Morning Huddle Objectives

Kicking the day off right and with a plan helps keep the entire team on the same page. Here are some objectives for your morning huddle.

Why?

• Better organization by planning the day, instead of just letting it happen
• Know patient needs in advance and see the supplies and lab cases are there
• Confirm necessary supplies and all lab cases present
• Increase productivity and profitability by having the entire team aware of patients who have not scheduled. Use the information to motivate patients to accept treatment
• Improve team morale by deciding who needs support throughout the day and assigning a person to assist. Additionally, an opportunity to greet each other!
• Effective handling of emergencies because the clinical team is involved in selecting the best time
• The team is better informed of daily production goals and reinforces team effort to meet and exceed those goals

How?

• Doctor to lead, before the first patient appointment of the day
• The entire team is required to attend
• Accomplished in approximately 15 minutes
• The clinical team has previously reviewed patient charts for today’s treatment, outstanding treatment, and lab cases
• The administrative team has checked messages and updated the schedule with any changes
• Each team member has an updated copy of the schedule for their notes

Morning Huddle Format & Objectives

Administrative Team Member Opens the Meeting

• Daily production schedule
• Progress towards goal
• Any financial challenges and patients needing a meeting
• Next available DDS and RDH opening
• Identify patients who should not be pre-scheduled (chronic N/S)
• Identify targeted patient(s) to ask for referrals

RDH Summarizes Daily Patients

• Any changes (no x-rays needed, PCHT needed, etc.)
• Outstanding treatment
• Patients who need to be transitioned into a perio code to allow the Doctor to be prepared
• Times support is needed (i.e.: PCHT to allow the patient an opportunity to hear the numbers and engage more fully in their care)
• Anything of a personal note to celebrate with the patient (birthday, etc.)
• New patients – notes who they were referred by, any special concerns

Dental Assistant Summarizes Daily Patients in the Restorative Column

• Any changes to treatment listed
• If any crown/bridge prep needs a BWX or IO photo before starting treatment – all crown and bridge should have both on file before preps
• All cases to be seated are in the office or need immediate follow up with the lab
• Possible chair conversions (restorative patients who are due/overdue for a cleaning that may be able to take a last-minute no-show appointment)
• Any challenges in the timing of the schedule
• Anything of a personal note to celebrate with the patient (birthday, etc.)

DDS

• Selects the best time in the schedule for emergencies
• Ends the meeting on a positive note

Here’s a daily agenda to kick off your meeting: