Title : One year, one nurse, transformative impact: Elevating hospital dentistry at Michigan Medicine
Abstract:
In June 2024, Michigan Medicine’s Hospital Dentistry department introduced a dedicated registered nurse, initiating a transformative shift in communication workflows, care coordination, patient access, and overall operational performance. Prior to the RN’s arrival, key communication metrics including first?touch response and 72 hour turnaround time were significantly below institutional benchmarks, at 20% and 30% respectively, compared to the 90% goal. By July 2025, both metrics achieved 100%, highlighting a complete redesign of in?basket management and responsiveness.Provider satisfaction also improved substantially. Feedback from departmental leadership emphasized enhanced workflow efficiency, reduced administrative burden, and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration. Operational outcomes demonstrated measurable gains, including an 18.38% increase in operating room case volume year over year, attributed to improved pre operative coordination facilitated by the RN. This included proactive patient outreach, verification of pre operative requirements, and standardized readiness processes.Patient experience scores rose steadily throughout the RN’s first year, reflecting improved communication, education, and coordination. This initiative demonstrates the substantial value of nursing integration within specialty care environments. The impact aligns with broader research showing that strengthened nursing roles improve clinical outcomes, reduce delays, enhance satisfaction, and support organizational efficiency. The Hospital Dentistry model underscores the importance of dedicated nursing resources in advancing access, experience, and operational excellence.
