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Mastering the Essentials of Assessment, Diagnosis, and Planning in Dental Hygiene

Written by _ | Nov 12, 2025 3:58:51 PM

In a recent webinar, Dr. Joy Void-Holmes provided invaluable insights into optimizing patient care using the ADPIE framework. This was part one of a two-part continuing education series centered on the foundational phases of the dental hygiene process of care—assessment, diagnosis, and planning. Whether you're a dental hygienist or a dentist looking to bolster your team's performance, the practical strategies shared in this session are bound to make a significant impact. Here's a brief overview and some highlights from the webinar to give you some insight into what was covered:

1. Understanding the ADPIE Framework: Dr. Joy Void-Holmes introduced the foundational ADPIE (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation) framework for patient care. She emphasized its importance as the backbone of a successful dental practice, mentioning that "even the most experienced hygienists can benefit from systematic improvements to their process of care." This systematic approach aims to improve patient outcomes while enhancing practice growth through efficient workflows.

2. Embracing Updated Standards: One of the standout highlights was the exploration of the updated 2025 ADHA standards. Dr. Holmes noted that these standards "require us to ground our clinical decisions in current research, not just tradition and habit." By integrating social determinants of health, such as economic stability and health literacy, into the assessment process, practitioners can offer more personalized care that addresses individual patient needs.

3. The Role of Product Integration: Dr. Void-Holmes illuminated the crucial role of integrating preventative products into the care plan, stressing that "prevention serves before it sells." She encouraged attendees to include these products as part of evidence-based interventions that meet specific patient needs, thus fostering patient loyalty and practice profitability. This approach underlines the transformative impact of systematized workflows on case acceptance and patient commitment.

These insights only scratch the surface of what was covered in the webinar. To delve deeper into the strategies and frameworks discussed and to apply these effectively in your practice, we invite you to view the full recording at VOCOLearning.com. Discover how adopting these techniques can elevate your clinical excellence and drive substantial growth in your dental hygiene practice.