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I came across the following posts on a U.S.-based dentistry discussion group:
"For the record, I'm getting a little upset every time I hear from a patient, "I hate the dentist."
It sometimes makes me think that I've chosen the wrong profession."
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"One of the toughest things about this job is dealing with the negativity associated with dentistry by the general public.
Like XXX says, many times that statement is made instead of:
"I'm afraid" "The last dentist *hurt* me" "You are going to be gentle, aren't you?" "I don't tolerate dental treatment very well"
Several ways to respond:
"I'll do my best to keep you as comfortable as possible"
"Have you had bad experiences with dental treatment in the past?"
"I haven't found a way to make dental treatment *fun*, but I will be as gentle as possible"
"If you really *enjoyed* dental treatment, I'd have to refer you to a psychiatrist (ha, ha)"
"Hmmmmm...I've never heard anyone say that before (ha,ha)"
Talking about it may uncover a need for some type of sedation or other concern relating to anesthesia. I'd rather a patient be up front about their fears and anxieties than to hide them ... Work on being as gentle and painless as possible while being kind and understanding. You will get more "thank you"s and even an occasional hug. That helps out weigh some of the negative stuff we have to deal with. Being able to forget things quickly also helps (gets easier as you get older for some reason .
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Several ways to respond:
"Have you had bad experiences with dental treatment in the past?"
This is curious: we were told repeatedly NOT to ask this question, as it
tend to transfer the association between the dentist/unpleasant
situation onto _your_ shoulders, as the patient relives the agony as
s/he describes it. I guess there's a way to ask for just the general
jist of the problem without getting them down to the gory details...
-----------
What is your take on this? In your view, should dentists ask outright about bad experiences in the past? Or do you feel this brings back bad memory which then sort of spoil the atmosphere? And what do other dentists think? Any views are welcome!
"For the record, I'm getting a little upset every time I hear from a patient, "I hate the dentist."
It sometimes makes me think that I've chosen the wrong profession."
--------
"One of the toughest things about this job is dealing with the negativity associated with dentistry by the general public.
Like XXX says, many times that statement is made instead of:
"I'm afraid" "The last dentist *hurt* me" "You are going to be gentle, aren't you?" "I don't tolerate dental treatment very well"
Several ways to respond:
"I'll do my best to keep you as comfortable as possible"
"Have you had bad experiences with dental treatment in the past?"
"I haven't found a way to make dental treatment *fun*, but I will be as gentle as possible"
"If you really *enjoyed* dental treatment, I'd have to refer you to a psychiatrist (ha, ha)"
"Hmmmmm...I've never heard anyone say that before (ha,ha)"
Talking about it may uncover a need for some type of sedation or other concern relating to anesthesia. I'd rather a patient be up front about their fears and anxieties than to hide them ... Work on being as gentle and painless as possible while being kind and understanding. You will get more "thank you"s and even an occasional hug. That helps out weigh some of the negative stuff we have to deal with. Being able to forget things quickly also helps (gets easier as you get older for some reason .
----------
Several ways to respond:
"Have you had bad experiences with dental treatment in the past?"
This is curious: we were told repeatedly NOT to ask this question, as it
tend to transfer the association between the dentist/unpleasant
situation onto _your_ shoulders, as the patient relives the agony as
s/he describes it. I guess there's a way to ask for just the general
jist of the problem without getting them down to the gory details...
-----------
What is your take on this? In your view, should dentists ask outright about bad experiences in the past? Or do you feel this brings back bad memory which then sort of spoil the atmosphere? And what do other dentists think? Any views are welcome!