Improving Efficiency in Dental Treatment Room Turnover

By: Ronda Holman

One of the common frustrations in a dental practice is when treatment room turnover takes longer than necessary. This delay can create bottlenecks, lead to patient dissatisfaction, and disrupt the schedule.

Teaching a dental assistant to clean and set up a treatment room efficiently is essential for maintaining a smooth workflow.

5 Tips to Improve Efficiency in Dental Treatment Room Turnover

Here are five practical tips to help boost their speed and precision without sacrificing quality. 

1. Standardize the Process with a Checklist

Establishing a clear, step-by-step process for room turnover is crucial. A detailed checklist that breaks down tasks like disinfecting surfaces, disposing of waste, and setting up instruments ensures that nothing is missed. Once the steps become routine, they can be performed more quickly. 

2. Group and Organize Supplies Efficiently

Organizing supplies and instruments in a way that supports a streamlined turnover process saves valuable time. Labeling drawers and trays, grouping similar items together, and using color-coded bins for different procedures allow assistants to quickly grab what they need without searching. 

3. Use Pre-Set Trays and Kits

Pre-setting trays or having ready-to-go kits for common procedures can significantly cut down setup time. Customizing these trays based on the specific needs of the dentist and the procedure minimizes the need to gather supplies one by one. 

4. Practice Time Management Techniques

Teaching your dental assistant time-saving techniques, such as working in zones or cleaning as they go, can make a big difference. For example, while one area of the room is being disinfected, instruments can be placed in the sterilization area. These small habits can lead to considerable time savings.

5. Provide Regular Feedback and Training

Continual improvement relies on consistent feedback. Observe your assistant during room turnover and identify areas for improvement. Encourage ongoing learning, such as attending efficiency workshops or in-house training, to help them refine their skills and pick up new tips for speed and effectiveness. Improving room turnover speed is about balancing thoroughness with efficiency. 

Key Takeaways

With standardized processes, organized supplies, and continuous feedback, your dental assistant can turn a source of frustration into a smooth, reliable routine that keeps the practice running on time.

Keep Reading: Correcting a Dental Assistant Who Chronically Cross-Contaminates in a Dental Office

Ronda Holman

Ronda Holman

Ronda Holman found her passion for dental assisting while in the Air Force. She assisted in oral surgery, general dentistry, and ended her four-year service as a prophy tech, the military’s version of a dental hygienist. She married and spent 13 years traveling the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Each time Ronda relocated she got the opportunity to work in a new dental office, where she picked up pearls that have helped her become an expert in educating dental assistants. Her interests are immediate denture/partial fabrication, CEREC technology, patient education, and striving for optimal chairside skills. Ronda believes that every dental assistant has the potential to be a rock star assistant if given the right tools and guidance.