Dentists should demonstrate concern and courtesy to all of their patients
By: Jay Alvarez
Submitted: 2010-07-06 02:43:09 | Word Count: 744
Bad experiences with callous dental practitioners have kept a good deal of older folks from making and keeping dentist appointments as often as they need to. Even more of a consideration than the financial aspects, studies have demonstrated this factor is a major part of why senior citizens choose not to go see a dentist. Recent surveys have uncovered a significant increase in the disapproval of how our older generation feels they are being treated by their dentist.
A dentist who is willing to listen to their complaints as well as explain the procedures is important to older patients. Dentists need to remember this vital element in their relationship with older patients if dental health is to be maintained among this part of the population. If dentists and the dentist industry as a whole change the way they work with their older patients, they will be able to help these seniors get the dental care that they need.
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Plenty of seniors have frightening tales from visits to dentists who were unfriendly or unprofessional. One such story concerns an older woman whose mouth was filling with blood during a tooth extraction, and was told by her dentist to simply swallow it. She became so scared, she refused and left the office. As a result she had to get dentures.
It doesn't matter how old a patient is - every patient needs to be made comfortable when visiting the dentist. The key is communication, studies have found that older patients trust dentists who communicate dearly with them.
Telling an elderly patient what to expect will help them feel more informed. They spend a lot of time going to doctors and they often feel like people do things without them knowing. It's imperative to keep these patients up-to-date on what procedures are being done in as sensitive an area as their mouth.
The older generation will generally only go to the dentist when they experience oral pain. However, although 8percent may experience dental pain, 64percent would have dental problems. Only through better education can this problem be addressed.
Studies which explore the relationship between patient and dentist are not exclusive to senior citizens, however. The findings can be used to help improve the treatment of patients of all ages and living in all areas of the world. Basically, the studies suggest that all people when visiting the dentist expect courtesy so they won?t be shaking when getting in the chair.
The significant fact revealed by surveys is that unless there is tooth-related pain which forces them to go, many people will simply neglect their oral health. In order to increase a patient's attendance at regular check-ups, the relationship between the patient and the dentist must be considered and improved. Dentists must remember that their patients are people with feelings, not simply subjects to be cleaned.
Communities can work together to effectively create a positive dental health message. All levels of government would have to be involved as well as local businesses. Advertising campaigns geared at raising awareness and positive association are in order. Dentists need to be invited to come into schools and talk to students.
Stress should be placed on how dental health is directly related to overall health. We all make time to have regular check-ups at the doctor, and it is this attitude that should be carried on when caring for our mouth. This message would be especially compelling to those seniors who hope to remain active for a long time yet to come.
Seeing an elderly woman proud of her teeth is an inspiring sight. When he proceeds to tell you that he really appreciates all that his dentist has done for him, with care and devotion, then we'll know that the health care system is on the right track. Dentists need to understand that when they don't do all they should to make you comfortable and treat you with respect they could cause you not to take all of the steps necessary to maintaining a healthy mouth.
