients for sedation not only helps them feel at ease but also makes your day flow much smoother.
In short: Building Trust + Strategic Sedation = Win-Win
Sedation is a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can significantly expand your service offerings and make patients feel at home in your practice. And if you’re interested in efficient techniques that preserve the quality of your work while improving your practice’s rhythm, this could be worth exploring further.
As always, the goal is to keep quality high, streamline your day, and keep those post-op calls to a minimum. Looking forward to seeing how this applies in your practice, and always here for questions!
Until Next Time,
Aaron Nicholas, DDS
Dental Success Blackbelt Coach
Founder Monday Morning Dentistry
P.S. Looking to get your CE in for 2024? Join us for the final HANDS ON course of the year in Burtonsville, MD. DSN members shoot me a message for a special discount! Not a DSN member? Get a 7-Day free trial!
