Don’t be grumpy
Telling a patient off can feel good in the moment but it a losing strategy.
Someone I know very well had a dental appointment recently.
It was a disappointing appointment for them and they were not happy with the dentist because they got a “big lecture” about flossing.
“I know how to floss, I just don’t do it all the time.”
They didn’t like to be told about it for the tenth time.
That made me ponder how we need to be very careful in how we communicate about oral hygiene. It is so easy to come off as a curmudgeon, constantly complaining and lecturing.
Much as we might wish that every patient flossed their teeth every day, in the real world that will not happen.
Here’s how I would approach teaching oral hygiene.
Firstly, I would not talk about it at every check-up appointment. Every second or third appointment is plenty.
Secondly, I would always put a couple of pieces of praise before I told them anything about oral hygiene:
“I really appreciate you coming for regular check-ups and your brushing is excellent. If we can get you flossing it will enhance your teeth even more.”
Thirdly, I would frame my advice as suggestions rather than using phrase such as “You need to…” or “You must…” or “You have to…”
Finally I would get realistic expectations. As mentioned, most people don’t floss regularly.
Accept that fact and be at peace with it.
If you liked this article here are some more topics to look at: trust as the foundation of case acceptance, what great patient communication actually looks like.
A practice that communicates well and runs efficiently is almost unstoppable. If either of those resonates, explore case acceptance or efficiency — or both.
