As dental professionals, the biggest hurdle you face will not be the treatments that you do, but rather getting your patients to accept these treatments.
The most important thing to always keep in mind is that informed consent is the top priority – your patient must understand what they are agreeing to, the possible risks and side effects, the length of treatment and recovery and if there are any alternative options. As health professionals, it is your ethical responsibility to keep your patient informed and accept their final decision, as long as it is an informed decision.
Most patients will refuse treatment due to 1 of the four reasons: money, time, fear, and value. Major dental treatments will cost patients money, time away from work and there is always fear surrounding the pain they will experience. However, as healthcare providers, it is up to you and your team to provide ample information regarding the treatment and creating structured payment plans, if necessary.
If your patient is fearful, it may help to begin a dialogue with them about their fears, and not just talk to them about the procedure itself. Building a relationship of open communication and honesty with your patient allows them to feel more comfortable in your chair and leads to them trusting your judgement when it comes to their treatment.
The biggest hurdle can be if your patient does not see the value of the treatment you are proposing. If they do not understand why, it is necessary or important for their health, they will not be opened to accepting the treatment. When a situation such as this arises, it is important to understand that your patient is skeptical and will require more information to understand where you are coming from. You can do this by delving into their personal life a bit more and getting to know them, so you can better explain how their treatment will improve their lives. If a patient does not understand how Botox will improve their headaches, take a moment to explain the relationship between the jaw, joints, Botox, and its overall effect. Chances are, if you are thorough, but not pushy, they will begin to understand.
As service providers, you will always be looking for ways to elevate your practice and generate revenue. However, you are healthcare providers first and foremost, and ensuring your patient is given all the information and support you can provide, is the most important part of your role.
