Dentistry: Never a Topic of Polite Conversation: Or Is It?
Dentistry: Never a Topic of Polite Conversation: Or Is It?
Do You Chat About Dental Stuff At Dinner & Over Canapes?
‘Oh darling, I simply love what you have done with your teeth!’
If this refrain greets you, as you sojourn your way around social events, I bow to your superior knowledge on the topic. How do I love thee? Let me count the teeth. Dentists have definitely made their way onto the social media stage for better or worse. Better for all those folk who have been helped restore their once ill-begotten teeth. Worse, perhaps, for the integrity of the dental sector as a whole. It is the age old balance between functionality and appearance.
The Aesthetics Of Our Denticulation
Never a topic of polite conversation, that’s general dentistry – or is it? It appears cosmetic dentistry is very much in vogue at the dinner table. Cosmetic dentists have made the appearance of our teeth seemingly as important as their functionality in the 21st Century. The marketing of the Hollywood smile, as an essential prerequisite to success and acceptance, has been almost overwhelming. Every teenager and many adults worry about the shade of their teeth – are they white enough?
Perfect and prominent teeth are now par for the course. Teeth bleaching is a common therapeutic pastime these days, as crazy as that sounds. Talking about teeth is no longer a taboo subject in the current era. Indeed, some of us rhapsodise poetically on the topic of teeth, digital smile design and dentistry for all they are worth. Hands up among readers who have factored in your life partner’s perfect teeth as one of the deciding reasons you chose him or her. Come on now, be honest!
What About The Difficult Conversations Dentists Have to Have?
Sometimes dentists have to go beyond the polite confines of conversation. In the instance where a prospective patient comes in requesting a particular treatment or procedure, which the dentist does not agree is in the best interests of the patient. These can be difficult conversations to have. Politeness in a difficult in-clinic conversation is often required.
“Once I had a patient demanding that I provide the treatment, with the classic line of “they’re my teeth, you have to do what I say”. I had to explain to the patient that yes, they are most definitely your teeth but I do not believe that the treatment you are requesting is in your best interest, and therefore I am not comfortable providing the treatment. I offered to refer the patient to another dentist for a second opinion. If you ever find yourself in this sort of situation, I would recommend that you offer the patient a referral for a second opinion, or offer to send the patient records to the practitioner of their choice.”
– Dentolegal Article
According to social mores, a dentist is meant to be an expert and it is her or his duty to recommend the best course of action for their patients based on their deeper knowledge of dentistry and oral health. This is a given in the situation and is the perfect north in navigating complex and difficult exchanges with patients. In many instances, it is the knowledge imbalance which causes potential misunderstandings between dental practitioners and their prospective patients. An example of this is the client who wishes to have all their teeth removed in reaction to their neglect and consequent poor state of their teeth. Oftentimes, economic considerations play a part in this too hasty decision by the prospective patient.
A dentist will point out that replacement dentures do not provide a perfect, pain free, alternative and that they bring their own set of challenges to the situation. In the particular case I am remembering the patient had a couple of rotten teeth but the bulk of his teeth just needed cleaning and better care going forward. There is no avoiding the responsibilities of teeth in that we all have to learn to look after them and modify our lifestyles and diets on this basis. It is unfortunate if adults have not learned the importance of this as children. However, these difficult conversations have to be had with patients whatever their age and experience. Polite conversation parameters cannot inhibit a dentist from imparting essential information pertaining to oral health and care.
Tough Conversations On The Back Of Difficult Dentistry
Difficult dentistry topics may inhabit polite conversation, especially if a patient is unhappy with the dental work, The truth is that dental work is, oftentimes, difficult and a hard slog. Most dentists soon realise that doing dentistry is not all beer and skittles. Indeed, you do not have to be too long in the tooth to know this.
“It is manifestly unfair to label someone a ‘difficult patient’ or ‘difficult person’, and far better to simply acknowledge that this person is ‘difficult for me’. Naturally, however, there are patient factors at play in a difficult interaction. Communication can just be difficult, perhaps due to the patient’s overarching fear of you and the environment that they find themselves in, perhaps because you are not speaking the same first language. Consider how excessive technical talk can act to hinder good communication. There can be no doubt that some cultural barriers can also exist when it comes to having a conversation with a patient, and it is always important to take the time to understand any appropriate cultural context as best you can, particularly if the culture is one you have not been exposed to before. “
– Dental Protection
Long gone are the days, when the dentist can point to the chair and intimate to the patient that they should ‘shut it and sit down.’ We now live in a time of maximum caring and sharing in the health professional and patient dynamic. This is a good thing too, because we are educating folk about their oral health and dental care. Education is an empowering force for good. Difficult conversations can lead to better outcomes for all concerned but especially for patients. I would like to think that the majority of dentists and patients these days approach dental care with a sense of mutual respect for what each party brings to the matter at hand. Knowledge, trust and respect in equal measure.
Note: All content and media on the Sunbury Dental House website and social media channels are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
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