Use a Simple Dentist Handoff to Save Time
Why this matters
Dentists are often time-poor, and creating or sending CoTreat Packs shouldn’t slow down appointments.
A simple handoff ensures:
- Plans are accurate and personalised
- Dentists stay focused on clinical care
- Your team can send plans quickly and consistently
This is one of the easiest ways to improve adoption without adding extra work.
Who this is for
Dentists, Treatment Coordinators, and Front Desk teams working together to send CoTreat Packs.
When you’d use this
Use this after any appointment where:
- A treatment is discussed
- A patient needs time to decide
- Visuals help explain the recommendation
How the handoff works (simple workflow)
- Dentist completes the consultation
- Explains the treatment at a high level
- Focuses on why it matters
- Dentist sets expectation with the patient
- Mentions a plan will be sent
- Dentist gives a quick handoff to the team
Share only what’s needed:- Treatment focus
- 1–3 key images
- Any context (e.g. urgency, optional)
- Front desk / TC sends the CoTreat Pack
- Uses templates
- Adds images
- Sends within minutes
What to say (chairside)
Keep it simple and natural:
“We’ll send you a personalised plan with your images and options so you can review everything properly at home.”
Example handoff
“Include the OPG and scan — this is early implant planning, not urgent.”
What makes a good handoff
A good handoff is:
- Short (10–15 seconds)
- Clear (what + why)
- Consistent (same approach every time)
👉 It does not require:
- Writing detailed notes
- Building the full treatment plan
- Extra admin time
Helpful notes
💡 Dentists don’t need to send the plan themselves
💡 The goal is clarity, not completeness
💡 Even a quick handoff is better than none
Best-practice tips
- Keep handoffs under 15 seconds
- Always mention the plan to the patient before they leave
- Focus on the key image(s) that explain the treatment
- Use the same handoff approach across all clinicians
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Dentist trying to build or send the plan themselves
- ❌ Giving too much detail (slows everything down)
- ❌ Not telling the patient a plan is coming
- ❌ Inconsistent handoffs between team members
How to do this in CoTreat
- Create drafts and send plans → Send Info Packs & Digital Treatment Plans
- Understand patient image guidelines → Capture Clear Patient Images
- Follow up plans → Message Patients Using Conversations
If handoffs feel unclear or inconsistent, start simple with one approach and refine over time.
If you’d like a hand or something doesn’t look right, our support team is happy to help.