WHAT IS MISSING IN YOUR COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL EXAM?
A truly professional comprehensive dental exam examination (D0150 or D0180) should include much more than what the CDT codes delineate.
What is essential?
Beyond the obvious FMX, the charting of existing and needed dental and periodontal conditions, and an oral cancer screening, there are many other useful evaluations which are directly related to our services and are within our range of authority and responsibility.
The Comprehensive Exam should also include measurement of vitals such as blood pressure, a sleep dysfunction (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) screening such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a nutritional analysis and a careful discussion of any notable items (alerts) in the patient’s med history. These things don’t need to be spelled out in the CDT code. They come with our desire to do what we know is right. .
Beyond the obvious FMX, the charting of existing and needed dental and periodontal conditions, and an oral cancer screening, there are many other useful evaluations which are directly related to our services and are within our range of authority and responsibility.
The Comprehensive Exam should also include measurement of vitals such as blood pressure, a sleep dysfunction (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) screening such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a nutritional analysis and a careful discussion of any notable items (alerts) in the patient’s med history. These things don’t need to be spelled out in the CDT code. They come with our desire to do what we know is right. .
TMJ exam, facial muscle palpation, Mallampati classification (of the airway entrance) and an oxygen saturation test will provide critical information. Any dentist/hygienist will chose how extensive they wish their dental exams to be and what should be included.
Would we be “spending too much time” in a dental exam visit?
Not if we care about our patient’s total well being, about our conscience, and about our dental license.
And is this nearly always accepted by patients as hugely valuable and with appreciation? YES, it is, where the dental team shows their patients how much passion, care and skill they have. I see it in many dental offices. The really successful ones.
A Hygienist is in a uniquely key position.
Here’s your opportunity to increase your service to your community, to create your “niche”, and to stand out in your community as a complete care-giver.
It is reported that 34% of the population has Sleep Apnea symptoms. One of the next three patients that walk thru your doors is a Sleep Apnea victim. Are you able to help them?
Does your New Patient Exam include a screening for Sleep Apnea?
Interested? Then check this out: www.sleepgs.com
