Amy Dukoff, D.M.D.
Okay, Work with Them |
Amy Dukoff
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 ATIENTS
seem to know more than the doctor these days. Today, patients enjoy
telling the treating doctor what needs to be done. Educated patients
are an asset, for they look for quality and good care, but they can be
trying at times. However, if you handle them carefully you can overcome
their initial defenses and make them your allies.
First, the patients look to their friends for advice and information.
Patients tend to trust their longtime friends more than they may trust
a new dentist.
Many times, at the first visit, a strong bond can be established.
Listening to the patient’s complaints can alert you to the patient’s type
of personality. Furthermore, gentle stroking to give them a positive
feeling of themselves will make them feel good. It could be something
as simple as a compliment on something they are wearing. A comment
of that kind shows them that you care about them and like their taste.
By praising them, you create an atmosphere in which they can relax and
praise you. You will eventually win their loyalty, and they will
tell their friends about you.
The Internet is a wonderful resource for patients.
There they can find a lot of information about dentistry and the dentist.
Education allows the well-informed patient to ask about the procedure that
you plan to perform. Frequently you will hear the patient say, “I
read about it on the Internet.” When I hear that, I’ll usually say
“Great” and then tell them how the procedure may be done here to suit their
individual needs better. I’ll always praise them for their interest
and time spent, for it shows me how concerned they are about their oral
health. When they tell me that they looked me up on the Internet,
I am just flattered and never ask them what they read. I know that
if they are that interested in themselves then I can gain them as a loyal
patient as long as I explain to them what I am doing and why.
Patients love to flaunt their knowledge about
what their problem is and what the dentist ought to do. Patients
are proud when they feel that they have knowledge that they garnered on
their own. Their knowledge makes it easier for the treating professional
to incorporate the patient’s expressed knowledge into the rationale of
the treatment plan for the patient. By incorporating their concerns
into your explanation of why your plan will work for the patient, you can
begin to establish a strong bond.
September - October 2006
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Incorporate
your patient’s concerns into your treatment plan.
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For a very effective antibacterial irrigation
liquid, use 2 percent chlorhexidine, NOT Peridex, which is only 0.12 percent. |
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