Dentistry isn’t just about the technical handling of teeth; it involves the complex task of navigating patient expectations, often overshadowed by immediate clinical challenges.
The journey of newly graduated dentists Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor offers a lens into the intricate balancing act of managing patient desires and maintaining professional integrity.
This article will delve into their real conversations about how early-career dentists can forge their paths, be honest with patients, and the way forward in dentistry.
The Initial Conversation: A Bedrock for Managing Expectations
One of the most critical phases in a dentist-patient relationship is the initial conversation. As Dr. Sartor rightly points out, this is when dentists should begin to discuss the patient’s goals and address the reality that complex dental work cannot be rushed. This moment sets the stage for what’s to come and prevents false hopes about instant solutions.
For more complex cases, it’s okay to ask the patient, hey, would you mind coming back for records so that we can obtain additional photography and molds of your mouth so that I can sit down and study your case to be able to provide you with the best care and come up with a treatment plan that we both can agree on.
Dr. Sartor
This depth of attention to detail signifies a dedication to craft, patient well-being, and setting the scene for a journey that, while it may be lengthy, is oriented towards the best possible outcomes.
Education and the Bigger Picture of Oral Health
Dr. Sartor speaks to an essential aspect of patient engagement: education. By utilizing tools such as forms that correlate dental issues with overall health concerns, dentists can initiate in-depth discussions highlighting the broader impact of oral health.
In our office, We have a form that we have the patient fill out, and it has…all the things from a dental perspective that they self-report… And then on the other side of the form, it shows how those self-reported, oral problems have implications in the rest of the body as well.
Dr. Sartor
Understanding that the mouth is part of a larger system propels patients to take greater responsibility for their oral health and to value the dental work they receive, not just as a fix for the immediate problem but as a component of their overall well-being.
Professional Integrity and Clear Boundaries
A recurring theme in the discussion is the importance of setting professional boundaries. Both doctors agree on the necessity of not capitulating to unreasonable patient demands. This conviction is paramount not just for the dentist’s peace of mind but for maintaining the standard of care. Dr. Craig’s statement underlines this responsibility.
…if something really goes sideways, then it’s on me. My advice is that you’re the pilot of the plane and you only fly in clear, blue skies…don’t take on more than you’re comfortable with.
Dr. Craig
It’s imperative that a dentist’s commitment to their patient does not override their ability to provide care with which they are fully competent and comfortable. Understanding the limitations of what can be achieved in dentistry and communicating this informatively and empathetically to patients are skills that must be harnessed early in a dentist’s career.
The dynamic interplay between patient expectations and professional boundaries is not just about saying ‘no’ to patients but about educating them on why certain procedures can’t be rushed or why certain requests aren’t feasible. This transparency is the foundation of trust, upon which the house of dental patient care is built.
Key Takeaways
As we dissect the insightful contributions from Dr. Craig and Dr. Sartor, we recognize a pattern that interweaves the initial operation of setting patient expectations, the ongoing process of education, and the ethical obligation to maintain professional standards. This approach embodies not just the practice of dentistry but the art of dental caregiving.
Early-career dentists can find solace and support in the truths shared by these two professionals. Embracing patience with the process, prioritizing patient education, and holding steadfast to professional ethics pave the way to a fulfilling and respected career in dentistry.
