Making Patients Comfortable when They Visit the Dentist

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Many Americans, regardless of their age, are apprehensive when going to the dentist. Even without changing their procedures or tools used, dentists can take measures to ensure that their patients are comfortable and feel welcome in the practice so that their anxieties diminish or disappear completely. Little touches can go a long way to ensuring that a visit to the dentist isn’t an experience to be dreaded.

1. Start on the right foot – make sure that the receptionist greets everyone that walks into the practice and even calls them by name. When a dentist or hygienist pops into visit, they can also greet the patient by name and welcome them back again
2. Take the chance to chat – small talk can make a big difference. Don’t just ask patients questions about their life; when dentists and hygienists in a dental practice share things about themselves they’ll put those in the chair more at ease. Make notes on their file about things that are learned, that way the conversation can continue during the next visit
3. Set a comforting atmosphere – calming music, aromatherapy candles and a more homey decor in the waiting area can put patients at ease before, during and after they find themselves in the dentist chair

ToothSavers Dental Centers has many return patients, and a big part of our success can be attributed to our concern for their personal comfort. One satisfied patient speaks to his experience at one of our practices:

“Overwhelmed by generosity, I thought it best to thank you for a job well done! Not only have a I been rendered a more comfortable and beautiful person, but it was accomplished with grace and style. The warmth and professionalism with which I was treated is indeed a rare commodity of our time.”

Via: The Free Library

Tags: appealing dental offices, bedside manner, dental anxiety, making patients comfortable, New York dentists, ToothSavers Dental
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