Sharon’s Essay

 “The Human Side of Dentistry”

 For decades, dentistry has been tainted with negative exposure. The drill noises, cost of treatment, and painful procedures were many reasons why people were scarce to attend. They would rather endure a 3-hour medical appointment than a quick visit to the family dentist. It was like pulling teeth to get a patient in the chair and phobia confessions are what you heard once they were there. For the first few minutes, reassurance is needed and readdressing the facts on why treatment is necessary followed. Patients’ hesitation may be due to generational fears especially if dentistry was viewed negatively while growing up. Either way, as dental professionals we assume many roles and our skills are tested far beyond what we were taught in school.

Despite its infamous reputation, dentistry has evolved tremendously in the 21^st century. Casual conversations are the new office chatter and many have become open and receptive. Computer knowledge at our fingertips may be a cause or friends who share a pain free experience prompting curiosity. Despite the reasons for advancement, change has significantly increased growth. A profession in which solo offices were more prevalent has grown into corporate practices employing hundreds. Instead of driving countless miles for care, many offices are conveniently located and a choice of a variety of settings is optional. Patients can choose a dentist near work, home, or close to a favorite shopping place. One can become a patient of a single doctor or experience a new age wave of multiple practioners. Dentistry has unlimited options and offers a choice to fit the individual needs of each patient.

Although the stigma of pain still eludes many, advanced technologies have made the experience comfortable, durable, and interactive. A new approach towards patient care is probably the idea of the inventors as they created their design. A smile would be more acceptable than a frown and laughter instead of crying would be most practical.

 For example, the invention of digital x-rays is replacing the plastic x-rays which often hurt the base or roof of your mouth. As a clinician, I have noticed resistance turn into acceptance with this new method. Maybe the hype of taking them quickly is a sale’s pitch, but I personally believe the digital system is a time saver. It’s like enjoying the benefits of instant coffee. Quick, fast, and easy has been my individual experience. Once digital x-rays are taken, they show up on the computer screen immediately. It eliminates leaving the patient for minutes to develop and mount x-rays the traditional way. This technique saves time and reduces the cost of dental supplies. Usually the need to purchase developer and fixer is no longer a critical demand. The x-rays are exposed, saved on the computer, and can be emailed to referring dentists or doctors. The only consequence would be training a staff that is open and receptive to learning. If they are committed, the transition to something new will be easier.

Another awesome advancement in dentistry is the intra oral camera. It gives a mirror image of what is inside the patient’s mouth. The picture is captured on a computer monitor and made available in the diagnosis and explanation by the dentist, or dental hygienist. Remember the saying a picture is worth a thousand words? It is true. If only we were able to visualize what our mechanics suggest, we probably would not dispute the billing. If faulty wiring or defective parts could be shown within, just maybe their diagnosis would be believable. I have personally witnessed this amazing technology. A patient who originally rejected treatment of a tooth accepted once an irrefutable intra oral picture was shown. It is amazing how this tool could increase production if utilized the proper way. The possibilities are phenomena and the technique is truly effortless. A camera wand is used in search of an image and a foot pedal captures the picture we want to select. The steps are simple and the method is comfortable and painless. Most patients are unaware this tool is inside the mouth. Pictures from an intra oral camera build honesty and trust which are qualities we seek from those who provide care to us.

For your convenience, many dental offices are cross-training staff members. Instead of making the next appointment at checkout, it is often made while a patient is in the dental chair. This efficiency minimizes patient flow and allows scheduling accuracy by the providers familiar with treatment and the time it takes to perform the procedure. In many offices it is common to see the receptionist assist with back office duties, or the dental assistant answers the phone whenever needed. These capabilities are becoming popular to the fast paced dental practices. In a team member’s absence, another staff member affiliated with the task can provide replacement. It may be wiser to reassign within than to contact a staffing agency for qualified help. Patients love seeing familiar faces. It signifies strength in a faltering economy and makes their world appear reassuring.

Despite the dental progression in advanced technology, an intimate patient relationship is still relevant. Developing sensitivity towards their needs is essential in establishing loyalty and commitment. We must engage in conversation prioritizing goals for the mouth encouraging patients to get involved in the treatment proposal of their teeth. This interaction offers freedom to suggest and extend ideas on a new image they can be proud of. Patients’ preferences are worth acknowledging and remembering. It’s the little things we know about them and they know about us which builds a life long relationship. We’ve become first and second generation dental partners and our goal is to create beautiful smiles, preserve teeth, and maintain patients’ oral health for a life-time.

Inspiration for the dental family,

Sharon D. Meadows, R.D.H., B.S.D.H.

 

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