The Practicon Viewpoint by Ann Page Griffin

EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE CLINICAL ORGANIZATION

Disorganized, cluttered clinical space is not only stressful for the dentist and staff, it can actually cause patients to seek care elsewhere. In extreme cases, it can also present a serious health or safety hazard.

Consider the following methods of improving efficiency and appearance through better organization in the clinical area:

• List all treatment procedures you offer and assign a color to each.
• Select a tub of each color to hold specific materials used for that procedure. All tubs and materials can be stored in the central sterilization area and transported to an operatory when needed. When treatment is complete, the tub can be returned to central sterilization for cleaning, restocking, and storage.
• Use the same color bur blocks, identification rings, and instrument cassettes to mark procedure-specific instruments and burs.
• Keep central sterilization clutter-free, organized by color, with materials for each procedure stored together to assure quick, efficient restocking.
• Individual treatment rooms should be kept uncluttered and uncontaminated by storing disposables (paper products, gloves, chair drapes, cotton supplies, etc.) in closed cabinets.
• Cover chairs, computers and other non-treatment equipment with transparent plastic covers/drapes, changed between patients.
• And don’t forget hallways—they must remain clear of boxes, equipment, cords or other obstacles.

A place for everything and everything in its place might sound like your great-grandmother's advice, but it still holds true. If your clinical area needs improved organization, discuss the inefficiencies and deficits during a team meeting.

Seek staff members' opinions, critique, and suggestions; designate the funds necessary to purchase proper storage units, organizational tools and supplies; assign tasks to individuals; and get on with it.
The improved efficiency, decreased stress, and smoother operation will add to your productivity, patients' satisfaction, and your own sense of maintaining a top-notch office.

Be sure to check out our Free Resources for Your Practice for additional insights, information, and practice management tips.