Patient perceptions of the Dentist

flahavaj

This is one for the non-dentists that post here rather than the dentists.

Was just wondering what is the most important factor for you in choosing/recommending a dentist?

Would it be price?

Manner/ability to put you at ease?

Ability to explain technical aspects of treatment in so-called layman's terms?

Training?

Years of experience?

Technical skill?

Or other reasons like how modern their premises is, or cleanliness of the surgery?

Their choice of deodorant?

I would imagine that what dentists think the public wants and what the public often wants are often two entirely different things. Could make for interesting reading.

EDIT: Would actually be interested to see what the dentists think as well to see if it matches what the public see as important.

lizzie09

I like a dentist to have a nice manner and not too be too rushed.
My dentist seemed to leave me in a situation of wonder this time!

One thing that i noticed this time was that each time I had fillings done
I was asked to wait outside the surgery in a sitting area until my gum numbed. He continued to work on another patient in the meantime.
It was unsettling to have to get up, go out and then come back in a little
while...dont know if they all do that but I didnt care for it. It doesnt help
if you are a bit nervous either. Better to stay put in the one place.

It reminded me of a factory situation,conveyor belt.
For the sake of fitting someone else in as well as me, I would rather have
the AP to myself!

slavetothegrind

I like a dentist to be personable and professional.
I like the work needed explained to me and not to be made feel like a bold child (even if that's the way it is:o) Thats why my last dentist doesn't get my business.
Current dentist relaxed manner, has talk radio on in the surgery ( a nice distraction) and is very skilled with the needle. No repeated efforts to hit the spot!

I am an easy patient as i have no fears of any dental procedure so am probably more aware of manner than the panic stricken would be.

And i would have thought cleanliness was a given? No autoclave no way!

Skill is important, had two holes in my incisors ( marks please for terminology!) which were unsightly but i never did anything for years cause a mate 20 years ago got a similar hole filled and it was a brilliant white filling which stood out horribly against the rest of his gnashers.

Turns out i should have had no such fear, mine were filled and filed and colour matched so well you would never know! a feckin artist he was!

Age, i would say he was 38 or so, i liked this as i rightly or wrongly felt he would be more up to date in his methods. Probably stupid of me.

I felt pricing was fair, i certainly wouldn't travel for the average work you get done.
Maybe if i was having some major cosmetic procedure i might price around but i think not as i feel in good hands with my dentist. Besides there's always haggle room!!!!

dermothickey

definitely manner and ability to please. also a good looking female dentist goes a long way too.

Thoie

The first thing I want is cleanliness - both the premises (including reception/waiting room) and the dentist. I was probably spoiled as my first dentist used always wear a lab coat, mask and gloves back in the day when these things weren't common.

The second thing I want is for them to listen to me. I have one simple request - before you produce a needle, tell me to close my eyes and don't tell me to open them again until the needle is out of sight. 90% of dentists can manage this easily ("OK, close your eyes now", or "Don't look"), but I've come across a few who just ignore me, then grumble when it becomes apparent why I've asked.

A "nice to have" is something interesting to read in the waiting room. I know things with articles such "ZOMG I was eaten by a shark but then my abusive ex husband beat it up and I escaped" might be cheaper to buy regularly, but they drive me insane, and often the only other option is "Infeasibly airbrushed girls sprawl on cars".

dudara

Dentist has to be personable and able to explain things well. I have a scientific background (although not in biological matters) and I'm fascinated by all things medical and dental, so I like a dentist who recognises that and explains things in a little more detail.

A nice surgery is a plus - my current dentist has modern equipment but in a lovely old building - a bit of style

Plus a dentist who is trained in modern techniques and has stayed current. That's a must. I've been going to dentists for 20 years and things have changed so much in that time.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

dudara wrote: »

I'm fascinated by all things medical and dental, so I like a dentist who recognises that and explains things in a little more detail.

I love patients like that, I can rabbit on for hours about dentistry

I've an appointment at 3.45, I hope to f I feel nothing or as close to it as possible

Lux23

I don't like to wait at all, its just the worst feeling.

day dreamer

Flahavaj

great idea for the thread. We need more feedback to improve our profession and delivery of care.

A brand new practice and slick lines are all fine but assuming that hygiene and cross-infection control procedures are being followed I think it comes down to the dentist being able to listen to what a patients wants and providing a good standard of care.

Looking back on the posts communication and spending time appears to be the key. Interestingly no-one mentioned money yet!

SeekUp

dudara wrote: »

Dentist has to be personable and able to explain things well. I have a scientific background (although not in biological matters) and I'm fascinated by all things medical and dental, so I like a dentist who recognises that and explains things in a little more detail.

+1

In addition to being generally friendly and having a clean office, I really appreciate a dentist telling me what's going on, what (s)he's doing and what (s)he is about to do -- Especially when a patient doesn't have much experience with having dental work done! I hate just opening my mouth, lying back, and hoping for the best.

deRanged

dudara wrote: »

Dentist has to be personable and able to explain things well. I have a scientific background (although not in biological matters) and I'm fascinated by all things medical and dental, so I like a dentist who recognises that and explains things in a little more detail.

I'd be the same - hearing all the details makes it easier for me, love looking at the gear and x-rays and so on.

I like plenty of chat from the dentist, telling me what's happening, what he's doing at each stage. I'm not comfortable in the chair as it is, so knowing it's a process makes it easier.
Feeling rushed would be a massive no no.

I'm not too bothered by the waiting room - I don't need magazines. I'll always try to book a morning slot anyway, so should be in and out in reasonable time.
I'm not overly stressed by the surgery and stuff either, long as the gear is clean and well maintained. As far as I can tell anyway

It's all about the manner for me. competent, professional, friendly is what I want, and am happy to pay for.

Lux23

day dreamer wrote: »

Flahavaj


Looking back on the posts communication and spending time appears to be the key. Interestingly no-one mentioned money yet!

I don't mind the money so much if they are understanding when you explain that you can't fork out a couple of grand for treatment in one go. So far all dentists have been happy to space out treatments or the payment itself which I think is really good of them. I have heard that many don't.

Big_G

Alia Ancient Waste wrote: »

I love patients like that, I can rabbit on for hours about dentistry

Yep

Curunina

I have to say the most important thing for me is that a Dentist doesn't lecture me. I know what is good/bad for my teeth. I do not need a lecture as soon as I sit in the chair, and if I want to know something, I will ask! I'm a lawyer, and I don't lecture my clients about everything and anything when they sit down for a consultation, so I don't see why I should be subjected to it! I actually made a deal with my new dentist (who is amazing) before I even opened my mouth that she wouldn't lecture me.

I am also the opposite of all the people who want to know what is going on - I don't want to know the ins and outs, I just want to shut my eyes, and open them when I am done - I don't want to be able to visualise. I can understand the opposite point of view, so I have explained that to my dentist too, and now we both know what works, we get along famously! I used to be prescribed Valium to take the morning of a visit, and have had to stop the car to vomit with nerves on the way (Note, I did not drive having taken Valium...!) But now that the rules are clear I'm much better. I would pay double the going rate for that!

day dreamer

Hi curunina

Nobody likes to be lectured to, you are right about that. The issue I would have is that of consent. Many dental procedures have risks associated with them and if there is no discussion with yiou about those risks and the nature of the procedure then you cannot have consented.

Any dentist can have something go wrong through no fault of their own but a patient should and must be advised of all the material risks and anything they would attach significance to.

While you may not want a lecture I dont think it is wise to just get stuck in there without any explanations because things can and do go wrong. As a lawyer I am sure you know all that

Curunina

Hey Day Dreamer,
Of course you're right, I do make a distinction between the info required to make a decision a about treatment options and other info. What I was referring to really was running commentary type situations- i don't want to know the mechanics I suppose.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Can I ask if it being given out to about the condition of your teeth you dont like or is it being told how to clean your teeth, cheers.

Lux23

I suppose its being lectured about the condition of your teeth. I am happy with any advice that a dentist will give me and it is helpful (although different dentists tell you different things).

I had an awful experience with a dentist when I was 20 which put me off going to dentist for years. I have only managed to go back recently as I knew I couldn't put it off any longer but the memory of that man still haunts me. He swore at me and called me a 'stupid girl' so I still assume that younger dentists are going to be the same, if they are nice I am really shocked.

Curunina

It is mainly being lectured as to the condition of my teeth which annoys me - obviously when I am in the Dentist's chair, I am in the process of addressing the condition of my teeth, and do not need a scolding! (Particularly as much of the damage to my teeth is old (childhood) damage which causes ongoing problems, and my gums are in very good condition since then, evidencing good oral hygiene, according to my new dentist!)


I had a dentist when I lived in Dublin who actually used to tut and sigh while examining my teeth - I felt like pointing out every trip and fall hazard in her building, and pointing out the deficiencies in her medical history/indemnity form - but I refrained!

But other random advice (when unsolicited), annoys me too - "coffee stains your teeth", "there is sugar in fruit juice" - things that as an adult, it is highly unlikely that I do not know!

Advice like "dont smoke after I take out your wisdom tooth as you will get dry socket" is different as it is the kind of thing a lot of people do not know, and is, as such, necessary and appreciated.

I realise that I am making distinctions all over the place, but it comes down to the feeling that I am being condescended to, if that makes sense?

How Strange

What I like from my dentist;

A dentist who is personable and down to earth. I don't want anyone talking down to me or making me feel patronised.

A dentist who keeps me informed of what procedures he/she's doing so I can feel confident.

A modern, clean practice.

A sense that I'm getting value for money.

I've had lots of problems with gum disease and have had one implant so far so I'm quite at ease in the dentists chair. My dentist, hygienist and specialist are all lovely to deal with and for me that's essential. I see so bloody much of them I have to feel comfortable with them! Whenever they did a procedure they always explained what they were doing and let me know beforehand if there would be some discomfort and this really put me at ease and made me feel in control.

I don't mind them scolding me if I've lapsed on my hygiene for instance. My dentist told me sometimes they have to be tough with patients because they don't understand the potential seriousness of their situation but if I was condescended to or made feel inferior by a dentist I'd be out the door and I wouldn't be back.

Value for money is also important and both my dentist and specialist have done some small procedures on me for no extra fee which I really appreciate because I know they're not just in it for the money and they value their clients.

ballsymchugh

Curunina wrote: »

But other random advice (when unsolicited), annoys me too - "coffee stains your teeth", "there is sugar in fruit juice" - things that as an adult, it is highly unlikely that I do not know!

with the greatest respect, you would be very surprised to learn what some people don't actually know. one case that springs to mind was a patient that brushed her teeth at night but if she woke up thirsty, she'd drink some coke that was on the bedside locker. and she wondered why everything was falling apart.
sometimes people who come across as intelligent can surprise you with how, well, thick they really are. i'd love to do a survey sometime when i've got the energy to stop patients on the way out and ask them what i did/showed/told them in the surgery.

anyway, what would patients think if they saw this poster on the ceiling above them? freaky or ice breaker? the sticker on the old light used to get a hell of a lot of laughs too, i just wish i could get another one!!
by the way, the band is the strokes!

day dreamer

Maybe Curunina it was a personality clash you had with your dentist when younger and you get on better now.

Dentists need to mention things that might be obvious to one patient and appear condescending but another patient might not have considered. We have to cover as many angles as possibl. You would be surprised what assumptions can be made by both patient and dentist alike.

On another note, what types of innaccuracies did you spot in the consent form/questionnaire or should I post that in the legal issues board (if there is one?)

Curunina

Ballsymchugh - I respect that there are people out there who do not know things that should be obvious, but I would imagine that they are confused as to why they are having dental problems, and actually engage their dentist in a discussion about the causes - I on the other hand do not ask those questions, and have been obliged to suffer the unsolicited lecture all the same (or the tutting referred to above), while repeatedly trying to shut it down by saying "I know" over and over again! No matter what the condition of my teeth is, I refuse point blank, as an adult, to be scolded - which is why I left previous dentists. As it is, I think a lot of dentists feel that they were being neglectful if they didn't provide all of this basic advice, and I appreciate that it is likely that most patients want that as part of their service - which is why I laid down ground rules with my new dentist (nicely, obviously!) and now I am no longer annoyed, and she is not wasting her breath. I only mentioned it as it was a general canvas of what people want, and I knew that my view of things is probably different to others - and dentists might not be aware of a minority of people who feel this way!

Day Dreamer - I often find that the consent/history forms used by dentists are woefully lacking, and wouldn't be remotely useful if a negligence claim should arise. When something goes wrong in terms of professional negligence, these forms need to be watertight. They should not be completed by the patient, sitting alone in the waiting room, but put to them orally. There was no "prompt" list of medication types or diseases, which could be of relevance (this kind of form should list the most relevant types of disease in colloquial terms )(like "blood clotting problems" etc), esp where a condition can be of a mild, long term, manageable nature, and may not be top of mind for a patient.
The other big flaw I saw in this form was that it did not include a requirement to inform the dentist if any aspect of health/medication changed - and the form was not updated on a subsequent visit, so the onus remained on the dentist to make themselves aware of changes each time the patient visited (which of course is good practice anyway).

And there really was no specific reference to consent - and although consent would usually be implied by virtue of a patient's attendance, a general consent provision would tie things up a little bit better - particularly allowing for the professional to do something unexpected, which had not been discussed in detail, should the need arise.

They were my main observations at the time - I hope that's helpful? I know there has been (anecdotally at least) an increase in negligence claims against dentists, so it must be something of a "live" issue for your insurers?

ballsymchugh

curunina, when you go into your present dentist, is it along the lines of 'i have problem x, y and z, and i'd like them sorted'
what happens if she sees problem a, b, and c?
the reason i'm asking this is because the main reason for litigation these days is periodontal disease and lack of diagnosis/treatment. the main treatment for this is done at home, but it needs to be done right. when i have a patient who needs to improve it, i'll show them a little video on how to clean their teeth. it's extremely basic, but i find it easier to encourage them to change their habits. somehow i have the feeling that if i showed it to you that you'd be looking up to the heavens feeling that it's condescending and it's far from that.

georgieporgy

or to put it another way, when a patient goes and pays the dentist for a checkup, they are asking for a thorough exam and diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.

if the dentist can easily see that your peppermint habit is ruining your teeth he is obligated to tell you (and avoid a malpractice suit), likewise if your oral hygiene efforts are not successful he has to point it out.

and if the dentist knows you are a lawyer he will cover his rear end more , probably with an even bigger lecture!

that said, i don't believe in lecturing patients. it's better to get to know the patient first, see what their needs, fears,hangups etc are, and take it from there.

very good useful thread.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

this is an interesting thread.....

Curunina

It is interesting I suppose, and I am probably on the cranky end of the patient scale, but I don't think what I have said applies to basic diagnosis of issues and treatment, but to the superfluous scolding.
I go into the dentist, and will direct her to where I think there is a problem, she will take a look, and if she sees additional problems, I appreciate her telling me and suggesting treatment options. If I had a clear problem with oral hygiene techniques, then of course I would want to be told. What I do not want, and what I have gotten in the past is a "talking to"!.
For example -

Dentist: "Smoking stains your teeth"
Me: "Yes, I know, it is also potentially going to kill me".
Dentist: "You should really give up".
Me: "Yes I know, my mother agrees with you".
Dentist: "It's a horrible habit anyway"
Me: wondering if the drill could get through a human skull

Next visit:
Dentist: "Have you giving up the smoking yet...?"
Me: On the verge of explosion!

In fairness, you might be correct in that I would not appreciate being shown a video on tooth brushing(and I can see how that may be somewhat unreasonable!), but that would be vastly less annoying than the tutting and repeating and huffing and puffing!! My old dentist also used to tell me "You will get a dolly for Christmas" when I was in my early twenties -he also used that line on a number of other patients I know - I think he thought it was soothing or calming, but I used to just find it creepy....

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Curunina would I be correct in saying you are used to being in control, knowledgeable and a leader in your job and life in general? Patients can often find the dentist off putting cause you are totally out of control, and your personal space is being invaded. If you have a type A personality this can be even more off putting.

I understand where you are coming from and I am sure you realize that smoking cessation is an important part of health care. Dentists have been sued for not informing patients that smoking is the leading cause of severe periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Curunina

Fitzgeme, that is probably a fair assessment...!
And I appreciate the smoking point - but I did not appreciate it the fifth time out of my dentist, he was definitely covered after the second one...!

How Strange

Alia Ancient Waste wrote: »

Patients can often find the dentist off putting cause you are totally out of control, and your personal space is being invaded.

I've lost count of the amount of times I've been in the dentists chair and the dentist, hygienist, specialist brings a colleague or two in and shows them my teeth and they have a conversation all the while I'm there with my mouth open, feeling a bit self conscious and thinking 'sure you might as well ask the receptionist if she's like a gawk too'.

day dreamer

Hi

the medical histories are updated verbally anyway from time to time, particularly if a surgical procedure is planned. The medical questionaires are not meant to be watertight but to give an idea of the medical gistory at a point in time.

Dentistry involves doing similar tasks meticulously and repeatedly. A sepcialist will do an even smaller number of tasks. It would be the same i suppose as a solicitor that only does conveyancing or criminal work etc. This i think would explain why the same issues are repeated as most patients come with same problems and difficulties with their mouth. It shouldnt come across as lecture or as being condenscending though