Talking about oral health is difficult for many of our patients. People may feel embarrassed about the condition of their teeth and gums or fear judgment from oral health professionals. Embarrassment, fear, anxiety or feeling self-conscious can prevent people from seeking dental care in a timely fashion which results in poor oral health outcomes. Some of the main sources of embarrassment or insecurity are discolouration or staining, missing teeth, malocclusion, crooked teeth, broken teeth, bad breath, bleeding or receding gums. It could also be due to irregular dental attendance, lack of knowledge or fear of criticism. All of which can make a person self-conscious about their smile and impact their confidence in speaking and smiling. Patients may feel distressed to talk about bad experiences and the reasons for avoiding dental clinics or dental treatment and we need to acknowledge that there are a broad number of factors that can contribute to this.
Most people don’t respond well to being lectured by oral health professionals. If a conversation feels overly critical or patronising, patients may become defensive, embarrassed and isolated. Many already feel self-conscious about their oral health and a lecture can reinforce feelings of shame rather than motivate them to improve. As oral health practitioners, we can empower our patients with knowledge and encourage them to talk about their concerns and insecurities that will help them understand the bigger picture - overall health. Here are some tips to help keep these conversations positive and leave our patients feeling empowered to take control of their oral health.
Creating a safe and comfortable environment
The environment plays a big role when trying to make your patients feel at ease. Think about the kind of space you are creating for them. A relaxing reception area, type of music, colourful artwork, plants or flowers, bright scrubs and feature walls adds a little touch of brightness in your workspace.
Helping our patients feel less embarrassed about their oral health starts with a warm welcome. A big smile, listening to their concerns and providing reassurance can help relieve their anxiety.
Inviting them to talk a little about themselves before getting onto clinical discussions is important to develop a connection with patients. It also helps oral health professionals understand the persons goals for a better, healthier smile.
Guide, Educate and Collaborate
Guide - focus on guidance rather than criticism to help patients engage in a meaningful conversation. Try and avoid questions that have a critical tone and ask more open questions. During conversations, showing our patients empathy and encouraging them to think about small steps that help them achieve their oral health goals can help improve their outlook on dental services and oral health professionals. As a good guide, we should seek as much information from our patients as possible whilst giving valuable input on how you can assist. Try to avoid the patient focusing on previous dental issues and negative experiences, instead gently bring their awareness back to their goals.
Educate - Most patients are unaware of the connection between oral health and general health. Systemic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses are linked to oral health. Educating them about these connections will help shift their focus from cosmetic concerns to the health of their smile, and even their overall health. It is a powerful way of focusing on the bigger picture rather than the patient focusing on their perceived shortcomings.
Collaboration - help patients feel that they are in control of their oral health, treatment plans and smile. Seeing oral health journey as part of a larger commitment to improving well-being can also help improve dental attendance, completion of dental treatments and confidence. Collaboration helps develop a respectful relationship where patients are more likely to take action, listen to recommendations and return for further care.
Through reframing our conversations and making small adjustments, oral health professionals can form better and more positive connections with patients. Rather than patients focusing on past issues and negative emotions, we can help them to change their mindset to make long lasting change for a healthier smile.
