All orthodontists have an OBS or recall list where they list patients not yet ready for treatment, so that we can call them when it’s time to see them again and decide if enough teeth have come in to get moving with treatment. This is an excellent and necessary list, either in our computer software or on paper for offices that still haven’t become technologically friendly. I always refer to this as our “money in the bank” and insist offices are extremely vigilant about OBS/recall follow up.
Either way, we need another type of OBS/recall list to add to our system. If your patient has a younger brother or sister, explain to mom how the doctor feels very strongly about doing the first ortho exam at age seven….per the recommendation of the American Association Of Orthodontists. Then get the younger child put into the system as a patient with their seventh birthday as their OBS/recall date. About two weeks away from that date send them a card wishing them a happy seventh birthday and reminding them (and mom) they need to be seen for a quick orthodontic evaluation….you should definitely try to piggy back it onto older sister or brother’s visit to make it really convenient for mom. Now you have an additional family member in OBS/recall and in line for treatment.
Little things like this not only make mom aware how much we care about the orthodontic health of all her children, but also get the younger child excited for when he or she can get braces. With the added benefit of not losing the younger child to another office who is offering a coupon special or deal of some sort, that’s a win, win, win situation. It’s just a tiny bit more work for a great deal more reward. I don’t see how even the busiest treatment coordinator could argue with that.
