The importance of understanding the metrics in your dental practice

A light bulb moment led this hygienist to share the importance of the numbers in your dental practice, which ultimately leads to better patient care.

Rachel Peña realizes that talking "numbers," or practice metrics, may cause some hygienists to run the other way. But when she became a lead in her practice, she realized the numbers stand for something, and she said they become intentional if you look at them the right way.

The metrics can lead to valuable open discussions, and lead the team to ask better questions about what's going on in their offices. Understanding the numbers ultimately leads to better and more efficient patient care.

Realizing how much the metrics mean was a real light bulb moment for Rachel, and she wants to share her lesson and why it's important for her fellow dental hygienists to pay attention to the numbers as well.

Tune in to find out why you shouldn't run the other way whenever the numbers conversation comes up.

Read Rachel's article, Dental practice metrics: The numbers emphasize patient care

 

About the Author

Rachel Peña, RDH

With 15 years of clinical experience, Rachel Peña, RDH, leads a growing dental hygiene team in Gresham, Oregon. She’s helped increase production and perio metrics by refining systems, aligning team goals, and building a strong office culture. Her background in both corporate and private practice gives her a unique edge—balancing the structure of metrics with the heart of patient-centered care. Rachel is passionate about solving real-world team challenges and creating sustainable, growth-focused workflows.

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH

Chief Editor, RDH magazine

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, has over four decades of continual career development and experience in dentistry. As the chief editor of RDH magazine, she strives to remain a proactive personality in the continual advancement of the profession. She has been defined as a motivated trendsetter and dependable colleague and is inspired by her true passion of helping others to achieve their personal goals. 

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