For a Treatment Coordinator (TCO), handling a patient once they have agreed to an implant treatment requires a multitude of skills. From clear communication with the laboratory team to ensuring informed consent is obtained and managing the post operation care, a TCO provides support for both patient and dentist alike.
There are many difficulties that can arise in this role, making it an essential area to spotlight. Laura Horton has a 25-year tenure in dentistry and is an eminent figure in treatment coordination. As a practice owner and a TCO too, there are many challenges to consider. Laura highlights some:
“One of the issues with being a heavily implant focused practice is that, from the business perspective, the value of a patient is very high, and therefore maximising all opportunities to convert the patient to treatment is really important. However, there is a fine balance between converting the patient when it’s the right time for them versus moving along at a fast pace to get them locked in.
“In my role as a TCO we take our time to deliver a fantastic patient experience; to make sure our dentists are fully supported with their consent processes, and that patients are able to make an informed decision about what they would like to do. Implant treatment coordination should elevate the patient experience as they are looking at life-changing dentistry – it’s not about replacing a missing tooth or teeth with implants and subsequent restorations but instead it’s often about patients getting their quality of life back.
Talking treatments
To illuminate how practice owners and TCOs can enhance their daily workflow Laura will be sharing her knowledge and skills at an upcoming session at the ADI Team Congress 2025. Laura details its content and purpose:
“I will be co-presenting a talk with Leanna Best for implant TCOs, entitled “The Reality of Treatment Coordination: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” The session is going to focus on communication tips for implant TCOs as well as looking at the systems and requirements that drive this role.
“There are several learning outcomes we hope that attendees of the talk will achieve. Firstly, to understand why the role is so important in practice and how it supports implant patients from their first appointment to the end of their treatment. Secondly, to value how much time a TCO needs in the role to truly and properly support our dentists and implant patients when they are coming through the practice as well. We also want to help you discover ways to sit outside your current systems and make changes to your workflow that have a positive impact on the patient. After the session, delegates will be armed with ideas for enacting positive improvements in their practice.
Lessons learned
Laura reflects on why her talk and the ADI Team Congress 2025 are essential to attend for all those with an interest in implants:
“I have been a TCO for 20 years and I am a practice owner too. Similarly, Leanna, who I also trained, has been a TCO for 11-12 years so we both have an extensive background and experience in the implant sector of dentistry. Everything that we know is from the grass roots. There’s no type of implant treatment that we haven’t been involved in as both dental nurses or treatment coordinators. We are really looking forward to delivering this session and sharing our knowledge.
“Our talk is one of many that you can see at the ADI Team Congress. This is a fantastic conference; from the range of informative sessions to the hands-on workshops and exciting networking opportunities, attending this excellent event provides something for everyone.”
To see Laura in action, book your tickets for the ADI Team Congress 2025 today. Held by the beach of Brighton, the event blends a summery location with an unmissable educational schedule led by a host of some of the leading figures in dental implantology. For relaxing and networking in the evenings, the social calendar includes the gourmet cuisine of the Congress Dinner and the fun celebrations of the unforgettable Industry Party – you won’t want to sit this one out.
ADI Team Congress 2025
1-3 May
The Brighton Centre
BOOK NOW
https://www.adi.org.uk/association_dental_implantology_congress/delegates_prices
For more information about the ADI, visit www.adi.org.uk
Join today
