Dental Treatment Coordinator

The Dental Treatment Coordination program is designed in response to the growing demand for highly trained coordinators in modern dental practices. This comprehensive course blends clinical understanding, communication psychology, ethical case presentation, and administrative management into one cohesive learning experience.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the Treatment Coordinator role seeking a solid starting point, or an experienced team member ready to advance your skills and confidence, this course will equip you with the knowledge, systems, and leadership mindset required to become an indispensable part of any dental team.

This course is ideal for dental assistants, receptionists, office managers or existing treatment coordinators who are looking to build effective systems and elevate their communication skills for increased case acceptance.

Modern dental practices continue to evolve, and so do patient expectations. Many clinicians now recognize the tremendous value of having a dedicated Treatment Coordinator. Someone who ensures patients are not only informed, but confident, comfortable, and committed to their care.

As the vital communication bridge between the dentist and the patient, the Dental Treatment Coordinator (DTC) serves a pivotal role in every successful practice. A skilled coordinator partners closely with the clinical team to help patients fully understand their treatment options, the reasons behind each recommendation, and how the proposed care plan fits into their health and financial goals.

Course Objectives:

Discover the roles and responsibilities of a treatment coordinator
Learn how to analyze your current case acceptance and maximize your computer software program for measuring your effectiveness
Uncover the true barrier to accepting treatment in your practice
Understand the psychology of patient motivation and different communication styles
Learn how to help your patients go beyond “only what the insurance covers”
Clinical review of all dental procedures-what, why and how for increased confidence in case presentation
Learn the science behind periodontal disease to support the hygiene team for increased perio treatment acceptance
Discover how to present diagnosed treatment/case presentation and dialogue for success
Learn strategies for overcoming different objections and communicating with non-compliant or difficult patients
Learn financial strategies and options to secure acceptance

Topics:

Introduction to Treatment Coordination
Patient interaction and communication
New patient experience
Understanding Dental procedures
Case Presentation
Handling patient objections
Hygiene coordination
Schedule and chart audits
Insurance & pre-determinations
Financial planning & payment plans
Patient follow up management
Case acceptance tracking

Speakers

Chrissy Ford RDH, BScDH

Chrissy Ford is a registered dental hygienist, practice manager, speaker, published author and founder of the Ford Dental Institute. She began her career as a Dental Hygienist, then Treatment Coordinator in the very practice she now manages, giving her a deep understanding of both the clinical and administrative sides of dentistry. This hands-on experience has shaped her into a strong leader who understands how to build efficient systems, motivate teams, and deliver exceptional patient experiences.

Colinda Higgins

Colinda brings over 25 years of comprehensive experience in the dental industry, having built an impressive career that spans clinical, administrative, and leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has worked as a Dental Assistant, Treatment Coordinator, Practice Manager, and Administrative Coach, giving her a unique and well-rounded perspective on every aspect of a successful dental practice.

Her extensive experience includes working in a periodontal specialty practice as a Treatment Coordinator, where she developed advanced expertise in patient communication, case presentation, and the coordination of complex treatment plans. Colinda is recognized for her ability to blend clinical knowledge with exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills-empowering both patients and teams to feel confident and informed throughout the treatment process.