There’s a large amount of psychological research that proves people cannot multi-task.
What happens, when people attempt to multi-task, is that they task switch. They pay attention to one task, then they pay attention to the other task, back and forth. The net result is that, while in this multi-tasking state, each task gets done less well than it would be with full attention.
For example, people who talk on the phone while driving are four times more likely to have an accident. They’re distracted, they react slower and they have tunnel vision. Research indicates that talking on the phone while driving is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of 0.04% to 0.08% depending on how complex the conversation is. Talking hands-free doesn’t mitigate the problem.
Even talking on the phone while doing something as simple as walking is a problem. A woman in Melbourne recently stepped in front of a tram while she was talking on her phone.
The relevance to dentistry is clear.
Many dentists talk and work simultaneously. I’ve seen dentists drilling on a tooth as they chat with the DA about current events or where they’re going on holidays. Do you want yourself dumbed down as you perform an intricate task cutting human tissue? Do your patients deserve better? The answer is obvious.
Let me give you two more reasons not to talk and work at the same time:
First, you will work more intelligently and get the job done faster. Focus beats distraction every time.
Second, patients will appreciate it. I have a patient who left his previous dentist because the dentist didn’t pay attention when he was drilling. You can find memes on the internet about how annoying patients find it when you chat while doing their work.
Pay full attention while you are working. It’s best for all concerned.
