IT’S YOUR CHOICE

I attended a continuing education seminar entitled, “Making it Easy for Patients to Say Yes”. The name of the seminar is a bit deceiving. You might think that it was about how to “sell” people into dental treatment. It was quite the opposite.

I am a firm believer in educating patients about their own dental health with the help of things like photography. I also think it is important to spend as much time as necessary to bring the patient’s dental I.Q. to a level that allows them to make more educated decisions about the degree of dental health they wish to achieve. Some people require more time than others, and some are not interested in the dialogue.

Although this seminar did confirm that educated patients make better decisions, it highlighted the fact that it is more important for the dentist to understand the patient, and where they are in their life. In order for this to happen, time is needed to build relationships with people.

This sounds pretty basic. However, the presenter of this seminar, who is a well-known figure in the dental world, felt that this relationship-based aspect of dental care is missing in most dental offices. Why? The cost to run a dental business, and many times the influence from insurance companies, creates the need to speed things up. Shortening the time the dentist/physician spends with the patient is a common goal in health care these days.

Most patients who require extensive dental treatment know that they have issues. They may not understand the extent of their issues, but they know things are not right. It is easy to move patients toward treatment if they have pain, or something is broken. However, patients who do not have pain or broken teeth may still have dental needs and require a different approach.

Before any educating is done, or before any treatment is discussed, it is vital for the dentist to understand more about the person behind the teeth. Sure, there are patients who come into an office and just want a tooth extracted, or know they need a root canal, but most people who go to the dentist have the desire to keep their teeth and be healthy. The fact of the matter is, even if the patient knows they need extensive work, they may not be in the right place in their lives to accomplish this goal.

There is no disputing that dentistry can be a significant investment, especially if you are in need of extensive work. Based on commercials I have seen, there are dental providers out there who make it seem like removing your teeth and replacing them with dental implants is the latest and greatest; you never have to worry about your teeth again! Buyer beware. This is typically not a good strategy, for many reasons. Sure, if all your teeth are non-salvageable, you can certainly use dental implants to help replace missing teeth. However, taking good teeth out because you think it will save you time and money at the dentist over your life is a false assumption. Health takes effort.   

Do you rely on what dentist an insurance company says you can see, or what procedures are covered? Or do you believe that you are not only responsible for your own health, but you are also your own best advocate? The relationship you develop with a provider who takes the time to understand your specific situation, and you feel comfortable with, is in your best short and long-term interest.

The absolute key to better dental health is regular maintenance. It’s like what you hear for investing – start early and be consistent. The rewards for your dental health are gifts that keep on giving.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com