Sometimes it's not what you say its how you say it.

Most dentists I know, feel like they know their stuff. They know what causes cavities and gum disease and how to perform the procedures needed to help their patients. What some lack is how to effectively communicate their knowledge in a way that will be well received by their patients. Often its not what they say it is how they say it that can limit their effectiveness.

Telling patients they should crown a tooth, or they should come in more often for cleanings or do a better job with their home care should not be expressed in a way that will make their patient feel defensive or resentful. A perfect example is the hygiene "nazi" who admonishes their patients to do a better job and has an angry tone when telling their patient this. A better way of communicating the same thing would be letting the patient know how "concerned" we are and helping them understand why it is so important for them to do better ( and how expensive to fix problems will be avoided if they can follow through and improve. ) This same message patiently expressed over time usually eventually works better than relating the same message in an exasperated manner. 

Also when diagnosing and treatment planning, taking patient on a tour of their mouth, using images viewed on a screen while giving an explanation, is much better understood than just lecturing a patient about their needs. Seeing their problems helps make the patient more receptive to implementing our proposed treatment plans. Showing photos of other patients mouths, before and after also is a great help. 

Patients need to really understand the importance of  our recommendations and that they are in their best interest in the long run in order to be truly  receptive to our suggestions.




from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2017/09/sometimes-its-not-what-you-say-its-how.html - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/

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