Economic study of a two chair hygiene system

Dental hygiene services play a major role in the economics of a dental practice. To survive the financial challenges of the '90s, an office goal should be to improve and increase hygiene productivity. The purpose of this study is to determine the economic value of a "Two Chair Hygiene System" in a dental office. The study was conducted in two separate, three month periods. In one three month period, data was collected for one hygienist working one chair. This was called the "One Chair Hygiene System". During the second three month period, data was collected for one hygienist working two chairs with an assistant; called the "Two Chair Hygiene System". The results demonstrate that a "Two Chair Hygiene System" is of economic benefit to a dental practice. The findings show an increase in the hourly hygiene production, the hourly hygiene salary and in the number of patients treated per hour. There was a decrease in the amount of hygienist time required per appointment due to efficient delegation to the assistant. The total office salary cost remained constant. The results of the study suggest a "Two Chair Hygiene System" is an efficient method of delivering hygiene services.