Dentist-Patient Relationship

· 89 per cent of employees with dental plans maintained the same dentist-patient relationship for 3 or more years.
· 69 per cent of employees with dental plans maintained the same dentist-patient relationship for 5 or more years.
· 45 per cent of employees with dental plans maintained the same dentist-patient relationship for 10 years or more.

Results like this can only mean one thing… employees with dental plans value a strong dentist-patient relationship and are willing to maintain that relationship over a long period of time.

So, the question remains, “How can you develop such a healthy dentist-patient relationship?”
The key word is trust. Trust is what a good dentist-patient relationship is built on. The best way to establish trust between you and your dentist is to have good communications.

An excellent starting point in building a good dentist-patient relationship is to ask your dentist these specific questions:
· Ask your dentist if he/she can give you a moment-by-moment detailed description of what is found during your oral examination.

· Ask your dentist to keep you informed moment-by-moment as to your oral health needs, as the examination is taking place.
· Ask your dentist what treatment options you have with respect to your specific needs, what each entails, the costs involved, and the risks… if any.
· Ask your dentist which option would yield the best outcome for you.
· Ask your dentist what needs to be treated now, what can be treated at a later date, and what are the exact consequences of waiting.

Your Dentist-Patient Relationship, it’s your responsibility...

It is up to the patient to decide if he/she is entirely happy with their dentist-patient relationship. All patients must decide on their own if the rapport they have with their dentist is satisfactory. Everybody is different and we all expect different things from a strong dentist-patient relationship. However, quality, comfort and cost of service rendered are the main factors that most patients will consider when determining the quality of dentist-patient relationship they have with their dentist.

The following will help you determine what is important to you when it comes to the dentist-patient relationship you have with your dentist:

Dental Quality and Your Comfort

· All dentists are responsible for providing quality, patient-specific oral health care in accordance with professional and practice standards and guidelines. Patient-specific means that your care is a decision made by you and your dentist together, based on your personal oral health care needs and circumstances.

· Patient satisfaction with a dentist is largely dependent on specific patient preferences. The opinion of what makes a good dentist and a good dentist-patient relationship may very well differ from patient to patient. Ultimately, only the patient can decide if he or she is comfortable with the dentist.

· Patients ultimately are responsible for finding a dentist they are comfortable with and who responds to their personal needs, concerns, and expectations.

Dental Cost Responsibilities

· Always get a cost estimate from your dentist before treatment begins.
· Be aware that some dental procedures may not be covered by your dental plan.
· Learn all the terms and restrictions of your dental plan, including any co-payments, deductibles or yearly maximums.
· Ask your dentist to explain any aspect of treatment or cost you have questions about.

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