Orthodontic treatment plans can be complex and overwhelming for patients and their families, but effective presentation skills from the treatment coordinator can make all the difference. Treatment coordinators do a lot of legwork when it comes to helping patients start their journey.

Mastering the art of presentation is a key skill for treatment coordinators in orthodontic practices. In this article, we will discuss some practical tips to help treatment coordinators improve their presentation skills and ensure successful patient outcomes.

First, it is important to remember that effective communication is key. Treatment coordinators must be able to explain complex treatment options and procedures in a clear and concise manner that patients can understand. This means using simple language and avoiding technical terms or jargon. It's also really helpful to use typodonts or smile simulations to demonstrate more complex topics.

Additionally, it is essential to actively listen to patient concerns and questions, and provide thorough and thoughtful answers. It's important to gauge the patient's receptiveness by how well the Treatment Coordinator is addressing the patient's concern.

The treatment coordinator position is a sales position. They must take responsibility for treatment acceptance and the corresponding patient experience.

When discussing treatment costs and insurance coverage, treatment coordinators should be transparent and upfront about all potential expenses. Patients are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment if they feel they have been given all the information they need to make an informed decision. A $5000 treatment plan can scare many patients away which is why it is crucial to have a deep understanding of financing options, costs, and affordability once that option is included.

Treatment coordinators should also be knowledgeable about insurance coverage and able to provide guidance on payment options, such as payment plans if your practice offers one. Plan on having the patient's insurance verified before the treatment presentation visit.

The treatment coordinator should be able to streamline finance options to minimize confusion. Determine a comfortable down payment upfront for clear aligner therapy that patients can afford and still commits them to treatment. For many practices we've surveyed, that number is $250 to $350.

Another key skill for treatment coordinators is the ability to address patient concerns and questions. Patients may have fears or concerns about orthodontic treatment: the length, pain, discomfort, eating, and wear cycle.

They should be able to address patient concerns and offer reassurance as needed. This may involve providing information on pain management during treatment, discussing potential side effects or complications, or simply offering encouragement and support.

Treatment coordinators should make every effort to validate and promote the dentist's skills and capabilities and help them understand the journey so that any concerns can be anticipated and contextualized.

In order to master the art of treatment plan presentation, treatment coordinators must also be organized and detail-oriented. They should be familiar with all aspects of that specific patient's treatment process, from initial consultations to follow-up appointments. By positioning themselves as a treatment advocate and ally in the practice, the treatment coordinator can develop a relationship with patients that may allow them to voice concerns with the provider or with the care, before it ends up on a Yelp or Google review.

Speaking of reviews, the best person in the practice to then field reviews from patients will be the treatment coordinator. After all, by this point, they've established trust, demonstrated empathy, and have stayed active and organized on the patient's entire treatment journey. The patient may even be likely to refer a friend or family member after a positive experience.

Treatment coordinators play a vital role in orthodontic practices, and mastering the art of treatment plan presentation is essential for their success. By improving communication skills, being transparent about costs and insurance coverage, addressing patient concerns, and being organized and detail-oriented, treatment coordinators can ensure successful patient outcomes and contribute to the overall success of the practice.