By: Kelley Brummett DMD
This topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Brummett granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
Meeting patients’ expectations requires excellent communication and understanding of their desires to look at what you can do to solve their problems.
Once you understand their expectations, you will know which of the treatment plans you can present to the patient, based also on their circumstances and preferences. Every successful dental case begins with a conversation, that creates trust, and ensures patients that they are getting quality dental care.
A Case of Great Dental Expectations
“So what should we do next?” my patient asked. I rolled my chair beside him, excited about the challenge of achieving his preferred future. I looked him in the eye. “Do you really want to know?” “Yes!” he said.
I responded,
“I don’t know right at this moment. However, may I take some models, photographs, and study your mouth? Taking time to study your mouth with this information will allow me to develop viable options for you to decide what you would like to do next.”
This conversation came after my patient lost tooth 12 and had an implant placed. He had never asked this question before and his past dental history was single tooth dentistry.
Once the records were gathered, I spent some time in my office lab opening up his vertical according to the principles of prosthodontics. From my patient’s diagnosis, I discovered that he had two options: ortho plus restorative treatment or restorative treatment without ortho. Space was needed and form and function would definitely improve with improved space. We met for a conversation to explain further the treatment plan to the patient.
We looked at photos and models, and then discussed the options. He explained to me that he would prefer to do the restorative plan without the orthodontics. My team and I invited him to experience a mock-up of the potential outcome from a wax-up by our own John Lavicka of Dental Ceramics. The patient immediately replied,
“Let’s do it!”
Even though the patient understood why I wanted to do the orthodontics, he wanted to attempt treatment without it. I was happy to move forward with a restorative-only
treatment with one agreement: If it did not work, I could initiate orthodontics. He agreed.
This case highlights the importance of open communication and thorough diagnostics in meeting expectations and achieving patient satisfaction for great outcomes. Consider enrolling in the Essentials 3 course at The Pankey Institute, to grasp the restorative footprints and follow the clinical sequence for restoration that follows form and function with advanced techniques like those used in this case. Seamlessly integrate esthetics with functional reliability and deliver exceptional care to your patients.
